Luke 1 The book of Luke, written by the gentile doctor who walked with Paul, is a historical, researched account of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Luke "investigated everything carefully". He wanted to write it in "consecutive order", so that " you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught."
So, Luke starts out with the first big thing that the Lord does in this new era.. the birth of John the Baptist. John is to be the "forerunner .. in the spirit and power of Elijah". His mission was to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord". Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, said this about his newborn son, " And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; To give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercies of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness, and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." ( v76-79)
Later on, Luke will write about the ministry of John. About how he preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;" ( v:3) John announced the coming of the Lamb of God.
"but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals;" Verse 18 of chapter 3 says, ".. he preached the gospel to the people."
John was only a few months older than Jesus, so he was 30 years old, living in the desert, alone until the day of "his public appearance to Israel." His birth was miraculous. The announcement of His birth was wondrous. His message was vital. His life was completely surrendered to the Lord. As the son of a priest, John should have been serving in the temple, but his ministry was ordained by the Lord, outside of the corrupted religious leadership . He had been filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother's womb.. and he never seemed to turn from his calling, even though he struggled as we all do.
Our hearts must be made ready for the gospel, for the message of Jesus Christ. The way is prepared by the truth of our need for repentance.. for the forgiveness of sins. We all sit in darkness. We are surrounded by the shadow of death. But, God in His mercy, has sent a Light! Before we can repent, we must recognize and acknowledge our sinfulness.. what we need to repent from... When we truly repent, there will be "fruit" that will be evident - goodness, kindness, justice, and peace. The good news is that God has sent His Son to purchase our salvation. John preached that it begins with repentance. Luke wanted to make sure that we get first things first.
Father in heaven, thank You for the great salvation that You have provided in Christ our Lord. Thank You for the gift of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Help us to comprehend the greatness of this truth! Help us to live in the Spirit and to bear the fruit of repentance and salvation for the glory of Your Name. Help us to always exalt You and honor You, to put You first in our lives, even as John did. May we also preach the good news to the people who You bring into our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Isaiah 65-66 God has declared what He will do for those who seek Him, those who answer when He calls, those who seek to do what delights Him, instead of doing what He despises...
65:15b-16 "But My servants will be called by another name. Because he who is blessed in the earth shall be blessed by the God of truth;.... because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My sight!"
He will create " new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing, and her people for gladness. And there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying."
Isaiah goes on to speak of the joy of this new life:
Infant mortality rate - 0
Old age- way past 100!
Building homes and living in them
Planting vineyards and enjoying the fruit.
None to plunder and steal.
Labor not in vain.
Children to enjoy.
".. no evil or harm in all My holy mountain."
The Lord says, " It will come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are speaking I will hear." What a wonderful truth! Our God hears us before we even begin to pray...
Chapter 66 The Lord says, " Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool."
There is coming a day when He will make a final judgement. He will separate forever those who obey and follow Him and those who rebel and ignore Him.
He is looking for "this one"... "To him who is humble and contrite of spirit and who trembles at My word." These are the only ones who can come to the holy mountain where He will:
".. extend peace to her like a river" ( v12)
".. I will comfort you;" (v13) like a child is comforted by his mother.
"And the hand of the Lord shall be made known to His servants." (v14)
On the other hand.. those who make themselves enemies of God will be judged by fire and the sword.
Their corpses will burn with unquenchable fire and their "worm" shall not die.
Father in Heaven, even as we look to You to come again and take us to Your holy mountain.. we pray for those who have turned away from You.. those who are lost, imprisoned by their sin, and rebellious in their unbelief. For some of those are ones we love. How can we forget them? Oh, God of mercy, bring them back to the truth! Hear this prayer, O God, and answer! Bring salvation to my family members who are not yet saved. Open their eyes, Lord! Please call them to Jesus and open their ears to hear and their hearts to receive You.. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, according to Your Mighty Word. amen.
65:15b-16 "But My servants will be called by another name. Because he who is blessed in the earth shall be blessed by the God of truth;.... because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My sight!"
He will create " new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing, and her people for gladness. And there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying."
Isaiah goes on to speak of the joy of this new life:
Infant mortality rate - 0
Old age- way past 100!
Building homes and living in them
Planting vineyards and enjoying the fruit.
None to plunder and steal.
Labor not in vain.
Children to enjoy.
".. no evil or harm in all My holy mountain."
The Lord says, " It will come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are speaking I will hear." What a wonderful truth! Our God hears us before we even begin to pray...
Chapter 66 The Lord says, " Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool."
There is coming a day when He will make a final judgement. He will separate forever those who obey and follow Him and those who rebel and ignore Him.
