Isaiah Chapter 30 verses 9-11 (NIV)
For these are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the LORD’s instruction.
They say to the seers,
“See no more visions !”
and to the prophets,
“Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!”
Isaiah Chapter 30 verse 15 (NIV)
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Isaiah Chapter 30 verse 18 (NIV)
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
This chapter of Isaiah struck a chord today in the light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the USA. I didn’t really know much about him, but from what I know now, there is much I admire about his boldness for his faith and the message of the gospel, although I don’t necessarily agree with some of his political views. It seems in the USA he had many admirers, but many opponents who were very angry at his views. It seems to me however that many people will violently oppose the teaching in God’s word, and guidance from his servants. They don’t want to hear, just as in the days of Isaiah.
God will continue to speak and to have compassion, even to those who, at this time will have none of it. We need to also be bold but allow God’s compassion to move through us. Whilst we need to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have as we are told in 1 Peter Chapter 3 verse 15, and in which Charlie Kirk did in an exemplary manner, we are also told to do this with gentleness and respect. How people have reacted, or will react to this event in the USA could have wide reaching impact. I pray that lives will be challenged to seek God, rather than as Isaiah says, “having none of it”. For those of us who seek to also be Christ’s Ambassadors, we need to remember His last prayer from the cross – “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Dear Lord,
I’m reminded of the chorus of the Matt Redman song, “Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing. Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
the kindness of a Saviour -The hope of nations…”
Fill me with that compassion but make me bolder in sharing Your word. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
12 September 2025 – What have I learned today?
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