I was reading this morning in Isaiah 54. The Lord compares His chosen people to a much-beloved woman in this chapter, as He promises to keep His covenant with them.
One of the most often-claimed verses of this chapter is verse 17 - - - (NIV)
"No weapon formed against you will prevail,
And you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And this is their vindication from me, says the Lord."
Who are "the servants of the Lord" mentioned in this passage? They are most specifically the Jewish people of Isaiah's day, and in a broader application today, all those who belong to Jesus.
What does this promise mean? What is meant by a "weapon"?
Obviously, this promise does not mean that nothing bad will ever befall the Christian. That would be a ridiculous conclusion to draw. What is meant here is a "spiritual weapon". If you will recall the passage in the New Testament about putting on the entire armor of God, so as to effectively withstand satan's attacks (Ephesians 6), you will get an idea of what is meant here in Isaiah 54:17.
Elsewhere in the New Testament, we are told by Jesus Himself that we will be the target of satanic attack: (Matthew 10:28, NET Bible)
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead reverence, respect, "fear" the One (God) who is able to destroy both body and soul in Hell."
We need to be aware that, while all manner of spiritual attacks will be leveled against us, our souls are Christ's, which means that satan cannot destroy them. "No weapon formed against you will prevail."
What about that next statement?
"And you will refute every tongue that accuses you."
In The Message translation Peterson states that like this:
"Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar."
We know that our legal system in America, while the best in the world, is not perfect. I sincerely hope to never be fighting someone in court. However, again, this is talking about the spiritual realm, a "spiritual court".
As our world continues to become increasingly hostile to the message of Jesus Christ, we, His disciples, have the assurance that spiritually, we know the Truth, and that that Truth will stand for all eternity.
I was reading recently in McDowell's book, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, about the endurance of our Christian faith and, in particular, the Bible. Let me share a little of that here.
"The Church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers. If this book had not been the book of God, men would have destroyed it long ago. Emperors and popes, kings and priests, princes and rulers have all tried their hand at it; they die and the book still lives. No other book has been so chopped, knived, sifted, scrutinized and vilified. Yet, the Bible is still loved by millions, read by millions and studied by millions." (p. 21)
So, when we are "called into court" by non-believers, scoffers who demean our "simple faith", what should be our response? How should we "refute" their accusations?
We should, with gentleness and humility, be prepared to "give a reason for the hope that lies within us". The apostle Peter, who history tells us was crucified upside down for refusing to recant his faith, admonishes us about how to deal with scoffers: (1 Peter 3:15-16, HCSB version)
"but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame."
This is why I read, in addition to the Bible, commentaries and books such as the one mentioned above. They help me to be prepared to defend my beliefs when that action is called for.
Since we know the Truth, we can rest in the confidence Jesus gives! There is no need to be offensive to others. We must remember in dealing with scoffers that they are in God's hands. Sometimes, I get so upset, thinking about their eternal destiny that I get a little .... agitated when "giving a reason for the hope that is in me". But, that only frustrates any spiritual progress that is being made. God is in control, and He will move on their hearts. How He deals with them is not up to us. We must pray diligently for them, as this makes a tremendous difference to God....our prayers. He listens and moves in accordance with them. But, back to the point, scoffers need to see our calm assurance; it is such a powerful testimony to the peace that Jesus gives, and the validity of our faith. That kind of peace is transformative!
Alright, are we prepared to face this day? Go forward, Believer. Walk resplendent in the confidence that only our Savior can give!
Good morning Lord, thank you for giving Your children supernatural weapons that defeat the enemy. Please remind us of this truth when we find ourselves in the middle of a battle. So often we forget Whom we serve, and that, ultimately, the war will be won by our side. I confess my lack of faith, and my many sins in general. Thank you for forgiving them all! I think back to the times that I've called on You to fight for me; you have never failed to do mighty things. I am amazed at Your mercy and Your wonderful works! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today, loving Father, so that I might walk....resplendent. In Jesus name, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment