Hang In There

O. T. #1656  "Hang in There"
March 26, 2020
Isaiah 45-Part 4
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captivities, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of Hosts. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Are you showing kindness and love to others during this time of uncertainty? Are you encouraging others that God will see us through? Hang in there friends. We will survive the coronavirus and we can tell our grandchildren about it.

Read our key verse above. What is God telling Israel?

• God was going to raise up and use the unrighteous King Cyrus of Persia to accomplish God's righteous purposes.
• God will direct his ways, actions.
• Cyrus would be used to rebuild Jerusalem, by supplying what they needed and for them to take with them on their journey home.
• Cyrus would let go the Israelites who were captives in Babylon and Assyria.
• Cyrus would do such things not for money nor reward. The king would be rich because he will conquer those two empires, though, but that is not his motive.

The word righteousness appears 6 times in this chapter; it means the right (nationally, morally, legally; just.

It is for God's purposes that Cyrus would do these things.
Friends, what can we learn from this verse for our life?
Our loving God can raise us believers in Christ up in His righteousness, as well as non-Christians.
He can directs our ways and actions.
We can be a part in building the kingdom of God by sharing the gospel.
We can help those who are held captives in their sin to be set free by leading them to salvation in Jesus Christ. Also, we can give hope to people who are captives of porn, immoral practices, financial bondage, doubt and fear.
Our purpose should not be for money or rewards, but for the glory of God as being a faithful servant.

Are we sharing hope to others in this time of instability in our nation?
Are we still faithful to pray for others and our loved ones daily?
Are we sharing and caring as instruments of Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Another word jumped out at me as it appeared 3 times in this chapter. It is the word ashamed, which be (put to) confounded.

In verse 16, who will be ashamed, confounded, or humiliated? It is the makers of idols, those craftsmen.
In verse 17, it is different-Israel will not be ashamed nor confounded because they will be saved.
Verse 24 is talking about someone else-those who are angry with God will come to Him and be ashamed.

There will always be people who will reject the gospel, that they are sinner in need of a Savior; they will not admit they are sinners and their works will not get them to heaven. However, we do not know who they are, so we are obligated to share the love of Jesus with them.

LET IT GO
Jesus, how awesome You are, for You have provided us with salvation.
You are our righteousness, for our is as dirty rags.
Be our strength through these uncertain days.
Help us keep faith in Your deliverance.
Remind us that this too shall pass.
God is telling us to hang in there.
One day we shall declared that You are faithful.
May we not be ashamed when we stand before You in eternity.