RE Verse reading–Isaiah 10:5-27 (day one) “But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy” (vs 7) Isaiah is certain that judgement is coming to Judah at the hands of the Assyrians. This cruel nation would be God’s instrument of wrath, and then later judged by God for their part in the destruction of Jerusalem. Is this fair? How may God use the Assyrians and then later hold them accountable for their actions? Isaiah’s answer is that God will judge their motives–that they intended to hurt, intended to destroy. The New Testament has the same thought. “Wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5) He is an amazing God! He looks past what we do. He sees the intentions of the heart.
God is amazing!! A God of great forgiveness.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (and the eye winks)….”You will know them by their fruits”….”If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen”….”Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”
It seems that at some point the intentions of the heart will manifest and can be discerned by others. The problem that I struggle with is how to discern only in love. When I see someone hurting others… especially younger generations …. there comes a time to act justly, love mercy… and the real key…. walk humbly with God.
Father, may you give me Wisdom in this fight. May Your will be done.