Isaiah 28:16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”

Once again, in the middle of a very severe statement of judgment, there is a beautiful statement of hope. This pattern occurs again and again in the Old Testament prophecies, and is a reminder that judgment does not come because God wants to punish us, but because we earn such punishment as the natural and logical consequence of our actions. This verse is undeniably Messianic, and was quoted by both Paul (Romans 9:33) and Peter (1 Peter 2:6) in relation to salvation in Christ. Society in general might be ignoring God and thinking they can cheat death by their own wits, but individuals within society who cling to Jesus instead of to such lies are kept safe. As is so often the case when I read such passages, I am reminded of the situation in America today. Medical advances are wonderful, as are advances in technology and the like, but people who trust in such things and turn their backs on God will find they ultimately have no refuge. On the other hand, people who trust in Christ rather than in any humanistic “salvation” will be secure. Various modern English translations use words like “dismayed” or “disgraced” as the condition believers will avoid, but the Japanese is closer to the King James in translating it as “be frantic.” When you are confronted by a danger you don’t know how to avoid, you get frantic! However, those whose hearts are anchored in Christ know what the ultimate solution is to any problem, however unclear immediate details might be.

I wish I could say I never get frantic, but that would certainly be untrue! However, the longer I walk with Christ the more assured I am of His faithfulness. I see so much of society around me trying to “make a covenant with death,” as it talks about in this passage, and I can only shake my head and try to communicate the truth to them in love. Faith in Christ doesn’t insulate us from living in a fallen world, but it gives us a totally different perspective on everything. I am not to despise those who refuse that perspective, but exercise the same patience and grace that were shown to me, seeking to lead as many as will accept it into repentance and faith. I certainly can’t accomplish that in my own wisdom and strength, so I’ve got to rely on God speaking and acting through me by His Spirit. There are so many I desire to see in the family of God! I am not to give up on any of them, but keep praying and walking in faithfulness.

Father, thank You for Your grace toward me. Help me be an open channel of that grace toward those around me, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!