S) "8 But the noble man devises noble plans;
And by noble plans he stands."
Isaiah 32:8 (NASB)
O) Isaiah was prophesying about a future kingdom, and this verse is contrasted against the fool and the rogue of vv.5-7. This whole passage (1-8) seems to be referring to the Messianic Kingdom, that is, the same kingdom Jesus came and established. It's possible this is referring even further forward than that (e.g., God's reign after the final judgment), but it's not clear. What is clear, it seems, is that people of this kingdom are more like it's leadership, which is described in vv.1-2 as being much more godly than the world's leaders. It seems to me, the most likely case, is that this passage is referring to the here and now, since Jesus came and established the kingdom of God. Certainly, not everyone in leadership behaves like the kings and princes described at the beginning of this chapter. However, it is easy to see that any leader who is not seeking to be a godly shepherd of his people, is not really a disciple of Jesus Christ. As such, they aren't really a king or prince in God's kingdom, they are a usurper of their position.
A) The reason I chose this verse to highlight, is that it seems the most applicable to me, regardless of what role I have in God's kingdom. While there will always be seasons when I'll lead people, there may be seasons where I'm not really shepherding anyone but my wife (although, those should be short periods, if I'm following the instruction to make disciples). What will not change, however, is the fact that I am, and will be, constantly making plans. The real question then becomes, are they noble plans? Certainly, it is God's grace within me, that changes my heart, so I will desire God's will. It is God's grace within me, that will prompt me to make noble plans. So, if I am to stand by my noble plans, then it is still God's grace which makes me stand. The real application, here, is that I would draw focus to pay attention to what kind of plans I am making. I plan all sorts of things. I plan what I'm going to do at work. I plan what I'm going to do when I get home. I make weekend plans, and vacation plans, and plans to visit people. What I really need to do, is slow down enough to examine my plans. Are my plans noble? Are my plans honoring God? Are my plans loving God and people? I plan a range of things, and they should all be noble. I know they won't be, because I still fail sometimes, but examining them ahead of time, testing them to see if they are noble, this is good discipline that I need to use.
P) Father, Your grace brings every blessing to my life, including changes to my character. I want to be a noble citizen of Your kingdom, Lord. I want to make noble plans, and stand by them. I want You to be honored by my thoughts of the future. In full submission, I want to prayerfully consider my plans. After all, Your Word clearly teaches me that my plans, if they are solely mine, are worthless and will fail anyway. Help me to be more aware, when I am making plans. Let me pray about all of them, no matter how trivial they may seem at the time. Let me consider if they are honoring, loving, and noble. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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