When it shall be thus in the midst of the land among the people, it shall be like the shaking of an olive tree, like the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done. They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; for the majesty of the Lord they shall cry aloud from the sea. Isaiah 24:13-14
Music and singing are something that the world loves to make, but it is always about self and self-pleasures. During times of shaking or trouble, the world does not sing, but mourns and is afraid. Fear grips the hearts of people during difficult times.
Isaiah had just described a time of shaking that God will bring upon the nations. The shaking will be a time like shaking an olive tree or gleaning grapes from the vine. At that time believers will sing to the glory of God for what He is doing.
At the moment the world appears to be winning the war against God. Nations and people are rising in rebellion against God more and more.
Though the world appears to be winning, God is doing a shaking. He allows disasters to strike causing people and nations to fall. All of the disasters that are striking are God’s shaking to shake out those who are not with Him. It is sifting through the hearts of people to determine who is for Him and who is against Him.
The world trembles in fear when disaster strikes for they have no hope of a future. Unlike the world, believers have a hope and a future. As God shakes the world, like shaking an olive tree, He is gleaning the grapes from the vine. Those grapes are His people who have put their trust in Him.
Believers can sing glory to God for what He is doing and for His majesty, authority and power during the shaking as He destroys the works of this world.
All around you there are disasters that are occurring. God is shaking the world around you to sift through who are His and who are His enemies. You do not need to fear the shaking, but rejoice and give God the glory, knowing that He is in control and knows what is best. As the shaking occurs, fall into His arms of strength and comfort. Know that you are on the winning side and sing to His majesty and glory in the midst of tragedy.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know God’s power in your life; that you will see and understand God’s shaking; that you will sing to God’s majesty and glory; and that you will be a remnant grape or olive for God.
Picture by Maja Petric on Unsplash