“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.” (Isaiah 51:7, 8)
The big-picture gives advice in the midst of the smaller details of life. Whether a time of blessing or trial we must remember the big-picture.
In this passage God is reminding his people whose shoulders are sunken in fear from oppressors and their hearts are weak from being distant from him. The reminder of who God is and who the oppressors are serve to strengthen weak men and women.
It is hard to remember in the midst of difficulty, especially persecution and mocking for being a Christian, that it is worth it. We see it in a couple of ways.
1. Those who oppose God will not ultimately win. One day they will become the diet for worms and moths. In short: they will not win.
2. God however is the everlasting God. His promises are tied to his perfect eternal character. All that he says he will do. Therefore, take comfort. Be encouraged. Persevere in joy.
3. Remember that it is sheer grace that brings you from being the one who would oppose God and his people to being the one who is opposed. I remember reading a quote from John Bunyon who spoke of the blessed joy he had in his persecution. He told those who whipped him that he pitied them because even though he was being beaten he had more comfort than the ones delivering the blows.
4. Remember that God is the Savior of the nations. The passage reminds us that God is the one Savior for all time. This salvation will come about through the work of the Suffering Servant Jesus Christ. Christ came to save rebels and persecutors, gaining the great victory over sin, Satan, and death. God may be pleased to rescue even those who may be troubling and afflicting you. This combined with number three above causes us to humbly and lovingly pursue their salvation in prayer and word.
