Scripture Nugget1.27.2017
Scripture Read – Isaiah 18-22
Nugget Isaiah 22:12-14
“In that day the Lord GOD of hosts called to weeping and mourning, to baldness and putting on sackcloth; but instead there was joy and festivity, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating meat and drinking wine. ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’ The LORD of hosts has revealed himself in my ears: Surely this iniquity will not be forgiven you until you die, says the Lord GOD of hosts.”
Devotional thought: “‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’ (Isa 22:13b). Sometimes we live in the midst of self-centered, self-seeking navel gazing. We can become so focused on ourselves that we lose sight of the wants and needs of others or a kingdom agenda. We put aside the more significant life questions (who we are and how we relate to God) for the base creature comforts that grab our attention today. We miss the fullness of what God had for us. We are not created to live today or tomorrow alone – we are created for eternity.” Wesleyan, Life Application Topic, Self-Seeking, pg 838, Wesley Study Bible.
Living for eternity, living eternally, instep with God our out of synch with God. Eternity is a long, long time – I can’t imagine an eternity continually fighting against God, The Creator, who has an ideal plan for creation. When God calls us to weep and mourn, to humble ourselves in worship before him, then that is what we should do. God calls us to love Him first, love others and love ourselves the way He loves us, then that is what we should do. Much of what I’ve seen I the news lately is a bunch of self-centered, self -important people caring for themselves over God and others. God’s kingdom agenda, is about life and life abundant, being fruitful and multiplying, keeping and tilling, having dominion over creation for the good of creation – not one’s selfish desires. The command to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ- assumes being a disciple of Jesus Christ- constantly learning about, transforming to be like and sharing with others. Eternal kingdom self, what is your focus?