Come Now, Reason
Posted on September 28, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land” — Isaiah 1:19
I’ll always remember Chaplain John Caruthers translation of Micah 6:8, the three “R”s, he would say “Be Responsible (Do Justly), Be Reasonable (Love Mercy) and Be Real (Walk Humbly.)” I always felt that the middle one, reasonable, was the most important. Without being a reasonable person, the other two could be very difficult.
The opposite of being reasonable could be defined as irrational. So, when it comes to being responsible or even being real, there should be some rationale. If we are honest, it’s not until we are willing to listen to reason that the Lord can get through to us. The Prophet Isaiah is delivering a message to the Children of Israel and after speaking truth to them about their way of life and pointing out how even their sacrifices were useless, he contends with them,
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
How many times have we found ourselves in a situation and because we were willing to listen to God’s word, found comfort and healing? The opposite is also true, I can be too stubborn and continue to struggle with the issues in life by leaning on my own understanding.
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, should be followed up with being responsible and real. It’s not until we walk uprightly and humble ourselves that our spiritual sight comes into focus.
Choosing to be a reasonable person is a position of stability, when I’m willing to listen to reason and prayerfully ponder my next decision it usually turns out for the good of all involved. Even when it doesn’t God’s grace covers the disappointment.
Responding to the call “Come now” is a sign of spiritual maturity that this world so desperately needs. The benefits of obedience to the Lord can be summed up by the Psalmist in the 36th Psalm,
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God, therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 25| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Think About This: “He that rightly understands the reasonableness and Excellency of charity will know that it can never be excusable to waste any of our money in pride and folly.” – William Law
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 92:1