Thoughts on Isaiah 61

Verse 1 was quoted by Jesus during his ministry. This was His calling. I remember when I first read this verse, more than 10 years ago, how it spoke powerfully to me. I felt that this was my calling as well. I know right? I was so young. Eventually I began to feel that, no, this verse was not meant for me. Rereading it again, brought back the same questions.

Isaiah was speaking, so he believed that he was referring to himself. But it was the Holy Spirit who guided him to write it, so technically, this is Jesus speaking as well. Could this be our calling as well? Is the Spirit of the Lord upon us? Are we anointed to bring good news, bind up the broken, proclaim liberty? I think you know the answer to this one..

God has great things in store for His people. He will bring justice, and more. Two, Three, A hundred fold.

You can be a part of this.

Thoughts on Numbers 25

Such a heavy story for an early morning. I’ll try to break it down.

In the previous chapters we witnessed God’s unwavering love for the Israelites. No matter how much Balak tried, God would not let Balaam curse Israel. We saw Balaam’s transformation as well.

Next chapter we see the Israelites… turning away from God. They were tempted, they gave in, got hooked, then forgot about God. The God who freed them from slavery, who provided for them in the dessert, who promised a plentiful and abundant land, who showed great wonders, who gave them great victories.

We are so helpless.

Second half of this chapter, is probably what people would notice and remember. Phinehas, with great zeal, thrusted a spear through a Moabite woman and an Israelite man – and he was commended for it. How violent! By itself it sounds over the top, but we have to look at the big picture, the series of events leading to this.

I still am not able to fully comprehend the seriousness of God when it comes to the things that matter to Him. Or maybe I’m in denial, because once I understand and accept the it, it will require a great commitment on my part.

But it’s there. I feel it. God is working in me, knowing full well my (current) limits. Lord, work in me as you see fit.

Thoughts on Psalm 140

There are evil men in the world.

I’m the type to brush these thoughts as soon as they come, maybe because I usually try to avoid conflict, or maybe because I believe that people are generally good. Or maybe because I haven’t really encountered a truly evil man, or maybe I have and I’m just turning a blind eye…

Whatever the case, they exist. They attack on different fronts – physically, emotionally, spiritually. They use different methods – directly or stealthily. We can do what we can to protect ourselves – defensively or even through a preemptive attack – but true deliverance, true protection, true peace can only be found in God.

It seems like a recurring theme. The great commandment is to love God and to love others. But men – we – tend do the opposite.

You may have not experienced this evil in your life, but there are those who have, and those who still do. As you have just learned yesterday, You… You are God’s light in this dark world. Let that thought sink in.

It’s sinking in – and it is overwhelming.

Just remember, it is not you that saves – it is God. And He is able, and He will.

Thoughts on Isaiah 60

I don’t think I’m capable of saying who this passage is referring to, or when this time period will take place. I haven’t studied prophecy – the whole Bible – enough. What I can see however, is what God is capable of doing.

God can make His light shine through his people, even in thick darkness. What is this light?

This light is love in action – love for God and love for people. It is this love that compells one to bring God’s justice, mercy, grace. This is the true light – it is not merely the absence of sin, or the (passive) goodness of one’s heart. This is the kind of light that attracts peoples, nations. It makes them recognize the goodness of God, and moves them to contribute to His cause through you. And those who oppose you – those who oppose God by causing injustice – they will be brought low. Then there will be peace, there will be joy.

Thoughts on Numbers 23-24

Balak was doing everything he can to have Balaam curse the Israel camp. He just couldn’t take no for an answer, and kept upping the ante. Each time, Balaam – speaking the words given to him by God – answered the same way. We can even see Balaam gradually understanding the heart of God – from someone somewhat neutral when we first saw him, to one who showered blessings toward Israel. Both wanted to know the will and power of God, both heard the same message, but they reacted differently. Balak was indignant and left with a bitter heart. Balaam was transformed and left with joy.

When we ask God for something, we must be prepared whatever His answer. Yes, No, Stop, Wait, Go – we need to learn to let go of our agenda and trust God’s wisdom. Don’t try to convince the messenger, go straight to the master.