Suffering is but for a Time – Isaiah 51:20-22

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:20-22 (NIV)

“Your children have fainted; they lie at every street corner, like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the Lord, with the rebuke of your God. Therefore, hear this, you afflicted one, made drunk, but not with wine. This is what your Sovereign Lord says, your God, who defends his people: “See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again.”

Isaiah 51:20-22 (MSG)

“Your sons and daughters have passed out, strewn in the streets like stunned rabbits, sleeping off the strong drink of God’s anger, the rage of your God. Therefore listen, please, you with your splitting headaches, you who are nursing the hangovers that didn’t come from drinking wine. Your Master, your God, has something to say, your God has taken up his people’s case: “Look, I’ve taken back the drink that sent you reeling. No more drinking from that jug of my anger!”

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“Your sons have fainted; they lie helpless at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net, full [from drinking] of the wrath of the Lord, the rebuke of your God. Therefore, now hear this, you who are afflicted, who are drunk, but not with wine [but overwhelmed by the wrath of God]. So says your Lord, the Lord, who is also your God who pleads the cause of His people, “Listen carefully, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering and intoxication, the cup of My wrath; you shall never drink it again.” -AMPLIFIED

“He who is Lord of all, the eternal Jehovah, who can do all things, and who is the covenant God of his people, and will do all things he has purposed and promised, and which are for their good and his glory; of which they may be assured from the consideration of these names and titles of his, for which reason they seem to be used and mentioned.” ~Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible

In yesterday’s passage, we found God referring Israel of the difficulties that they had been enduring and reminding them that He would be their Comforter.

“Twin calamities have come upon you, but who will feel sorry for you?
    Disaster and devastation, famine and war, but who will comfort you?” -Isaiah 51:19 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s passage, we find God again calling for His people to “Pay Attention” and to, “Listen up!” God reminds Israel that He knows the state of their affairs at this moment in their time, but….He will take away the cup of His anger. This time of suffering will soon be over. God says:

“Her people are lying around on every corner, weary and faint, like an antelope trapped in a net. Each is overcome with the Eternal’s anger; each suffers His rebuke. But now, listen! Listen, you who are miserable, you who are intoxicated, but not on wine. The Lord, your God, the Eternal, who pleads for His people, has this to say: Eternal One: Look! I have taken away the cup that left you reeling—the cup of My anger—and sobered you up; I will never make you drink it again.” -(VOICE)

Things have been bad for the Israelites during the time of exile. They had experienced suffering and pain, that is what happens when you are being punished. Their people had become weak, to the point of fainting in the streets. They were like animals caught in a net that they could not escape from. They had felt the full brunt of Adonai’s fury, and the rebuke of their God.

God instructs them to pay attention to what He has to say to them, once again. This Message is one of hope to those who had drunk deeply from His cup of wrath. The time of punishment is over. God tells Israel, “I am taking that cup of anger away from you now.

God says to Israel: “Here, I have removed from your hand the cup of drunkenness, the goblet of my fury. You will never drink it again.” -(CJB)

“For your sons have fainted and lie in the streets, helpless as wild goats caught in a net. The Lord has poured out his fury and rebuke upon them. But listen now to this, afflicted ones—full of troubles and in a stupor (but not from being drunk)—this is what the Lord says, the Lord your God who cares for his people: “See, I take from your hands the terrible cup; you shall drink no more of my fury; it is gone at last.” -(TLB)

“The God offering Israel a comforting promise was her master, Yahweh, the God of the covenant, the God who had taken her to Himself, who consistently defends His people. He promised that the Israelites would never again experience the outpouring of His wrath as they had. Obviously, the Jews have experienced worse persecution in recent history than they did during the Babylonian exile: the German holocaust, the Russian pogroms, etc. And they will undergo the worst trials of their history in the Tribulation (cf. Jeremiah 30:4-7). I take it that God meant that He would not punish them as He had because He would provide the Servant to drink the cup of His wrath for His people. They would not have to suffer in the future as they had in the past because God would provide a Savior who would suffer in their place. That so many of the Jews have suffered terribly and will yet do so is because they have rejected the Savior that God provided.” ~Thomas Constable

Israel had suffered for her disobedience to God. Remember, suffering and pain are by-products of sin. For a time, God rejected her, just for a time. Further along in the book of Isaiah, we find God giving this promise to Israel:

“Eternal One: Yes, I was angry for a moment, and I rejected you, but My love endures, and I want you back. For that moment, when I was so mad, I made it impossible for you to see Me, to find Me, but with great tenderness, I will take you back in love. I think this is like the time when Noah lived. I promised that I would never again destroy the world by a flood. So now I am promising never again to be so angry and punishing as I was when I sent you away. Even if the mountains heave up from their anchors, and the hills quiver and shake, I will not desert you. You can rely on My enduring love; My covenant of peace will stand forever. So says the Eternal One, whose love won’t give up on you.” -Isaiah 54:7-10 (VOICE)

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminded them to never give up, even in the midst of suffering. Because the troubles and troubles we are enduring are only for a time. We need to keep our focus on what lies beyond this life. Focus on the things that we cannot see yet. Paul writes:

“So we have no reason to despair. Despite the fact that our outer humanity is falling apart and decaying, our inner humanity is breathing in new life every day. You see, the short-lived pains of this life are creating for us an eternal glory that does not compare to anything we know here. So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away. Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on.” -2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (VOICE)

“Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.” ~Tim Keller

My friend, remember what David told us, weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Our suffering is but for a time, it will not last forever. God uses that suffering to make and mold us into the person that He needs us to be. Stop fighting against it, and learn the lessons that God is trying to teach you. Also, keep your focus firmly fixed on the final goal. This is our hope!

“There is a certain kind of maturity that can be attained only through the discipline of suffering.” ~D. A. Carson

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death is so difficult. Sadly, there have been times, Lord, when I have wanted to give up. I am sorry. I needed to be reminded that this suffering and pain will not last forever. So, I thank you for allowing your Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to remind me of that truth. Thank you too for my eternal hope, of heaven and of you, and of what is waiting for me on the other side. This always gives me strength to keep pressing on, to keep working toward what truly matters. Lord, I can hardly wait to be with you in heaven; it’s what keeps me going when the going gets tough. Thank you for giving me this incentive. Today, Lord, I press on, with your help. Thank you.

Who Will Comfort You? – Isaiah 51:19

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:19 (NIV)

“These double calamities have come upon you—who can comfort you?—ruin and destruction, famine and sword—who can console you?

Isaiah 51:19 (MSG)

“You’ve been hit with a double dose of trouble—does anyone care? Assault and battery, hunger and death—will anyone comfort?”

