God chooses to work with men for the good of all

God does not like to judge His people. That does not mean that God will not judge His people. In Isaiah 63 we read God’s lament about His people’s apathy. He came in righteousness to redeem, but there was “no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support.” (verse 5). God chooses to work with men for the good of all. Yet there are times when men do not partner with God. Today’s word answers the question of why men do not partner with God. “Men have thought I would exchange My righteousness and holiness for their own ideas. But I remain true to Myself and My own nature. They often think their ways are better than Mine. When they will not see or hear, I bring judgment. For these men will not know where to stop in their foolishness or sin except I draw the line for them. Yet those that seek righteousness, who seek to be like Me, will shine like the bright sun. They will display My splendor in all the earth and draw many to Me. Because they remember My nature and show it in their own lives, the world will know Me.” In Isaiah’s description of the Lord coming to visit His people during the “year of . . . redemption” He came in “garments stained crimson.” (verses 4 & 1) This description is repeated in Revelation where we read that the Lord comes “dressed in a robe dipped in blood.” (Rev 19:13). This, our Lord, is seeking to redeem Mankind to Himself, and is seeking to bring His servants into this same work. Will we have our own ideas about how this work will look, and what we will do to accomplish our goals? Or will we unite ourselves with His image and His purposes? The former will result in failure on our part, and many receiving judgment in order for God to establish Who He is and What His will is. The later will result in a harvest of souls for our Lord, and the glorification of those who serve alongside Him. Today let us set aside our own ideas of what service to God is like, and seek Him for what He is like. Then our works will proceed from truth, and our lives will reflect His glory. Amen.