Maher-shalal-hash-baz? Well, it most certainly wasn’t voted as one of the top ten boy names this year, but in the 6th century BC, it was top of the charts, along with Shear-Jashub–and for girls names (about fifty years earlier), it was Gomer. Well, as you might have guessed, we’re smackdab in the middle of our prophets class at school. By the way, the above mentioned child was probably Isaiah’s, and it meant “one hastens to the plunder, one hurries to the loot.” God chose the name and was using the child as a lesson and a picture for Israel–long story. Needless to say, we’ve been immersed in oppression, captivity, judgment, restoration, hope, remnants, and the day of the Lord. I can honestly say that I have been forever changed. Truly. Building up from Genesis until this moment, I have never seen so much of Scripture fall into place! Yet, at the same time, I feel like I am less competent as the vast depth of Scripture is placed before me. When I hear songs that speak of redemption and the mighty hand of God, I feel transported into Israel’s shoes, filled with wonder at His plan for redemption through the ages. Who thought that the prophets could revive my sense of wonder?!
And as a small blessing, we were able to head to Southfield, Michigan for a Shane & Shane concert. I have loved their music since college when my dearest friend introduced me to them. They sing straight-up Scripture most of the time, or at least very close to it. It’s some quality music for sure. Well, we got there with our friends from school and realized that it was going to be $15 a ticket instead of $10. As we we scrambling around for cash and then finding out we could use our credit card, a woman stopped us and offered us free tickets! She had made a donation to the church and had extras because her kids couldn’t come! So, as poor missionaries in training, God saved us all $60! And the concert was more like a time of musical worship than a performance. It was refreshing to my soul! And all of the songs made the writings of the prophets that we’d been studying for the past few weeks come to life with the truth of their message–the ultimate glory of the God of the universe. Again, I was floored.
I’m sure as the weeks go by, there will be many more of these blessings to come, even in the midst of all of the lessons and struggles–thanks to all for your prayers!
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