The word of the LORD you have spoken is good.

 

Wednesday, November 22, 2023


Psalm 51

2 Kings 20

Matthew 25:14-30


Observance: Cecilia, martyr at Rome (d. c. 230)


The word of the LORD you have spoken is good.


Hezekiah has heard some bad news from the prophet Isaiah. Seeking to discover how his own life will end, Hezekiah has learned how instead his descendants will meet their demise. But that is far off in the future – will there not be peace and security in Hezekiah’s time, meaning he can breathe a sigh of relief?


Perhaps this is not short-sighted selfishness on Hezekiah’s part. Perhaps he is demonstrating an attitude towards God’s sovereign plan that is enviable for any true disciple of Jesus.


God is good, and His steadfast love endures forever. There is no darkness in God. Whatever God does is worked out for good for those who love Him. Should God deliver abundance, then we praise God and give Him the thanksgiving which is His due.


And when God lifts His restraining hand of grace, and allows human and demonic evil to bubble up for a season, consuming and destroying, what are we to say? Do we turn around to the One who made us and complain “no fair!”?


The prophetic message throughout history has been consistent. In Hezekiah’s time of relative peace and security, the word of the Lord that was spoken was good. Then, when what Isaiah prophesied came to pass, and Babylon came and utterly destroyed the nation, nothing changed. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 2:22-23)


Whether the sun is shining or the night is oppressing; whether the bank account is full or empty; whether these bones are dancing or breaking; the word of the Lord is good. Thank you Jesus, for blessing me with health and riches. Thank you Jesus, for taking them away from me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, your word is good.


When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name


On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name


Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say


Blessed be the name of the Lord


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