The Solution to the Problem of the American Church

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1

Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence

Insights: Let me again thank James MacDonald for his influence for this week’s Thoughts by Scott.  If you would like more information regarding this solution being discussed today, let me recommend James’ book Vertical Church to you.  Today’s verse is the answer to the churches problem we have been diagnosing all week.  The “oh” of the verse is a declaration of passion.  Isaiah understands that if the next part does not happen, then there is no hope for Israel.  He is completely sold out to this ONE truth.  Everything about him is being moved in this direction.  What is that direction?  Being in the presence of God!  Isaiah prays, “that You [God] would rend the heavens and come down.”  Something is blocking us and heaven and Isaiah knows God is the only One capable of doing anything about it.  This week’s thoughts have been pointing to the thing hindering God’s presence—our self-centered sinfulness.  Isaiah is desperately crying out for God to remove this sin from our lives and come down and dwell in our midst.  Why is Isaiah so passionate about this One thing, because he (as well as you and I) have mountains in our lives.  Mountains make us feel small.  Mountains also make us feel like they have been here for a long time and will continue being here for a long time.  Isaiah knows all too well Who the mountain mover is and it is not him.  These mountains move at God’s presence.  So, what mountain is in your life presently?  Is it a health issue?  A decision that needs to be made?  An emotional situation?  A spiritual crisis?  The mountain can be anything, but the only hope we have to move this mountain is God.  So, what is required of us in order to be in the presence of God?  You are now back to the first word, “oh”.  You must have a singular passion for a relationship with this living God who sent His Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the World.  You need to grow in this relationship with Jesus by the Spirit He fills you with after you have received His gift of salvation.  You must repent of all your sins which hinder the growth of your relationship and finally you have to submit to His Lordship.  He rules, we do not!  His way, or no way!  This is the answer to the churches problem in America.

Questions:

1. Do you have a passion for the things of God?
2. What in your life needs to be rent by the Father in order for Him to come down?

Prayer: Father, forgive me, for allowing the daily pressures of life to push You to the side.  Stir within me a passion for You and Your glory.  Increase my hope in the reality that You are my mountain mover today.  Amen.