July 3, 2015: SOAP #2038: Isaiah 6-7; 2Chronicles 26-27; Philemon

My Focus

Scripture: Isaiah (NIV) 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Observation: King Uzziah reigned in Jerusalem for fifty two years. It was a very prosperous time for the nation. In the prosperity and stability of the government it would be easy for Isaiah to have his eyes on the capable leadership of King Uzziah. But when the king died, Isaiah’s focus changed. He looked beyond the earthly throne and saw the heavenly throne. On that throne sets One who is “high and exalted”—One who will never die!

Application: When the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the United States government all disappoint me, I must look beyond to see the One who is “high and exalted” and still seated upon the throne of heaven.

I have learned to see doctors as having a license to “practice” medicine. They are not the perfect all-knowing healers we would like them to be. I must see the politicians and statesmen in the same light. As great as our republic is, it is not the perfect government. It too will pass. Imbedded sin will cause it to fail. But I am part of a kingdom whose King will never die, Whose authority is supreme, and Whose rule is righteous and loving.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, lift my eyes above the failure and disappointment I see around me. Help me keep my eyes focused on the heavenly throne. Amen

Pastor Leon

Chaplain

Andover Police and Fire Department

Andover, Kansas 67002