July 16, 2009 Fading Flowers
Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 25, 26, 27, 28; Hebrews 13
Scripture Focus:
Isaiah 28:4–5 And the glorious beauty is a fading flower
Which is at the head of the verdant valley,
Like the first fruit before the summer,
Which an observer sees;
He eats it up while it is still in his hand.
In that day the LORD of hosts will be
For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty
To the remnant of His people…
Observation:
This is such a picture of opposites. Isaiah speaks of men being like a fading flower. Sure, they have glorious beauty for a short season, but it soon fades.
On the other hand the glory and beauty of God is everlasting. To the remnant of his people, the ones called by his name, he is a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty—much more lasting figures of speech.
Application:
We focus so much of our attention on that which is fading away. These few, short years are all we have to prepare for an eternity with God. Will we be part of the remnant of his people to whon God is a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty?
Prayer:
Father God, as Psalm 90:12 so aptly says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” May this be true of me today.
