Prophecy 18: Isaiah 6:9-10

Daily Thoughts – December 22^nd   

Prophecy 18: Isaiah 6:9-10

"He said, "Go and tell this people:" 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." - Isaiah 6:9-10

Isaiah 6:9-10 and cross references

Word pictures confuse me most of the time. Lisa used to use word pictures frequently to get her point across in discussions. She was really good at it, drawing on topics she knew I would have an interest in like Baseball, Football or anything technical. How she could take an everyday discussion on parenting our children or dealing with our finances or improving our communication and turn it into a parable that got her point across in a way that I could relate too. The problem is that they are only effective the first time they're used. Each subsequent time that a similar word picture or parable is used it tends to fall short of making the point for one reason or another.

The prophecy from Isaiah 6:9-10 reflects on God's directions after Isaiah stepped forward to serve God. God's direct command, "GO..." calls Isaiah out to a service for the most Holy. He is to prepare the people of Israel for the Messiah who will come preaching and teaching in manners that are not understood by man. In order that the people draw closer to the Messiah for answers to life’s questions. In turn, this allows them to be healed by Him.

Christ comes into His ministry filled with parables and stories to make His point. How many times have you read the story of the fig tree in Luke 13 and scratched your head as to the meaning? Or the parable in Luke 18 about the rich man regarding the camel going through the eye of a needle? Christ's parables are a way for His pupils and His followers to continue striving to learn more, rather than to quickly understand based on their own knowledge. For us today, these parables contain the same strengths. They draw us to Christ so that we may learn about His ministry and His message for the masses. In turn we are capable of then sharing that information with the people we come into contact with.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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It’s Time To Step It Up

Click Here: Read Luke 18

 

“But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” – Luke 18:16-17

 

Jesus father figure on earth was Joseph.  Not much is known about him, other than he was from Bethlehem, and lived in Nazareth near Galilee. He was a carpenter by trade, and a devout Jew by heritage.  We know this because of his adherence to Jewish law and the visit of God’s angel to tell of Mary’s pregnancy.  Jesus as a boy would have followed Joseph, watched him and learned from him about life, about hard work, about how to treat others.  I can imagine Joseph knew of his son’s special place in God’s plans, which had to cause some level of uncertainty in his abilities as a father to God’s son.  We don’t see Joseph at the end of Christ’s life, during his years of ministry, death and resurrection.  But, when Jesus calls the children to come to him, all of the instincts from his loving fatherly relationship with Joseph kick in.  I can picture him laughing, tickling, hugging, and bouncing these children on his knee, while demonstrating just how much they are loved by God the father.

What a blessing it is to be a father and a grandfather.   There is nothing that can come close to the joy of seeing your children grow, mature and experience life to the fullest.  When they are born, you realize just how little you know about being a Dad.  The fears, the commitment and the protector in you develops quickly though.  It’s amazing how much you realize the selfishness that is within as you begin to whittle away at your own desires and begin to take on theirs.  The life mission of a parent shifts from dreams of personal gain and success, to supporting and fulfilling the dreams and desires of others.

Small things in their life began to take on huge meaning. With each passing moment, they become more distant and self-sufficient.  Within a very short time, you realize they do not need you as much as you need them.  They try your patience as they make mistakes, but they love you more than you deserve or could ever imagine.  As a parent you also will make mistakes in life, and the ones most impacted, by those mistakes, will be the ones you are trying to protect the most.  But, this is also the same group that will be the most forgiving and accepting of your faults and failures.


Realize you are their role model, you alone will determine who they become in life and what they will aspire too.  Jesus came to the earth as our role model.  He lived a life perfect from sin, loving others and speaking the truth and righteousness of the Father.  His war was with Satan, not mankind.  He brought a message to the masses that we are to love one another, and forgive one another.  He is our guide, our safe place and our example to live by, so that our children might one day claim Him as their own. 

You need not live perfectly in this world, for it is impossible to do so.  But, you do need to live a life that your children and the children around will see Christ in your actions.  Just as Joseph had the task of raising the son of God, you have the task of raising disciples of Jesus Christ.  Step up and realize the potential God has placed within you to parent these children for His Kingdom.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts