Small Dust

O. T. #1628. "Small Dust"
Feb. 13, 2020
Isaiah 40-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Yesterday we were reassured that the Word of God will stand forever. Things change and people pass away, but one is for certain, God's Word does not change and lasts forever. It will happen as He said, for our God is faithful and keeps His Word. Isn't that reassuring?

Picking up at verse 9, we read about the prophet, who is like a messenger on a mountain, visible and heard by all, and loudly proclaims good news of God's presence to the rest of Judah's cities, "Your God is coming!"
(This can be in reference to whenever the remnant of those in captivity in Babylon return to Jerusalem after 70 years. It can also refer to the millennial rule of Jesus.

How is God described?

• He is coming in power.
• He will rule (over defeated enemies) with a powerful arm (a symbol of His military strength).
• He brings His reward with him as He comes. (verse 10)
• He will feed His flock like a shepherd.
• He will carry His lambs (exiled people) in His arms, holding them close to His heart.
• He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young (back to Jerusalem). (verse 11)

What a metaphor. God is often pictured as a shepherd gently caring for and guiding His flock. We are referred to as His sheep who have gone astray.
Throughout Scriptures, Jesus is called a shepherd
(Ps. 23); the good shepherd (John 10:11,14); the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); and the chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Our Shepherd cares for us defenseless one with His strength. (Life Application Study Bible)

On whom are we depending and trusting?

LET IT GROW

Since I live on a dirt road, I can relate to the metaphor of being like small dust. Although there are rather good sized rocks along my road, there are also small pebbles. As automobiles travel along it, dust flies up. then it settles down in the field or in my house. How amazing it is that tiny dust particles can get in my house. But I see the evidence when I finally get around to dusting furniture. Yep, compared to a vast nation, I am just a little thing, as well in comparison to our big God. However, we are important to Him.

In verses 12-14, there are a series of questions. The answer, of course, is "God alone". He has power to create the physical universe and keep the earth in perfect balance, weigh the mountains and seas perfectly, move the earth in space perfectly. God is omnipotent and omniscient. He keeps everything in balance. No one has directed Him, nor given God counsel. The Spirit of the Lord directs people and circumstances. Nations are as a drop of a bucket and counted as the small dust of the balance. There is no sufficient animal of earth that can be an adequate sacrifice for sin. Therefore Jesus came to be that sufficient sacrifice, shedding His blood for us. Nothing can compare to Him. We worship our Great God, Sufficient Savior, and God speaking as the Holy Spirit, the trinity.

Do you need comfort today? Do you need direction today? Go to God through Jesus our intercessor, the One who has the answer.

LET IT GO

Thank You for gently bring me back to You when I stray, Jesus.
Direct my steps today.
Remind me that I am only a tiny dust in this world, but have a purpose in Kingdom work.