MAKING MONEY (ISAIAH 60: 1-6)

May 15, 2024

3–5 minutes

MAKING MONEY (ISAIAH 60:1-6)
REFLECTION
Making money is the theme for our reflection. Making money is part of wealth accumulation or creation. Isaiah sees a magnificent vision of Israel’s future full of light, prosperity, and prestige. Isaiah 60 is a powerful illustration of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His ability to restore and transform. It encourages readers to remember that no matter how bleak the situation, the light of God’s glory can break forth, bringing restoration, transformation, and elevation

Beloved in the Lord, we are blessed and favoured when the glory of God is upon us. Isaiah assured the Israelites “Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1). The glory of God means the presence of God in our lives. With His glory in our lives, we cannot fail but prosper in our efforts according and dealings according to His will. It is for this reason David confessed that “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. (Psalms 23:6) Again, the Psalmist invites us to acknowledge God’s glory in our lives when he wrote “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— ³ who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s“ (Psalms 103:2-5). Beloved in the Lord, I may not know your current situation, but I can assure you that God’s glory or presences is with you and that ” …those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Dear friend, The prophet goes on to describe a massive gathering of exiles returning to Jerusalem, and the wealth of nations being brought to her. Foreigners will rebuild the city’s walls, their kings will serve Jerusalem, and the abundance of the sea and wealth of nations will be brought to her. “Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. ⁶ Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD. (Isaiah 60:5-6) Camels represent thrillers for haulage of goods hence the imagery of camels represent containers of goods and riches filling the land of Israel as part of their restoration. It is instructive to note that this message is coming to Israel at the time that nation has been wrecked by war and siege of superpowers and many taken into exile.

In our hard or difficult times we sometime lose hope and fail to perceive ourselves in a situation of peace and prosperity. How can see myself building my house when I am currently unemployed? Can I ever own my own house after renting for many years? Can my children achieve their dreams by becoming prosperous and productive member of the family when I am struggling to pay their school fees and buy their book? Will ever complete this project have been battling with for the past few years? Isaiah’s vision is an assurance that we are not alone that in our quest for prosperity, wealth and brighter future? We must totally rely on God even as we remain diligent in whatever profitable and legitimate business or work we find doing for God has assured us that “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Dear friend, be rest assured that “Herds of camels will cover your land…bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD. (Isaiah 60:6). Your home shall be a home of joy and celebration because many years of hard work, anxiety, uncertainty, frustration, poverty and humiliation shall turn to joyous celebrations for you and your family. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith in difficult times to completely depend on God for our restoration and prosperity. Glory be to the name of the Lord.