Shawn on 13 March 2005

Scripture
Isa 13: 1, 11
Isa 14:12, 19
Luke 7: 47

Observation
In Isa 13, the Prophet Isaiah saw a vision of the power of the time: Babylon, falling from her wickedness and immorality under the Power of God Almighty.
In Isa 14, Isaiah spoke about how the Lord has cast down the devil to hell (Sheol) and the devil has lost his power on earth (v12: You have been cut down to the earth...v19 But you have been cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch…)

Many generations later, Jesus has come to the earth as a man and is coming to tear down the power institution of the time: the Pharisees and their organised religion. Earlier in Luke, he already overcame the devil. Now, he proclaims himself the Messiah, here to save, heal and forgive.

Application

Each of these two great men were fully aware of the voice of God concerning their mission for the time they lived in. They were obedient and sharply attuned to the voice of God and proclaimed this in prophecies.

They were up against the reigning power in their times; men, women and organisations, cultures that were proud and all controlling in their power. Yet they boldly went about doing things; with the full knowledge that the devil, the evil, had already lost his power and been cast to the pit of hell.

And what a difference they made in the lives of people around: Jesus and his superb logic (so well balanced with compassion) that must surely have made the Pharisees speechless, unable to disagree with Him. I see his response to the woman who used her hair to anoint his feet with perfume (v47: For this reason I say to you, her sinces, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much but he who is forgiven little, loves little) and I am moved by his compassion, the sureness of his Words and character. Wow.

Prayer

Dear Lord. Even as I struggle to articulate your work through the ages through great men like Isaiah and Jesus, let me be fully aware of your plan and work for mankind in this time and age. Your word is unchanging: the devil has been defeated but you also call us to come against all the proud ‘religious’ power of the time.

God use my life to break out of the mould of the ordinary; to not be satisfied with institutionalised religion and ethics and standards. You have called us to be extraordinary people speaking out the true word of God in Faith.

This age we live in has all its distractions and lures: but keep my feet firmly planted on your path. Let me not stray AT ALL. Let me be bold and obedient. Living a full victorious life that will change the lives of the people around me. Let my heart and words be full of wisdom and compassion. Let me live in holy fear and reverence of you.

Give me opportunities to speak out your plans and purposes for your people. Let me be so very sensitive to your voice and live a life that’s completely FREE! I want big dreams of changing the world and I want YOU to be the voice of reason behind it. Strengthen my character: like Isaiah and Jesus who gave so much to live a life that’s fulfilling and filled with power.

Make sense of my poor articulation. See through all the falseness and weakness of my flesh and shape my heart. Destroy everything that’s not pleasing to you. God, use me.

I walk this earth with the full knowledge of your Holiness. Thank you for your sacrifice through your Son. I give my heart and life to you all over again. Amen.