BURNING QUESTION

Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law. Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger and the strength of battle; it has set him on fire all around, yet he did not know; and it burned him, yet he did not take it to heart. - Isaiah 42:24-25

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." - Isaiah 43:1-2

The above text is the last two verses of Isaiah chapter 42 and the first two verses of chapter 43. They would normally flow one into the other if not for the chapter heading in our Bibles. Reading them consecutively without interruption might cause us to scratch our heads. When or will Jacob be burned by the Lord? What makes the difference? One section does seem to speak of a disobedient past and the other of a brighter, redeemed future. However, time is often woven ambiguously in prophetic words and, as we know, history repeats itself. To burn or not to burn? – that is the question.

Thankfully the Lord graciously declares, Fear not. Why? Our loving, protective Creator and Father has us in His care. We are His. It’s apparent and reassuring that only He, like our earthly fathers, can allow a hand laid on us – no foreigner, neighbor, or even a close relative. "Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord…?" asked Isaiah. The Lord alone orchestrates the chastening of His children. He does it for our benefit and peace that we may partake of His holiness. There is no divine mistreatment in His correction. In the proverbial sense, He will never "burn us."

Hebrews chapter 12 is rich regarding the ins and outs of God’s discipline - well worth reading in full. Here's a snippet...

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?... Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? - Heb. 12:6-7, 9

No strange fire nor chance waters shall overtake those He knows by name. He cares for us perfectly as He trains us in righteousness. In time, buying us back from the results of our own folly.

Therefore... let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. - Heb. 12:28-29

May we learn to live in willing subjection to our Father, and let it be us who burn for Him!!

  - Elese