Sitting at my desk at work
Very quiet day--Wednesdays are normally kinda blah
What's Going On
I am loving where I'm at right now. Being married is amazing. I'm so thankful for Lynsey. It's crazy how we complement each other. She helps me be more time oriented while I help her to slow down a little. On top of that, my job is going well. I'm looking forward to doing more with young adults not only at work, but also at church. A few leaders at church have talked to me about leading a small group. I'm excited about that. I am anxious to actually start what some would call "ministry." I've spent the last 5 or 6 years in college preparing myself. Now it's time to actually do the work. I'm also excited about the possibility of starting seminary soon, if I'm accepted.
Today's Passage=Isaiah 59
Initial reaction
The passage seems to go along with chapter 58 in that it picks up where 58 left off. God had just gotten done rebuking the Children of Israel for using their status with God for their own profit. God seems to have a righteous indignation against these people. They have wronged Him.
A few observationsThe thing I found most interesting was in verse 17.
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate,When I read these objects of clothing/armor, my mind automatically went to the things these pieces of armor or clothing protect.
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,
And was clad with zeal as a cloak.
A breastplate protects vital organs. If you get hit with something in the heart, stomach, or other part of the torso, chances are you're going to be in bad shape. Christ put on a breastplate of righteousness. He used righteous living as protection against very important parts of his body. His righteousness protected Him from anything that might harm a vital part of His life.
The flip-side of this is that when I am not practicing righteousness, I am leaving myself open for dangerous stuff!
Christ also put a helmet of salvation on His head. How interesting that salvation is directly related to the mind. Salvation protects the organ that controls the rest of the body. The thinking. The movement. The ability to reason. The memory. Really awesome picture there.
Without salvation, my mind is impacted in a negative way. I am left open to anything that might hinder me from thinking, moving, reasoning, remembering, etc. things properly. How awesome is the Lord's salvation.
Lord,
I am grateful for your provision and blessings. May I have the mindset that realizes You are in control and that all of this that is happening is not the end in and of itself but in reality some strange combination of the means and the end. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Don't give us too much Lord. We do not want to be reliant upon our own skill and insight. It is You that sustains us.
Continue to grant us opportunities to meet people who don't know You. Those whom You love. Help us become uncomfortable in order to build relationships.
Thank You for Your salvation and righteousness, protecting us from harm to vital parts of our bodies.
Lead us, O God. Turn our hearts back to You.
Jacob
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