Isaiah - Verse By Verse

Isaiah - Day 154

versebyverse | November 21, 2008 18:13

Scripture:  Isaiah 8:11 (NIV):  "The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people.  He said:"

Thought:  To me, if God takes the time to warn us, we should take the time to listen and obey.

Question:  Have I ever felt the weight of God's "hand" upon me?

Yesterday we discussed the fact that the worldly (godless) plans of "the nations" against Judah will be thwarted by God Himself.  God Who dwells among them ("Immanuel") will overcome any and all devices that the men of "the nations" may dream up.  Though the attacks may come against God's people, those enemies will be "shattered" (Isaiah 8:9) by God Himself.

Today we see that God brings advice concerning these worldly schemers.  He brings His advice in a very pointed way:  "The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me..."  The weight of God's "hand" can be enormous, especially when it takes the form of a "warning."  It can be like an unspoken influence of righteousness and uprightness rising up within the heart.  It can be a very personal touch, a calling, a weight of conscience.  It can be deeply moving.

This warning, "not to follow the way of this people", is clear and specific.  God's call is often a separating call.  He urges us to avoid conformity to the world.  Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world..."  Why?  Because "this world" is under the control of the prince of the power of the air, none other than the devil himself, Satan.  And his intent is to lead you astray until he can destroy you and consume your soul.  This world is not our home.  This world is earthy and loaded with the ways of the flesh.  Scripture teaches that the flesh wars against the spirit: (Galatians 5:16 and 17).

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for laying Your "strong hand" upon me.  Thank You for calling me away from this world and its evil.  Help me to listen to You now as You teach me by Your Spirit.  I will listen to You.  Amen.   

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