If we were told to rise up, what might we do? Some might stand if they were seated. Others might rise to a challenge and take an opportunity to a whole new level.
In Isaiah 46, it reads “Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity. “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. “With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save them from their troubles.
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.”
This passage guides us to the One who not only allows us to rise but even carries us as risen people through the difficult times. There's none other we can compare our God to. What He's said we can be assured of. There's a guarantee; a promise given that He will fulfill His purpose. When we stray, it's crucial to confess and move forth and rise up in forgiveness to take hold of His love. Considering a beginning and an end, we rise up knowing He will make it known. There's no stress consuming the mind of a risen follower. For we realize it's not on our strength we find ourselves in this risen state. We know it's the strength of the Lord Almighty carrying us in our salvation. May we keep in mind the things we place ahead of God will never move nor help us rise. It's only God who keeps us lifted high that we might make Him known.
Whether we find ourselves soaring in the arms or God or gripped in the arms of despair, keep our eyes fixed on the perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ.
