Isaiah 48:9-11 NIV
For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to destroy you completely. See, I have refined you though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.
Isaiah 48:9-11 The Message
But out of the sheer goodness of my heart, because of who I am, I keep a tight rein on my anger and hold my temper. I don’t wash my hands of you. Do you see what I have done? I’ve refined you, but not without fire. I have tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction. Out of myself, simply because of who I am, I do what I do. I have my reputation to keep up. I’m not playing second fiddle to either gods or people.
What does it mean to be defamed? What does it mean to be blasphemed? Are blasphemed and defamed interchangeable words in regards to this passage?
The following are lyrics to a song by Graham Kendrick called “Shine, Jesus, Shine” and if you know the song then sing it or look it up and play it. BUT FIRST READ the words and consider what you are asking of the LORD and does your life reflect HIS glory?
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord let there be light.
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, let there be light.
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So, our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word,
Lord, let there be
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be
Send forth your word
Lord , and let there be light!
Personal Reflection Questions
What are you focused on this day?
Is the LORD your focus or are you being distracted, if so, by what?
How can you reflect GOD’s glory in the things that either hold your attention (circumstances and relationships)?
Living Fountain 