I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20.

There are two excerpts today that I wanted to share. From You Are The Beloved by Henri Nouwen: “People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. They point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that they reveal the hidden but real presence of God. They discover that there are people who heal each other’s wounds, forgive each other’s offenses, share their possessions, foster the spirit of community, celebrate the gifts they have received, and live in constant anticipation of the full manifestation of God’s glory. The Return of the Prodigal Son.” And this from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers: “Has that breaking of my independence come? All the rest is religious fraud. The one point to decide is – will I give up? Will I surrender to Jesus Christ, placing no conditions whatsoever as to how the brokenness will come? I must be broken from my own understanding of myself. When I reach that point, immediately the reality of the supernatural identification with Jesus Christ takes place. And the witness of the Spirit of God is unmistakable – “I have been crucified with Christ.””

This chapter, Isaiah 50, shows the reality of the difference between us and Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit. And how we need Him who is faithful! God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24. Israel was called to be a servant showing the world who God is and drawing near to Him for their provision. This is what the Lord says: “Where is your mother’s certification of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away. When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was My arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth its covering.” v. 1-3. Israel could always turn to God. They turned to other nations and to idols. And now the contrast between Israel and the Son. The Sovereign Lord has given Me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens Me morning by morning, wakens My ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened My ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered My back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who pulled out My beard; I did not hide My face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps Me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set My face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates Me is near. Who then will bring charges against Me? Let us face each other! Who is My accuser? Let Him confront Me! It is the Sovereign Lord who helps Me. Who will condemn Me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. v. 4-9.

And so each one of us has a choice. Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of His Servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from My hand: You will lie down in torment. v. 10-11. Why? Have you not been in torment because you could not bring saving help to yourself or to others? How could you? Only God can save. Only God can light the way with His truth and His love. All else is darkness. Jesus the Son of God came because only He can save us. He didn’t turn away. The Father didn’t have to go looking for Him and find Him gone. He was faithful to the Father in everything and He is our faithful Savior. Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. He will light the way and His light is beautiful to behold!