Boast in the Lord

Daily Reading: Isaiah 28

Scripture Focus:  In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people, and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. (Isaiah 28.5-6)

Devotional Thought: In Isaiah's day, there was no shortage of proud and boastful leaders who sought to wield power and enrich themselves through their public office.

The prophet Isaiah compared the false confidence of the proud to the genuine strength of the remnant, those who remained faithful to God when all others turned away.  God himself would be for them...

·       A crown of glory.  Having an earthy crown brought with it an almost unassailable power.  The king's word was final.  The problem with that type of crown, however, was that it was always under threat of usurpation.  God himself - who has no rival or equal - will be an everlasting crown of authority on the heads of his faithful followers.  Even death cannot steal that crown from us.  "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2.10).

·       A diadem of beauty.  When my daughters were young, they loved having tiaras to wear, pretending to be princesses.  I would tell them, "You are Daddy's beautiful princess!"  It was true, of course, and it still is.  But, God gives an everlasting beauty.

·       A spirit of justice.  Making right decisions can be tricky, no matter how hard we try.  Sometimes there seems to be "no right answer."  To his faithful, however, God will give insight into what is not only factually correct, but what is also morally good.

·       A source of strength. Even the strongest warrior can grow weary.  But "they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40.31).

Instead of empty boasts, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1.31).

Prayer: O Lord!  Be a crown of glory for me and a diadem of beauty.  Grant to me a spirit of justice and strength so that my soul may always make its "boast in the Lord" (Psalm 34.2).  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 61.1-8

1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;

2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!

7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.