“I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” Isaiah 45:2-3 (NRS)
In the natural course of life, we tend to place our hope in things that will eventually fail us; our abilities, our character, our wealth, our credentials or position, and our skills; but they will all fail us in the end.
Perhaps Israel was shocked to learn that Cyrus the Persian king was the anointed instrument of God. Surely God would only use someone from his own elect people to achieve his purposes. But this attitude leads to a grave error of understanding. God is not the God of any exclusive group of people. Rather, he is God over the whole earth.
Note that God is not limited by human instruments or understanding. Not only does God choose the instrument, he empowers it to achieve his objectives. This should greatly relieve our stress and provide excitement. The responsibility to get things done is not ours but his. Certainly, we must be up and about the Father’s business, but he is the one who goes before us conquering and preparing the way. He is the one who breaks down the enemies defenses.
The point? First, we must recognize and acknowledge who has commissioned us. We must rely on the one who has called us. And second, any instrument God calls, commissions, and uses is for the purpose of keeping his promises to his people.
Aren’t you glad that God goes before you? Praise him because he has called you and commissioned you in his service.
Dear Father, thank you for calling us and commissioning us in your service. May we always be faithful in obedience. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the victory of God’s work,