Celebrate the Level Playing Field

Scripture:
On this mountain he will destroy
    the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
   he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:7-8

Observation: As Isaiah gives his prophesy about the future destruction the Lord will bring upon the earth, he describes a scene where he cares for the people. Even though elements of the earth are wiped away - or maybe more accurately, many positive aspects of earthly life are eliminated - the people who gather together will be comforted. God removes from them the shame and negative aspects of life. The people are no longer afraid or disgraced. Instead, they are simply equalized across all the earth.

There is an element in this section of equalization ... of all things on earth, and all people, becoming normalized. This begs the question, what types of people would find this joyful and comforting? The answer is, those people oppressed, marginalized, downtrodden, and otherwise defeated by the world.

In other words, when everyone is made equal, the repressed will feel like rejoicing, while the rich and great will feel like all is destroyed.

Application: With this fate in mind, it should be my desire to be ... oppressed. I would rather be saved by God's grace, then crushed by God's judgment.

I have learned in the last few weeks what it now means to have iniquity and trials laid upon me, and I already rejoice at the future joy God will provide out of this. I want this to extend to my spiritual life. I want to begin risking enough discomfort in my life ... in my free time, in my leisure, in my weekends ... so that God's gifts overwhelm me with love, joy, faith, and hope.

I am being refined. I hope with all sincerity that I hold onto these lessons for my lifetime.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have now shown me pain and despair. I feel sick all day, and struggle mentally all night. I cry for my family, and I weep for my reputation. However, I now also know what it is to depend on you, and I will soon know what it is to receive your love and grace. I thank you already, and seek to continue to find hope in all circumstances. May I risk more, for I will know the greater reward. Amen.