The book of Isaiah contains a message that is rich in meaning. Yes it is a book of judgement, but it also points towards hope and deliverance. The other day I stumbled on this passage and thoughts about Cambodia came flooding to my mind. It spoke to me of restoration and rebuilding, something that is longed for in the mist of poverty, corruption and brokeness that surrounds this country.
A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places
"If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victums,
quit gossiping about other people's sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight
I will always show you where to go.
I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places --
firm muscles, strong bones.
You'll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You'll use the odd rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuilding the foundations from out of your past.
You'll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate
making the community liveable again."
Isaiah 58:9-12 (The Message Bible)
Cambodia has a horrific history. Even now, 30 years after the Khmer Rouge and the war that broke the nation, the scars are still visible. This passage voices the truth that if you call on the Lord He will answer, but also there is some change needed. We can not live in sin, shame and the broken rubble of our past, there is asome rebuilding to do. Here is a challenge to turn and help the poor, give a voice to the oppressed and hand over your all to the Lord's work rather than living lives of selfishness. Then the dark shadow of the past will be lit up with a glowing light and the Lord will strengthen and refresh his people.
I see the work of the church and Christians in this nation. They pick up the shattered pieces of the past and begin the rebuilding in this land. Local Christians are passionate about restoring hope and spiritual freedom - breaking the bondages of spiritual darkness that are so suppressive. There is a desire to make Cambodia liveable again, to restore families, bring back love and to repair what the enemy claimed to destory.
I'm looking forward to the day that Cambodia is fully renewed through the precious blood of Jesus. It shall be known as "The Kingdom" again - but this time part of the Kingdom of God. It will bare marks of beauty rather than being a nation tossed by the storms of the past. It will become a jewel baring witness to the mighty works of the lord.
"Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted
I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
your foundations with lapis lazuli.
I will make your battlements of rubies,
your gates of spatkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones"
Isaiah 54:11-12 (NIV)
