High and Lifted Up

“The one who is high and lifted up, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says: I live on high, in holiness, and also with the crushed and the lowly, reviving the spirit of the lowly, reviving the heart of those who have been crushed.” Isaiah 57:15 (CEB)

During my prayer time this morning, as I was thanking God for the rain that has been sent our way, I also prayed for the folks in the path of the storm that is bringing our blessing of rain. My prayer was that they see Jesus “high and lifted up” in the aftermath of Idalia.

High and lifted up is a phrase often used by former Crestview member, Bill Kirk, whenever he prayed aloud. It, for me at least, conjured up a beautiful image of Christ standing in the midst of whatever storm or turmoil might be occurring, protecting and preventing against a worst case scenario. In the same manner He might be releasing the blessings of heaven upon His children. I am hard pressed to completely explain the vision this brings to my mind, so if you are having trouble imagining this just think that in whatever situation you find yourself, look to Jesus, He is there – high and lifted up and in control.

We need to continue to hear the message of LIFE in a world that wants to convince us that hope is fleeting and security is nowhere to be found. God’s message to us hasn’t changed. God has lifted up His Son. ..for us. If we lift our eyes to Jesus, and see Him, not only on the cross, but the Risen Saviour, we can begin to speak that kind of Hope to the world.

I wish I had shared with Bill the impact those few words had on me – one day, I will.

In closing, meditate on this chorus from the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Michael W. Smith:

To see You high and lifted up Shinin' in the light of Your glory Pour out Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy