Isaiah 40:6-8

So, I've been going verse-by-verse through Isaiah 40 in my quiet time along with the L3 journal readings (currently in Romans). And it's been really cool. My love is just breaking down verses and getting deeper meanings from verses we've read a bazillion times. So, a few days ago I was in verses 6-8.

"A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" [The reply] All flesh is grass, and all it beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the LORD will stand forever."

The voice that said "Cry!" was the voice of the LORD. Isaiah's response is how we should also say, "What shall I cry?" ...What do You, LORD have to say? What do you want to speak through me? I cannot speak on my own authority; I only want to speak what YOU have to say.

The reply is: man is mortal and his/her life will end; his beauty (all his wisdom and natural powers) will fade away. The LORD repeats this message 3 times in these verses, showing urgency and importance. But vs 8 shows that though men (including Isaiah) will pass away, but the "word of the LORD" (including what God is speaking to & through Isaiah) "will stand forever"!

So, I'm pretty sure this reply made Isaiah feel like the grass -- in his humanity I'm sure this reply temporarily put a little damper on his attitude. So easy it is for us to focus on how our lives are meaningless--like grass, like the flower, which will both pass away. But then the negative feelings of Satan that had probably creeped up into Isaiah's mind, quickly dissipated with the last phrase that vs 8 speaks --"The word of our LORD stands forever/" God is using Isaiah to proclaim His words to the people! Therefore, this puts eternal value into our lives: when we realize we are NOTHING without God, but with Him in us and His purpose and word being proclaimed our only aim--our lives will make an eternal impact on this world. Yeah, our name may not be remembered, but God's name will! And if His fame is our aim, we will not care at all about our fame-instead we will care about sharing in His glory after our flesh passes away.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Return {velvet ashes link up}

Image
To the one who stayed, and now must return, dear friend,  dear self, You didn't want to stay. Everything within you was ready to go. You were ready. Everything but your bags was packed: your heart, your calling, your identity—stowed away in the treasure boxes you found them in at first. Reburied like sand shuffled under waves of uncertainty, doubt, and the existential lie: did God really say? But you stayed. And even though sometimes you waffle and wonder, you know He asked you to. Every time you thought you heard conflicting words: stay, leave, you were really only hearing yourself. Until you could get away in the silence and the May stormy skies and the big white-down comforter to keep you warm. Then you could be still. Then you were silent. Then He spoke.  His words were crystal clear: I'm going to redeem all of it.  And He did, didn't He? I know you're feeling conflicted, confused over all these emotions: ready to leave, wanting to stay. A far, f...
Read more

A Mashed-up Montage of Mayhem. Aka, Life.

So, life has been crazy busy lately. I know everyone says that, but for real life. I'm a bit drained. But better now. I am currently finding peace right here right now. My heart is worshiping (now playing: "Forever Reign" by Hillsong...I'm on a Hillsong kick). My mind is at rest (between two tests already taken this morning, two more in the next 24 hours). His Word is being brought to my mind continually right now. His presence is here beside me, I am resting in His arms. Let me just blurb for awhile, about many different things. Philippians 2:17--"Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering up the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." This phrase keeps coming to my mind. God is using me. I'm being transformed into His image, day after day. The veil has been removed. And I pray my face shines like Moses' did. But that people won't hide. But that God will draw them closer to Himself. Being p...
Read more

some stories

Image
Today I read a job posting that said, "Applicant must love telling stories." YES. I wish could have immediately applied; however, I am still finishing school and looking at moving overseas as immediately as possible, provided the Lord not only opens the door, but pays for it to be opened. I can't doubt that He will, because I saw Him provide so abundantly for East Asia, but the figure I'm looking at is literally over 10 times larger (really?!), and that is terrifying. Excuse the rabbit trail. But it's real life. And He's holding it all in His hands. So, how about I take a different avenue now, and post some of my favorite photos from my trip on here, with a little story or two to go with each? Ok, here we go. This was our last big time sharing with college students, and I think it was one of my favorites. I shared the story of the symbolism of the candy cane, which I dreaded as I approached the trip, but my mom made sure I found the story and bought ...
Read more