Only what God builds lasts
Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:
What did I like about today’s passage?
Today continues yesterday's difficult theme about God's determination to humble the proud, and if we think that just means other people, we're missing the point. That's the uncomfortable bit. It applies to rich trading nations like Tyre, but also everyone else whose disregard of God's natural laws ends up ruining the earth. Isaiah describes devastation beyond natural disaster - as if God will actively amplify the effects of human greed and rebellion and see that we find ruin in the things we relied upon for strength.
I find the praise in chapter 25 a really odd image, like some weird post-apocalyptic party on top of the rubble. What would there be to celebrate after such a disaster? Isaiah points to a few things. God's promised actions are to destroy strongholds against him and his people. God will protect the poor and needy - this isn't to be confused with a natural disaster where the poor tend to suffer the most. In fact, the end result will not be devastation but feasting, celebration, recognition of God, praise and new life free from shame, guilt or oppression. Great things are to come, but human pride and its effects - our "high fortified walls" - have to be dealt with before we can enjoy the best possible life. Only what God builds lasts.
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
Isaiah is very consistent in his themes! Again we see God as active, not content to let people go on hurting themselves and each other forever, preparing to act decisively against evil, and ready to protect, feed and enjoy spending time with everyone who will trust in him.
What am I going to do differently as a result?
How much do I trust in God? Sometimes I think I mix up my trust in him with trust in my own cleverness. I also tend to think that whatever I don't know or can't do I can remedy with a quick Google search. I don't think that means I should stop being curious or connected, or resolve to be more ignorant or reckless. Rather I want to get better at making the most of the time and money we're entrusted with, but I need to acknowledge something first.
I can't live a great life alone, or even in community with other people if all we do is praise and rely on ourselves and each other. I want to declare right here that I think the best of what I know comes from God, and in all the many things I don't know, I want to trust God more than Google as a source of help when I'm searching.
Who am I going to share this with?
These striking images and my choice to seek God as a result seem like they should be relevant in discussions with people in my community who want a better world, but don’t yet look to God for it.