He is looking for "this one"... "To him who is humble and contrite of spirit and who trembles at My word." These are the only ones who can come to the holy mountain where He will:
".. extend peace to her like a river" ( v12)
".. I will comfort you;" (v13) like a child is comforted by his mother.
"And the hand of the Lord shall be made known to His servants." (v14)
On the other hand.. those who make themselves enemies of God will be judged by fire and the sword.
Their corpses will burn with unquenchable fire and their "worm" shall not die.
Father in Heaven, even as we look to You to come again and take us to Your holy mountain.. we pray for those who have turned away from You.. those who are lost, imprisoned by their sin, and rebellious in their unbelief. For some of those are ones we love. How can we forget them? Oh, God of mercy, bring them back to the truth! Hear this prayer, O God, and answer! Bring salvation to my family members who are not yet saved. Open their eyes, Lord! Please call them to Jesus and open their ears to hear and their hearts to receive You.. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, according to Your Mighty Word. amen.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Isaiah 63-65 These final chapters conclude the ministry of Isaiah.
Chapter 63 looks to the past, recalling how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, bringing them through the Red Sea and making a "glorious name" for Himself.
Chapter 64 speaks of the present..
They need Him to " rend the heavens and come down"
To make His name known again.
To do awesome things for them.
To act on their behalf.
But they needed to :
confess their sins
realize that their "righteous deeds" were like "a filthy garment".
They needed to call upon Him.
They needed to humble themselves.
Isaiah prayed, " But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father, We are the clay and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand."
Chapter 65 focuses on the future;
The Lord had sought them, called to them, opened His arms to them, but they had rebelled against Him. They provoked Him. They worshiped idols.
They lived in darkness and uncleanness.
When He called them, they would not answer.
When He spoke they would not listen .
Instead they chose to do evil and that in "which I did not delight".
Therefore, He would separate those who are His servants and those who rebelled.
" Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry.
Behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty.
Behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame.
behold, My servants shall shout joyfully with a glad heart, but you shall cry out with a heavy heart, and you shall wail with a broken spirit. " ( v13-14)
More to think about in this chapter and the last, but I must stop here.
Do we recognize that we have a God who has called us, Who has become our Savior, Who calls us and who desires us to hear Him? Do we wait on Him, as servants.. as the clay awaits the Potter, as a child waits for his father?
Father, reveal Your will to us once again.. that we might humbly bow before You.. and really be Your Servants...
amen
He became their Savior.
He redeemed them "in His love and in His mercy".
He "lifted them and carried them"
He had compassion on them and became their Father.
Chapter 64 speaks of the present..
They need Him to " rend the heavens and come down"
To make His name known again.
To do awesome things for them.
To act on their behalf.
But they needed to :
confess their sins
realize that their "righteous deeds" were like "a filthy garment".
They needed to call upon Him.
They needed to humble themselves.
Isaiah prayed, " But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father, We are the clay and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand."
Chapter 65 focuses on the future;
The Lord had sought them, called to them, opened His arms to them, but they had rebelled against Him. They provoked Him. They worshiped idols.
They lived in darkness and uncleanness.
When He called them, they would not answer.
When He spoke they would not listen .
Instead they chose to do evil and that in "which I did not delight".
Therefore, He would separate those who are His servants and those who rebelled.
" Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry.
Behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty.
Behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame.
behold, My servants shall shout joyfully with a glad heart, but you shall cry out with a heavy heart, and you shall wail with a broken spirit. " ( v13-14)
More to think about in this chapter and the last, but I must stop here.
Do we recognize that we have a God who has called us, Who has become our Savior, Who calls us and who desires us to hear Him? Do we wait on Him, as servants.. as the clay awaits the Potter, as a child waits for his father?
Father, reveal Your will to us once again.. that we might humbly bow before You.. and really be Your Servants...
amen
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Isaiah 62 Zion - the beautiful city of God, has a future glory that we have not yet seen...
It will be a city where righteousness and salvation shine brighter than the sun.
It will be a city that is a "crown of beauty" and a "royal diadem".. held in the hand of God.
It will be a city that God will rejoice over.. like a groom rejoices over his bride.
It is a city protected by God's watchmen.. those given the task of praying.. giving God "no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth." (v7)
It is a city where God's banner flies overhead.
It is a city where all the nations will know that the inhabitants are holy, redeemed people of God.
We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem ( psalm 122:6) . We need to keep praying for the establishment of God's Kingdom.. His reign and rule over the place that He has chosen for His Name.
It is His will and purpose to bring about this future glory for Zion. May we be united with Him in this... as we faithfully pray.
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name...You are Holy and Righteous and Faithful. You are Mighty and Eternal and their is no other God, but You. We pray that Your Kingdom will come in fullness, for we, like Abraham, are "looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" ( Hebrews 11:10) We pray for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray that You will establish and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth... a holy city where righteousness and salvation shine brighter than the sun. We look forward to that day with rejoicing.
