Are You The Ones?

"Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them." (Isaiah 33:15,16 NIV)

No matter what some people about those who do everything in their power to live right, God's promises never fail. Even though, the righteous have to deal with the same things as those who live ungodly lives, God has a plan to save those who honor His Word and those who don't--will be left to suffer the consequences of their actions.

When I look at the world and the chaos that abounds, I gain greater understanding of those things the prophets said--warning people about their behavior and associations. History--if not remembered and lessons learned from it--has a way of repeating itself and we see this every day. Everything that was prophesied about the descendants of the Children of Israel is falling into place. The hatred between the brothers is being played out right now in Israel and Gaza, Syria and Afghanistan--all because of jealousy and envy. How foolish we must appear to God to not have learned our lessons well! 

Could it be that those who read the Words of the prophets read them in unbelief? Or is it stubborn nature that makes us foolish in our attempts to "prove ourselves" to others?

Whenever we think we are better or superior to another group of people--disaster is bound to come upon us and others because of our pride and ignorance. It is pride and ego that leads us to believe in our own superiority and ignorance of the truth of God's Word that makes us believe that others are inferior. This prevailing attitude often results in people cheating others, misusing and abusing people, lying, and plotting acts of violence and murder against others--superiority. Is there anyone really superior to another? When it rains--does the rain not fall on everyone at the same time or does it just fall upon those who think they are important?

Isaiah has said it well and it would profit all of us to remember that God is not a respecter of persons. His Word is truth and His promises are for everyone--the righteous and the unrighteous--shall receive their just reward for their deeds committed in the earth. I'd rather live with the understanding that I'm better off seeking God's wisdom than man's wisdom; doing what God decrees instead of what man commands; and speaking what God speaks rather than changing what God has said to accommodate man's ever-changing perspectives about God and what He has said.

I pray that God will see me as one who speaks what is right, according to His Word, and doing what is right always in His sight. I pray the same for all who love the Lord and have decided to live according to God's Word. Are you the ones?