Like a River Glorious
Today’s Verse:
But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. ~Isaiah 33:21
The Bible is abundant with its many descriptions of our Lord. Each description gives us insight on His attributes, His actions, and His attention. No wonder the psalmist wrote, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable,” Psalm 145:3. Judah had fallen into the terrible sin of idolatry. The consequence to them was attack from the Assyrians and numerous failures. In Isaiah 33, we see the love of God for Israel by coming to their aid. In our devotion this morning, the Lord describes His love for them as a river that is glorious. Let us see how this description encourages us.
We see the Lord who is incredible.
“But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams.” He is the glorious Lord. By this, all glory and honor belongs to God for His holiness and greatness. The place where God meets us as His children is described as a place of broad rivers and streams. This implies many large, wide, and flowing channels of water. The wideness is capable of accommodating all who come to Him for help. It speaks of an endless supply of water. It speaks of a broadness that takes our breath away. It speaks of rivers and streams that are endless in the length and distance they travel. This description speaks to me of Romans 8:31-32, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” This description magnifies Ephesians 3:20 that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Our Lord is incredible!
We see the Lord who incapacitates.
“Wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.” The Assyrians caused much fear and consternation to the nations of their day. They were mighty militarily. They were ruthless and barbaric. It seemed like there was no nation they could not conquer. However, God gave a word of comfort to the people of Jerusalem. God said that no large fleet of ships or large warships could enter into these rivers and streams. God gave complete assurance that he could be trusted as Judah’s safeguard and defense. God was saying that the enemy would not enter or bother them. God was a blockade against the enemy. What a blessed encouragement that God in His gracious provision for us is also a gracious protection for us. Our Lord incapacitates our foe!
We see the Lord who is incomparable.
“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.” When the Jews saw how gracious, loving, and powerful God was for them, they made a humble acknowledgement of Who God was for them. They acknowledged that God was completely sovereign and preeminent over them. As their judge, He would declare what was just and unjust. As lawgiver, they were acknowledging submission and obedience to the commands of God. As their king, they acknowledged His rulership and control over them. There was no comparison! God was their king and Lord! God was their salvation and deliverer. As this Isaiah 33 ends, we read in vs. 24, “And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” In spite of our sinful past, God abundantly forgives us of our sins and blesses us with His goodness.
This morning, spend time rejoicing that the Lord is like a river glorious: a place of broad rivers and streams. Enjoy fellowship with the Lord and take in the abundance of his goodness for you!
Have a blessed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Romans 1-3