We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” Mark 10:21.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3.

I can’t help but think of the above verses as I read our chapter, Isaiah 16. Isaiah is still prophesying about Moab and could be speaking to us as well because there is one thing they lacked – knowing Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit. Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of the land, from Sela, across the desert, to the mount of Daughter Zion. Like fluttering birds pushed from the nest, so are the women of Moab at the fords of the Arnon. “Make up your mind,” Moab says. “Render a decision. Make your shadow like night – at high noon. Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees. Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer.” v. 1-4. In the notes below it said Moab was attacked by the Assyrians, and in desperation they would send a tribute of lambs to Jerusalem asking for Judah’s protection, and that Isaiah was advising them to show compassion to them. And this promise to all of us so in need of God…The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it – one from the house of David – One who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. v. 4-5. And God is telling Moab, My heart laments for Moab like a harp, My inmost being for Kir Hareseth. When Moab appears at her high place, she only wears herself out; when she goes to her shrine to pray, it is to no avail. v. 11-12. Why? Because they worship in vain idols who cannot save them.

The one thing needed…Almighty Creator God and Him alone. When Jesus looked at the man who fell at His knees in the 2nd Scripture verse cited above, He loved him. And He knew how much that man needed Him. He knows how much we need Him, how much the Moabites needed Him. Our treasure is not what we value in this world. Our treasure is in knowing the one true God. Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. John 17:3. Can you imagine? To know Creator God and that He loves you and me and His children, as numerous as the grains of sand or the stars in the heavens! Don’t wear yourself out by trusting what cannot save you. Trust in the God who created all that is and longs to be the One you turn to. He is our only refuge...an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. We, too, may have a new life now, lived with our God who loves us. There is such a difference in life lived without God and life lived with Him. Remember, when Jesus, the Son, looks at you, He loves you!