LENT 2011, Day 19

I'm sure glad Isaiah has some truly 'up' chapters. This isn't one of them.

It begins with a vibrant display of the vengeance of the LORD poured out on Israel's enemies. The specific country that is mentioned is representative of all the others - but my thoughts go back immediately to Petra, Jordan - to the amazing Rock City that was once a mighty, impenetrable fortress. When we were there, we were told that is in the area of the ancient Edom....and that area is one of the many countries surrounding Israel who are very much against Israel.

I love many individual people whose countries and beliefs are in conflict with God's Truth. I want them to come to truth - not be destroyed. I yearn for them to have the scales on their spiritual eyes peeled away so they can see Jesus for who he is - not merely some prophet in a long line of prophets - but the One sent by God - God Himself who took on the form of man by coming to be born of a virgin - Yeshua ha Meshiach, Jesus the Messiah. Truth personified. Jesus own words recorded in John 14:6 are: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

So - this presents a painful reality. While on one hand I am grateful for God's faithfulness in redeeming Israel, it is painful to think of the enormous grief that is in and will continue to be in the world until the time of perfection in His kingdom comes.

I don't have to look far these days to see the result of that pain - nations crumpling, economies teetering, calamities unnerving...prophecy unfolding. The earth groans for its Savior, and in times like these, so do I.

The good news in Isaiah 63 is that the LORD'S mercy is remembered, reviewed and revealed. Verse 14 holds the key: "So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name."

It isn't about us (humans) - it is about HIM! He will make a name for Himself. He will be faithful even when we are faithless. He will redeem. He will do what He has promised. He is the fulfillment.

The end of verse 16 states, "you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name."

Even in a chapter that has so much that is depressing and discouraging, there is HOPE! Blessed by the Name of the LORD!