Prepare us by renewing our minds, changing our hearts, forgiving our sins, and establishing our paths.. by the power of Your Spirit, who strengthens us inwardly day by day. In the Name of King Jesus we pray. amen.
It will be a city where righteousness and salvation shine brighter than the sun.
It will be a city that is a "crown of beauty" and a "royal diadem".. held in the hand of God.
It will be a city that God will rejoice over.. like a groom rejoices over his bride.
It is a city protected by God's watchmen.. those given the task of praying.. giving God "no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth." (v7)
It is a city where God's banner flies overhead.
It is a city where all the nations will know that the inhabitants are holy, redeemed people of God.
We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem ( psalm 122:6) . We need to keep praying for the establishment of God's Kingdom.. His reign and rule over the place that He has chosen for His Name.
It is His will and purpose to bring about this future glory for Zion. May we be united with Him in this... as we faithfully pray.
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name...You are Holy and Righteous and Faithful. You are Mighty and Eternal and their is no other God, but You. We pray that Your Kingdom will come in fullness, for we, like Abraham, are "looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" ( Hebrews 11:10) We pray for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray that You will establish and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth... a holy city where righteousness and salvation shine brighter than the sun. We look forward to that day with rejoicing.
Prepare us by renewing our minds, changing our hearts, forgiving our sins, and establishing our paths.. by the power of Your Spirit, who strengthens us inwardly day by day. In the Name of King Jesus we pray. amen.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Isaiah 61
v1-2 The servant of the Lord is anointed by the Spirit of God for these purposes:
To give good news to those who are in need.
To bring healing care to those who's hearts are broken.
To give the hope of freedom and liberty to those who are imprisoned.
And to "proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God."
To give comfort to the mourners - victory, gladness, praise, and righteousness -
So that they will glorify the Lord!
It is what our Lord Jesus came to do for us.. and what we are commissioned to do for others.
"Go and tell them, go and tell them... Jesus died for sinful men! Go and tell them, go and tell them.. that He's coming back again"! ( Hymn by A.B. Simpson)
He has clothed us with a "robe of righteousness" and "garments of salvation".
He has made us "the priests of the Lord"...
We rejoice in Him , exulting Him, and walking in covenant with Him through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. We are His servants and we have a job to do...
Father in Heaven, lead us to those who need a word of hope today. Reveal those who are mourning or brokenhearted today... and show us how to bring comfort and healing by Your power and love.
Thank You for saving us and making us Your own. We are Your servants. May Your will be done.
May Your Name be glorified. And may Your Kingdom come! Amen.
v1-2 The servant of the Lord is anointed by the Spirit of God for these purposes:
To give good news to those who are in need.
To bring healing care to those who's hearts are broken.
To give the hope of freedom and liberty to those who are imprisoned.
And to "proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God."
To give comfort to the mourners - victory, gladness, praise, and righteousness -
So that they will glorify the Lord!
It is what our Lord Jesus came to do for us.. and what we are commissioned to do for others.
"Go and tell them, go and tell them... Jesus died for sinful men! Go and tell them, go and tell them.. that He's coming back again"! ( Hymn by A.B. Simpson)
He has clothed us with a "robe of righteousness" and "garments of salvation".
He has made us "the priests of the Lord"...
We rejoice in Him , exulting Him, and walking in covenant with Him through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. We are His servants and we have a job to do...
Father in Heaven, lead us to those who need a word of hope today. Reveal those who are mourning or brokenhearted today... and show us how to bring comfort and healing by Your power and love.
Thank You for saving us and making us Your own. We are Your servants. May Your will be done.
May Your Name be glorified. And may Your Kingdom come! Amen.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Isaiah 60 Isaiah was given a vision of heaven at the beginning of his ministry.. and here, towards the end of his writing.. he is given a message of hope and glory... a future city, a glorified Zion.
Zion will be a place of light.
v1 " the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
v2 ".. the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you."
v3 " And the nations will come to your light, "
v5 " Then you will see and be radiant "
v19 "No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory."
v20 "Your sun will set no more, neither will your moon wane; and you will have the Lord for an everlasting light."
Zion will be a place of wealth.
v5 "the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you."
v6 Camels, gold, frankincense
v7 flocks and rams
v9 ships will bring silver and gold
v11 "And your gates will be open continually; they will not be closed day or night, so that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations..."
v13 the "glory of Lebanon will come to you"
v17 gold, silver, bronze, iron will be brought
Zion will be a place of God's glory
v2 "His glory will appear upon you"
v7 "And I shall glorify My glorious house"
v9 ".. For the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel because He has glorified you."
v13 "... and I shall make the place of My feet glorious"
v21 ".. That I may be glorified"
Righteousness and peace will rule in Zion.
