July 16

Isaiah 18-22
Reading Old Testament prophecy can be confusing for the neophyte, such as I.  A working knowledge of ancient history and cultures can be helpful.  I have a friend who is just such a scholar.  He spends a great deal of time studying the historical and cultural context of scripture.  Sitting in on one of his classes is extremely informative and interesting.  However, as I read my daily portion and meditate on its meaning, I don’t have the benefit of learning from my scholarly friend.  There aren’t many of us who do.  What I can find from prophecy such as this is that God spoke to the ancients through special messengers who were required to live lives without the regular comforts of most.  Many of the prophets were poor and suffered persecution and humiliation.  Yet, they were fulfilled because they had a unique relationship with the Creator of everything.  It was through this bond that they were able to realize something that transcends our limited existence.  If we would but look at the prophets lives, perhaps we could come to have a greater faith.  These men willingly gave up all that earth could offer because they had firsthand knowledge directly from God.  These were not ignorant, simple-minded men.  Rather, they were intelligent, articulate, men of God who shared open dialogue with the Lord.  Could there be any other reason why they would, without hesitation, suffer as they did if there were no God to offer a better life in eternity?