Good Morning “Paradise Pursuers.” Today we are in Isaiah 51.
God has a message for those the faithful, that may grow weary.
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord:” Isaiah 51:1a
“Listen to me, my people;” Isaiah 51:4a
“Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart:” Isaiah 51:7a
He begins this chapter by reminding believers to remember all that He has done in the past, the present, and to look to the future - remembering Gods promises. He’s got you and will provide all you need in those weary moments (Isaiah 40:30-31, Galatians 6:9)
God encourages us first to remember He rescued us from sin and assures us of His promised love and abiding presence.
Isaiah uses the image of a “piece of rock” (shapeless and black) and the quarry from which it is taken – dirty, dark, and dismal. The sculptor has fashioned it into a work of great beauty and design. “look back at your roots,” God urges. “Think of what I have done for you.”
Using Abraham (the father of the faithful) and his wife Sarah as examples, Isaiah reminds his hearers how God took these two people and multiplied them. God blessed Abraham and his descendants. Through one very old couple, God miraculously formed a great nation. No matter how small and difficult things may seem, God can transform our situations beyond recognition. Nothing is too difficult for God. Faith is not confined to what’s possible. In fact, it begins where man’s power ends. God makes a way when it seems there is no way (Isaiah 43:16,19)
In place of gloom and despair, God promises comfort, compassion, paradise (He will make her wilderness like Eden), and joy. The desert-like experience of Babylon will give way to restored paradise. We already saw the use of a garden (Eden) as a symbol of what God intends for His children in Isaiah 35:12
While dying, the thief on The Cross asked to be remembered by Jesus. He was promised he would experience “paradise” that day (Luke 23:43). Paul momentarily experienced paradise (2 Corinthians 12:4). Jesus uses the word “paradise” when referring to heaven in Revelation 2:7.
What about you? Are you certain you will spend eternity in “paradise” with Jesus? If so… you should tell someone, so that they too can be certain.
Love you all! Dig in!
God has a message for those the faithful, that may grow weary.
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord:” Isaiah 51:1a
“Listen to me, my people;” Isaiah 51:4a
“Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart:” Isaiah 51:7a
He begins this chapter by reminding believers to remember all that He has done in the past, the present, and to look to the future - remembering Gods promises. He’s got you and will provide all you need in those weary moments (Isaiah 40:30-31, Galatians 6:9)
God encourages us first to remember He rescued us from sin and assures us of His promised love and abiding presence.
Isaiah uses the image of a “piece of rock” (shapeless and black) and the quarry from which it is taken – dirty, dark, and dismal. The sculptor has fashioned it into a work of great beauty and design. “look back at your roots,” God urges. “Think of what I have done for you.”
Using Abraham (the father of the faithful) and his wife Sarah as examples, Isaiah reminds his hearers how God took these two people and multiplied them. God blessed Abraham and his descendants. Through one very old couple, God miraculously formed a great nation. No matter how small and difficult things may seem, God can transform our situations beyond recognition. Nothing is too difficult for God. Faith is not confined to what’s possible. In fact, it begins where man’s power ends. God makes a way when it seems there is no way (Isaiah 43:16,19)
In place of gloom and despair, God promises comfort, compassion, paradise (He will make her wilderness like Eden), and joy. The desert-like experience of Babylon will give way to restored paradise. We already saw the use of a garden (Eden) as a symbol of what God intends for His children in Isaiah 35:12
While dying, the thief on The Cross asked to be remembered by Jesus. He was promised he would experience “paradise” that day (Luke 23:43). Paul momentarily experienced paradise (2 Corinthians 12:4). Jesus uses the word “paradise” when referring to heaven in Revelation 2:7.
What about you? Are you certain you will spend eternity in “paradise” with Jesus? If so… you should tell someone, so that they too can be certain.
Love you all! Dig in!
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