Joy and praise will overflow.
Restoration of sons and daughters will bring great rejoicing.
"Then all your people will be righteous... that I may be glorified" The Lord says. It is His plan and He promises , " I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time."
Reminds me of the hymn "We're Marching to Zion"
(Chorus)
We're marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We're marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.
I don't want to write out all the stanzas.. but they are worth reading and singing!
Let our joys be known!
Let us speak the joys abroad!
A thousand sacred sweets...and golden streets and fairer worlds... await us who know the heavenly King!
Do you ever try to imagine it? We can't begin to picture it, can we?
But, we KNOW that this is going to be our eternal home, with our Heavenly Father ! Wow!
Father, we worship You, our God and King. We await the day when You will bring us into Your Holy city to live in Your Presence forever. Thank You for the glimpses that You give us in Your Word. Thank You for the hope that is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Do the work of preparation, sanctifying us through and through according to Your Word and by Your Spirit, we pray. Amen.
Zion will be a place of light.
v1 " the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
v2 ".. the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you."
v3 " And the nations will come to your light, "
v5 " Then you will see and be radiant "
v19 "No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory."
v20 "Your sun will set no more, neither will your moon wane; and you will have the Lord for an everlasting light."
Zion will be a place of wealth.
v5 "the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you."
v6 Camels, gold, frankincense
v7 flocks and rams
v9 ships will bring silver and gold
v11 "And your gates will be open continually; they will not be closed day or night, so that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations..."
v13 the "glory of Lebanon will come to you"
v17 gold, silver, bronze, iron will be brought
Zion will be a place of God's glory
v2 "His glory will appear upon you"
v7 "And I shall glorify My glorious house"
v9 ".. For the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel because He has glorified you."
v13 "... and I shall make the place of My feet glorious"
v21 ".. That I may be glorified"
Righteousness and peace will rule in Zion.
Joy and praise will overflow.
Restoration of sons and daughters will bring great rejoicing.
"Then all your people will be righteous... that I may be glorified" The Lord says. It is His plan and He promises , " I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time."
Reminds me of the hymn "We're Marching to Zion"
(Chorus)
We're marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We're marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.
I don't want to write out all the stanzas.. but they are worth reading and singing!
Let our joys be known!
Let us speak the joys abroad!
A thousand sacred sweets...and golden streets and fairer worlds... await us who know the heavenly King!
Do you ever try to imagine it? We can't begin to picture it, can we?
But, we KNOW that this is going to be our eternal home, with our Heavenly Father ! Wow!
Father, we worship You, our God and King. We await the day when You will bring us into Your Holy city to live in Your Presence forever. Thank You for the glimpses that You give us in Your Word. Thank You for the hope that is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Do the work of preparation, sanctifying us through and through according to Your Word and by Your Spirit, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Isaiah 59:1-2 " Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that is cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear."
Sin... separates.
Bloodshed.
Falsehood.
Wicked speech.
Unrighteous lawsuits.
Dishonest pleas.
Confusion and lies.
Mischief.
Iniquity.. devastation ... destruction.
Crooked ways.
Injustice.
They can know no peace. They cannot cover themselves. They spiral downward further and further.
Sounds like our world today.
Do we recognize this state that we are in? Will we also make a confession?
We have forsaken justice.. so now there is none.
We want what is right, but we no longer know what that is.
We "hope for light, but behold, darkness;"
We are blind, stumbling, miserable, and dead.
We desire salvation but know that our transgressions are great, " our sins testify against us;"
" And we know our iniquities; transgressing and denying the Lord, and turning away from God.."
We oppress others.
We revolt against authority.
We conceive lies, turn back justice, and lack truth.
There is only one solution.. and oh how wonderful it is!
" And He saw that there was no man, and was astonished that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought salvation to Him; and His righteousness upheld Him." (v16)
"And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and those who turn from transgression.." He came with righteousness "like a breastplate"; a " helmet of salvation on His head;" and " He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle."
Jesus, our Redeemer, came to free us from the depths of darkness, the prison of despair.. the chains of sinfulness ... God, Himself, has returned us to Himself. What amazing grace.
Father, we praise You and lift up our thanks to You. We were blind, lost, and imprisoned, but You have set us free! You have made us whole.. and it is a supernatural, mysterious, and awesome transformation. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Our world is in great need of the One True God. Send out workers into the harvest fields. Fill our churches with those who desire to return to You, to find hope and light and truth. Draw them to Yourself, O Lord... I pray . amen.
Sin... separates.
Bloodshed.
Falsehood.
Wicked speech.
Unrighteous lawsuits.
Dishonest pleas.
Confusion and lies.
Mischief.
