The Daily Word of Righteousness

Isaiah, Chapter Fifty-four, #4

Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. (Isaiah 54:4,5)

Being obedient to Christ.

The above passage reminds me of the following verse:

Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!' Yet they will be put to shame." (Isaiah 66:5)

When we decide to stop trying to build our religious empire, and begin to trust the Lord's Word that He will build His own Kingdom, we are apt to become the focus of slander and criticism. This is one of the sufferings of Christ, isn't it?

While we go around looking to the Lord, praising Him in our heart, it appears we are not accomplishing much of anything. But we actually are! We are being obedient to Christ instead of walking in the light of our own fires.

Such separation to the Lord may make us appear as a "widow," so to speak. The truth is, our Maker is our husband. Our joy and song are directed toward Him. We evidently are not cutting much of a figure in the religious world; but God's eye is on us. The promise of God is He will not let us be disappointed.

When the Lord speaks of those who are of the synagogue of Satan but say they are Jews, He is referring to Christians who are busily engaged in religious endeavors. They are quick to slander anyone who is patiently waiting on the Lord. This is why they are of the synagogue of Satan, of the Accuser. They yet shall worship God at the feet of those who have been serving God quietly all the time.

The God of all the earth is with us, so we will not pay to much attention to those who wish to scorn us. After all, they scorned the very Son of God! So what can we expect? Worldly people hate the Lord; and they will hate us if He has called us out of the world.

To be continued.