Isaiah was quick to obey, even if it was a very very humiliating command – He was naked and barefoot for three years to be a sign to Egypt and Cush of what they will go through. Too much? Perhaps.. but this is a man who has seen God face to face. Coming from that experience, the things of this world will seem so trivial compared to the power of God, the seriousness of His message, and the absoluteness of His commands.

How much of God have I experienced? How has that affected my love, reverence and obedience?

The Lord is powerful. As I have learned the past days, His power can build or destroy nations and, in a more personal setting, organizations. Sometimes, the only thing standing between the judgement of God to nations or organizations are His children. So what are we going to do with this tremendous power? Are we going to give a blessing or a curse?

And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them. And the Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them… In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” (Isaiah 19:21, 22, 24, 25 ESV)

Beautiful..

In the end, the goal of God’s discipline is not just for judgement. It is for people – His creation – to see God, to repent and come back to Him.

The rules – laws – on bodily discharges.

Water must have been scarce, and water for bathing and for laundry must have been a luxury in the Old Testament. Something I easily take for granted. Also, women have to go to the temple to sacrifice at least once a month – that must have been expensive.

The lesson for me here I think is, not all things that causes us to be unclean are deliberate. Some things are just part of our human nature, something we cannot help. For those things, we still need cleansing to be able to approach God.

First I was “ouch”, then I was “hey that’s harsh”, and then I was like, “oh so that’s why”.

The psalmist speaks honestly and without restraint. His love and goodness were repaid with hatred and evil. He calls out to God in prayer as his response, not taking matters in his own hands. It seems that his requests are harsh, but what he is really asking for is justice. Deep inside we all ask God for that. Especially when we encounter oppression, greed, haughtiness, and all sorts of evil. You know what? God will deliver. In His time and way and perfect wisdom, he will judge all of humanity – including you and me. When He does, who can stand? No one. No one apart from the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Only through Jesus can we be righteous before God. Thank you Lord. You are powerful and mighty, and your love and grace are great. Thank you.