Happy Mother’s Day to everyone! It is a joy to have you all here, and I want to extend a special welcome to Brother Glenn, who joined us today, as well as Brother Toochku Victoriaka. While today is a wonderful day to pray for and celebrate the mothers in our midst, the message the Lord put on my heart from Isaiah 58 is one that applies to us all, though it is particularly applicable to mothers.
The book of Isaiah is a fascinating representation of the entire Bible. It has 66 chapters, just as the Bible has 66 books. The first 39 chapters speak of various judgments and visions, but the tone shifts at chapter 40, much like the transition to the New Testament, focusing on the promises and the reign of the Messiah. Today, we look at chapter 58, which begins by rebuking external religion and teaches us about the true heart that pleases God.
The Conditions for Blessing
In Isaiah 58, the Lord sets before us specific conditions. If we want our light to rise in the darkness and the Lord to guide us continually, we must first look at what He asks us to remove from our lives:
Remove the Yoke: Do not place external religious burdens or excessive expectations on others that are difficult to bear—especially things you yourself find difficult to carry. Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (NASB 1995, Matthew 11:29-30).
Stop Pointing the Finger: We must abandon a judgmental attitude. While we should judge doctrine by the Word of God, we must never judge the motives or intentions of another person’s heart, because only God can see the inside of others. When we step into the role of a judge, we displease God.
Put Away Wicked Speech: Guard your mouth and your lips with all diligence, for out of the mouth proceed evil things. Jesus taught that what proceeds from the mouth is what is important to the Lord. Let your speech be seasoned with grace. As the scripture says: "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear" (NASB 1995, Ephesians 4:29).
Instead of these things, the Lord calls us to action: "And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday" (NASB 1995, Isaiah 58:10). This means more than just praying in a closed room; it means sacrificially getting involved in the lives of those with material and emotional needs.
The Promise of Light and Water
When we follow these conditions, God gives us a beautiful twofold promise of light and water.
Your Light Will Rise
If you are going through a time of loss, uncertainty, or deep gloom where you cannot see the path in front of you, the Lord promises His light will shine upon you. Isaiah 60:1 tells us: "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you" (NASB 1995). This is not an ordinary light; it is the Shekinah glory of the Lord that reflects through you so that nations are drawn to your light.
A Well-Watered Garden
The Lord also promises to sustain you in "scorched places." Even when life feels dry and parched, He will satisfy your desires and give strength to your bones.
The scripture says: "And you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail" (NASB 1995, Isaiah 58:11). A garden is beautiful and provides comfort to others. The Lord wants you to be so filled with His Spirit that you aren't just a consumer of water, but a source of living water for those around you. As the Lord says in Revelation: "I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost" (NASB 1995, Revelation 21:6).
A Special Charge to Mothers
Mothers, the Lord loves you deeply and has given you a special role to nurture the next generation. I know the challenges you face—worrying about your children and grandchildren in a world that is increasingly difficult. But be of good cheer; the Lord’s hand is upon your offspring. He is able to keep your family like a well-watered garden even in a "Babylonian" or godless environment, just as He protected Daniel and Moses.
I also want to encourage you to look beyond your own biological families. The Lord has called you to be "mothers to the nations." There are people in this world who have lost their families or have no one to care for them. Just as the Lord gave me a family in His body for many years after my own family was upset by my conversion, you are called to provide motherly love and care to the lost and the lacking.
To those of you who still have your mothers, cherish every moment you have with them because you do not have them forever. I lost my mother last year, and I wish I had taken my own advice and talked to her more. Reach out to them, tell them you love them, and enjoy them while you can.
May you be filled with His satisfaction, joy, and peace. May your "waters" never run dry as you continue to pour out His love to everyone around you.
Happy Mother's Day once again. God bless you.