Be a Billboard!
“A sign and a wonder” Isaiah 20: 3
Sometimes the way God uses His servants is very strange. Here God commands Isaiah to walk for three years with out his sandals and prophetic garb. He did obey God’s word however irrational it may be.
The Lord did reveal the purpose of such naked and barefoot walk of Isaiah, “for a sign and wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia.” He wanted to use him as an object lesson for Judah, who was depending upon Egypt and Ethiopia for their protection. The lesson they should learn is this: as Isaiah now looks like a prisoner of war, Egyptians and Ethiopians will become in the course of time, so it is vain to trust them.
There are two main ideas in this passage. To begin with, God makes every effort to communicate His message. It is up to us to open our eyes and ears and take hold of God’s direction for our right life. Sad thing, often we fail to discern the counsel of God, though He made it known so loudly and clearly through certain incidents or individuals.
Secondly, God wants to use us as object lessons, ‘as signs and wonders’ in this rebellious world. Not only to testify Him verbally, our life itself should be a testimony. Just like a sign board our very being and behavior must communicate God’s standard and qualities. We should be happy to be a ‘wonder’ among people. Let them look at us with a surprise, because of our unique life style.
Yes, it is not easy. Many will make fun of us. Pressure to conform to the mainstream will be high. But if we are aware of God’s perfect will for us, as Isaiah we would say, “Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! We are signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion.” Isaiah 8:18.
What a commitment! A whole family becoming a sign and wonder for the Lord, communicating an important lesson for the people. What about our life?
NTK
5/7/2010
