Thursday, May 3, 2012

Concern for Israel

UV 396/10,000 Isaiah 45 v 11 Concern for Israel Isa 45:11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me The Lord as the Maker of Heaven and Earth is concerned about all creation. He is especially concerned about His children who are born out of faith in the promise through our predecessor in faith Abraham in former times and through His very Seed, Jesus Christ in latter times. It is amazing that in this uni-verse, the Lord almost sets aside His sovereignty and says, “ you can command me concerning the work of my hands.” It does not mean that we can presume to command the Almighty God but it means that the Lord has bound Himself by His promises to mankind. He is concerned about Israel. Israel at the macro level is the church, the body of believers in the promises of God. Israel at the micro level is you and me. He is concerned about our past, present and future. He is concerned about our thoughts, emotions and actions. He is concerned about our spirit, minds and bodies. He is intimately concerned about our well being. It is not just out of a sense of responsibility as the Creator but out of a sense of love and commitment as a lover, a true friend, a Father and an all knowing Master of the universe. As parents, we are concerned not only about the present well being of our children but we spare our thoughts, actions and prayers for their future. Our concern translates into words, plans and actions. It sets in motion things that will emerge in the future for the good of our children. The Lord says, “Ask of me concerning my children, of things to come.” It is the province or domain of man to know the things that are currently happening. But it is the exclusive domain of God to know the things that are to come. He revels or delights in revealing it in response to “asking.” The word ask means to request as well as to inquire. Daniel inquired of the Lord to reveal the secrets and mysteries of the dreams of kings. He asked with prayers, fasting and sackcloth. It implies that asking of the Lord means that we should prepare ourselves and arrange our inner being with humility and reverence, with faith and thanksgiving, with eager expectation and hope, with a sense of trust and surrender to the sovereign will of God. We need to inquire of the Lord to reveal secrets and mysteries concerning our workplaces or professions. We also need to ask for the fulfillment of our dreams and desires. We need to ask of the Lord about the future of the world, the nations, the nation of which we are a part, our families, our children. Asking means an attitude of faith and surrender, diligence in seeking and persistence in knocking on the door of Heaven. Prateep V Philip

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