Iniquity.. devastation ... destruction.
Crooked ways.
Injustice.
They can know no peace. They cannot cover themselves. They spiral downward further and further.
Sounds like our world today.
Do we recognize this state that we are in? Will we also make a confession?
We have forsaken justice.. so now there is none.
We want what is right, but we no longer know what that is.
We "hope for light, but behold, darkness;"
We are blind, stumbling, miserable, and dead.
We desire salvation but know that our transgressions are great, " our sins testify against us;"
" And we know our iniquities; transgressing and denying the Lord, and turning away from God.."
We oppress others.
We revolt against authority.
We conceive lies, turn back justice, and lack truth.
There is only one solution.. and oh how wonderful it is!
" And He saw that there was no man, and was astonished that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought salvation to Him; and His righteousness upheld Him." (v16)
"And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and those who turn from transgression.." He came with righteousness "like a breastplate"; a " helmet of salvation on His head;" and " He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle."
Jesus, our Redeemer, came to free us from the depths of darkness, the prison of despair.. the chains of sinfulness ... God, Himself, has returned us to Himself. What amazing grace.
Father, we praise You and lift up our thanks to You. We were blind, lost, and imprisoned, but You have set us free! You have made us whole.. and it is a supernatural, mysterious, and awesome transformation. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Our world is in great need of the One True God. Send out workers into the harvest fields. Fill our churches with those who desire to return to You, to find hope and light and truth. Draw them to Yourself, O Lord... I pray . amen.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Isaiah 58
The people of Israel had gone through the motions of serving the Lord and fully expected Him to do their bidding. The Lord sees right through this, calling it transgressions and sin.
They "seek" Him, "day by day". v2
They"delight to know [His] ways"
They "ask [Him] for just decisions".
They "delight in the nearness of God".
And they fast. v3
They "humble" themselves.
But, God does not answer them.
For God sees through the religious activities and into their hearts.
They are fasting to "find their own desires" v3
They treat their workers harshly.
They "fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist." v4
They fast, not " to make your voice heard on high"... but to make themselves seen among men.
They may humble themselves, bow their heads, put on sackcloth and ashes... they may do all the "right" things... but their motivation is all wrong.
Jesus preached about this very thing in Matthew 6:
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with Father who is in heaven.... And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full." ( v 1, 16)
The Lord tells us what He desires.. what a true fast should be, " Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?"
The Israelites were guilty of slavery.. of their own people. They didn't obey the Law regarding the treatment of others. They didn't help the widow or orphan. They didn't care for the poor and needy. They would take their fellow Jew's fields, vineyards, houses, money, etc. Nehemiah addressed this problem which still existed after the return from exile.. " Again I said,'The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?.... Please, let us leave off this usury. " ( Nehemiah 5: 10-12)
The Lord calls for His people to treat others justly and with mercy...His chosen fast is to
".. divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked cover him; and not to hide yourself from you own flesh." v7
When our hearts are His.. we have what James calls, " true religion" :
" This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit the orphans and widow in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
And the rewards are great!
"Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry and He will say, 'Here I am'" ( v8)
Light
Satisfaction
Strength
Fruitfulness
Restoration
To live in reverence and obedience, for the Jews, would begin with the keeping of the Sabbath.
Turning from doing their own pleasure. Not speaking their own word or seeking selfish desires.
Considering the sabbath a delight, setting the day apart for the Lord. Honoring and delighting in the Lord... In other words, putting God first! Especially on His holy day!!!
This is God's desire. Not going through the motions while living in sinful disobedience.
How does this apply to us? We have the same problem that Israel did. We have many who call themselves Christians, who go through the motions of church. We attend services, give our tithes, celebrate communion, sing the songs, and even pray or speak the right words. ...
but our hearts are not yielded entirely to the Lord . We don't care about our neighbors, families, and friends enough to do anything when they are struggling or in need. We hold onto our money instead of giving to those in need. Or we lord it over those who have come to us for help.
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your will be done. Your kingdom come... in us and through us... I do not want to fall into the habit of "religion".. but to live according to the power of Your Spirit in me .. walking in mercy and compassion, loving others, and living in surrender to You.
Transform me, renewing my mind, by Your Word and Spirit, I pray... in the Name of Jesus, my Lord and Master. Amen.
The people of Israel had gone through the motions of serving the Lord and fully expected Him to do their bidding. The Lord sees right through this, calling it transgressions and sin.
They "seek" Him, "day by day". v2
They"delight to know [His] ways"
They "ask [Him] for just decisions".
They "delight in the nearness of God".
And they fast. v3
They "humble" themselves.
But, God does not answer them.
For God sees through the religious activities and into their hearts.
They are fasting to "find their own desires" v3
They treat their workers harshly.
