July 11, 2009 Sanctuary Or Stumbling Block?
Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 8
Scripture Focus:
Isaiah 8:12–14 “ Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’
Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
14 He will be as a sanctuary,
But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense
To both the houses of Israel,
As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Observation:
God can either be a sanctuary for us or a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense. This key to which it will be is found in verse 13: If we fear (revere) God instead of worrying about the perceived threats around us, then God will be a sanctuary to us, but if we let fear of man overtake us, then God will be a stumbling block to us.
This reminds me of Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Application:
There is a lot going on in the world that I could worry about. Instead, I need to keep my focus and trust on God. I would rather have him be my sanctuary than a stone of stumbling!
Prayer:
Father God, it’s good to know that no matter what is going on around me, you are in control. Help me keep my eyes on you today.
