A difficult chapter to read. This chapter talks about separating the “unclean” out of the camp, restitution for one’s sin to another person, and jealous husbands – which, at the surface, sounds very misogynistic. I used to justify these topics using the culture at that time as the reason, but that does not seem enough. What we know now is that there is a spiritual significance to these commands. We won’t understand if we only look at this chapter, this book, but when we look at the bigger picture – it weaves the wonderful story of God’s great love.

The first part is simpler, and the clue is there in the command, “that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of where I dwell.” God is a stickler for cleanliness? Yes, He is. But the command for physical cleanliness is a symbol for spiritual cleanliness. We know this is the case because Jesus Himself drew near to these “outcasts”. God, being Holy, requires the things and people around Him to be holy. No unclean thing or person can be in God’s camp – where He dwells – His Kingdom. With God’s standard of perfection, who can stand? No one, except for those cleansed by the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus.

The next part, restitution. The popular, and logical, way of restitution is “an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth.” But this chapter commands more, you have to give back 120%. The interesting thing for me is this, who have we sinned against the most? God. What was the price of that sin? The sacrifice of Jesus. Are we able to make full restitution for that? No, that is why it is a great gift, grace. The least we can give back is our lives. In doing so we don’t actually lose it, but we will even have a better life. We cannot out give God!

The last part, jealous husbands, will have to wait till another post : )

How big is God? All the waters of the earth can fit in His hands, He can measure the heavens from thumb to pinky. His knowledge and wisdom is so much greater than any man. Nations are like a drop in a bucket. Kings, princes, leaders are nothing compared to God and His Kingdom. He is eternal, everlasting. “He’s got the whole world (and universe) in His hands.”

So many songs have referenced Isaiah 40! Everlasting God, Indescribable, Who is like the Lord , Eagle’s Wings, Days of Elijah, Go tell it on the mountain

It is possible to know God in a personal way, just as Moses and the disciples.
What set Moses and the disciples apart? They were not at all perfect people, but compared to others they were sincere and trusted in God and His commands.

It is possible for me, and for my house, to know God in a personal way. To be able to talk, just as with a friend. God has given His invitation, by providing the Way. My part is to respond, just as Moses did, “show me your ways, let Your presence go with me as I go and, if I have found favor in your eyes, please, show me your glory.”

Reference

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— (Psalm 124:1 ESV)

Day one of our 2nd Quarter prayer and fasting* and my first message is this: “If it had not been the Lord, who was on our side.”

A great start – because so many wonderful things happened in the last three months that truly was only because of the Lord. Our family is stronger, my marriage sweeter (I think ^^), and our circumstances – yes they are better – but more than that, it’s how we were able to experience trusting God through uncertainty that has made our faith stronger. I can’t remember a time like this. Therefore, a great reminder! None of these would have happened, if it had not been the Lord who was on our side.

I do not want this to be just a fad. Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done. And it will still be through, and only because of, the Lord who is on our side.

*a specified period of time when we would give up some activities and replace them with time spent with God through prayer and reading the Bible. It was impressed in our hearts (and was reminded by the Holy Spirit) to do this quarterly, to remind us of what’s important and to keep us steady on the path where God wants us to be.

After God says through Isaiah, “Comfort, comfort my people… that her sins are forgiven”, a voice cries out, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” This was the Messiah – the Savior – that the people of God were waiting for. Since this proclamation, there were many kings and leaders, but they were all just men, none were able to display the “glory of the Lord”.

Then came Jesus. The voice Isaiah heard calling in the desert was John the Baptist preparing the people’s hearts. It is only in Jesus that complete comfort, complete forgiveness can be received. None before Him, none after Him.

Isaiah was then told to cry out that just as grass withers and flowers fade, so do people. But God’s Word will stand forever. What does that say? It says that this promise of the Messiah, as well as all of God’s promises, are true. They might not come in our lifetime, just as it was for Isaiah, but God will fulfill his promises. He has, He is, and He will.

This is great news! Go, tell it on the mountain! Share – herald – this loudly, do not fear! The great and mighty God comes – bringing with him his justice, grace, and love.