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“These two tragedies have befallen you; Who will show sympathy for you and mourn with you? The desolation and destruction [on the land and city], famine and sword [on the inhabitants]; How shall I comfort you?” -AMPLIFIED

“You may readily judge whether you are a child of God or a hypocrite by seeing in what direction your soul turns in seasons of severe trial. The hypocrite flies to the world and finds a sort of comfort there. But the child of God runs to his Father and expects consolation only from the Lord’s hand.” ~Charles Spurgeon

In yesterday’s text we found God asking Israel, “Who will be your guide, for you have no one left to lead you?”

“There are none of Zion’s children left, none to guide her home and take her by the hand,
    none among all the children she has raised.” -Isaiah 51:18 (The Passion Translation)

After doing some digging into the Word, we learned this was a rhetorical question from God, for He had promised to be Israel’s guide, just as He has promised to be ours.

In today’s text, we find God asking another rhetorical question, “Who will comfort you?” We will find as we begin to dig into God’s Word, that, of course, He will be our Comforter. Adonai says to Israel:

“Twin disasters have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and war. Who can relieve your anguish and pain? Who is left to provide comfort?” -(VOICE)

God says, calamities and troubles have come to Israel two by two. First there was ruin and ·disaster, destruction. Then there was great hunger, famine, and fighting, sword fighting.

“That is, desolation by famine, and destruction by the sword, taking the terms alternately.” ~Clark’s Commentary

Remember this admonishment: “You drank from the cup in Yahweh’s hand. That cup was filled with his anger. You drank from the bowl, the cup that makes people stagger, and you drained it!” -Isaiah 51:17b (NOG)

Catastrophes have fallen over and over again upon Israel. Have they come to the end of themselves yet? Are they willing to accept comfort from their Comforter, and sympathy from the One who loves them best?

“These two things have been your lot: desolation and destruction. Yes, famine and the sword. And who is left to sympathize? Who is left to comfort you?” -(TLB)

“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” ~John Newton

Remember back a few verses, we found Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, giving Israel this bit of advice:

“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you! Why are you afraid of a man, who must die; of a human being, who will wither like grass?” -Isaiah 51:12 (Complete Jewish Bible)

If we look back to chapter 49 of Isaiah, we find the heavens and the earth being instructed to praise the Lord, because Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, has comforted His people.

“Sing for joy, O heavens; shout, O earth. Break forth with song, O mountains, for the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion upon them in their sorrow.” -Isaiah 49:13 (TLB)

In the New Testament, we find Peter writing in his first epistle of the need for us to humble ourselves before Almighty God, for in due time He will lift us up. Peter also reminds us that God cares for us deeply, and part of His nature is to bring comfort to those who need comforting. Peter writes:

“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up. Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.” -1 Peter 5:6-7 (Complete Jewish Bible)

David understood where his comfort came from, God. Mind you, David was no stranger to troubles and calamities, his life had its fair share. Yet, David still was able to write these words:

“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.
He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.” -Psalm 23 (AMP)

“You don’t have to be alone in your hurt! Comfort is yours. Joy is an option. And it’s all been made possible by your Savior. He went without comfort so you might have it. He postponed joy so you might share in it. He willingly chose isolation so you might never be alone in your hurt and sorrow.” ~Joni Eareckson Tada

My friend, Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, is to be our Comforter. He is the One we should be running to when we are hurting and in need, when we are lonely and needing a shoulder to lean on. He is the One constant in our lives. David reminds us that when we are walking through the darkest moments of our lives, God is the One who comforts and consoles us. He is also the One who will lead and guide us to the place where our feet need to walk. All because of His mercy and love that runs deep for each of us.

“Snuggle in God’s arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out. let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love.” ~Kay Arthur

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, your Word tells me that you are the Comforter. Lord, I need your comfort and peace right now. The world around me seems to be falling apart. Everything seems to be chaotic and crazy. Help me to remember to keep my focus on you, Lord. I humbly ask that you fill my heart and mind with your peace that passes human understanding. I thank you, Lord, for the comfort and peace that you have promised me as I walk through this valley of the shadow of death. Lord, I choose to take you at your Word, and I will praise you in the middle of the storm. For I know, nothing can separate me from your love, and I am counting on you to bring me through safely to the other side. Lord, I am trusting in you. ❤

Who Will be the Guide? – Isaiah 51:18

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:18 (NIV)

“Among all the children she bore there was none to guide her; among all the children she reared there was none to take her by the hand.”

Isaiah 51:18 (MSG)

“And nobody to help you home, no one among your friends or children to take you by the hand and put you in bed.”

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“There is no one to guide her among all the sons she has borne, nor is there anyone to take her by the hand among all the sons she has reared.” -AMPLIFIED

“Guidance, like all God’s acts of blessing under the covenant of grace, is a sovereign act. Not merely does God will guide us in the sense of showing us his way, that we may tread it; he wills also to guide us in the more fundamental sense of ensuring that, whatever happens, whatever mistakes we may make, we shall come safely home. Slipping’s and straying’s there will be, no doubt, but the everlasting arms are beneath us; we shall be caught, rescued, restored. This is God’s promise; this is how good he is.” ~J. I. Packer (Knowing God)

In yesterday’s text, Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, reminded Israel that they had drunk from the cup of His wrath, or judgement, down to the very bottom. They had experienced it to the point that they were staggering and falling, like someone who was intoxicated. But God insists that now it is time to wake up. Now is the time to get up. They have had enough of His judgement.

“Wake up! Wake up! Get up, Jerusalem! You have drunk enough from the cup Yahweh handed you.
    It was the cup of his anger, and you’ve drained it dry—the intoxicating bowl that makes men stagger!” -Isaiah 51:17 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s passage, we find the condition of Israel while she was under the influence of God’s judgement. This was the state that Israel had been in, drunk and intoxicated on God’s judgement, but we will find that this will not be the case anymore. Over the coming days, we will see God telling Israel that He is taking that cup of judgement away from her and giving it to her abusers.

“Ah, poor Jerusalem! No one comes to guide her along. Of all her people, all the ones whom the city nurtured and raised to adulthood, none take her hand now in her stupor of pain.” -(VOICE)

Notice the compassion that God feels for Israel. He sees her pain. And He sees her problem.

God points out to Israel, that they are lacking a good leader, someone to guide them. Their priests, and kings, for the most part, had done a poor job in leading her in the ways of the Lord. Now, there is basically no one left to guide her. Remember, she has been intoxicated from the cup of God’s judgement, her thinking is clouded. She needs someone to help her and guide her in the way she should go.

