Isaiah Chapter 18: Verse 2(b) (NIV)
Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned,
to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers.
Isaiah Chapter 18: Verse 7 (NIV)
At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.
In the midst of the prophesies against Israel’s enemies, we find a message of hope in these verses in Isaiah. It would suggest that the messengers commissioned in verse 2 had indeed gone out with the teachings of the Lord, and that those they had gone out to, though feared and considered strange in their ways, had been touched by the teachings, and that in time they too would come to God’s House bringing Him praise, worship and gifts.
There are those whose ways are presently far from those of us who are seeking to follow God. The way they behave and act may seem strange to us and they may even make us a bit afraid if they appear aggressive towards the things of God. I always think it ironic that many who claim only to be interested in humanism are so aggressive to any who disagree with those who don’t share their opinions.
I take from these verses that if we stick to the courage of our convictions and share our faith with others, then in the fulness of time, some if those people who are so antagonistic towards God will set aside their aggression, accept His ways and come to worship along side us. Surely indeed an encouragement for all of us to be a bit bolder in standing up for what we know is right and for sharing the Gospel.
Dear Lord, I am indeed encouraged that even those who seem to have no interest in Your ways can be touched by the truth and will in their turn come to follow You. Help me be willing to share that message in spite of any antagonism I may come across when doing so. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.