Isaiah 51:7-8
“Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.””
Isaiah 51:7-8 NIV
Nobody likes to be ridiculed in public. Chances are pretty good that we remember a particularly embarassing moment when people laughed at us for one reason or another. There are people who really enjoy insulting others. They mock and joke at other people’s expense. But we will not let it get us down. Instead we will cling to the Word of God. His promises are sure. His faithfulness is everlasting. Every morning we wake up to His cleansing righteousness. His salvation lasts for ever. He sets things right in our lives and it will last. You’re cringing right now just thinking about it. Take it one step further. Can you think of a time when you were taunted for your faith, whether for simply believing in God at all or for believing in miracles or believing in His Word. Today’s Word reminds us that these embarassing moments will occur to God’s people, but we shouldn’t be afraid of these instances or the people who mock us. God is greater than any humiliation we might face. Jesus Christ certainly knows what shame feels like, and our allegience to Him should outweigh the sneers of others. In these verses, Isaiah addresses a fear that many of us are familiar with, the fear of man. In response to this fear, Isaiah brings comfort to the people by proclaiming the eternal righteousness of God. There is no power that can come against Him because He has already won and offers salvation to all generations. How awesome is that? We are sons and daughters to a victorious God. When we fear man, we strive for acceptance from others rather than believing we have already been accepted by Jesus. Our value becomes defined by what others think rather than being rooted in our identity in Jesus. Isaiah says we no longer have to fear the reproach of men because Jesus has defeated death and has given us His Spirit where we can find our value, acceptance, and love. We are invited to live forever with Him who takes all our fear away and replaces it with abounding peace. The fear of man can look differently for everyone. Sometimes it comes in the form of comparing yourself with others and fearing what they might think of you. For others, you fear what your friends or boss might say if you do something wrong. I want to encourage you all to lay that fear down before the Lord and allow Him to fill you with His righteousness and strength that is everlasting. Simply ask Him to replace those fearful thoughts with a supernatural love for those around you!!!
Father thank You for this day and that our identity is found in Jesus. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow from the floodgates of heaven over my friend and family today. Lord we pray that our value will be found in You and You alone. Lord fill us with Your strength to help us no longer live in fear but rather in the love that You have for each of Your children. Lord help us to hold on to your promises today deep in our hearts. Lord fill us with Your faith and Your joy so that we can live a life pleasing to You. Lord set things right in us today and help us to praise Your Name all day long. Lord use my friend to be a bold witness of Your life changing saving grace to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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