Isaiah 56, Ephesians 1

Isaiah 56

It's so significant that we remember who Isaiah was speaking to in this text. He was speaking to the people of Israel. These were Jewish people who were in covenant with God. The law and their ritual was EVERYTHING to them in their relationship with the creator. Jesus had not walked the earth yet in human form (to our knowledge). The Holy Spirit had not been given yet as our counselor. The priesthood of the believer wasn't even a concept to be taken hold of.

Everything of the Jewish faith was outlined and tangible. From the Sabbath to the Sacrifices it was written down in stone. And yet they struggled to stay true to it. Even the chosen Nation of Israel who had heard story after story of God's faithfulness to their fathers and grandfathers, who had experienced God and His leading in ways we could only dream of.

What a great challenge AND privilege it is to be able to live in Spirit as an heir to the throne in a New Covenant. What an amazing reminder that we are the "others" not born of Jewish blood or tradition that God has chosen to invite into relationship with Him, through Christ, as a child to a father!

What a humbling honor!

God, may we stay true to the heart of this New Covenant we have been called into. May we have the wisdom and leading from the Holy Spirit to discern our freedoms in Christ that we may stand blameless before you with clean hands and a pure heart.

Ephesians 1

In Christ we are more than victorious! I love how in vs.13 that Paul uses the phrasing that we are "Sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise". A Seal represents at least two things (1) possession and (2) security. What an amazing blessing and promise that Christ shared as well that when we remain in Him, He will remain in us!

I'm often reminded that in low seasons in which I've felt alone, I have often found myself intuitively wondering where God had gone. How many times must I wonder the same thing until I intuitively remember that He is constant and that I am the wanderer?