Date: Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 60-63
Message Title: The Favor of God

A nine year old in my Sunday School class asked me this question, “Why would any person who has Jesus with them want to do bad things?” That is a great question, one that many of us should be asking ourselves. Why do we want to do bad things? Now, none of us are sinless, and while many saved, born again Christians do their best to make Christ Lord of their lives, some do get away from God. The strongest Christian can take the biggest fall, because no one is exempt from facing temptation, even Jesus was tempted. When the temptation becomes more prominent than seeking the will of God, that is when a person will go astray. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” - Proverbs 5:21-23.

When we sin, there is a big difference between being chastened by God and the suffering we face for continuing to live in sin. If we knowingly are living in sin and not seeking God's help to get out of it, God will let us fend for ourselves. Through Isaiah, we are reminded of that, but also of His mercy toward us. “Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.” - Isaiah 60:9-12.

The favor of God, many people whine and cry and complain that God favors another over them because they seem to be blessed more than them. God has no favorites, but yes, He does give favor to those who live in obedience to Him. Is it required to live in obedience to Him for our salvation? No, but if we want to be blessed beyond our salvation it would be wise to do so. Why? Simply put, in doing so, we bring others to Christ, we open the gate from them to come in and receive Him themselves. Every nation that does not have God in it will perish, and one by one, they will, but anyone who comes to Christ will be safe. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” - Hebrews 6:1,4-6,9.

There does come a time when most people tire of living a wicked life, and begin seeking a way to straighten themselves out. You will find them seeking help in the secular world, including false religion, and that is where we come in. God appoints all who are saved, and serving Him to go out and minister to those seeking to break free from their sin. Through Isaiah, we are reminded of how just God is and of the covenant He make with all who come to His Son.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” - Isaiah 61:1,8-10.


Those who have this notion that a religion, race, or lifestyle can save them, will have a huge awakening upon their death, when they see Jesus and find out that He really was their way to salvation. All who receive Him will become His bride and forever be joined with Him. Through Isaiah, we see what type of marriage God will have with His bride. “For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.” - Isaiah 62:1-4,12.

The word Hephzibah means, my delight in her, God delights in those who receive His Son, and as much as we deserve to be divorced from Him, He never leaves nor forsakes us. The word Beulah means, to marry, to unite with God forever. Beulah land is the name which the land of Israel is to bear when "the land shall be married.” to God, which simply means, God would have dominion over the land, and we would live there for eternity. When we allow Christ to be Lord of our lives, we give God dominion over our bodies, which He dwells in through the Holy Spirit. When we give God complete control over our lives, we may face some type of suffering, chastening, or other obstacles, but God still delights in us, and joys in seeing us growing with Him. “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 3:9-11.

Today's Prayer: Jesus, No words can describe the incredible sacrifice that You made by giving Your life for me, a sinner, bound for an eternity in hell. Thank You, for never giving up on me, for receiving me and giving me eternal life through Your precious blood. Lord, I cannot offer much, but what I can offer is to be a living sacrifice for You. Lead me and guide me, work in and through me so that I pass up no opportunity to show Your love to others who suffer the same fate that I once did. I love You, Lord, I need You, and I am nothing without You. Thanks for everything, Jesus. In Your name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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