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Devotional Making Disciples

Ruin and glory

Isaiah. Prophet and poet. Master of prose. Skillfully taking us to ruin and glory.

“The city of chaos is shattered; 
Every house is closed to entry.
In the streets they cry for wine.
All joy grows dark; 
Earth’s rejoicing goes into exile.
Only desolation remains in the city;
its gate has collapsed in ruins.”
Isaiah 24:10-12

Well-placed words. And we see the broken place. Grieve the curse that consumes the earth and its inhabitants. “…for they have transgressed teachings, overstepped decrees, and broken the permanent covenant” (24:5).

Ruins. Image by Micheile Henderson, Unsplash Photos.
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Devotional

Shoeless

Shoeless. Face to the ground. On the plains of Jericho. 

This. After Joshua stares at the man standing there with sword drawn. Equipped for battle. 

This. After he asks the critical question: “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13ff)

Whose side are you on? Can I trust you? Should I fight against you?

Shoeless. Image by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash.
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Devotional

True sanctuary

The psalmist watches the wicked. And envy almost leads him astray. Almost.

Psalm 73 details what he sees. Chronicles his struggles with the why of their influence and power. Their wealth.

He wonders if the straight and narrow is worth the painful realities of his life. 

Sanctuary. Photo by Kathy Hillacre on Unsplash