Isaiah 32-33; Mark 8

In Isaiah 32 the prophecy points towards a king that will reign in righteousness and reveal the evil ungodliness that is deceiving the people of God. He will expose their evil schemes and injustice and show the world who they really are. 6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. The key to receiving wisdom is respect, honor and healthy fear (being in humble awe) of our Lord. Coming to the throne on our knees as a servant asking our father and He will give abundantly. The consequences of our rebellion is having only human understanding. We cannot expect those around us to make Godly decisions based on their own understanding. Following their lead will always lead to ungodly results. How often have we counted on Godly increase using human principals? Ten when we have crop failure we wonder why. A Godly crop comes from a life open and willing to receive the lord's input and walk in His ways.

In chapter 32 we see the way the Lord will reign. In vs.6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. 15 He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortionand keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil-16 this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him. The the last thing He tells us here is that He is coming to forgive sins and heal our illnesses. He is a Lord of love and compassion and all of His ways add up to being the true shepherd of our life.

In Mark 8 this compassion is demonstrated as He serves the 4000 by feeding their hunger. He understands what we need spiritually and physically and provides both. He did not force them to eat the loaves and fishes, He provided them needed nourishment and they ate and were satisfied. He understands and shared how much more important spiritual food is and provides it abundantly if we will partake and be fed. We see prophecy fulfilled as Jesus heals the blind man. he the asks Peter "Who do people say I am?" after he answered then He asked "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Jesus then revealed things that were going to take place and said "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (NIV)
God will give us the ability to pick up our cross and follow Him when we ask the one who says the father will give abundantly to those who will ask. He says we have not because we ask not. I encourage you to pray expecting God to answer and see what geat things He will do.