S) "2 at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, 'Go and loosen the sackcloth from your hips and take your shoes off your feet.' And he did so, going naked and barefoot."
Isaiah 20:2 (NASB)
O) There have been many prophets who had to do physical acts, that were then explained as manifestations of prophecy, in one respect or another. This has to be one of the more difficult examples. Egypt and Cush were going to be conquered by Assyria and, to prove His point about their humiliation, God told Isaiah to be naked and barefoot for three years. In many respects, we might consider that the more serious the warning, the more severe the example. Seeing Isaiah's willingness to undergo such ridicule and scorn, for the sake of delivering this message to these foreigners, it must have caught the attention of Egypt and Cush.
A) This is another prime example of why I have always been just fine, not being a prophet. Seriously, I am just that much more thankful, that everything I need for a life of godliness is found in the Holy Bible (see 2 Peter 1:3), which is the true revelation of God. The Word is the final authority on righteousness, holy living, good works, grace, mercy, peace, and love. It shows the nature of God and His will for His people. The Bible shows us Jesus Christ, the Messiah, from start to finish, revealing God's plan for reconciliation. Through all of that, I am never asked to be barefoot and naked for three years, just for a sermon illustration. Having said all of that, this verse begs the question: Would I be willing to be naked and barefoot for three years, if God did tell me? I reply a hesitant "yes," hesitant only because I might question my own sanity at that point. Reading the end of Hebrews 11 today, I see many extreme things I might have to endure for my faith in Jesus Christ. I suppose theorizing about how it might manifest is pointless. The bottom line is this: I must be prepared to endure anything; any hardship, embarrassment, pain, loss, suffering, scorn, or trouble, even to death, for my faith in Jesus Christ. In that regard, I'm willing to do it all.
P) Father, I am tempted to simply say thank You for sparing me these types of troubles that I have read today. However, I am quickly reminded and convicted about the various places where Your word says to rejoice in my trials for the sake of the Name of Jesus Christ. So, in that respect, I also refrain from too much relief. Let me simply repeat, that I want Your will to be done. That is my most simple, submissive prayer, Lord. Be glorified in my life, however You will for that to happen. Whether I am ever made naked and barefoot, or that I even have to die for my faith, as long as You receive the glory, then I will be happy with it. Thank You for Your grace, in using me so far. Thank You for Your mercy, for when I have been a useless tool in Your hands. I will be ready. Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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