Lenten Devotion 04.07.2014

April 7 – Monday
Fasting Item(s): Computer (except for school) & Video Games.
Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 40:26 “Look up into the heavens.  Who created all the stars?  He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name.  Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” NLT
Question: Have you ever been captivated by something so beautiful that you couldn’t take your eyes off it?
Devotion: I’m kind of an “artsy” guy who likes to create things as well as enjoy the works of other people.  I believe it’s a gift that God has given me to be a co-creator with Him, as it relates to bringing people to the True Creator, Jesus Christ.  This Isaiah passage really shares a deep and profound message that gives the reader a glimpse into the creative mind of God, in addition to His unlimited capacity to make intricately detailed objects with just a word from His mouth.  Let me give you an example of something that I’m sure will blow many people’s minds as soon as they see it.  “It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord.  He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.  Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings.  With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.  There were calling out to each other, ‘ Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!  The whole earth is filled with his glory!’  Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.”  (Isaiah 6:1-4 NLT)  WHAT?!!!  WHY?!!!  HOW?!!!  Where does God come up with these things?  I can’t fathom what’s in store for all the believers who enter into God’s Holy place.  Some people would try to explain these creatures away as some sort of mythical being.  I’ve even heard educated Christians say that this mention of the seraphim is more of a poetic language giving the reader something that’s unknown to get their attention.  I call shenanigans!!!  Job tried his hand at explaining things to God and if you read the same book I read, it didn’t go well for our friend Job.  The stars in the sky declare the glory of God as do the seraphim around the throne of God, as do those saints who’ve gone to be with Jesus, as do those who still exist here on earth.  I want to share a beautiful song with you that constantly brings a sense of awe when it comes to God’s tangibles and intangibles throughout creation.  “I had a dream I was alone, a vast expanse of complete unknown.  Sea of glass so clear it shown, like gold.  Then a voice like thunder clapped, as a dead man I collapsed.  I am the first, I am the last, now rise my son.  Then behold ten thousand kings, and every creature worshipping.  Every eye was on one thing, One man.  He’s like a lion like a lamb, as though slain he hold the plan, to make war and peace with man, and reign on earth.  Holy, Holy, is the One, who was and is and is to come.  In a robe as red as blood, He comes forth.  Ride like lightning in the sky, on the war horse he draws nigh, the same one we crucified, will return again.”  (Revelator by Josh Garrels)  The song continues, but you get a glimpse into God’s creative power in the lives of the people He created.  It’s all about Jesus.  What’s the Old Testament about?  It’s all about Jesus.  What’s the New Testament about?  It’s all about Jesus.  Why are their galaxies outside of our solar system that we may never see?  It’s all about Jesus.  Why do we go to church, sing songs, read Scripture, confess our sins, take Communion, get baptized, fellowship, study?  It’s all about Jesus.  At no point in creation is there anything that exists that doesn’t speak about Jesus Christ.  Read all of Isaiah 6 now from the standpoint of it all being about Jesus and see if there’s anything you may have missed from the first time reading it.  Ask for God’s continued revelation of Himself into your life and I pray that we constantly stay in awe of His powerful majesty.  And may we know that He is fully and completely for us, because it’s all about Jesus anyway.
Prayer focus: Kids and Parents pray for your friends and children in other countries who may not know Jesus.

Here’s the free Lent Calendar to follow along the path God is calling us to. Take others on the journey with you, but not in a “look at us” sort of way. This is a humble journey to be endured with the help of God.