Arise!

Arise!

Isaiah 60:1 AMP

[1] “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.

Isaiah was a prophet whose ministry was in the days of the kings of Judah such as Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Some of these men started well but ended badly. Some of them became proud as a result of success or victory, and thought that they could play God. In some instances, kings allowed idol worship to go unchecked, and the hearts of the people were drawn away from God. Of course, God was going to react. God had given very clear instructions on what was acceptable to Him, and had provided the template, vessels and channels for worship and sacrifices by His people. Unfortunately, like all things comfortable, we get easily distracted. The people did not fight many wars during the times of these kings, and they became complacent. May the grace of God upon my life, which should make me careful, not lead to my carelessness.

May that which God has given me to impact life with not prevent me from enjoying eternal life with Him. The people were given a land flowing with milk and honey, and all God wanted from them was submission and total obedience. As promised, He punished them when they rebelled against Him, but He would not push them out until they had really pushed Him. Isaiah prophesied for roughly 60 years during the reigns of these kings, so it was plenty of warnings. The people would not listen, and of course, the faithful God would not lie. The wages of sin have been death since sin came into the world, and God would not lower the standard for anyone. He has laid out His Word for us to be guided by, and He also supplies grace in abundance, so we have no excuse for rebellion. As I take stock today, what changes do I need to make to my current pursuits, so I do not incur God's wrath?

This is where the verse above comes in. Even in the face of judgment, the mercy of God is revealed. Even when I deserve punishment, God speaks of mercy. The people of Judah were to be punished, yet God was charging them to arise, because the light of God had come, and would be shining upon them. The people definitely did not deserve it, but then, when did man ever deserve God's mercy? In this new season, God is reminding us that His mercy is still available for all who will seek Him. Where darkness had reigned due to sin, God is promising that the light of His glory will shine. In the place where shame and disgrace were the order of the day, a new dawn of God's righteousness had come. It is very important to mention here that God will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. My response to that which God wants to do has to come from my heart. God has done His part; the time to arise is here. God's time of favour is here.