Reading
- Isa. 57:1-59:21
Devotional
Today's devotional will focus on three key truths that GOD gives us from His mind.
1. Why Righteous People Die
One of the most frequently asked questions is, "Why do good people die?" GOD gives us the answer in Isa. 57:1-2:
1 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
(Isa. 57:1-2 NIV)
According to these verses GOD allows righteous people to die so that they will be spared from evil. This life on earth is a training ground—a test—to see what kind of person you and I will be. Will we love and obey GOD or will we serve our own desires only listening to what our body tells us to do? In this life righteous people and evil people coexist. GOD allows this, among other reasons, so that the righteous may teach the wicked to know GOD so that they will be saved before it's too late. Jesus called the righteous the salt of the earth and lights of a city set upon a hill. In other words, the righteous live in such a way that they reflect (or show) GOD to the world around them.
However, it seems that it would be unfair or unjust for GOD to force the righteous to put up with a world of wicked people for eternity. Thus, GOD has appointed a time where each of us will die and the righteous and the wicked will then be separated. The comforting truth is that for the righteous person they will truly rest in peace. Not so for the wicked. They shall be in torment in hell for eternity.
2. GOD Dwells with Those who are Humble and Contrite of Heart
15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
(Isa. 57:15 NKJV)
GOD is holy. He dwells in heaven which is so far high above and exalted beyond us that we can't even imagine the distance. He should always be revered (respected highly) and we need to consider our sinful condition when we think of GOD so as to recognize the great distance that exists based upon our deeds alone. That's what is so amazing about this promise from GOD—He chooses to dwell with the humble person in order to revive (give life to) their spirit and heart. What a wonderful gift! I must recognize my need to be humble before Him in order for Him to dwell and revive my heart and spirit.
3. Our Sin Separates Us from GOD, but There is a Redeemer who Can Save Us
1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear...When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. 20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” Says the LORD.
(Isa. 59:1-2, 19b-20 NKJV)
GOD is ever-ready to save us. All we need to do is turn to Him for help.
