Coffee With The Lord

In my opinion there are few things in life any more beautiful and wonderful than to see a marriage restored!  In my years of pastoral ministry, I’ve seen it happen several times (and had the privilege of helping nudge it along a bit).  Someone was unfaithful, there was a serious breach of covenant, a trust was broken, and separation ensued.  But someone took the initiative, overtures were made, forgiveness was granted, trust was extended (and reciprocated), the relationship was rebuilt, and the marriage was healed and restored!  Sometimes… yes sometimes… the union ended up stronger and richer than ever before!  And when that happens I just want to exclaim “Praise the Lord!” and dance in the street!

So with that as my background, I read Isaiah 54 during “Coffee with the Lord” this morning.  God’s people, Israel, had been unfaithful to Him.  They were guilty of incredible spiritual adultery!  They had flaunted God’s love and engaged in the worst kinds of spiritual infidelity.  Separation had ensued, divorce had resulted, they reaped the sad consequences of their behavior, and judgement had come!  But the Lord, their faithful spiritual husband, reached out to them…

“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.  For the Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God.  For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you.  In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer… I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you.  For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you… All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.  In righteousness you shall be established… No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (From Isaiah 54 ESV)

So, if you’ve been unfaithful to the Lord, and once having known Him as Savior and Lord (your spiritual “soul mate”), you forgot your commitment to Him and engaged in behaviors that flaunted His love, repudiated your commitments, and trampled on His mercy… there is hope for you!  He reaches out to you in love… steadfast love!  He wants you back!  Why not accept his forgiveness and renew your commitment to Him!  He will be faithful to you… you can depend on it!

You’ve been asked the question… so have I – “What is your favorite food?  If you could choose anything you wanted for a meal, what would it be?”  Some people can name it in seconds… others have to think about it for a bit.”

I know what my choice would be… a delicious curry dish (with a “bite” to it… spicy!”  (I love Thai food!)  I’d choose it over a fine steak at an expensive restaurant… Over lobster at a great seafood restaurant… even over a meal of delicious fajitas at a Mexican restaurant… and I’m almost afraid to say it… I’d choose it over all the ribs you could eat at a great Texas BBQ!  (And I like all of those things as well)

Well there it is… now you know…

But spiritually – at the very deepest level – what would I choose?  What satisfies?

Well, on that score I’m with David, the psalmist…

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot [all that I desire and want is in your hands – Bartel’s paraphrase].  The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a wonderful inheritance! … You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy!  At your right hand are pleasures forevermore!”  (From Psalm 16:5-6, 11 … Read the entire Psalm!  It’s a delicious spiritual feast!)

Yes, at the deepest level I’d choose the Lord over EVERYTHING ELSE!  He is the One that ultimately satisfies!  I recommend Him!

Message to the righteous who sometimes suffer when the unrighteous reap judgment for their sin… God will sustain you, He will strengthen you, He will give you courage and wisdom… AND He can and will vindicate and protect you! … Ask Daniel and his young friends!  Ask Esther!  Ask Ezra and Nehemiah!  I’m aware that some gave their lives for their faithfulness, but ultimate vindication awaits them!  (Check out Hebrews 11:35b-38 and Revelation 2:10)  The Lord will not fail them!

Thought about that today as I read these words from Isaiah 51…

“Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord! … Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law… Fear not the reproach of man, not be dismayed at their revilings!  For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation to all generations! … The ransomed of the Lord SHALL return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads!  They shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away!  I, I am He who comforts you!  Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the Lord, you Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth? … I am the Lord your God!  The Lord of hosts is His name!  I have put My words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of My hand, establishing the heaven and laying the foundations of the earth and saying to Zion, ‘You are my people!” (From Isaiah 51 ESV)

So my heart and prayers go out today if you are suffering because of what someone else, who has little regard for the Lord, has done!  I pray that the Lord will sustain, protect and vindicate and deliver you.  And I pray especially for suffering Christians around the world who are suffering under evil leaders and governments – those who are being persecuted for their faith and faithfulness!  Oh God fulfill what Isaiah 51 talks about on their behalf!