Day 214

Amazing Grace

Read: Isaiah 30-32

Woe to those who put their trust in Egypt instead of in God (30:1; 31:1). They look to horses and chariots for their salvation, but not to God. We may do something similar, although in a quite different form. So often we place our hope in ourselves or in other human beings when we should be putting our trust in God. This will only lead to sorrow.

How wonderful the grace of God! “The Holy One of Israel” said, “In returning and rest you shall be saved . . . But you said, ‘No!’” (30:15), yet a few verses later we read, “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you” (v. 18). “He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry” (v. 19). We say “No!” to God and he patiently waits. The moment we cry out to him from the heart, “he will answer you.” Amazing grace! As soon as we are ready to listen, he says, “This is the way, walk in it” (v. 21).

God calls us from our complacency (32:9). Because of it, the “populous city” will be deserted. Spiritual indifference will be costly. But that is not the end of the story. These tragedies will occur “until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high” (v. 15). God will graciously take the initiative, as he did again and again, especially at Pentecost. As a result, “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation” (v. 18). Israel’s history was one of their rebellion and of God’s grace.

PRAYER
Father, we praise you for your marvelous grace. Help us to show our gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.