“You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isa. 58:11).
Lord Jesus, what an alluring image and compelling hope. It is your design and delight for us, your beloved, to be both refreshed and the refreshers—to offer beauty, hope, and nourishment wherever you “plant” us. A garden-of-grace people emitting the aroma of your love, the welcome of your mercy, and the firstfruits of the garden-world to come.
Indeed, the Garden of Eden is in our past, but the garden-world of the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1-5) is our secured future and our present craving. How then shall we live and love towards the Day when you return to fill the earth with your truth, goodness, and beauty (Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14)?
Hallelujah, we don’t have to guess. Knowing you and serving you in this world is so much more than a giant hymn sing, one more inspiring conference, and gaining more Biblical knowledge. We are to…
“Loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke… set the oppressed free and break every yoke… share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter… (Isa. 58:6-7). “Spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed…” (Isa. 58:10).
Jesus, for the rest of our days in the world, we’ll either (1) be spent pursuing trifles, trivialities, and “trophies.” Or (2) we’ll spend ourselves on things that won’t last, matter little, and are more about us. Or (3) we will invest ourselves in living out the implications of the Gospel, offering the firstfruits of your kingdom on earth, and serving the least and lost in our midst. We choose (3)… what an honor and privilege… So Very Amen.