Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert." (Isaiah 35:5,6)

The marvelous imagery presented here not only represents a time of national joy, but also foreshadows the healing and grace of the Messiah. The reader must also recognize the marvelous work of Christ, as Isaiah vividly depicts the transforming influence of the gospel of Christ. 

John, the Baptist had heard from prison about the activity of Jesus and inquired, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”  (Matthew 11:2)  On this occasion Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. “Jesus answered and said to them, “ Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  (Matthew 11:4,5)

The work of Christ is depicted here in marvelous pictures. During his earthly ministry he was moved with compassion toward the lame and the blind. His healing work and marvelous signs not only prove his claim to be God’s Son, but was a glimpse of his great work of healing and saving souls.

Christ also has power over sin, which is man's greatest ailment. The power of Christ is able to make those who are crippled and blind by worldly ambitions, and transform them into fruit bearing souls for God.

The overall tone of these thoughts are within the context of a hymn of joy. “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1,2)  The accomplishments of Christ is like a refreshing stream in a wasteland that is full of heartache, disappointment, pain, and guilt. The friendship of Christ is a source of joy and peace – like streams in the desert.

Recognizing these words as messianic in scope, they describe the transforming effect of Christ on those who receive him. When the gospel of Christ is allowed to work in the lives of men, it's effect is wonderful.

By George Slover
 

As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:13)

There is a notion that God in the Old Testament was not a loving God. Yet passages like this remind us that such a view of God is mistaken. It is quite clear that the psalmist acknowledges just how God regarded those who feared him.

Divine assurances are promised from the perspective of a father who pities his children. Like human fathers, God does not always protect his children from the pain of this world. He does this for the good of his people. Yet, they are never shut off from his love.

God promises to execute justice (vs.6). He is merciful and slow to anger (vs.8). His wrath is awakened only when it is not righteous to remain silent. He is abounding in mercy  (vs. 10-12). He regards the physical frailty of man (vs. 14-16). And God's mercy will last forever (vs. 17,18).

For what reasons does God pity his people? His care is directed toward us on account of our weakness. He remembers that we are but dust and is fully aware of the struggle between flesh and spirit. He provides wisdom and strength to cope with such frailties.

God pities us for our sin. He is always willing to forgive if we are ready to cooperate with him (vs.3). Amazingly, He will remove our transgressions as far as the east is from the west (vs.12). He wants to renew the relationship with us, and set us again on the right course.

God is fully aware of our sufferings. He would not be a good father if he did not care. Though God does not remove the pain, his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Through God’s strength we can cope.

God has not given what we deserve, but has offered full fellowship with him through his son Jesus. He has promised us everlasting life. Meanwhile in this earthly journey his aim is to perfect us in life and character.
 

And Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak." (2 Chronicles 18:13)

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah had allied himself with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehoshaphat had agreed to go to war with Ahab against Ramoth-Gilead. However, they must first inquire of the Lord.

Thus, the scene is set. Two kings dressed in royal garb were assembled with 400 prophets at the gate of Samaria. The king of Israel inquires, “Shall we go up against Ramoth-Gilead?” In unison all of the prophets said “go up”. However, Jehoshaphat would not be satisfied until he inquired of the prophet of the Lord.

Micaiah, of Imla had an unfavorable reputation with Ahab.  He never prophesied favorably.  However, Micaiah is charged with a Divine message, and he will faithfully deliver it regardless of the consequences.

Had numbers been a test of truth, Micaiah would have been wrong.  However, truth cannot be put to a vote. It is not determined by a majority. God alone determines what is true.  And, anyone with God on their side is in the majority.

The 400 false prophets declared what the greedy King wanted to hear, thus they prophesied “good” in his behalf.  If Micaiah had known what was best he would have taken his cue from them. However, Micaiah was not in the business of pleasing men, but God. Therefore, he would deliver what is truly “good” for them: the truth of God.

Micaiah displays an amazing courage. His feet are firmly planted on the rock of Truth. Though threatened with the bread of affliction, he remains true to his duty to faithfully proclaim God's will.

Who will stand on God’s side today? Who will join the ranks of Elijah, Jeremiah, John, the Baptist, Stephen, Paul, Micaiah, and other men and women of faith?  We can afford to be scorned by men, and if we are honored by God.

By George Slover 

 

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you."  (1 Corinthians 14:24,25)

The primary focus of a local church assembly is to edify, exhort, and comfort the saints. This was accomplished by plain, understandable teaching or prophesying. Unfortunately, this function was disrupted by the disorderly use of the gift of tongues. Thus, the need for the words contained here. However, the power of plain preaching not only impacted the saints, but also the unbelieving and unlearned.

Paul tells them that just sound is not worth much to either the believer or unbeliever. (1 Corinthians 14:7-9)  But when there is a distinction in the sound, such clear ideas may be able to reach the heart of the unlearned.  The gospel teacher is responsible to clearly declare the sinful state of man, of man's spiritual needs, and of God's mercy. Then, he must clearly spell out the terms of pardon and try to persuade the sinner to act on those terms.

When there is a distinct message from God the true spiritual state of the unbeliever is revealed. Paul says he is "convinced of all", "he is judged of all", and the "secrets of his heart are made manifest". A sense of guilt is awakened. Becoming aware of his sinfulness, his aspirations for a better life offered by God are aroused.

The result of this process is described in dramatic fashion. The unbeliever falls down on his knees, contrite and submissive, pleading for God's mercy and acknowledging God's presence. When the love of God becomes real to the unbeliever, he explodes with rejoicing and praise, for he who was lost is now saved.

What are the effects of our service and work? Are we bringing the sinner in contact with a convicting word that will reach his heart, and cause them to come to Christ? If not, there may be something in amiss in our efforts.

By George Slover

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