They "fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist." v4
They fast, not " to make your voice heard on high"... but to make themselves seen among men.
They may humble themselves, bow their heads, put on sackcloth and ashes... they may do all the "right" things... but their motivation is all wrong.
Jesus preached about this very thing in Matthew 6:
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with Father who is in heaven.... And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full." ( v 1, 16)
The Lord tells us what He desires.. what a true fast should be, " Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?"
The Israelites were guilty of slavery.. of their own people. They didn't obey the Law regarding the treatment of others. They didn't help the widow or orphan. They didn't care for the poor and needy. They would take their fellow Jew's fields, vineyards, houses, money, etc. Nehemiah addressed this problem which still existed after the return from exile.. " Again I said,'The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?.... Please, let us leave off this usury. " ( Nehemiah 5: 10-12)
The Lord calls for His people to treat others justly and with mercy...His chosen fast is to
".. divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked cover him; and not to hide yourself from you own flesh." v7
When our hearts are His.. we have what James calls, " true religion" :
" This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit the orphans and widow in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
And the rewards are great!
"Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry and He will say, 'Here I am'" ( v8)
Light
Satisfaction
Strength
Fruitfulness
Restoration
To live in reverence and obedience, for the Jews, would begin with the keeping of the Sabbath.
Turning from doing their own pleasure. Not speaking their own word or seeking selfish desires.
Considering the sabbath a delight, setting the day apart for the Lord. Honoring and delighting in the Lord... In other words, putting God first! Especially on His holy day!!!
This is God's desire. Not going through the motions while living in sinful disobedience.
How does this apply to us? We have the same problem that Israel did. We have many who call themselves Christians, who go through the motions of church. We attend services, give our tithes, celebrate communion, sing the songs, and even pray or speak the right words. ...
but our hearts are not yielded entirely to the Lord . We don't care about our neighbors, families, and friends enough to do anything when they are struggling or in need. We hold onto our money instead of giving to those in need. Or we lord it over those who have come to us for help.
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your will be done. Your kingdom come... in us and through us... I do not want to fall into the habit of "religion".. but to live according to the power of Your Spirit in me .. walking in mercy and compassion, loving others, and living in surrender to You.
Transform me, renewing my mind, by Your Word and Spirit, I pray... in the Name of Jesus, my Lord and Master. Amen.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Isaiah 57 Once again the Lord gives a clear revelation... a contrast between the life of the righteous and the life of the wicked.
The Righteous
Perish without recognition or understanding, but are taken "away from evil" and enter into peace and rest. (v1-2)
The righteous will " inherit the land, and shall possess My holy mountain. "
God will dwell " on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit.." ( v15)
He will revive them.
He will heal them.
He will lead them, restore and comfort them.
He will give His peace and bring praise from their lips by His goodness and grace. (v 18-19)
The wicked - are "like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet".. "There is no peace," says my God," for the wicked." (v20-21)
The wicked are "sons of a sorceress" ( v3) They are born out of wickedness and live in it fully.
They jest, opening their mouths and sticking out their tongues.. rebellious and deceitful. ( v4)
They are indecent and immoral.
They slaughter their own children. ( v5)
They not only give sacrifices to idols, but they make their bed with them. ( v7-8)
They don't think of God, nor do they fear Him. ( v11)
God tells them that when the time comes.. and it will.. when they need help and they cry out, they should. " let your collection of idols deliver you" .
Yet, He offers even then to heal, lead, and restore comfort... to those whose ways He has seen.. but they must come with a contrite heart and a lowly spirit. This was the message that Jesus preached..
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted..." ( Matthew 5:3-4) Paul wrote to the Romans, " But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." ( 5:8)
The life and death of a child of God is marked by God's Presence, peace, and grace. He is our Shepherd, our Healer, and our Provider. Jesus, our Savior and King has provided all that we need, but we must receive it from His Hand by faith, with humility and brokenness. We must fully surrender ourselves.. living sacrifices, willing servants.. laying down our lives and taking up our crosses and following Him. Every day. Every hour. Every moment.
The life and death of one who refuses to think of God or fear Him, is marked by wickedness, vileness, and tumult. They will cry out for help, but find none. They will be tossed about in refuse and mud.. garbage.. and filth. Like the prodigal son in the pig pen... lost, starving, desperate.. they will find no peace in life or in death, unless they come to their senses and return to the Father, who loves and welcomes him home.
Father in heaven, You know us full well. You know the depths of sinfulness that resides in us all.. and yet, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! What amazing grace! Thank You for saving me! Thank You for washing me and making me white as snow! Thank You for giving me life in Jesus Christ, my Lord. I pray for all of my family, asking that each one who is still living in the darkness of Satan's domain, will come to their senses.. and return to You. May they have the courage to humble themselves before You and surrender themselves into Your Perfect Hands. Pour out Your grace and mercy on us once again we pray, Lord. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
The Righteous
Perish without recognition or understanding, but are taken "away from evil" and enter into peace and rest. (v1-2)
The righteous will " inherit the land, and shall possess My holy mountain. "
God will dwell " on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit.." ( v15)
He will revive them.
