Living Distinctly In The Way We Hope
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Isaiah 32 and Psalm 119:105-112 (NIV)
(Genevieve Tan from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Isaiah 32 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Isaiah 32 comes right after God declared woe on all who turn to false idols and urged the Israelites to turn to Him. From the text I observe that:
- The righteous king will bring restoration (v1-8) – there will be spiritual healing, a return to justice and truth and a restoration not only in our relationship with God but among His people.
- A warning on complacency (v9-14) – Judah had placed their hope in earthly things and are warned of the disasters that will come upon them shortly..
- The promise of eternal peace through the Spirit (v15-20) – when the Spirit is poured out on us we see a picture of God’s promised kingdom of fertility, peace and rest.
APPLY:
It is so easy to be caught up with and find security in the things of this world. The text warns of the severity and consequences of spiritual complacency and reminds me that I should place my hope in God’s promise of restoration and peace. If I say my hope is placed in the Lord, do I truly long for restoration, eternal peace and the outpouring of the Spirit? Do I have the perseverance to turn away from idols as I wait for Christ’s return? Where and who is my hope placed in as I live amidst the tensions of this world? I am reminded of how much I need the Lord to help me navigate this world and I have to continually place Him first in my life in order to align with His heart.
DO:
- I will pray for strength and perseverance to continually place my hope in the Lord.
- I will be watchful of my own and my neighbour’s spiritual complacency.
PRAY:
Lord, forgive me when my ultimate hope is not placed in You. Give me the strength and boldness to live distinctly in this world for You and to repent of my spiritual complacency. Shape my heart to love You more and to long for the righteous kingdom to come. Amen.
