“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” (Isaiah 34:16 KJV)
Several years ago while in seminary, I asked my preaching professor, Dr. Robert Smith, to help me think through a sermon idea. In the course of our conversations, Dr. Smith suggested I consider today’s text. From that day until now, no matter where we see one another, Dr. Smith greets me by saying, “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord” to which I respond, “and read.”
Since that initial introduction to this passage, I have considered it more carefully. Isaiah, chapter 34 is God’s challenge to “the nations” to consider his faithfulness to his promises and judgments. It is easy to assume that God might adjust his promises and judgments to accommodate us. As the politicians say, “compromise is what makes the world go round.”
Yet, speaking the truth in love, God simply refers the nations to discover “the word of the Lord” and search in it to see if He has ever failed to do what He has recorded there. It is wonderful to know that our God is faithful both to his people and to his Word. He is not capricious only faithful to his word.
The fact of God’s faithfulness makes his word more precious than gold or silver. We can depend on it like a solid foundation. It is music to our ears and nourishment to our souls. It bathes the path we walk with the light of understanding and produces faith for living. No matter how many times we read it, God’s Word reveals new and fresh meaning; produces deep comfort; and makes our hearts sing. Why? Because we know that God is faithful to achieve all that He has promised and proclaimed.
Check him out . . . check his book out and see what He says. You’ll find it hasn’t changed since He wrote it.
Dear Father, thank you for your faithfulness to your Word. Empower us with that the same quality of faithfulness. I ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s faithfulness,