Isaiah 32:12-20
(www.biblegateway.com)
Today's reading was about peace. As I read Isaiah 32, I discovered 2 pictures, the first, a picture of a land desolated and over run by "Nature". The cities were abandoned, and the land was overgrown with thorns and briars. I imagined the scene from the movie "the city of Ember" where humanity was forced underground to survive, and came up hundreds of years later to discover cities laid to waste by nature.
And the second picture - a fertile field, a lush forrest, peaceful dwelling places by gentle streams. Also a picture impacted by nature.
The first picture was of desolation, the second of beauty and peace. What was the "Key" to this peace ? "till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high"... This is the linking verse between the two pictures.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor 3:17)
The fruit of Righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever (Isaiah 21:17)
Jesus is the peace bringer, his spirit is the source of peace, righteousness is the vehicle of peace (as we seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness) Jesus said the peace he gave was not as the world gives. The world is not interested in righteousness, but Jesus says his righteousness is the source of "Lasting" or "Eternal" peace (thats what forever means)
May we experience the pouring out of the spirit which brings peace, through righteousness today. Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added.
(Matt 6:33)
Challenge:
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem / Israel
Pray for the Peace of persecuted christians around the world
Pray fo the Peace of those in turmoil in our own nation (Flood, Cyclone and Fire Victims)
Pray for the Peace in our politics (much is being made of intollerance and polarisation today)
Pray for the Peace of your home, family, children, spouse.
Experience the Peace of Jesus.
Pastor J
Great stuff Jabin
ReplyDeleteDeon Cavanagh