Isaiah 24:1-26:21
Another tension which, if we really get right, will bring us into unspeakable freedom. “A curse consumes the earth, its people must bear their guilt.” “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.” We are guilty. We have defiled the earth, we have broken the everlasting covenant. The earth has rightly and justly been cursed for our wickedness and we deserve to be left in ruins. Can we admit that about ourselves? It is actually quite liberating to just be honest, to not have to pretend that we are good enough. We’re not. At least I’m not. I’m horrid. But we will feast abundantly, the tears will be wiped from our eyes, disgrace will be removed from our presence. We will have a glorious and glad and joyful future. Do we hold onto that, can we believe that? I think most people slide to one extreme or the other. People often either hate themselves and think the future will be bleak or believe an amazing future is coming because of their innate goodness and skill. Only grace enables us go for both extremes. It is only because of the salvation made by our God that we can freely say “I waste away, I waste away! Woe to me!” at the same time as singing “Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.”
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
What a loser. Old namby pamby Paul has taken more beatings than Mike Tyson’s face. He lost in nearly every single aspect of his life - he lost blood, he lost health, he lost reputation, he lost arguments, he lost property, he lost sleep, he lost friends, he lost clothing, he lost peace. He was a complete loser. And he was proud of it! My general practice is to shun any possibility of loss and then, when it happens, to cover it up with everything I’ve got. But Paul went the opposite way. Why? Because his focus was on the God and Father of the Lord Jesus. Paul’s focus was on praising Him forever. And Paul knew that Jesus praised the Father by dying on the cross. Jesus glorified the name of the Father by losing - by being handed over to evil men who took all he ever had. God is often praised by us losing. So how often do we lose? How willing are we to lose? Is our life a catalogue of things we have lost for the sake of Jesus? If it is, it is not something to regret, it is something to boast about. For when we are weak, then his strength is shown. When we admit our weakness, people will give Him praise.
Psalm 106:32-39
Goodness me. There were a rum lot. I’m glad I’m not at all like them...
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