S) "1 Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
Who seek the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were hewn
And to the quarry from which you were dug."
Isaiah 51:1 (NASB)
O) When Isaiah wrote this, he referred back to Abraham and Sarah. He was reminding the people of God to look at the examples of the past, to be reminded of the history from which they came, specifically, how God always had a purpose and a plan for them. Isaiah reminded the people that Abraham and Sarah had a wonderful promise, an epic promise, but it was not an easy promise. The fulfillment of that promise came with great pains, but the promise was fulfilled, because God is faithful. Isaiah reminded the people that they were cut from the same cloth, and they must persevere just like their father Abraham.
A) Unlike the Israelites, I do not necessarily have a great ancestry to hold in high esteem. There are some bright spots, but if there is a great forefather in my lineage, I do not know him. What I do have, though, are spiritual fathers. The men (and women) who raised me to know God, give me a legacy to remember. I look to those who showed me what it means to persevere in seeking the LORD. I am thankful for those people, and as I seek Him as well, I remember the spiritual quarry from which I was dug. As I persevere and remain faithful to seeking God, as I raise my own family, I keep in mind that they will grow up looking at me, studying my life. I pray that they will see my perseverance, even when (or especially when) that perseverance comes with pain.
P) Father, I proclaim that You are all I need. Even without individuals to remember, to be a legacy I receive in example of faithfulness to You, I still have You as my Father God. Thank You for the grace, though, to know men and women who have taught me well. Open my eyes as I do look back upon my own family line, to see Your faithfulness and grace among my own flesh and blood. As I move forward, through the trials of my own life, please help me be aware of the legacy I am building and leaving for my own children. Let me rest in Your grace, trust in Your faithfulness, and hope in Your salvation forever more. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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