O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble. At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered, and your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon. Isaiah 33:2-4
I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I begin Lesson 13, starting with Day 1, which starts with a read of a high level read of all chapters/verses in the lesson, a prompting for our initial thoughts on these chapters, including how Isaiah chapters 1-35 come to a close. My commentary discusses how Judah's attempts to save itself by leaning on its own efforts (tributes and alliances with both Assyria and Egypt) have failed, leaving Judah no where else to turn except to God. The commentary states: "[h]ow greatly does turning to God as a last resort dishonor the one who should be our first and only Savior! But God lowers himself and accepts it." There are times in our lives when we feel so broken and abandoned, sapped of strength, etc. God seeks for all of us to seek refuge in Him - of course He wants us to seek Him first. But God is full of grace and compassion and just like with the prodigal son, God welcomes those back who repent and seek Him.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - You loved me while I was still sinning, You love me despite my ongoing sin, and You never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love. My sin is daily and it continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
