Many aspire for the advance of the Kingdom through using influence to spread the message. The Lord does not seem impressed.
The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.”
Isaiah 57v15
The Lord IS high and lofty yet he does not surround himself with the influential, but with the humble.
I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.
Isaiah 57v15
The Kingdom of heaven is not spread by influential words but God filled lives. Our pursuit of influence leads to –
You have committed adultery on every high mountain. There you have worshiped idols and have been unfaithful to me.
Isaiah 57:7
The pursuit of influence can become spiritual adultery, often in the Lord’s name. The Lord’s response is amazing,
I will not fight against you forever … If I were [to], all people would pass away— all the souls I have made. … I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips.
Isaiah 57v16-19
The Lord, the betrayed, works to heal, to lead and to comfort. Such grace is beyond our understanding. I am so grateful.
Even so, this passage begs the question: Do I want influence or the Lord? When influential people are pushing through their agenda, can I respond in humility?
.
.
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash