Ephesians 6
In chapter 5 we saw the requirement of yielding to each other, a wife to her husband, and a husband to Christ. Paul continues in chapter 6 with children yielding to their authority, their parents, not just in obedience, but in honor. Paul also admonished fathers to treat their children with love and respect rather than provoking them to anger, exasperation or resentment. They are to rear their children tenderly in the Lord.
Then Paul speaks to employees to employers, instructing them to show honor, not just servitude. To work from the heart, we work for the Lord, not human leaders. Paul addresses employers to lead with love and honor, without threats or abusive words. Bottom line, in these relationships of authority, the desire for control is a human condition, but when we yield to God, we can also learn to yield to others.
In verse 10, Paul concludes his letter by speaking on finding strength in God and standing against spiritual attack of the devil. How do we overcome? Paul uses pieces of armor to describe yielding to God in faith for salvation, right standing in righteousness, peace and wholeness, and truth. When we are in a submitted relationship with God through Christ, we are secure. As a defensive weapon, we have God’s Word, and when we know it, receive it, apply it, and live it, we can speak it and Satan will flee. As we stand in faith, we pray at all times, in the Spirit, with all types of prayer. Paul encourages us to ‘keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints.” Paul also asks for prayer for himself as he walks in his calling, a man who leans on God and the anointing to fulfill his God-assignments.
Isaiah 29-30
Isaiah was a prophet during the reign of King Hezekiah and during the attack of Assyria on Israel. God took notice and was involved in the conflict, speaking the woe, or sorrow, for Israel and the judgment on Assyria. God gives hope for future restoration and a revelation of Himself in Isaiah 29:17-24, an eschatological passage. Lebanon’s restored fertility is symbolic of an understanding of God. The deaf will hear, the blind will see. The humble shall increase their joy, the poor will rejoice. This happens because the “terrible one” is brought to nothing. “Those who erred in spirit will come to understanding, and those who complained will learn doctrine.” Jacob, or Israel, will see the children of Israel walking uprightly.
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