“But now thus says the Lord that created you, O Jacob, and He that formed you, O Israel, ‘Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1
Dear Ones:
Two of the most simple, and yet, poignant words in Scripture are: “But now…” Why? The word, “but,” speaks of stopping, and changing the conversation or activity. It goes beyond that in meaning, because it can be applied to the change of direction, or the introduction of an entirely new frame of mind and heart. The second word that is so very important to grasp is “now.” Again, why? It is because it deals with the present moment and what IS, or should be, in this moment. In the economy of God, both words are amplified in their meanings by the ONE who is declaring them, The Lord. He signifies that we are to stop and take stock of what HE is saying, declaring to us. He is communicating to us that, what He is saying, has tremendous ramifications in the present moment. What are some of the ramifications of these words, and how can they be applied to our lives?
In this imperfect world, with imperfect people, we are all brought face to face with our failures, in the different roles that we have in life. With regard to our relationship with God, it is a wonderful thing to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12) Who does not “owe” someone else with regard to our moral and spiritual responsibility to love and serve them? What about our debt to the Father, and what we owe Jesus Christ? Scripture is a marvelous mirror, as it reflects the lives of those who have gone before us, revealing their faults and failures, victories and successes. In order to LIVE right, and well, in this present moment before God, and by the Spirit, we must understand that God has provided the complete, all-encompassing solution for ALL of our failure and sins. The “blood of Jesus Christ His Son CLEANSES us from ALL sin.” (1 Jn. 1:7) With regard to “restoring our souls,” and “renewing a right spirit within us,” God has not only provided the knowledge of the truth, but the avenue of prayer for its realization. There is NO failure, shortcoming, or sin that God in Christ is not willing to forgive, and cleanse us from. Equally important to see is that there is no circumstance in which the Spirit of God is not willing to quicken us, fill us, and lead us according to the will of God. The Great Shepherd of the sheep is willing and intensely desirous for us to KNOW the power of His life,” in this present moment, IF we will trust Him for it.
The experience of present blessing is dependent upon present faith. This present moment can be one of thorough cleansing, and blessed quickening. Will we see these matters in the light of what God’s word declares to us, or will we just “drift,” wasting time and opportunity by not being engaged in our Father’s eternal business?
Dear Father, cleanse us thoroughly. Quicken us entirely. Give to us clean hands and a pure heart, to worship and serve You. Lord Jesus, BE our LIFE in this present moment, regardless of circumstance, feeling, or limitations, and this for Your eternal glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad