When people read the bible, especially the old testament they often read and see a lot of judgment. What we have to remember is when God is speaking to his people, even if he is disciplining them, hes speaking from a heart of love, just as any good father would do. Jeremiah 29 says the plans he has for his people are good and not for evil. That is repeated in the new testament at Romans 8:28 which says: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. An example can be found in Isaiah 29, a passage that looks as if its full of judgement but several things stand out: Isaiah 29:3 says this: IIwill encamp against you all around, I will lay siege against you with a mound, And I will raise siegeworks against you. Context: The real way to read this is God is blocking the way. Hes blocking the way of a backslidden people. Know this: that whenever it seems God is moving against you, hes trying to stop you from going the wrong way. Often people dont submit to God until they hit rock bottom. Thats the point they reach a brick wall they cant get through and realize that sometimes even God is loving you enough to keep you from further destruction. Isaiah 29:14 says this: Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” Context: If you look into the Hebrew meaning of the word marvelous it means that God is going to do something wonderful. Hes going to do something that far exceeds any expectations we may have. It will be marvellous to look upon the things God will do in your life. I can remember so many times Ive thought it was the end and just on the other side of the storm were some of the greatest things God ever did for me. Isaiah 29:6 says this: Isa 29:6 You will be visited by the LORD of hosts With thunder and earthquake and great noise, With storm and tempest And the flame of devouring fire. The word visited can be used as a term of either punishment or taking notice and tending to. Really both are the same. If one is on the wrong track, to be stopped or seemingly punished is a good thing and its what good fathers do but God doesnt only stop us; he tends to us. He changes things and turns them around. When he visits with thunder, earthquake and smoke, these are the things surrounding and coming out of the throne of God. Gods glory comes in a storm of glory and the fire of God surrounding his throne burns up and evil and unholiness. God wants to touch everyone with his fire, storm and tempest. When God visits our lives from his throne, he sets things in order. He makes things right! Its a good thing to be visited by the Lord! The last point Ill make here is the last point God makes in the passage. Isaiah 29:23, 24 says this: But when he sees his children, The work of My hands, in his midst, They will hallow My name, And hallow the Holy One of Jacob, And fear the God of Israel. 24 These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, And those who complained will learn doctrine.” Context: Those who God loves, he disciplines. That is spoken in another verse. Gods goal in dealing with us is like that of a good good father. He wants to see his children, the Work of his hands come to understanding. He ends the passage that seems to be full of judgment with thestatement that All who erred in spirit will come to understanding and those who complained will learn doctrine. Lets always remember that God is Love and everything he does in our lives is to bring us into a place where he does a marvellous work that far exceeds our expectations; he turns things around and sets them in order; and his children live in understanding and doctrine. Gods plan for us is always to bless us so may we see him visit our lives from his throne on a daily basis! P.S. I felt in my heart there may be someone out there that needed to hear this. This is part of a large study I have done before but I just felt lead to put this small section out there for someone today.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:38:06 +0000
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