Morning Devotional 051725 Reflecting Christ

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  May 17, 2025

Isaiah 29:13-16

13 The Lord says: Since these people turn toward me with their mouths, and honor me with lip service while their heart is distant from me, and their fear of me is just a human command that has been memorized, 14 I will go on doing amazing things to these people, shocking and startling things. The wisdom of their wise will perish, and the discernment of their discerning will be hidden. 15 Doom to those who hide their plan deep, away from the LORD, whose deeds are in the dark, who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?” 16 You have everything backward! Should the potter be thought of as clay? Should what is made say of its maker, “He didn’t make me”? Should what is shaped say of the one who shaped it, “He doesn’t understand”?

Good Morning! Our God is awesome!

What do we do when we think no one can see or hear us? Even as toddlers, most have the urge to take the cookie from the jar when no one is looking. As adults, are we among those who say and do what is right when we are in public, but when the doors are closed, we shed our skins and say, think, and do evil things?

Think of those who give millions of dollars to worthy causes to help humanity, but at the same time run sweatshops with children in third-world countries. 

Isaiah 29 prophesies about the coming judgment on Jerusalem, particularly targeting its leaders and those who are religious but lack true devotion to God. God is addressing the hypocrites, especially the religious leaders, who reside in Jerusalem, and telling them of their impending judgment. 

Despite the judgment, there are hints of future restoration. The last verses of the chapter speak of the "blind being able to see" and the "deaf hearing," suggesting a future where God will restore understanding and healing to those who are spiritually and physically afflicted. 

Not unlike Jerusalem, our world is filled with hypocrites who live by the mantra, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Isaiah reminds us that one day all will face God’s judgment, and the blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the righteous will be made whole. 

Now is not the time to give in and join the hypocrites! Now is the time to stand strong in our faith and show the world that the love of Christ will prevail. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! It is easy to see those who profit by ill gains and wonder if we should do the same. Help us remain strong and lead others in the way of Christ. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: When we are in doubt, trust in the capable hands of our Creator.

Let your actions reflect the love of God! Pastor Liz