He will heal them.
He will lead them, restore and comfort them.
He will give His peace and bring praise from their lips by His goodness and grace. (v 18-19)
The wicked - are "like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet".. "There is no peace," says my God," for the wicked." (v20-21)
The wicked are "sons of a sorceress" ( v3) They are born out of wickedness and live in it fully.
They jest, opening their mouths and sticking out their tongues.. rebellious and deceitful. ( v4)
They are indecent and immoral.
They slaughter their own children. ( v5)
They not only give sacrifices to idols, but they make their bed with them. ( v7-8)
They don't think of God, nor do they fear Him. ( v11)
God tells them that when the time comes.. and it will.. when they need help and they cry out, they should. " let your collection of idols deliver you" .
Yet, He offers even then to heal, lead, and restore comfort... to those whose ways He has seen.. but they must come with a contrite heart and a lowly spirit. This was the message that Jesus preached..
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted..." ( Matthew 5:3-4) Paul wrote to the Romans, " But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." ( 5:8)
The life and death of a child of God is marked by God's Presence, peace, and grace. He is our Shepherd, our Healer, and our Provider. Jesus, our Savior and King has provided all that we need, but we must receive it from His Hand by faith, with humility and brokenness. We must fully surrender ourselves.. living sacrifices, willing servants.. laying down our lives and taking up our crosses and following Him. Every day. Every hour. Every moment.
The life and death of one who refuses to think of God or fear Him, is marked by wickedness, vileness, and tumult. They will cry out for help, but find none. They will be tossed about in refuse and mud.. garbage.. and filth. Like the prodigal son in the pig pen... lost, starving, desperate.. they will find no peace in life or in death, unless they come to their senses and return to the Father, who loves and welcomes him home.
Father in heaven, You know us full well. You know the depths of sinfulness that resides in us all.. and yet, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! What amazing grace! Thank You for saving me! Thank You for washing me and making me white as snow! Thank You for giving me life in Jesus Christ, my Lord. I pray for all of my family, asking that each one who is still living in the darkness of Satan's domain, will come to their senses.. and return to You. May they have the courage to humble themselves before You and surrender themselves into Your Perfect Hands. Pour out Your grace and mercy on us once again we pray, Lord. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Isaiah 56 Here, Isaiah reminds Israel what they should be doing to please the Lord, " Preserve justice and do righteousness." This is important in light of the coming salvation and righteousness of the Lord. It will be rewarded by God's Hand of blessing. The Lord desires two particular things of the Israelites:
1. Keep from "profaning the sabbath".
2. Keep their hands, " from doing evil."
In fact, the Lord extends His invitation to others as well.. to the foreigner and to the eunuch, those who "choose what pleases Me". And those who "minister to Him and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath, and holds fast My covenant."
All who will come to Him in this way are welcomed to His house of prayer. Their offerings and sacrifices would be accepted by God and they would be included in His Kingdom.
This means us!!
Yet, Israel would not repent. They were blind. They didn't know anything. They were like lazy dogs. They were greedy and never satisfied. Their shepherds cared more about themselves than the sheep. They cared only about drinking and not about the future, not even the judgement coming.
When Jesus was asked about what the greatest commandment was, He said, " The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.'" (Mark12:29-31) Matthew includes these words, " On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." ( 22:40) This is what it means for us to choose to do what pleases God and to serve Him. So what about the sabbath?
Keeping the sabbath holy is one of the ten commandments. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and made it holy." ( Ex. 20:8-11) There is more of an explanation about this commandment than most of the others. Isaiah's message implies that this is one of the most vital of commandments to keep! The word sabbath means to repose, to desist, to cease, to celebrate, to take an intermission.
Jesus didn't follow the traditions of the religious leaders who had indeed "profaned" the sabbath by making it more important than the other commandments. They made it a burden and a joyless day instead of a day of rest and celebration. He declared, " For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
He taught that it was "lawful to do good on the Sabbath." ( Matthew 12) He healed the withered hand of a man on the sabbath and in Luke 13 He freed a woman from Satan's bondage that had caused her to be bent over for 18 years. Jesus said that the man and this woman were more valued by God than an animal... or than the traditions of men.
Hebrews addresses this issue also. "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest of the people of God." (4:9) Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, is the only way into "His rest". We are called to enter in by resting from our "works". We come in the only way we can... in covenant with Jesus Christ.
