Isaiah 55 is a beautiful chapter in that book. It begins with an invitation to come and ends with a picture of all nature breaking out in joy and rejoicing. But right in the middle of those 13 verses is one scary warning.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while He is near.” [Isaiah 55:6 HCSB]
I am so waiting for the LORD’s return. I do not know if I shall see Jesus through death, through a Rapture, at His Second Coming. I just want to see Him. I want to be in His Presence. I want the things of earth that torment and harm to be forever behind and only the glorious vision of Jesus ahead.
As I say that, I am aware, however, that so many do not know Him. I understand there is coming a time when the LORD will no longer be near, when He will no longer be found. That is the scariest thought.
That thought alone should motivate us to pray for those who do not know him … even for those who had set their hearts against him. It should motivate us to model Christ to our generation. It should motivate us to speak to others about the blessings and delights found in Christ Jesus. It should drive us to our knees in intercession for our nation.
I know my feelings often get in the way. I find it easy to pray for and intercede for those I love that do not know Christ Jesus … even for those I do not know but who seem like such nice people. I want them to be saved and have the wonderful blessing of one day standing in the presence of God and finding acceptance and love.
I do not always feel the same for those who shake their fist in God’s face, who shout “I do not want this Man to rule over me!” And yet, I know God wants me to also pray for them. Know anyone like that? Met anyone in politics like that? Read any Facebook posts from people like that?
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while He is near.” [Isaiah 55:6 HCSB]