June 20, 2011 Go On Up

June 20
Go On Up
Read Isaiah 2 – 4

Isa 2:3 Many people will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”

ONE of the reoccurring images in Scripture is that of going to God on the mountain. This image comes from the book of Exodus as it describes Moses going to God on the mountain to meet him, to develop a deeper relationship with him and to receive the Ten Commandments.
This image of going to God usually occurs in times of very severe trouble. Here, Isaiah calls on his people to go to God because they have been very disobedient. They are worshiping idols. They are at war with other nations. They are separated from God, and God uses Isaiah to say to his people, “Come on up. I want you here with me!”
Yes, Isaiah invites his nation to spiritually go up to God to learn of God’s wonderful ways. When they do, “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” (Isa 2:4) Isaiah’s message is that God will bring peace to their lives forever if they go to him.
Are you seeking rest from life’s distress? Go on “up” to God. Find out where he is—in a church, in a quiet time with the Bible, in a time of prayer alone or with a friend, or in a conversation with your pastor.
Trust your God, who is on his mountain. Go where he is and enjoy a life-giving relationship with the Lord God Almighty.


Pause and Consider: a picture of God with his arms wide open waiting for you to come to him and to be strengthened in his love.