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Decide For The Future

Over the past several weeks I have been having my personal devotional time in the book of Isaiah. On Tuesday morning my reading concluded with chapter thirty-nine. This is how the story goes: Isaiah was a prophet in Israel during the reign of King Hezekiah. Babylon was the threatening nation at the time and God had been merciful to Hezekiah by healing him and extending his life.

Then one day some envoys visited Jerusalem from Babylon and King Hezekiah gave them a tour of all storehouses in Israel, showing them their wealth and treasurers. For his foolishness God sent a word through Isaiah that a day would come when not only Israel would be plundered by the Babylonians, but Hezekiah’s sons would also be carried off to Babylon to serve the king there.

And what was Hezekiah’s response to God’s judgment? He said that it was a good word from the Lord. How could plundering and captivity be a good word from the Lord? King Hezekiah’s explanation was this; “There will be peace and security in my days.” (39:8) That is, he wasn’t concerned because it would be his sons and the next generation who would suffer for his sins and not him. He was selfish.

Our lives are not simply about us, but they are the platform on which our children and the next generation will have to stand. We should look to see the long term effects of our actions and not merely how our actions will play out within our life time. I say all of that to say this; use as much wisdom and foresight as possible in all your decision making. This is important everyday and every year, but especially important in an election year. Be informed on the issues and look to the future as best as you can and then pray that the Lord will guide you into all wisdom and understanding.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mitch

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