RE Verse reading–Isaiah 6 (day two) ” ‘Woe is me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips’ ” (vs 5) A real encounter with God is much harder than we normally think. For all the promise of eternal life and mind-boggling peace, a friendship with the Holy One comes with a cost. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, his first feelings were of danger and vulnerability. The temple shook and filled with smoke–like an earthquake or a house fire. Disturbing! He also experienced guilt. Peter felt the same in his first encounters with Christ. (see Luke 5:8) Painful? Yes! Life-giving? Yes, yes! Jesus said, “The way is DIFFICULT that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14) Perhaps we should read it “The way is difficult that leads to LIFE” No discouragement here. Just honest truth. Walking in friendship with God is hard start, hard assignment with a great finish!
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11)
I have much to say, but am trying hard not to come across in an offensive way. What I am trying to do is express what the Lord has shown me. He spoke to me today about His Love. How when I walk in the experience of this Love (abide in Him), I will have what I need to make the yoke easy and the burden light…no matter what is going on around me. His Peace will sustain me and and His Joy will be my strength.
Obviously, I am struggling with this or He would not be talking to me about it….but it is becoming clear to me that I am to finish with the works….not start with them. Small but oh so critical difference. If I get this backwards, it will indeed be “hard” because I will be working for Him and not from Him. Thus, it will still just be me….trying to do what I think is right…. instead of Him living His LIFE through me.
Father, may you give us Wisdom and Grace. Thank you.