“Not one of her sons is left alive to help or tell her what to do.” -(TLB)

“The closer we walk with God. The clearer we see His guidance.” ~Marcus Lamb

Israel was lacking good leadership and guidance. There was no longer anyone left to lead and guide her from among her children. Further along in the book, though, we find Isaiah reminding Israel that Adonai will always be her Guide. Isaiah tells Israel:

“And the Lord will continually guide you,
and satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places,
and give strength to your bones;
and you will be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” -Isaiah 58:11 (AMP)

David had some experience with allowing God to be his guide. He wrote this contemplative psalm from personal experience, recording for us what God had told him.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.
Do not be like the horse or like the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bridle and rein to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness.” -Psalm 32:8-10 (AMP)

“Many say they can’t get God’s guidance, when they really mean they wish He would show them an easier way.” ~Winkie Pratney

Again, we turn to David, who imparts to us these words of wisdom about God teaching us the way and directing us. David wrote:

“IMMENSELY good and honorable is the Eternal; that’s why He teaches sinners the way.
With JUSTICE, He directs the humble in all that is right, and He shows them His way.
KIND and true are all the ways of the Eternal to the people who keep His covenant and His words.” -Psalm 25:8-10 (VOICE)

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person’s seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.” ~Elisabeth Elliot

My friend, Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, will be our Guide, if we allow Him. This means though, that we need to listen and obey Him when He directs us in the way we should go. Do not ask if you do not plan on obeying. Remember, He guides the humble in all that is right. He will show them His way.

“The righteous God always guides us on the right path.” ~Lailah Gifty Akita

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, you have promised that you will be my Guide. You have said that you will instruct and teach me in the way I should go. Lord, I humbly accept your leadership and guidance in my life. For I know you will never steer me wrong. I am reminded that your thoughts are not my thoughts, and your ways are not my ways. But, Lord, you have promised that you have good plans for my life, plans for a hope and a future. I choose to trust your guidance. I choose to believe that you will do what is best for me and bring about your perfect will in my life. Thank you, Lord.

The Cup of Wrath – Isaiah 51:17

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:17 (NIV)

“Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger.”

Isaiah 51:17 (MSG)

“So wake up! Rub the sleep from your eyes! Up on your feet, Jerusalem! You’ve drunk the cup God handed you, the strong drink of his anger. You drank it down to the last drop, staggered and collapsed, dead-drunk.”

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“Wake yourself up! Wake yourself up! Stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of His wrath, you who have drunk the cup of staggering and intoxication to the dregs [leaving only sediment].” -AMPLIFIED

“Jerusalem fell, but it is now about to rise again. The Babylonian attack on Jerusalem was a punishment sent by God to bring about the collapse of the city and the destruction of Judah. The judgment is likened to a strong drink given to a person to make him drunk, so that he staggers and falls. This strong drink is now to be taken from Judah and given to Babylon, so that it will stagger and fall. God is going to destroy Babylon as he destroyed Judah.” ~Bridgeway Bible Commentary

In yesterday’s text, Israel was reminded that God was/is their Hiding Place. He would hide them in the hollow of His hand, just as He did for Moses. Israel is reminded once again that Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, is their God, and they are His people. God tells them:

“For I am Yahweh, your faithful God, who split the sea with its roaring waves.
My name is Lord Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies!  I have placed my words in your mouth
    and have hidden you in the hollow of my hand to establish the heavens and make the earth rock solid. You will say to Zion, ‘You are my people!’” -Isaiah 51:15-16 (The Passion Translation)

NOTE: Experiencing God’s judgment is likened to becoming intoxicated on strong wine. We will see that this is the fate of the wicked.

Today’s text is the beginning of the end of this chapter, chapter 51. Verses 17-23 address the cup of God’s wrath, which Israel had drunk from. We will find, over the coming days, God telling Israel that He will remove the cup from their hands, and pass it on to their abusers, the Babylonians. God urges Israel in this way:

“Get up. Get up, and get moving! Stand up, Jerusalem, you who have experienced firsthand the punishing anger of God. You have drunk that terrible cup to the last gritty drop, and it left you reeling, drunk on distress.” -(VOICE)

Multiple times we have seen Adonai advise Israel that they needed to wake up to what was happening, they needed to be alert. Once again, He advises them to “Wake up, and pay attention. Get a grip on yourself and grasp what I am doing and about to do for you.”

God tells them that they have indeed drunk from the cup of His wrath, down to the very bottom of the cup, to the very dregs. The effects of that drink, God’s judgement, were awful. The people were staggering under the influence of it, just as a drunk would after a night of strong drink. Over the coming days we will learn more of how Israel was affected, and how God would hand that cup to Babylon.

“Wake up, wake up, Jerusalem! You have drunk enough from the cup of the fury of the Lord. You have drunk to the dregs the cup of terror and squeezed out the last drops.” -(TLB)

“You who have drunk at the hand of the LORD, the cup of His fury: A common picture of judgment in the Old Testament is the cup of God’s wrath or fury. The idea is that God gives a cup “full” of His wrath to those who are under judgment, and they must drink it. Here, God calls Jerusalem to remember that they have drunk at the hand of the LORD, the cup of His fury when they experienced God’s judgment through the Babylonians.” ~David Guzik

In the book of Psalms David spoke about God being our portion and our cup.

“You, Eternal One, are my sustenance and my life-giving cup.
    In that cup, You hold my future and my eternal riches.” -Psalm 16:5 (VOICE)

“A metaphor referring to what the host offers his guests to drink. To the godly the Lord offers a cup of blessing or salvation; He makes the wicked drink from the cup of wrath.” ~NIV footnote for Psalm 16:5

In the book of Jeremiah, we find Jeremiah recording this Message from God about His judgement on the nations because of their wickedness:

“The Lord, the God of Israel, said this to me: “My anger is like the wine in a cup. Take it from my hand. I am sending you to all the nations. Make them drink all of my anger from this cup. They will drink my anger like wine. Then they will not be able to walk straight. They will act like madmen. They will do this because of the war that I am going to send among them.” -Jeremiah 25:15-16 (ICB)

Turning to David again for insight, we are reminded that God’s anger is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. David wrote:

“Sing, all you who remain faithful! Pour out your hearts to the Eternal with praise and melodies;
let grateful music fill the air and bless His name. His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” -Psalm 30:4-5 (VOICE)

“Apostle Paul while writing to the Corinthian church in the context of idolatry asks this rhetorical question, “Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” (I Corinthians 10: 22, ESV). Israel experimented and found the answer. But by that time, they have already ruined their lives. Don’t we dare to follow Israel’s footsteps! Either learn the lesson here or else, the LORD will teach you.” ~Royal Raj S

Finally, let us look to the book of Lamentations, where Jeremiah wrote these words:

“He has filled me with bitterness and given me a cup of deepest sorrows to drink. He has made me eat gravel and broken my teeth; he has rolled me in ashes and dirt. O Lord, all peace and all prosperity have long since gone, for you have taken them away. I have forgotten what enjoyment is. All hope is gone; my strength has turned to water, for the Lord has left me. Oh, remember the bitterness and suffering you have dealt to me! For I can never forget these awful years; always my soul will live in utter shame. Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him, to those who seek for him. It is good both to hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” -Lamentations 3:15-26 (TLB)

“God intermixeth mercy with affliction: he steeps his sword of justice in the oil of mercy; there was no night so dark, but Israel had a pillar of fire in it; there is no condition so dismal, but we may see a pillar of fire to give light. If the body be in pain, conscience is in peace, –there is mercy: affliction is for the prevention of sin, –there is mercy. In the ark there was a rod and a pot of manna, the emblem of a Christian’s condition, mercy interlined with judgment.” ~Thomas Watson

My friend, there may be times that we too experience the hand of God’s judgement, but just like Israel, we must remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. His hand of discipline is only for a time. Remember, our weeping may last for a night, but joy will come in the morning. We serve a God of love and mercy. Learn the lesson you are supposed to be learning. Seek God’s direction and wait patiently for His salvation.

