Are we a Let-er?

O. T. #1638  "Are We a Let-er?"
Feb. 28, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Are we a let-er? No, I didn't misspell the word. Will you let me show you what I mean by that question?
Can we let things turn out as God would have them? Can we let our children go when the time comes? Can we let Him have His way in our heart and life? Can we let ...
Or do we need to have our way, maintain control of our children and our circumstances and our life?
Are you a let-er? Am I a let-er? Will we let God...

We can't leave this chapter without looking at a few more things that jumped out at me. God is speaking to Judah through His prophet Isaiah.
How is God identifying Himself to Judah?

• I the LORD (verse 4)
• the First and Last (verse 4)
• I am He (verse 4)
• I am thy God (verse 10)
• thy Redeemer (verse 14)
• the Holy One of Israel (verse 14)
• God of Israel (verse 17)
• King of Jacob (verse 21)

(Capital letters were added by me for they are proper nouns and refer to God, our deity.)
Sometimes we can use a reminder of who God is. It is overwhelming to think that He has always existed, since we are confined to time and space. We have to chew on that a while.  Isn't it comforting to know that God is the Last and He will be with us always, even when the earth is destroyed and a new earth will exist? He is He, He is God, He is our Redeemer.

Another thing, how does God identify Judah (and you and me)?

• dust (verse 2)
• servant (verse 9)
• chosen (verse 9)
• worm (verse 14)
• descendants of Abraham, God's friend (verse 8)

Ann Voskamp had this to say on her website:

When we know we are but dust, when our hearts have been crushed-is exactly when we are meant to entrust all into the hands of the Potter, so He can remake all to be more like Christ. Those of us who are dust have a certain Hope that cannot fade. And those of us who give up our ways, find God makes a sure Way. And those of us who want His Word most, find ourselves wanting for nothing. give up-whatever you need-to hear God speak. God speaks Hope to those who sacrifice for the love of His heartbeat.

Jesus is our Hope, our Way. Come on Ms. Dust or Mr. Dust, let's stir up some dust as we share the Hope that is within us. Because soon for some of us, we will return to dust and our opportunities will be passed. Even though, alone, dust is so very tiny, when many specks of dust stir together, they stir up a cloud of dust and are a strong witness. We can be used by God to proclaim He is our Redeemer.

LET IT GROW

I don't know how I missed it the first time through this chapter, but I found a lot of times the word let is mentioned in the first verse. Although God is talking to the islands (nations of unbelievers) with rhetorical questions, He can be speaking to His children, also.

The answers are designed to bring recognition to the true God who has brought the circumstances into existence. (Falwell)

Let in the Hebrew language has several meanings-to give; apply; bestow; bring; yield.

• Let the people renew their strength. God is the strength of my heart. My portion forever. (Ps. 73:26b)
• Let them come near. Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8)
• Let them speak. Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor. (Zechariah 8:16)
• Let us come near together to judgment. What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

Do you need strength today? It is found in God, so come near to Him and He will be what you need, all that we need, provide what we need.


LET IT GO
You are my God, my Redeemer, and my King.
I am but dust, created and sustained by You; a worm, yet a child of the King Jesus.
I am chosen and a servant of the Master.
Please bless all who read this today with strength to carry on; draw us near to the heart of God.
Help us to speak truth, live justly, love to show mercy to others, walk humbly before You and by faith.