““Wash and make yourselves clean. Put away the evil of your deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”… If you are willing and obey, you will eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured with the sword.” For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”

Isaiah 1:16-17, 19-20 TLV

I love meeting people with unique names. Perhaps it’s because I have a daughter with a unique name, Alathia. I love hearing people ask her about her name and her response.  When I meet other people with unique names, I usually ask about it. Of the people I’ve met through work and traveling, more often than not, those with unique or “unusual names” know what their name means while the majority of those with popular names do not. 

As I started a new book today I was curious about Isaiah who is considered to be one of the most important prophets in the Bible.

Isaiah –  yᵊšaʿyâ: Jesaiah or Jeshaiah = “Jehovah has saved”

The theme woven throughout the entire book of Isaiah – a collection of his writings, oracles, and prophecies, is salvation. While not much is known about him, his words became famous. His destiny was found in his name – Jehovah has saved. 

G-d desires that mankind be saved – brought into a right relationship with Him. Time and time again He warns His people. Time and time again He forgives and shows mercy. Over and over the cycle goes – He pursues, we rejoice, we rebel, He forgives. 

I face a choice every day: be clean and cease doing evil, or rebel and be devoured. 

Last night in a discussion with our spiritual father and mentor over dinner, my husband said he didn’t like being called a “Christian”. Our mentor agreed. He offered a phrase that rang true in my heart: he is a follower of The Way. At the end of the day there is One Way to salvation – Jesus Christ. At the end of the day, I either follow His way or my way. It is my choice. May I daily choose to be a follower of The Way. 

Father – thank You for Your Word and how You love me. Thank You for teaching and pursuing me, for forgiving and loving me. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Isaiah 1-4

July 9, 2022