“If you look at God with the eye of the lawyer, the least sin makes you ineligible for mercy; but if you look at him in Christ, or with an evangelical eye, the greatest sinner may receive mercy; yes, the sense of unworthiness makes a man the more receptive.” ~Ralph Erskine

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, I have experienced that terrible cup of your anger. I also have experienced your love and your mercy. Lord, help me to be quick to learn the lessons that you are teaching me. Help me to be paying attention, and listening to your still, small voice, so that I can be quick to obedience. And when I do have to walk through those times of discipline, remind me that you are only disciplining me because you love me, just as was the case with Israel. Lord, I am seeking your direction in my life, help me to patiently wait on your guidance. Thank you, Lord.

Our Hiding Place – Isaiah 51:15-16

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:15-16 (NIV)

“For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the Lord Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand—I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’””

Isaiah 51:15-16 (MSG)

“For I am God, your very own God, who stirs up the sea and whips up the waves, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies. I teach you how to talk, word by word, and personally watch over you, even while I’m unfurling the skies, setting earth on solid foundations, and greeting Zion: ‘Welcome, my people!’”

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“For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the Lord of hosts is His name. I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the [renewed] heavens and lay the foundations of the [renewed] earth, and to say to Zion (Jerusalem), ‘You are My people.’” -AMPLIFIED

“Whenever the world gives you trouble, problems, or makes you afraid put God’s promises in your heart. You don’t need to fear, the Lord is always with you. For Christians, God is our secret immovable hiding place. He is our special fortress and whenever life overwhelms us, we can always run to Him. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you as well. Hide in His comfort and encouragement. Seek Him through prayer and keep your mind on Him because God’s presence is near, and you’re protected.” ~Fritz Cherry

We Are Hidden in the Hollow of His Hand

Yesterday’s text reminded us that nothing is too difficult for God.

“Those who are suffering will soon be released. They will not die in their dark dungeon,
    nor will they go hungry.” -Isaiah 51:14 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s passage, we find Adonai reminding Israel that He truly is their God, and they truly are His people.

“Because I, the Eternal, am your God, I can make the oceans roil with storm and roll with great waves. They call Me, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies. I have given you My words to speak and protected you with the shadow of My hand. I am the One who pulled the skies tight and made the earth rock solid. And I am the same who said to Zion, “You are indeed Mine!”” -(VOICE)

If Israel ever wondered if their God was capable of freeing them and returning them home, He sets their concerns to rest quickly.

First, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, once again reminding Israel of things He has done for then the past. Case in point: making a dry pathway for them to walk through the Red Sea, on dry land, while the waves continued to roar around them. David’s reference to walking though the Valley of the Shadow of Death could certainly be applied here:

“Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear.
Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance,
    I am comforted.” -Psalm 23:4 (VOICE)

Second, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, reminding Israel that He will give them the words to speak. We can turn to Moses’ example and what God told him when he made the excuse that he could not lead Israel because he was not a good speaker. Here is the account and God’s response to Moses:

“Moses: Please, Lord, I am not a talented speaker. I have never been good with words. I wasn’t when I was younger and I haven’t gotten any better since You revealed Yourself to me. I stutter and stammer. My words get all twisted. Eternal One: Who is it that gives a person a mouth? Who determines whether one person speaks and another doesn’t? Why is it that one person hears and another doesn’t? And why can one person see and another doesn’t? Isn’t it because of Me, the Eternal? You know it is.  Go now, and I will be there to give you the words to speak; I will tell you what to say.” -Exodus 4:10-12 (VOICE)

Thirdly, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, telling Israel that He would protect and shadow them personally. Again, we can turn to Moses, and find the account of God covering Moses with the shadow of His hand. Here is the account:

“Moses (to the Lord): Look, You tell me, “Lead these people!” but You haven’t yet told me whom You will send to accompany me. Yet You tell me, “I know you by name, and you have gained My trust and blessing.” If I have gained Your trust and blessing, reveal Your way to me so that I can truly know You, and so that I may gain Your favor. Remember that this nation is Your covenant people. Eternal One: My presence will travel with you, and I will give you rest. Moses: If Your presence doesn’t travel with me, then don’t lead us away from here. How will the people know that I have gained Your trust and blessing if You do not travel with us? Isn’t it the very fact that Your presence travels with us that distinguishes us from every other people on earth? Eternal One: I will do what you have said because you have gained My trust and blessing, and I know you by name. Moses: If Your presence will go with us, then let me see Your glory! Eternal One: I will cause all My goodness to pass before you, and I will declare My name, the Eternal One, before you. I will show mercy to whomever I choose to show mercy, and I will demonstrate compassion on whomever I choose to have compassion. You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live. Look, there is a place next to Me on the rock where you may stand. While My glory is passing by you, I will place you in a large crevice of the rock and hide you beneath My hand until I have completely passed by. Then I will remove My hand, and you will see only My back. But you won’t be able to see My face.” -Exodus 33:12-23 (VOICE)

Fourthly, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, reminding Israel that it was He who established the universe, reminding them that nothing is too difficult for Him.

And finally, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, declaring His ownership of Israel: “You are indeed Mine!”

“For I am the Lord your God, the Lord Almighty, who dried a path for you right through the sea, between the roaring waves. And I have put my words in your mouth and hidden you safe within my hand. I planted the stars in place and molded all the earth. I am the one who says to Israel, “You are mine.”” -(TLB)

“The phrase I have covered you with the shadow of My hand reminds us of how God covered Moses with His hand, as Moses hid in the rock and the LORD made His glory to pass before Moses.” ~David Guzik

My friend, God has promised to be our Hiding Place. He will protect us with the shadow of His hand, just as He demonstrated to Moses. He reminds us today that He is our God, Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, and we are His people. Trust Him. He has guided you through the roaring sea before, He can do it again. Remember, He is the Solid Rock, and He is our Hiding Place.

“You are my hiding place from every storm of life; you even keep me from getting into trouble! You surround me with songs of victory.” ~David (Psalm 32:7 TLB)

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, thank you for being my God, my Hiding Place, my Solid Rock. When I am afraid and feeling overwhelmed, remind me, Lord, to run to you. For you will protect me, you will shelter me with the shadow of your hand. In those times that seem to pull me under the waves, remind me that you are the Creator of those waves, and you have complete control over them. You will keep me from getting into trouble. You will surround me with your songs of victory. Lord, I am trusting you.

