Kindle a Fire

Isaiah 50:11
"Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow."

For years, I was intrigued by the imagery of kindling sparks, fire and light in the first sentence of this scripture. But, I never understood and even felt slightly disturbed by the seemingly strange juxtaposition of second sentence, especially considering the discordant ideas presented. First, the beautiful imagery of light, hope, faith, then sorrow??? and at the hand of the Lord? What is going on here?

Several times in the last couple months, I've pondered over this scripture. In the last few days, I've received additional insight that presents a profound beauty and wisdom of the previously disturbing juxtaposition mentioned above.

When the scripture above is considered with a connection to Genesis 3:16 and Moses 5:11, a whole new meaning opens up in my heart and mind.

Genesis 3:16
"Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children . . . ."

Moses 5:11
"And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."

When I think of the sorrow at the hand of the Lord as mentioned in Isaiah as the sorrow that comes with the creation of children and families, then the juxtaposition makes sense. The positive imagery in the first sentence comes to life with such a deeper meaning.

"Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled."

Sparks become Children. Fire becomes Family. Light becomes Love.