Scripture:
Isaiah 46:8-13 ESV
[8] “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, [9] remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ [11] calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. [12] “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: [13] I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”
Observation:
The book of Isaiah seems to talk a lot about idolatry. Making shaping building and worshiping things made by human hands. Isaiah makes a point to remind the reader that they need to remember that they did not deliver themselves from Egypt. There are a few places in the bible when the LORD (YAHWAH) tells HIS chosen people to build an altar here so that every time you pass by, you will remember what the LORD your GOD has done for you. Remembering what the LORD has done is vital. Remembering what HE said HE is going to do is just as important. This group of scriptures confirms that. Isaiah wants his readers to know that what the LORD spoke will happen, and if we doubt that we can always look back on what has already happened to remove the doubt. This portion of scripture is also a prophetic proclamation of the coming Messiah. The last two verses are very important to look at. Isaiah is letting the reader know that there is no one righteous, not one. However, the LORD has a plan to send HIS righteousness. But what does that mean, and how would it be done? If you did not know the rest of the story, you would probably be confused by that.
Application:
First and foremost, we have to put the foundation down. The word of GOD is truth. If our beliefs do not line up with it, it’s not the word of GOD that needs to change. It’s our belief. Now that that is said, let’s get to the point. There have been times in my life when the LORD has done some really amazing things, as days go by and life starts to get heavy again, it’s easy to forget how things happened, and honestly start to build idols in my life. The idol of work, for example. Coming from a life of homelessness and becoming a functional member of society. We can get into the routine of work and start to think we have built something with our own hands and forget altogether that the job we have was provided by the LORD who loves us. The further we get in our walk, the more we start to forget about how we got to where we are. One thing we need to always remember is that we are not righteous by anything we have done. If GOD had not sent HIS only son, we would have a snowball’s chance in hell of any kind of righteousness. Without Jesus, there is no hope. Now that being said… as we look around at the days we are in, we can see the main point of GOD’S word. HE has completely exposed HIS plan. We just have to look for it. The truth that HE gave us many years ago is unfolding right in front of us, and we need to be paying attention to it. The church has been rocked to sleep by the enemy, and I have an intense feeling deep in my spirit that Jesus will be back shortly. What GOD said will happen. That’s a fact. But what do you do with that information… well, it’s simple. Tell others about Jesus. But don’t just tell them… show them who HE is by the way you love them. I want to go into a long evangelistic message but for the sake of time. I will just say remember what GOD did for you… and tell others about it. You can lead a horse to water, but they won’t drink unless they are thirsty. So make them thirsty. You are the salt of the earth. Don’t forget that. What the LORD has done for you HE will do for others HIS salvation is right here.
Prayer:
Father, for those who don’t know you. I pray that today be the day. Maybe something in this SOAP will make them see you, and they will turn to you and say Abba father. Or maybe they know you but have gotten down the road a little bit and are starting to forget how they got to where they are at. Either way, your word never changes. You are who you say you are. And you will do what you say. We just want to be right in the middle of your plan for us. You are GOD, and there is no one like you. Let our lives reflect that you have changed us so that others will have hope. We can not do this without you. Lead us to the ones whom you know our lives can minister to. It’s your love that is the key to salvation. Let us show it to all we come into contact with. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.