Nothing is too Difficult for God-Isaiah 51:14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:14 (NIV)

“The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread.”

Isaiah 51:14 (MSG)

“The victims will be released before you know it. They’re not going to die. They’re not even going to go hungry.”

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“The [captive] exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his food be lacking.” -AMPLIFIED

“The LORD would shelter and protect His people the same way. Nothing comes to us unless it has first passed through His counsel. “Ask the question again, ‘Where is the fury of the oppressor?’ And the answer comes, it is under the control of God. Even Satan, your fiercest foe, – God created him, God governs him, God can do with him just as he pleases. Then as to that poverty of which you are afraid, it will not come unless God permits it; and if it does come, the Lord can alleviate it.” ~Charles Spurgeon

In yesterday’s text, we found Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, uncovering one of Israel’s comings, they had forgotten who He was, and what He was capable of. They had questioned His abilities in freeing them, and restoring them home. So He reminds them, quite clearly:

“You have forgotten that Yahweh, your Maker, stretched out the skies and laid earth’s firm foundation.
    But you live each day constantly worrying, living in fear of your angry oppressor who is bent on your destruction. But their fury cannot touch you!” -Isaiah 51:13 (The Passion Translation)

Remember, God’s question to Israel:

“Why should you live in constant fear of the fury of those who oppress you…” -(God’s Word)

Because, God now promises Israel this:

“In an instant, those who cower in fear and trepidation will be free to go in confidence; they won’t die in chains or suffer from hunger.” -(VOICE)

God says:

“The prisoner will soon be released. Those who have cowered in fear and apprehension will fear no more. They will not die in captivity, as they thought they would. They will not die in chains, and they will not die from starvation.”

God has declared this, and it will be so.

NOTE: The prison or pit represents Babylon. The Israelites had been living in captivity for so long, that they had given up hope that God would ever set them free, and allow them to return home. Once again, we find God reminding them, that He will do what He had promised them, and it would happen soon.

Israel would have done well to remember something that Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, had declared to Moses:

“Do you doubt Me? Do you question My power, that I can do what I’ve said? Just watch—you’ll see what will happen.” -Numbers 11:23 (VOICE)

“Soon, soon you slaves shall be released; dungeon, starvation, and death are not your fate.” -(TLB)

“Meaning, at this very time, when this oppressor is going to wreak his world-wide destruction, is the very time when the Lord will release those who are now bowed down, those who are oppressed. His own people who are in bondage. They’re not going to go down into the pit, in that same destruction that the king of Assyria is orchestrating, they will come out in exodus like Lot did, on the eve of the destruction, come out of the destruction. Neither shall he want for food because that would be a covenant curse. When the Lord delivers them in the exodus, He will also provide for them, food and drink.” ~Avraham Gileadi

Remember back in the last chapter, God asking Israel this:

“Why is it that when I came to visit, no one was there to greet Me; and when I called out for you, no one answered? Do you think My reach insufficient, My power too limited to rescue you? I need only to speak the words and entire oceans will evaporate;  rivers will become deserts, leaving fish to stink and die for lack of water.” -Isaiah 50:2 (VOICE)

God wants His people to grasp the fact that nothing is too difficult for Him to do. He is able to keep all of His promises. He has the power and ability to save, deliver, and free them. All they need do is trust Him. In His time and in His way, He will emancipate them.

“Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.” ~Paul (Galatians 5:1 Good News Translation)

In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 32, we find the prophet declaring to, and reminding, Judah’s king, Zedekiah, of God’s tremendous abilities. In the chapter Jeremiah gives an account to Zedekiah of a prayer he had lifted up to God. In this prayer, Jeremiah reminds God of His mighty abilities.

“Adonai, God! You made heaven and earth by your great power and outstretched arm; nothing is too hard for you. You display your grace to thousands but also repay the guilt of the fathers into the lap of their children who follow them. Great, powerful God, whose name is Adonai-Tzva’ot, great in counsel, mighty in deed! Your eyes are open to all the ways of human beings in order to repay each one according to his ways, according to the consequences of what he does. You gave signs and performed miracles in the land of Egypt which continue to this day, also in Isra’el and among other people; thus you made yourself the reputation you have today.” -Jeremiah 32:17-20 (Complete Jewish Bible)

“‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You.” -Jeremiah 32:17 (AMP)

“God is able to do what is beyond human expectation.”
~Gift Gugu Mona

My friend, I remind you, nothing is too difficult for our God, nothing. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or think. Remember, His ways are not our ways, but His ways are greater, mightier, more grander than our wildest imaginings. Trust your God to carry forth His promises, in His way, and in His time. He will never let you down. Remember too, He is never too early, and He is never too late. Trust Him!

“NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD!

Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Your broken relationship is not too hard for God.
Your illness is not too hard for God.
Your loneliness is not too hard for God.
Your broken heart is not too hard for God.
Your doubts are not too hard for God.
Your longings are not too hard for God. Nothing is too hard for Him!” ~Deb Wolf

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, your Word reminds me that nothing is too difficult for you. You are the God who is able to keep all of your promises. Lord, I have chosen to trust you with all of my needs. Forgive any of my doubts, and those tendencies towards unbelief. Strengthen my faith in you. Help me to step out, trusting that you are already bringing about the answers to my prayers; knowing that you are already at work, even before I ask. Remind me that you are never too early, and you are definitely never late. You are a good, good Father, and thank you, Lord for your faithfulness to me. I am so blessed. ❤

Have You Forgotten? – Isaiah 51:13

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:13 (NIV)

“…that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?”

Isaiah 51:13 (MSG)

“You’ve forgotten me, God, who made you, who unfurled the skies, who founded the earth. And here you are, quaking like an aspen before the tantrums of a tyrant who thinks he can kick down the world.
But what will come of the tantrums?”

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“That you have forgotten the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you continually tremble with fear all day long because of the rage of the oppressor, as he takes aim to destroy? And where is the rage of the oppressor?” -AMPLIFIED

“The Israelites had forgotten the type of person Yahweh-their Maker, the Creator-was, or they would not have been afraid.” ~Thomas Constable

In yesterday’s passage we found God asking Israel why they were fearing man. God first reminds them that He is their Comforter, and the Giver of Peace. He asks, “Whose are you anyhow?”

“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. All the sons of men will be cut down and fade like grass.
    Why then would you be afraid of a mere human being?” -Isaiah 51:12 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s passage continues Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty’s thought. He asks Israel, “Have you forgotten who I am?” God then goes on to remind them.

“Have you forgotten Me, the One who made you and the whole world, who stretched out the skies and made sure the earth’s foundations? Yet you constantly worry about others—how they hate and might harm you. But their anger counts for nothing.” -(VOICE)

God was very pointed in His questioning of Israel. who were fearing for their lives. He was not going to handle them with kid-gloves. He wanted them to wake up and realize what was most important here, and it was not fearing the Babylonians, who could destroy their bodies. They needed to remember that it was God Himself, The Creator, the Maker of all things, who had control over their destiny.

