9-21-20  THOUGHTS

Sometimes obscure passages are a delight.  While the passage below is about the destruction of the Assyrian Empire and how evident that event would be to the world, there are some simple spiritual truths for us today embedded in it.   A question is asked, an answer is given!  

Isa 33:13-17   Message Bible    "If you’re far away, get the reports on what I’ve done, And if you’re in the neighborhood, pay attention to my record. 14  The sinners in Zion are rightly terrified; the godless are at their wit’s end: ‘Who among us can survive this firestorm? Who of us can get out of this purge with our lives?’"               15  The answer’s simple:   Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. 16  This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live.            17  Oh, you’ll see the king—a beautiful sight! And you’ll take in the wide vistas of land. [NASB = They will behold a far-distant land.]

Maybe this last (vs 17) is a hint of heaven?  Heb 11:16    But as it is, they desire a better [country,] that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Isa 56:1    Thus says the LORD, "Preserve justice and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed."
Ps 1:1-3    How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  3  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

It’s a simple lesson that God blesses his people who serve him.

My Prayer:
Thank you Oh God for another day to live in hope and delight in serving you. Teach us Lord to see marvelous life in the small things.  May we know your presence as we navigate this day.  Thank you for the meaning of life and eternity in the gift of Christ Jesus.  Hold our hands Oh God as we seek a closer walk with you.  May heaven be our home.  
In the name of our savior, Jesus the Christ                     Amen