Today you should read: Isaiah 22
While reading this chapter, my heart sunk a little. It reminded me of the reality of how some people and places that seem close to God at some point or another will go astray. Maybe you know those people who seemed very tight with God, but just fell off the spiritual map. Maybe you know those cities or towns that were once all about God, but now seem far from Him. It stinks and it’s heartbreaking.
Here in Isaiah 22, a prophecy is made about “the valley of vision,” which is referring to Jerusalem and Judah. I know there is probably some heresy in my thought process here, but Jerusalem and Judah are kind of like God’s hometown. So, much of the beginnings of our faith revolve around Jerusalem and Judah, and here in this chapter Isaiah is prophesying judgment because of how far they’ve fallen from God.
I sometimes sit back and think about how stuff like this can happen. How can a people and a place so close to God fall so hard? It’s sad. I’m also reminded that God is just, loving, and faithful. He is just to deal with sin appropriately. He loves us by dealing with our sin because He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. He is faithful to fulfill His promises despite the sin of His people.
Even though I am one who many would consider to be “close to God,” I could fall just like the valley of vision. So, this passage teaches me to be extra aware of the fact that I can easily, at any time, get on the entrance ramp to a freeway that leads away from God. I must always be aware of my shortcomings and failures lest I continue down that freeway. It teaches me to be quick to repent of sin and keep short accounts with God in order to have consistent intimate fellowship with God.
Where are you with God today? Maybe you were once close to Him, but you’ve been drifting lately? There’s no one more miserable than a disobedient Christian. I encourage you to acknowledge any sin before God and rest in His loving grace today.
Posted by: Rich Duffield
JumpstartCPC.com 
Thanks Rich! Hey all you CPC’ers (East, West, Richmond). No one has commented for nearly a week. Let’s give it up for our wonderful CPC staff and their commitment to writing our JumpStart commentaries 6 days a week:
Thank You:
Tim Parsons
Todd Thomas
Chad Wiles
Robbie Byrd
Erik Koliser
Sam Cirrincione
Rich Duffield
(gee I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Sorry if I did)
You guys are the best and I thank God for each of you and your ministries which so faithfully serve God’s people! Merry Christmas!
Thanks for your encouragement, Mike! Kasey and I are so thankful for your friendship. Glad we’re neighbors!
Appreciate your kind words, Mike.