God questions Israel in this way:

“Why should you live in constant fear of the fury of those who oppress you, of those who are ready to destroy you?” (God’s Word)

Israel was fearing their captors, more than they were fearing their God. Each day they were consumed by worry and living in fear of what their oppressors would do to them. They had forgotten who their God was, and what He was capable of as well. Babylon’s displeasure and anger was insignificant compared to the mighty wrath of God. The Israelites needed to get their priorities straight: would they be a pleasure of man, or a pleasure of God. Which scenario ultimately mattered most?

“And yet you have no fear of God, your Maker—you have forgotten him, the one who spread the stars throughout the skies and made the earth. Will you be in constant dread of men’s oppression, and fear their anger all day long?” -(TLB)

“You forget the LORD your Maker…You have feared continually every day: The two go together. We will only live in fear continually every day if we forget the LORD. When we forget the LORD, we forget His tender love and care for us.” ~David Guzik

Earlier in the book of Isaiah, we find this accusation against Israel:

“You have forgotten the God who saves you. You have not remembered that God is your place of safety.” -Isaiah 17:10a (ICB)

Apparently, they had not changed much during their captivity, for it seems they still had not learned that their God was more powerful than any man.

Jesus, speaking to His disciples, who reminded them that they needed to fear God more than man. Jesus gave them this bit of advice:

“Do not be afraid of those who may taunt or persecute you. Everything they do—even if they think they are hiding behind closed doors—will come to light. All their secrets will eventually be made known. And you should proclaim in the bright light of day everything that I have whispered to you in the dark. Whatever whispers you hear—shout them from the rooftops of houses. Don’t fear those who aim to kill just the body but are unable to touch the soul. The One to fear is He who can destroy you, soul and body, in the fires of hell.” -Matthew 10:26-28 (VOICE)

Luke also recorded this bit of guidance from Jesus:

“Here’s whose opinion you should be concerned about: the One who can take your life and then throw you into hell! He’s the only One you should fear! But don’t misunderstand: you don’t really need to be afraid of God, because God cares for every little sparrow. How much is a sparrow worth—don’t five of them sell for a few cents?” -Luke 12:5-6 (VOICE)

“People who have, in a sense, asked Him (GOD) to join them on their life journey, to follow them wherever they feel they should go, rather than following Him as we are commanded. The God of the universe is not something we can just add to our lives and keep on as we did before. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is not someone we can just call on when we want a little extra power in our lives. Jesus Christ did not die in order to follow us. He died and rose again so that we could forget everything else and follow Him to the cross, to true Life.” ~Francis Chan

My friend, have you forgotten whose you are? Have you forgotten who He is, and what He is capable of? Have you given into fear of man? God forgive us! Let us remember who we serve and what He can do. Let us fear God, not man.

“How quickly we forget God’s great deliverances in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past. Yet the Bible tells us over and over, “Remember your deliverances.”” ~David Wilkerson

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, help me to remember who you are, and what you can do. Nothing is impossible for you, Lord. I am reminded that you are an ever-present help in time of trouble. I have experienced your deliverance in the past, help me to remember your faithfulness always. When I am faced with challenges, Lord, that test my faith, remind me to keep my priorities straight. Help me to hold on to your promises and remember what you have done for me before. Help me to keep thinking forward, focusing on the goal, and remembering what is waiting for me in eternity. Remind me that this world is not my home, I am just a pilgrim passing through. An eternity with you is waiting for me. Hallelujah! I can hardly wait to arrive home, to see you! Thank you, Lord.

Why Do You Fear? – Isaiah 51:12

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:12 (NIV)

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass,…”

Isaiah 51:12 (MSG)

“I, I’m the One comforting you. What are you afraid of—or who? Some man or woman who’ll soon be dead? Some poor wretch destined for dust?”

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“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies and of a son of man who is made [as destructible] as grass,…” -AMPLIFIED

“God reassures Israel with the reply that he is the Creator, the eternal one. Israel’s enemies, by contrast, are merely creatures, who one day must die. Israel has no need, therefore, to fear Babylon’s might and fury.” ~Bridgeway Bible Commentary

Yesterday we found God encouraging Israel to look forward expectantly. We find this prediction, the redeemed of the Lord will return to Zion with joyful singing. At that time there will no longer be sorrow and sadness, but they will be filled with happiness and joy.

“Do it again! Those Yahweh has set free will return to Zion and come celebrating with songs of joy!
    They will be crowned with never-ending joy! Gladness and joy will overwhelm them;
    despair and depression will disappear!” -Isaiah 51:11 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s passage, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, once again admonishing Israel to not fear mortal man. He reminds them that He is their Comforter, and the Giver of peace.

“It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.” ~John Witherspoon

“Eternal One: I am the One who comforts you and gives you peace. So why are you afraid of human beings? The children of men are only grass; they’ll wither and die.” -(VOICE)

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, is speaking these words to the people of Israel. He wants them to remember that their Comforter, their Peace-Giver is eternal, and man, man is like the grass and the flowers, here today, and gone tomorrow. Respect with holy fear, reverence, the One who really matters, God.

Let us learn from Isaiah’s experience, which he recorded for us, his encounter with God, and God’s warning to him:

“The Lord spoke to me with his great power and warned me not to follow the lead of the rest of the people. He said, “People are saying that others make plans against them, but you should not believe them. Don’t be afraid of what they fear; do not dread those things. But remember that the Lord All-Powerful is holy. He is the one you should fear; he is the one you should dread.” -Isaiah 8:11-13 (New Century Version)

Let us also remember something that Isaiah recorded back in chapter 40, a prediction of “the Voice in the wilderness”, John the Baptist. God told Isaiah to write these words, which the Voice in the Wilderness would deliver to God’s people:

“A voice says, “Declare!” But what shall I declare? All life is like the grass.
All of its grace and beauty fades like the wild flowers in a field. The grass withers, the flower fades as the breath of the Eternal One blows away. People are no different from grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; nothing lasts except the word of our God. It will stand forever.” -Isaiah 40:6-8 (VOICE)

Do not fear man, fear God.

“I, even I, am he who comforts you and gives you all this joy. So what right have you to fear mere mortal men, who wither like the grass and disappear?” -(TLB)

“Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die: With promises this glorious, and a God this mighty, we have no reason to fear man. Man can never undo God’s plan for our lives. Compared to the great power of God, they are like grass.” ~David Guzik

Throughout Scripture we can find a reoccurring thread or thought concerning fearing man. It is this: “Trust God, and do not fear man.”

