Over the next few weeks we are going to be going through a series called “A Vision of Redemption”. This series is going to be a bit of a reminder of our vision as a church and the opportunities and callings that God has given us through intercession.
Isaiah 57:14-15 “Remove the obstacles out of the way of My people.”
We have been given a calling and an opportunity to remove the obstacles from the way of God’s people. With a calling of this manner is the key focusing on the obstacles or the way? The New Living Translation says “Clear away the rocks so my people can return from captivity.” The focus of our lives and our calling cannot be on the perceived negative things that appear to be obstacles but instead, on the freedom from sin found in redemption through Jesus. He is our prize and He is the Way. The removal of obstacles is a calling to forsake everything that is lesser than Christ and to seek Him first and with all of our hearts. Both in our lives and in our community the obstacles of idolatry are removed when a people puts Jesus first, seeks Him above all else and all others and declares that not only does He receive all of our worship, He is worthy of it all!
I pray today that we will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the obstacles in our hearts and lives and then that we will give Him the freedom to remove those things that entangle and the sin that besets. The beginning of redemption is the removal of every obstacle that has stood in the place of Jesus as the object of our affection and desire.