(This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of the Series, “The Power of a Fresh Start!” WATCH HERE)
Isaiah 49 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the LORD called me;
from my birth he has made mention of my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.
3 He said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
Perhaps one of the most notable monarchies is the royal family of England. They often make the real news and the tabloid news with the scandals of relationships or the birth of new princes and princesses.
What’s interesting about a royal family, is that even before a child is born, there is a title waiting for them. Before Prince William was born, he was heir to the throne, second only to his father who is now the king. Before William’s son George was born, he was already next in line to the throne.
I am not a “Royal watcher” but the monarchy has some intriguing points to it. Merely by birth do you hold a title and responsibility. That right can be abdicated if you remove yourself from the Royal family, or you can be removed if your rule is deemed destructive. You can only inherit the throne as a supporter of the Church of England and if you were Catholic, you are disqualified.
Not many people have their life position and occupation dictated to them at or before birth. However, one much greater than any British Royal was set apart before his birth for a special task…of being the Savior of the world and ruler over all.
Like a Royal birth announcement, Isaiah wants the world to hear: “Listen to me, you islands, hear this, you distant nations.” What is about to be shared has ramifications for all people…down to you and me. There was someone of importance coming on the scene who would be the servant of the Lord and display the Lord’s splendor. He was one whose main weapon would not be a sword of polished steel, but a mouth of powerful words.
What would those words do?
Jesus words would bring truth the world so desperately needed. Far greater than any earthly ruler, would the words that Jesus spoke influence the hearts and lives of people. They would be words of good news that people would be led to believe and find peace, joy and hope in Jesus. They would be words that would cut to the heart, for the sole purpose of exposing and eliminating sin and all that could destroy one’s relationship with the Lord. They were precise words that the Spirit would use to convict of sin and comfort with forgiveness. They would be words that would display the promises and power of God. How do we know? Consider just a few verses:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
This is what Jesus came to bring…the power of God’s Word to the heart of God’s people.
And that’s way more significant than any message or work the British royals could ever do.
Apply: What impact has the Word of God made on you? What is one way to bring the power of God’s Word into your life daily?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for connecting me to your family of grace through the power of your word. AMEN.