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Pay the Price

Day 182

Reading: Isaiah 17:1 - Isaiah 21:17

Serving God comes with a price and a glorious prize. A very heavy price that one must pay. When Isaiah was responding to the question God asked on whom to send I don't think he knew some of the things he would do. However, once you have given yourself to God then total and absolute obedience is a requirement. 

Isaiah is one prophet who really spoke against the enemies of Israel. He declares woes to Babylon, which was the biggest empire of his time. He declares the end of the Assyrian empire. He reminds Egypt of previous judgements from God. Reading through the woes that Isaiah declared I am humbled at how God moves. Many may be tempted to say to the enemy good for you, however, let me urge restraint and caution against such thinking or speaking. You ask why? Never allow yourself to think of yourself more highly than those God has judged. Remember the reason you are not facing judgement is that of God's mercy not your worthiness in life.

In the midst of the declaring the woes to the nations, God instructs Isaiah to carry out a prophetic action. He was to walk naked and barefoot. He did this for 3 years. He walked naked. The Hebrew word translated here to naked doesn't imply partial nakedness as we may try to think. Isaiah sent of God, the man who had a vision of the throne of God, who was sent to speak to kings was instructed to walk naked. Such instructions that make one look like a fool require a death to self. 

In my studying Isaiah, not only am I in awe at the magnitude of his prophetic ministry but the price he paid in following God. Isaiah teaches me that if my desire is to be used by God in whatever capacity or role then I must be willing to follow Him wholly. God desires we serve Him wholeheartedly. 

Memory Verse: Isaiah 19:1

Decree: 

Isaiah 19:1
The burden against Egypt. Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, and will come into Egypt; the idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. (italics mine)
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