In fact, Solomon, in his wisdom, wrote these words which we need to learn and take to heart:

“Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe.” -Proverbs 29:25 (New Century Version)

David penned these words:

“But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?” -Psalm 56:3-4 (TLB)

The writer of Psalm 118 said it this way:

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can [mere] man do to me?” -Psalm 118:6 (AMP)

The Apostle Paul reminds us that if God is with us, we have nothing to fear:

“In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?” -Romans 8:31 (Good News Translation)

The writer of Hebrews also encourages us to not fear man:

“That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.” -Hebrews 13:6 (TLB)

I close reminding you of something that Paul told Timothy:

“For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (TLB)

“You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (VOICE)

“God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid. He gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (ICB)

“Fear of man is the enemy of the fear of the Lord. The fear of man pushes us to perform for man’s approval rather than according to God’s directives.”  ~Paul Chappell

My friend, what is our takeaway from today’s passage? It is simply this, do not fear man, who is here today and gone tomorrow, instead fear and trust God who is eternal. It is His opinion of us that matters, not other peoples. In the end, our destiny lies in His hands, for He alone is Sovereign. Remember too, He is our Comforter, and the Giver of Peace.

“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” ~Oswald Chambers

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, forgive me for those times that I have feared others, what they will say, what they will do to me. Your Word reminds me that I should not fear mere man, but you, the Eternal God. I ask that you fill my heart with a holy fear, and reverence for you, the God of the Universe, the Sovereign One, my Comforter and my Peace-Giver. I choose to trust you, Lord, and no longer fear people. Help me, over the course of my day, to remember my commitment to you, and remind me that you are always with me, and I have nothing to fear with you by my side. For you are greater, stronger, and awesome in your mighty power. I am so glad you stand with me, Lord. Thank you, I will trust you and fear no more.

Looking Forward Expectantly-Isaiah 51:11

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:11 (NIV)

“Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Isaiah 51:11 (MSG)

“In the same way God’s ransomed will come back, come back to Zion cheering, shouting, Joy eternal wreathing their heads, exuberant ecstasies transporting them—and not a sign of moans or groans.”

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“So the redeemed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion; everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” -AMPLIFIED

“So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing: With every enemy defeated, and every obstacle taken care of, God’s people are restored. This is another promise with both a near and an ultimate fulfillment.” ~David Guzik

In yesterday’s passage, we found Israel crying out to God, asking, “Where are you, God?” And asking if He had done great things in the past, could He not do them again?

“Awake, God, awake! Arm of Yahweh, put on your robe of strength! Awake and do the works of power as in ancient days, as in generations past! Wasn’t it you who smashed the sea monster to pieces,
who pierced the dragon in generations long ago? Wasn’t it you who dried up the Red Sea with its deep waters and made a path through the sea to rescue your redeemed?” -Isaiah 51:9-10 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s passage we find God instructing the Israelites to be looking expectantly to a new age. A time when sorrow and sadness will be banished. A time when they will once again live in Zion in contentment and peace.

NOTE: Today’s text is identical to Isaiah 35:10.

“It’ll be like that for those the Eternal One ransomed from captivity to return to Zion, Jerusalem. And they’ll come singing with joy. Overwhelming, never-ending joy will crown their heads with happiness and delight while desperation and depression melt away.” -(VOICE)

Adonai says to Israel: “The ransomed, and the redeemed will soon be home again.”

Ransom: A price paid to provide for the release of someone who is in captivity, punishment, suffering, or under an obligation. 

Redeemed: To purchase back, or ransom, to liberate, rescue, or set free.

God will do the ransoming and redeeming. He will bring His people safely back to their home. And when He does, then they will return to Jerusalem filled with joy and gladness. They will be ecstatic, and overwhelmed, and feeling extremely blessed. So much so, that they will return to Jerusalem singing His praises. At that time, they will no longer struggle with depression, and sadness. All their sorrow and grief will have been lifted by Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, personally.

“The time will come when God’s redeemed will all come home again. They shall come with singing to Jerusalem, filled with joy and everlasting gladness; sorrow and mourning will all disappear.” -(TLB)

“The sorrows and the sighing come because of sins, because of wickedness, because of ridicule and reproach, and because of not getting very far, because of waiting for the Lord through hard times, through all kinds of afflictions and the refiners fire. And finally, there comes a turn-around, and that sadness turns to gladness; sorrow to joy. It almost seems like right up the last minute things don’t look good. The Lord has to empower His servant just before the exodus in order to bring this exodus about, but before that time he and his followers are going through hell. They’re meeting with opposition and reproach from all sides. But then comes that turn-around; then comes that reversal of their circumstances that the wicked never expected.” ~Avraham Gileadi

Over in the book of Jeremiah we find another disclosure of what will happen when God ransoms and redeems His people.

“I, the Eternal, have this to say: Look, I will bring back those from captivity.
        I will show mercy to Jacob’s tents and dwellings; from the ruins I will rebuild Jerusalem,
        and the palace will once again stand where it belongs.
Songs of joy and gratitude will rise from the people. I will bless My people and increase their numbers; nothing will diminish them. I will honor them in the presence of others; no one will despise them.
Their children will live as they did long ago, their community will be established again before My watchful eyes, and I will punish anyone who tries to harm them.
The prince who leads them will come from among Jacob’s descendants; their ruler will be one of their own. I will draw him near to Me, and he will delight to come close, for he will devote himself to remain close by My side.” -Jeremiah 30:18-21 (VOICE)

Israel had to endure a time of punishment, a consequence from their poor choices, but God did not abandon them, He did not forget them. He promised that once they had changed their hearts, and their ways, He would return them home. And we will see that He always keeps His promises.

“Don’t give up, on the brink of your miracle
Don’t give in, God is still on the throne
Don’t give up, you’re on the brink of your miracle
Don’t give up, remember you’re not alone
Don’t give up, remember you’re not alone” ~Tammy Baker (Don’t Give Up On The Brink)

David understood what it was to go through difficult times. And he reminds us of the importance of praising God even in the hard times. For weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. David wrote:

“O sing and make melody, you steadfast lovers of God. Give thanks to him every time you reflect on his holiness! I’ve learned that his anger lasts for a moment, but his loving favor lasts a lifetime!
    We may weep through the night, but at daybreak it will turn into shouts of ecstatic joy.” -Psalm 30:4-5(The Passion Translation)

We too need to be looking forward expectantly. Paul told the Philippians that pressing on, straining to end his race, here on earth, in order that he could receive his prize.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 3:13-14 (AMP)

“When He returns is not as important as the fact that we are ready for Him when He does return.”
~A.W. Tozer

My friend, are you looking forward expectantly? Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Have you been pressing on, holding on to God’s promises? I hope so, but if not, today is the day to make things right with Him. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Every Christian should be looking forward expectantly for the return of their Lord and King.

