Isaiah - Verse By Verse

Isaiah - Day 31

versebyverse | June 10, 2008 17:57

Scripture:  Isaiah 1:31 (NIV):  "The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire."

Thought:  To me, mankind needs to determine that what it may value is actually worthless.

Question:  Do I idolize my work, my relationships, my money?

Considering the context, it appears that the idol-worshipper's choice becomes fuel for the judgmental fires of hell.  Matthew Henry, famous conservative Bible Commentator of the 1800's, stated that an unconfessed sinner becomes "combustible material" for the fires of Hell.  Just as we "chase rainbows" and pursue lusts with never a satisfying end, so hell is a place where lies are madly pursued, have been pursued since ancient history and for a very long time, yet bring no happy resolution.  The "fire" of this burns without quenching, forever consuming the inhabitants.  Pain forever, evil forever, disease forever, crying and sorrow forever, with no resolutions--no ending, just an everlasting "eating away" of the soul.  That is part of what hell is all about.  The fire of hell burns "with no one to quench the fire."  And how did the fire start?  The idolater was dry tinder and his "work", his choice to worship wrongly, the spark.  The two together ignited the fire.  At what point does fire ignite?  Apparently only when the idolater and his idol COME TOGETHER.  Separation is the key to "fire prevention."

The idol-maker may be "mighty" on earth and among others who encourage his wrong pursuits, but he will be brought to a swift end.  The conscience is correct to feel something is wrong when a person "stares" too long at an "idol."  Fire may have ignited.  Though an idol may seem to "call" to us, this call can immediately be extinguished by the blood of Jesus in prayer.  Why would anyone "play with matches" at all?!  Stop playing with fire....!

Prayer:  Lord God, encourage me to confess my idols.  Help me to subject them to the cleansing blood of Christ.  Thank You for commanding that we keep You in "first place" and help me to do so, Father.  Amen. 

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