I can still see him sitting at his desk working hard to solve business problems. He would rear back in his chair, unbutton the cuffs of his shirt, and roll up his sleeves when the task at hand was important and needed his full attention.
When dad rolled up his sleeves, he meant business.
I have come to realize the Lord does the same!
Isaiah 52 is a chapter about Jerusalem's redemption after an extended period of captivity in Babylon. God is working in their hearts, restoring worship and once again drawing His children to Himself.
"Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God" (Isaiah 52:9-10).
The Lord has made bare His holy arm ... Translated, this means He has revealed His power or He has rolled up His sleeves to redeem His people in the sight of all the nations. I love that imagery because not only is He Almighty God; He is Abba Father and He means business when it comes to His children.
Have you been in a difficult season? Do you feel that you've been held captive by fear? Sorrow? Disappointment? I have. I feel as though my life has been stationary as the chains of depression kept me bound. But God has heard my cry, and He has heard yours as well. He would say to us, "Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! ... Shake yourself from the dust, arise; ... Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion!" (Isaiah 52:1-2).
If God be for us - and He is - then who can dare to be against us? Nothing can separate us from His love.
And when our Daddy God rolls up His sleeves, the enemy had better watch out.
A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God when I feel defeated? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)
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I love the illustration of God rolling up His sleeves. What a great way to imagine it. Thank you for this powerful message.
ReplyDeleteI know! I do too. I'm so thankful the Lord taught this to me.
DeleteYou certainly created a wonderful picture of Father God with this one, Nan. I love it! What a timely, powerful message!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet friend. I love the magnificence of God, but I really, really appreciate the fact that He is also our Daddy God. I find great comfort in that thought.
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