Worshipping false idols, mocking, sneering at God and at His prophets.... All these things are done. Yet, God continues to be there with us to lead us in His Way. He is with us. "And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."" (Isa 57:14, 15 NIV)
He is with us always and if we are to know His peace, then it would behoove us to follow in the Way that He shows us with contrite hearts.
This morning I read some posts regarding the Syrian rebels massacring an entire village that was predominantly Christian and the execution of orthodox Christians. It reminded me that not long ago, they had also taken captive two orthodox Bishops. It is disheartening to hear or read about Christians being targeted and persecuted and even executed. We remind ourselves that the righteous in Christ shall live forever, as they are heirs of the Kingdom, even as we wonder how such atrocities could occur. It is also very wearisome to listen to those who say they are Christians who constantly deride the church on earth. God speaks through Isaiah:
"The righteous perish,
and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away,
and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
to be spared from evil.
Those who walk uprightly
enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death.
He is with us always and if we are to know His peace, then it would behoove us to follow in the Way that He shows us with contrite hearts.
This morning I read some posts regarding the Syrian rebels massacring an entire village that was predominantly Christian and the execution of orthodox Christians. It reminded me that not long ago, they had also taken captive two orthodox Bishops. It is disheartening to hear or read about Christians being targeted and persecuted and even executed. We remind ourselves that the righteous in Christ shall live forever, as they are heirs of the Kingdom, even as we wonder how such atrocities could occur. It is also very wearisome to listen to those who say they are Christians who constantly deride the church on earth. God speaks through Isaiah:
"The righteous perish,
and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away,
and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
to be spared from evil.
Those who walk uprightly
enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death.
“But you—come here, you children of a sorceress,
you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
Who are you mocking?
At whom do you sneer
and stick out your tongue?
Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars?" (Isa 57:1-4)
you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
Who are you mocking?
At whom do you sneer
and stick out your tongue?
Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars?" (Isa 57:1-4)
Who indeed, do you mock? God? His servants? His children? You can feign self-righteousness all you want, but the only one that really matters, God, Himself, knows what secrets we hold in our hearts and what it is that motivates us. God promises to bring healing (peace) to His children. Verses 18-21 remind us of His promises:
"I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;
I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,”
says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isa 57:18-21
I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,”
says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isa 57:18-21
God's Peace be with you all. Pr. J
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