“Battles are fought in our minds every day. When we begin to feel the battle is just too difficult and want to give up, we must choose to resist negative thoughts and be determined to rise above our problems. We must decide that we’re not going to quit. When we’re bombarded with doubts and fears, we must take a stand and say: ‘I’ll never give up! God’s on my side. He loves me, and He’s helping me! I’m going to make it!’”~ Joyce Meyer

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, I have to admit, I am not always looking forward expectantly. There are times that I get caught up in the chaos around me, and I get distracted from my ultimate goal. Please forgive me, Lord, I am sorry. Help me to keep my eyes focused on the goal. Help me to remember your promises, and that you are a Promise Keeper. Whatever you have promised me, you will do. Help me to also remember, that the trials of this life are just temporary. My weeping may last for the night, but your joy will come in the morning. The challenges of this life will be nothing compared to an eternity spent with you. Help me to always remember that Lord.

Where Are You, God? – Isaiah 51:9-10

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 51:9-10 (NIV)

“Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced that monster through? Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over?”

Isaiah 51:9-10 (MSG)

“Wake up, wake up, flex your muscles, God! Wake up as in the old days, in the long ago. Didn’t you once make mincemeat of Rahab, dispatch the old chaos-dragon? And didn’t you once dry up the sea, the powerful waters of the deep, And then made the bottom of the ocean a road for the redeemed to walk across?”

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“Awake, awake, put on strength and might, O arm of the Lord; Awake as in the ancient days, as in the generations of long ago. Was it not You who cut Rahab (Egypt) in pieces, who pierced the dragon [of Egypt]? Was it not You who dried up the [Red] Sea, the waters of the great deep, who made the depths of the sea a pathway for the redeemed to cross over?” -AMPLIFIED

“Here, the faithful believer calls out to the LORD, looking to Him for salvation. They know of God’s great works in the past (Awake as in ancient days) but ask God to act on their behalf now. Curiously, though it is phrased this way (and rightfully so), it is really more of a wakeup call to faith for the believer than an attempt to wake up God.” ~David Guzik

Yesterday’s text addressed that pesky moth, a symbol of death. God told Israel not to fear their captors, for they would be destroyed by the moth and worm. But His people, Israel, would experience His promised salvation and mercy forever. Adonai said to Israel:

“They are nothing for you to fear, for the moth will eat them up like a shirt and the worm will consume them like wool, but my righteousness will last forever and my salvation from generation to generation.” -Isaiah 51:8 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s text seems to shift gears a bit. Instead of God speaking, we find the people of Israel crying out to God, to “Wake up”. Once again, we find them feeling abandoned, and they need to be reminded of His presence in their lives. Israel cries out:

“Get up, power of God! Rise up and strengthen Yourself, arm of God. Get up and do like in the olden days, when You saved Your special people—Like when You cut Rahab, that dragon-monster of chaos, in two. And remember when You made the sea dry up and the waters of the deep retreated for Moses and company; then You laid down a road right through for the people You saved to cross over?” -(VOICE)

Twice we find Israel imploring God to “Wake Up” or “Awake”. The double imperative emphasizes and stresses the urgency that they were feeling. They were concerned that He does not realize the dire straits they are in. Possibly they felt that what He had told them was too good to be true. Then again, maybe they felt that their God had abandoned them, leaving them completely on their own in Babylon. Whatever was, they attempted to move Him to action. (They wanted God to do something, and they wanted Him to do it NOW!)

They then began to remind Him of things that He had done for their people in the past, in the OLD DAYS. They began reminding God, with Egypt’s example, which is depicted as a dragon, Rahab, a monster of mythic character. They reminded Him of how He smashed and pierced that dragon in short order long ago, could He not do it again?

NOTE: Rahab in Hebrew is “Rahav”, it means pride, insolence, and arrogant, as well as wide and spacious.

Israel asks:

“Remember when…you took down prideful Egypt, Lord? Was that not You? Was it not You who made a path through the sea to rescue the redeemed? Can you not do that for us again?”

“Awake, O Lord! Rise up and robe yourself with strength. Rouse yourself as in the days of old when you slew Egypt, the dragon of the Nile. Are you not the same today, the mighty God who dried up the sea, making a path right through it for your ransomed ones?” -(TLB)

“The Israelites cried out for God to act for them. He had done so in their past history, but they needed His help now.” ~Thomas Constable

Israel needed to remind themselves of some of the basic lessons their people had learned in the past. Namely, that their help always comes from the Lord. Psalm 121, one of the songs of ascent sung on their way to Jerusalem to worship the Lord emphasizes this truth. Psalm 121 reminds us that God is our ever-present help.

“I look up at the vast size of the mountains—from where will my help come in times of trouble?
The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. He holds you firmly in place; He will not let you fall. He who keeps you will never take His eyes off you and never drift off to sleep. What a relief! The One who watches over Israel never leaves for rest or sleep. The Eternal keeps you safe, so close to Him that His shadow is a cooling shade to you.
Neither bright light of sun nor dim light of moon will harm you. The Eternal will keep you safe
    from all of life’s evils, From your first breath to the last breath you breathe, from this day and forever.” -Psalm 121 (VOICE)

The Sons of Korah also wrote a song about God being our protection and our strength, a tested and proven help in times of trouble. The song is entitled God Protects His People. The Sons of Korah wrote:

“God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble.
So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea,
even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea. Selah There is a river that brings joy to the city of God, the holy place where God Most High lives.
God is in that city, and so it will not be shaken. God will help her at dawn.
Nations tremble and kingdoms shake. God shouts and the earth crumbles. The Lord All-Powerful is with us; the God of Jacob is our defender. Selah Come and see what the Lord has done, the amazing things he has done on the earth.
He stops wars everywhere on the earth. He breaks all bows and spears and burns up the chariots with fire.
God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be praised in all the nations; I will be praised throughout the earth.” The Lord All-Powerful is with us; the God of Jacob is our defender. Selah” -Psalm 46 (New Century Version)

“God, Who is everywhere, never leaves us. Yet He seems sometimes to be present, sometimes to be absent. If we do not know Him well, we do not realize that He may be more present to us when He is absent than when He is present.” ~Thomas Merton

My friend, remember, He is Emmanuel, God with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. Let us stop relying on our feelings, we may not “feel” God near, but know that He is near. He has not forgotten us, and nothing takes Him by surprise. He is, in fact, always working on our behalf. You can trust Him.

“The circuitous paths that our lives seemingly take never catch God by surprise. He sees us. He is with us. Again, the Israelites’ wilderness experience demonstrates that it is seeing Him rightly, and recognizing that we are seen by Him, that saves us from ourselves and our circumstances.” ~Kari Cope

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, there are times when I feel alone, that you are not near. Please forgive me for every doubting you. You have promised to be my Emmanuel, God with me, always. Remind me to not trust my feelings, but to trust your promises. For your promises are tried and trusted. You have proven yourself to be trustworthy through the ages. And I know that I can always count on you to be my refuge, strength, and Helper. Lord, remind me, when I walk through those difficult times that you are near to me. Remind me that you are all I need, that I can trust You to bring me through the other side safely. Thank you, dear Lord, for Your nearness to me is my good.