06.16.09
Isaiah - Day 289
Scripture: Isaiah 15:6 (NIV): "The waters of Nimrim are dried up and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone and nothing green is left."
Thought: To me, God is "shouting out" His judgments loudly and clearly.
Question: Is my spiritual life spring-fed or "dried up"?
"The waters of Nimrim are dried up..." These "waters" refer to an area of fresh water fountains located at the north end of The Salt Sea, (today's Dead Sea). They are not far from the location of the town of Jericho, just to the north and east of the top of The Dead Sea. Upon studying Physical Geography of the Holy Land by Edward Robinson, D.D., published in 1865, it is learned that this whole area is riddled with fresh-water brooks, marsh-land, hot springs and these aforementioned fountains, so that any traveller would be "struck with the abundance of sweet water along the side of The Dead Sea." (Quote from the book.) But during this time-frame, as Isaiah recorded this oracle from God, the hand of God's judgment "dried up" all this area.
"...the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone and nothing green is left." Where the source of water vanishes, all plants, trees and vegetation soon disappear. Similarly in a spiritual way, when we refuse to entertain Jesus' teachings, we see a kind of death in our souls as well. Jesus declared Himself to be the source of "living water" in John 4:13 and 14: "Jesus answered [the woman at the well], 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life'." If we accept Christ, the Living Water, we will have life and all the fruits that living water produce. Without Christ, we will be subject to loss, even as Moab was as it underwent judgment--loss that reflects itself in the trappings of death.
Looking to the biblical record, when God judges a people, He usually accompanies His correction in their live with a display of judgment in their land. No doubt, it is all designed to awaken any who will listen and take heed: God is knocking on the door of our hearts--do we not hear Him? Do we not see the breakdown of our world around us? The blessings usually afforded us in nature, in the weather cycles and in the abundance of fresh water--when these go missing, do we hear God?
Prayer: Lord of Judgment, I am thankful for Your clear, plain voice as You "speak" to us through nature around us. Help me to listen and to realize that I am reaping what I sow. If negative conditions increase in the environment around me, help me to acknowledge Your Lordship and control. Cause me to be obedient, Lord, that Your blessings can flow freely in my life. Amen.
