Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Isaiah 60:16 (NIV)
“You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts. Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Isaiah 60:16 (MSG)
“When you suck the milk of nations and the breasts of royalty, You’ll know that I, God, am your Savior, your Redeemer, Champion of Jacob.”
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“You will suck the milk of the [Gentile] nations and suck the breast (abundance) of kings; then you will recognize and know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” -AMPLIFIED
“In the past Israel had been abandoned, hated, and isolated from other nations. In the future she would be an object of pride and joy in the world forever. She would draw from the wealth of the nations, and she would know through her experience that Yahweh, the Holy One of Jacob, was her Savior and Redeemer.” ~Thomas Constable
In yesterday’s text, God pointed out that in the past Jerusalem had been rejected and despised, in the future this would no longer be the case. He would restore her, He would make her majestic, and she would be a source of for generations. God’s Message to the city of Jerusalem:
“Although once you were rejected and despised, undesirable for anyone to pass through you, I will make you majestic forever, a source of joy for every generation.” -Isaiah 60:15 (The Passion Translation)
In today’s text we find Adonai sharing how He will provide for the city, where her resources will come from, and why He provides for her as well. God’s Message continues on:
“You will be enriched by the world and its kings, and you will know for certain that I am the Eternal, Your Liberator, your Redeemer, the Strong One of Jacob.” -(VOICE)
However strange this metaphor may sound, it is intended to portray Jerusalem drawing wealth from other nations, which is represented by their kings and nursing at royal breasts. The point being that God will provide for Jerusalem.
HOW: How will God provide for the future Jerusalem? God clearly tells Jerusalem that her future will be taken care of by the Gentile nations.
WHY: God even tells Jerusalem why He will arrange for her care in this way. So that she may know, without a shadow of a doubt, that He alone is her Lord, Savior, and her Hero:
“I am Yahweh, your Savior, for I am the Mighty Hero who rules over Jacob’s tribes, your Kinsman-Redeemer!” -(TPT)
Remember previously in this chapter, God has already informed Jerusalem that the wealth of the nations would be brought to her. Think back and consider verse 5:
“Then you will see and be radiant, And your heart will tremble [with joy] and rejoice Because the abundant wealth of the seas will be brought to you, The wealth of the nations will come to you.” -(AMP)
Let us also consider verse 11:
“Now your gates will stay open to a constant stream of gifts; all day and night they will not be shut as the wealth of nations is brought to you with their kings leading the processions.” -(VOICE)
The point is God will take care of Jerusalem. He will provide for her through the Gentile nations, and she will be satisfied, and she will also know that He alone is God.
“Then you will know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” -(WEB)
“Powerful kings and mighty nations shall provide you with the choicest of their goods to satisfy your every need, and you will know at last and really understand that I, the Lord, am your Savior and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.” -(TLB)
“A basic idea that underlies the entire Old Testament is that God may be known by His actions in the world. This view arises primarily from the exodus experience. During the exodus, the Hebrews came into relationship with God, they knew God, because He had acted in history to deliver them from slavery in Egypt. His actions revealed who He was. In the same way, the new activity of God to restore Jerusalem will become the basis for renewed relationship between God and His people.” ~Dennis Bratcher
Throughout Scripture we are reminded that it is God who supplies for our needs, He is our Provider. In fact, one of His titles is JEHOVAH-JIREH, which means the LORD will provide. Let us consider a few verses from the Ole Testament:
“For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good.” -Psalm 107:9 (AMPC)
“Blessed are those whose help comes from the God of Jacob, whose hope is centered in the Eternal their God— Who created the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that lives within them; who stays true and remains faithful forever; who works justice for those who are pressed down by the world, providing food for those who are hungry. The Eternal frees those who are imprisoned; He makes the blind see. He lifts up those whose backs are bent in labor; He cherishes those who do what is right. The Eternal looks after those who journey in a land not their own; He takes care of the orphan and the widow, but He frustrates the wicked along their way.” -Psalm 146:5-9 (VOICE)
“God is able to accomplish, provide, help, save, keep, subdue… He is able to do what you can’t. He already has a plan. God’s not bewildered. Go to Him.” ~Max Lucado
The New Testament also reminds us that God will take care of us and provide for us. Consider these verses:
“So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.” -Matthew 6:31-33 (TLB)
“Know this: my God will also fill every need you have according to His glorious riches in Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. So may our God and Father be glorified forever and ever. Amen.” -Philippians 4:19-20 (VOICE)
“We can be certain that God will give us the strength and resources we need to live through any situation in life that he ordains. The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” ~Billy Graham
My friend, do you have a need today? Have you taken it to the Lord in prayer? He is JEHOVAH-JIREH, the Lord who provides. He will take care of you, just as He promised to take care of Jerusalem. There is no need that is too big for Him to fill. Trust God to provide, He is able.
“The size of a challenge should never be measured by what we have to offer. It will never be enough. Furthermore, provision is God’s responsibility, not ours. We are merely called to commit what we have – even if it’s no more than a sack lunch.” ~Charles R. Swindoll
My Prayer:
Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, you are JEHOVAH-JIREH, the God who provides. Your Word teaches me that you will take care of all of my needs. Help me to trust that you are at work already, answering my prayers, oft times, even before I ask, because you know what I need even better than I do, Lord. I want to say thank you, thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your caring provision. You are such a loving Heavenly Father, and I want you to know that I am so grateful for all that you are and all that you do. I am so blessed to call you Father. ❤
Growing with God 