Reliable Witnesses

 DEVOTION

THE PROPHET ISAIAH

RELIABLE WITNESSES

Isa 8:1-2

8:1 The LORD said to me, "Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.   2 And I will call in Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah as reliable witnesses for me."

NIV

We started Isaiah some years back and for whatever reason, we only got through chapter 7 and then stopped. So we think we should see if we can pick up and look further. First, we need to explore this long-phrase the Isaiah was instructed to write. The most direct translation is “swift to booty, speedy to prey”. Some scholars are of the opinion this is the symbolic name given by Isaiah, at the Lord’s direction, to the son of Isaiah. It is also interesting the Hebrew word translated as a scroll is also used more generally as a mirror. Scholars have debated whether the scroll was a wooden, papyrus, or polished stone or metal, like a mirror. It is just interesting that perhaps it was meant to be like a mirror, revealing a truth to the people. Although this may show us how the word of God reveals truth into our lives, there is a truth here that we might what to take in. The Lord called two reliable witnesses for him. We cannot be sure as to why the Lord needed these two reliable witnesses. It is supposed they were to stand as witnesses to the marriage of Isaiah, or perhaps to the words on the scroll. Again, suppositions are debated by scholars, but nothing know to be facts. But what is interesting the Lord called two men to be reliable witnesses. Would we be up to the challenge or the standard for the Lord to call upon us as a reliable witness? We certainly are pretty good at looking or behaving like an upright Christian in church. It might be more like that old saying, “We look good, smell good, but we are broke”. There is value in being a good example within the community of faith. It may be to encourage others, to exhort others to live to please God. Although that might be a reliable example, it may not qualify as a witness. Are we a witness for God? Can God rely on us to be a witness to, tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help us, God. Are we reliable enough to tell all that we have seen, heard, and experienced from the hand of God? It would seem to us that would mean more than just acting as a good honest person, hoping someone would notice and ask us why we are so nice, or good, or honest. This is not to say our life cannot be an example for others, but unless we open our mouths and tell what we have witnessed, we may not be as reliable as God needs. Maybe he does not call everyone to be a witness, although we do take those words of Jesus when he said to go out into the world and be my witnesses. Jesus said this would happen when they and we receive the power from the Holy Spirit. We are supposed to be reliable witnesses.