Isaiah 37
“And this shall be the sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will do this." - Isaiah 37:30-32
When the Assyrian king Sennacherib threatens King Hezekiah and Jerusalem with destruction, Hezekiah goes to the temple and prays to God for deliverance (Is 37:14-20). One of the things God says in response to Hezekiah's prayer is that he and the surviving remnant will be provided for. This remnant will take root and bear fruit (v. 31). God's great zeal for his people will accomplish this (v. 32).
This is really encouraging to me today, as I am really struggling with decisions related to my Air Force career and our ministry in New Zealand. I haven't yet been vaccinated, and I am really torn whether I should. Part of me feels like I should in order to maintain my Air Force career, to be able to minister in various settings around Dunedin, and to travel internationally. Another part of me says not to compromise for reasons of health and freedom. I truly want to know from the Lord what I should do. What I love about these verses is that if I do what God says, he promises rootedness and fruitfulness. By his grace I am a member of the "remnant." He will provide for the needs of me and my family. I can trust him with my future, my family, and my finances.
Father, I need your guidance regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. I look to you. Give me the courage and obedience to do exactly what you tell me to do in faith. My future Air Force career and ministry in New Zealand I want to give totally to you. You decide what you want us to do, and help us follow it. Help me to be in close discussion with Averil during this time. Help us to trust you together. Give us as a family rootedness and fruitfulness. Help us to follow Jesus fully as his disciples. In his name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman