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5/16 Reading Portions: Numbers 25; Psalm 68; Isaiah 15; 1 Peter 3
Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.
My heart cries out for Moab; Isaiah 15:5
HEARTCRY
Moab’s opposition to the God of Abraham and the God of his father, Lot (Gen 19:37) was well known. God’s judgment upon them is well-deserved. Yet in the middle of discoursing this oracle against Moab, the prophet pours out his own heart, perhaps recognizing that he is as much a sinner as they (Isa 6:5). The only difference is that Isaiah was a recipient of God’s grace (Isa 6:7). This was a prophetic foreshadow which reflected the heart of the true and everlasting Prophet (Deut 18:15-19), Jesus Messiah. During His earthly ministry, Jesus wept over the unbelief of wayward souls (Luke 19:41-44). Christ Jesus still pleads on behalf of godless sinners, making intercession for them (Heb 7:25). And you and I were no different from the inhabitants of Moab— and the heart of Jesus cried out for us to save us from the wrath of God, wrath and judgment we so justly deserve. Oh, what amazing, glorious grace!
Now, having been given a new spirit and heart by God’s grace (Ezek 36:22, 26), our hearts should cry out like Isaiah’s and like Christ’s. Our hearts should cry out for Moab, and Jerusalem, and America, and all lands far and wide, for the lost souls of those who inhabit the uttermost parts of the earth.
Christ’s heart cried out for Moab,
For Jerusalem too;
By love, mercy, and gospel salve
Christ made our hearts brand new.