Seize the Moment – Day 1407
Return and Rest!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, January 23.
The woes continued as God rebuked His children for trying to find rescue and security apart from Him. Have you ever found yourself in a similar predicament? In Isaiah 30:1-4, God confronted the Israelites with how they are seeking protection from the Assyrians outside of His provision:
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the Lord, “Who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin; who proceed down to Egypt without consulting Me, to take refuge in the safety of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore the safety of Pharaoh will be your shame and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation.”
Not only would Israel suffer because of their misguided trust in Egypt, but all of Egypt was put to shame, as were all who put their trust in Pharoah (4-5). While this had a literal historical fulfillment, it also has an ongoing spiritual one. Don’t make alliances with the powers and principalities of this world in hopes of finding “refuge in the safety of Pharoah.” In Isaiah 30:15, God called His people to return home, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Heartbreakingly, Isaiah recorded the people’s response, “But you were not willing, and you said, ‘No, for we will flee on horses,’ therefore you shall flee! ‘And we will ride on swift horses,’ therefore those who pursue you shall be swift” (16). This world has no alliances that can save you – bigger bombs, smarter technologies, and large bank accounts will deceive you with false promises of security every time.
Seize the moment and return to the only One who can give you rest – “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).
God bless you!
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YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.