Isaiah 28:5 KJV
(5)  In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

     It wasn’t that they got started off in the wrong direction, and it wasn’t that there was a different promise for some than others. It was just that for certain ones there was an incredible fixation on the leader that made stepping out of the ranks unthinkable. They had been to his tent and were touched by his persona in such a way that he affected all their thoughts and everything they said and did. His glory had adorned their head and they had already begun to reflect and emulate his unsurpassed appearance. Though he had made himself available to the whole group, the ones left standing after the conflict, after the battle- standing next to their victor, were the ones who had stayed close to him through it all. For them, though the dust and smoke would try to claim otherwise, every day was part of a larger ‘day’ of victory.

     I’ve always been fascinated by the ones who actually made it through the battles, those who remained on their feet after seeing so many fall around them. What was it that kept them going and how were they able to remain committed to something that must have appeared to be a lost cause at so many points along the way? Those that survived the concentration camps, invasion beaches, Great Depression, public schools, gang dominated neighborhoods, and home conflicts with victory and apparent retention of their mental faculties have something very special that has carried them through their challenge. Somehow they have been inspired with a vision of success through a leader, a truth or a cause that has kept them on the road through and out of their conflict. For some it doesn’t even appear that they possessed all that great of skills or abilities, they were just carried through to conquer based upon the strength and influence of their leader. As long as they followed his lead and remained under his realm of influence, they would share in the honor and recognition that goes to conquerors. He provided them with the weapons, the plan, and the heart to press through the most trying opposition to be among those still standing.

    This is a day to wear our crown of glory and portray the beauty of our conquering King as we not only make it through, but come out standing with the stance of victory. To attempt this day alone, though, or run away to some isolated place far away from the conflict will only serve to isolate from the vision, motivation and source of strength that is so necessary for an ultimate triumph. A promise to never leave, to be the first one on the field and the last one off (like Mel Gibson’s character in ‘We Were Soldiers’), and to return (like General McArthur’s promise) has been given to each one of us, but when the sun is setting and the day is through, those still standing will only be those who have remained close to our Commander, followed His plan, and allowed Him to live through us. Where His glory has adorned completely from the very top to every part of our being, His image and position will be ours with a knowing that ‘as He is, so are we in this world’ (1John 4:17)

Isaiah 25:9 KJV
(9)  And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 18th, 2008 at 5:38 am and is filed under Confidence, Direction, Encouragement, Glory, Nearness, Promise. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.