NOV. 20 | ISAIAH 33:2-6, 13-17, 20-22

Judy Webb
4d
2 min read

Updated: 2d

DAILY READING

Isaiah 33:2-6, 13-17, 20-22

REFLECTION

A Sweeter and Gentler Time

By Judy Webb

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (Isaiah 33:6)

Have you ever looked back, way back to the days of Adam and Eve, before the great fall into sin, and thought those were the good old days? There was no evil, no disease, no greed nor hatred back then. Look how far we have fallen. This past few weeks I have been laid up and more or less confined to my condo with not much to do but physical therapy and nap and watch TV.

I discovered during this time a few of the childhood programs I once really enjoyed. Shows like Touched by an Angel, and Highway to Heaven. In recent years I thought these programs were outdated and so very cliché; but this week I watched a couple of them and came to a new realization. Older can be much better than the current offering. Going back to a sweeter and gentler time is refreshing.

Those who walk righteously and speak what is right…who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— they are the ones who will dwell on the heights…Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them. (Isaiah 33:15-16)

Right is always right – wrong is always wrong! Tolerance is not grace, it is weakness and inability to stand firm in the faith. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11)

God alone sits on high—not as an oppressor, but a firm and true foundation where we can live with confidence. “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22)

So, the next time you find yourself pining for the good old days, an era where the good guys wore the white hats, pull up one of those television shows that were based on good morals and proper behavior, and see if you don't get a warm fuzzy feeling and a longing to go back in time.

PRAYER

Lord,

While we know we need to be focused on the present and not living in a make-believe world, it is sometimes helpful to go back in time and remember our roots. It can be healthy to review where our faith journey began and acknowledge that innocence isn't a bad thing, but a place where our hearts can heal. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.