Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

I’m sure this chapter was a great puzzle to the scribes, and probably the source of quite a few arguments as to what it might mean. God’s plan was so audacious, so “out of the box” that no one could really imagine how it would transpire until it actually took place. Even then it took quite a while for it to sink in that the events that had been witnessed were what the prophets had talked about. Peter, after his unique experiences with Jesus, then Pentecost, then years of ministry, had no trouble identifying Who and what this chapter was about, so he had no hesitation in referencing it in his letters. (1 Peter 2:24) However, it’s still true that the Gospel can be pretty unbelievable. One common response is, “it’s too good to be true.” That it is, but it’s still true! It violates our logic that the Creator of the universe would care that much about us on this insignificant speck of dust we call the earth, but He does. That’s why the Gospel has to be “revealed” to people: they don’t just pick it up on their own. God uses all sorts of methods to supply the information, but it always takes the touch of His Spirit for it to sink in and engender faith. He prepares hearts in various ways, plowing the soil to receive the seed of the Word. (Luke 8:11) Sowing that seed is where we come in. We often have no idea how prepared the soil might be, but even the richest, softest soil is unfruitful if no seed is sown. I watched an interview just yesterday with Bill Wilson, who has had a marvelous ministry to inner-city children, and learned that he was saved when the man who rescued him, after his mother walked off and left him, sent him first to a Sunday School summer camp. He has duplicated that grace to countless people in the years since. God used horrible circumstances to prepare his heart to receive, and someone was faithful to be God’s instrument to sow the Word in love and grace.

Naturally, I desire to sow as faithfully and effectively as possible, but I must also be available to plow and water, if I am to have the joy of participating in the harvest. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8) I have said that ministry in Japan is akin to plowing rock, and at times that seems an apt metaphor indeed. However, I do have the joy of seeing changed lives, even if not as often as I would like. I am never to give up, but seek always to be increasingly available to the Holy Spirit for Him to use me however He chooses to impart faith, not only for salvation itself but also to walk in the health and victory that Jesus purchased on the cross.

Father, You know those to whom I minister far better than I do. I ask for clear guidance moment by moment, in every detail, so that I may be an effective tool in Your hands to destroy the works of the devil and set people free, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!