S) "8 Then the lookout called,
'O Lord, I stand continually by day on the watchtower,
And I am stationed every night at my guard post.
9 'Now behold, here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs.'
And one said, 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon;
And all the images of her gods are shattered to the ground.'"
Isaiah 21:8-9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 21
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 21
O) Isaiah received a "harsh vision" (v.2), the details of which we are not privy to know. The effects of it seem pretty difficult, though, considering how he describes his reaction in vv.3-4. After this, Isaiah seems to have appointed a lookout, to watch for particular signs (apparently indicating that the vision was coming to pass). When the lookout finally sees something, it's noteworthy how he approached Isaiah with the news. He started by giving an account of his trustworthy behavior. He made it clear that he had been vigilant, letting nothing get by his watch. What exactly prompted his statements is unclear (for example, we don't know if Isaiah gave him an incredulous look, or something of that nature). But, this lookout wanted Isaiah to know that he had done a good job, and offered evidence for why he should be believed. Then, an unnamed person gave the account of Babylon's fall.
A) Sometimes, I have a hard time identifying any applicable point in some of these short, historic, finite prophecies. There is always the important lesson of God's omniscience and sovereignty. But here, I also see a subtle reminder that being trustworthy and reliable is honorable to God. He can use me, when I am committed to keeping my word and accomplishing what I have been charged to do. This is right in line with Colossians 3:23-24. With everything I do, I have an opportunity to honor God. I can glorify Him by my every choice. Whether this is in my work ethic at my job, or how I relate to my children, His glory is at stake in every choice I make. If I want to be available, usable by God, then I am showing myself worthy of His calling when I am practicing integrity in my obedience, seeking His glory and honor above my own pleasure and ambition.
P) Father, Your grace at work in me has drastically, miraculously changed my motivations and the way I see my responsibilities. Thank You for redeeming me, changing me into something usable for Your kingdom and Your glory. I confess that I still fall to my own selfishness and pride. Too often, I seek my own will with my time or money or anything else, really. I don't want that, though. Let the Holy Spirit within me stir, every time I am tempted to selfish ambitions. Rebuke me, Lord, any time I am tempted to exalt myself above You. I want to be a worthy servant, useful for Your purposes. I want to be ready when You call, that I may serve as a watchmen, mouthpiece, recorder, shepherd, or anything else You would call me to do. Prepare me, that You would find Your servant ready, able, and trustworthy to do what You call me to do. Let Your will be done in my life, all to Your glory and honor. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) Sometimes, I have a hard time identifying any applicable point in some of these short, historic, finite prophecies. There is always the important lesson of God's omniscience and sovereignty. But here, I also see a subtle reminder that being trustworthy and reliable is honorable to God. He can use me, when I am committed to keeping my word and accomplishing what I have been charged to do. This is right in line with Colossians 3:23-24. With everything I do, I have an opportunity to honor God. I can glorify Him by my every choice. Whether this is in my work ethic at my job, or how I relate to my children, His glory is at stake in every choice I make. If I want to be available, usable by God, then I am showing myself worthy of His calling when I am practicing integrity in my obedience, seeking His glory and honor above my own pleasure and ambition.
P) Father, Your grace at work in me has drastically, miraculously changed my motivations and the way I see my responsibilities. Thank You for redeeming me, changing me into something usable for Your kingdom and Your glory. I confess that I still fall to my own selfishness and pride. Too often, I seek my own will with my time or money or anything else, really. I don't want that, though. Let the Holy Spirit within me stir, every time I am tempted to selfish ambitions. Rebuke me, Lord, any time I am tempted to exalt myself above You. I want to be a worthy servant, useful for Your purposes. I want to be ready when You call, that I may serve as a watchmen, mouthpiece, recorder, shepherd, or anything else You would call me to do. Prepare me, that You would find Your servant ready, able, and trustworthy to do what You call me to do. Let Your will be done in my life, all to Your glory and honor. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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