Swhw Bible Reading Plan: AprilSample

Top Takeaway from Alonda Tanner:

Things are not always as they seem. We witness this in today's reading as the prophet Isaiah paints two very different pictures of the people of Egypt. 

Many times throughout the Bible, Egypt is pictured as a land that is flourishing. The rivers allowed the desert land to cultivate bountiful crops and sustain farmlands and animals. Some of the finest fabrics and threads of that time came from Egypt, and because of their access to the ocean and ability to navigate the waters, they were masters of trading. Politically speaking, the Egyptians were powerful and carried great amounts of influence. They had mighty armies, and for the most part, were safe from rivals. 

If you're on the outside looking in, Egypt would seem to have it made. However, to the God who knows men's hearts, Egypt was bankrupt and defiled. Despite all God had given the people and the many ways He had allowed them to prosper, the Egyptians still perceived themselves as sufficient in their own ways; in no need of the One, true, living God. 

In Isaiah chapter 19, God gives us a description of the practices the Egyptians were a part of that grieved Him. In this same chapter, the prophet Isaiah warns of God's coming response to these grievances. We'll just say the fruit of their choices (though just because God is just and it is Him who rendered the verdict), is anything but pretty. 

Everything God had given them as a tool to flourish, He was going to remove: their strength and wealth, influence, and power. They would see that they are not sufficient in their own strength and just how much God loved them and blessed them; even in their sin. 

We forget that sometimes; God loves us even in our sin. I love that reminder because it positions me to see the hope of the gospel even in our hardship. I see it even here, in the book of Isaiah. 

“...For they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them.” Isaiah 19:20 

The Lord will be known in Egypt (Isaiah 19:21). He will heal it and the people will return to the Lord (Isaiah 19:22).

As well off as the Egyptians thought they were, nothing can compare to the life they'd gain by returning to the Lord. 

We all have pictures in our minds of what it looks like to flourish. We think, if we only had this much... or if I could only accomplish... if I could only be...

Today's reading is a reminder that as full as we make our lives to be with all our aspirations and endeavors, without God and His righteousness alive in our lives, we're bankrupt. It's by His grace alone that we have what we have. Even then, the only gain that stays with us through all of eternity is a relationship with Jesus.

May our wealth be measured by our relationship with the Lord. 

God, Your love for us is so much bigger than anything my mind can comprehend. You sent Your Son, who stood in the midst of His enemies, was mocked, betrayed, falsely accused, and yet His love did not alter. I want to reflect that kind of love, but I know that I can't do it on my own. I'm asking You to teach me. Give us the grace, wisdom, and courage to love even those who pivot themselves against us. And may the love we give consistently point them to You and Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.