The sabbath in Isaiah's time was a symbol of Israel's covenant with God. Now, the symbol of our covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us. And it is in Him that we have true rest.
Father, You are Holy and we want to do what pleases You. We rest in Christ Jesus our Lord. We desire to live just and righteous lives. We choose to place our trust in You and to love You with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength . We choose to love others. Fill us with Your Spirit to the full so that we may do Your will. May we minister to You and for You in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
1. Keep from "profaning the sabbath".
2. Keep their hands, " from doing evil."
In fact, the Lord extends His invitation to others as well.. to the foreigner and to the eunuch, those who "choose what pleases Me". And those who "minister to Him and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath, and holds fast My covenant."
All who will come to Him in this way are welcomed to His house of prayer. Their offerings and sacrifices would be accepted by God and they would be included in His Kingdom.
This means us!!
Yet, Israel would not repent. They were blind. They didn't know anything. They were like lazy dogs. They were greedy and never satisfied. Their shepherds cared more about themselves than the sheep. They cared only about drinking and not about the future, not even the judgement coming.
When Jesus was asked about what the greatest commandment was, He said, " The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.'" (Mark12:29-31) Matthew includes these words, " On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." ( 22:40) This is what it means for us to choose to do what pleases God and to serve Him. So what about the sabbath?
Keeping the sabbath holy is one of the ten commandments. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and made it holy." ( Ex. 20:8-11) There is more of an explanation about this commandment than most of the others. Isaiah's message implies that this is one of the most vital of commandments to keep! The word sabbath means to repose, to desist, to cease, to celebrate, to take an intermission.
Jesus didn't follow the traditions of the religious leaders who had indeed "profaned" the sabbath by making it more important than the other commandments. They made it a burden and a joyless day instead of a day of rest and celebration. He declared, " For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
He taught that it was "lawful to do good on the Sabbath." ( Matthew 12) He healed the withered hand of a man on the sabbath and in Luke 13 He freed a woman from Satan's bondage that had caused her to be bent over for 18 years. Jesus said that the man and this woman were more valued by God than an animal... or than the traditions of men.
Hebrews addresses this issue also. "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest of the people of God." (4:9) Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, is the only way into "His rest". We are called to enter in by resting from our "works". We come in the only way we can... in covenant with Jesus Christ.
The sabbath in Isaiah's time was a symbol of Israel's covenant with God. Now, the symbol of our covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us. And it is in Him that we have true rest.
Father, You are Holy and we want to do what pleases You. We rest in Christ Jesus our Lord. We desire to live just and righteous lives. We choose to place our trust in You and to love You with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength . We choose to love others. Fill us with Your Spirit to the full so that we may do Your will. May we minister to You and for You in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Isaiah 55 If you want to have a happy heart.. read this chapter! What a joyful picture of Zion is presented here! One day we will be marching into the Heavenly Zion, with joy and peace. "The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." What a day that will be!
Our Lord calls us to this beautiful city:
If we are thirsty... we just need to come and drink His water.
If we are hungry.. we can come and buy food.. with no money!
"Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live;"( v2-3) " Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call on Him while He is near," ( v6)
Forsake wickedness.
Forsake unrighteous thoughts.
Return to the Lord and find compassion.
Find abundant pardon.
Find the truth of His word, that accomplishes His purposes.
And you will find the joy and peace that is only in His Kingdom. A City built by God, the beautiful City of Zion.
Father in Heaven, Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts and Your ways are higher than our ways. Your way is perfect - in wisdom, in mercy, in love, in truth, in YOU. We call on You and know that You are near. We listen carefully to Your Word and know that it will produce the fruit that is holy and pleasing. We seek You and You let us find You. How merciful and gracious You are!
Thank You for saving us. Thank You for giving us Your Son, our Redeemer. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit to lead us, counsel us, and teach us Your Truth. May Your will be done in all the earth and may Your Name be exalted! Amen.
Our Lord calls us to this beautiful city:
If we are thirsty... we just need to come and drink His water.
If we are hungry.. we can come and buy food.. with no money!
"Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live;"( v2-3) " Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call on Him while He is near," ( v6)
Forsake wickedness.
Forsake unrighteous thoughts.
Return to the Lord and find compassion.
Find abundant pardon.
Find the truth of His word, that accomplishes His purposes.
And you will find the joy and peace that is only in His Kingdom. A City built by God, the beautiful City of Zion.
Father in Heaven, Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts and Your ways are higher than our ways. Your way is perfect - in wisdom, in mercy, in love, in truth, in YOU. We call on You and know that You are near. We listen carefully to Your Word and know that it will produce the fruit that is holy and pleasing. We seek You and You let us find You. How merciful and gracious You are!
Thank You for saving us. Thank You for giving us Your Son, our Redeemer. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit to lead us, counsel us, and teach us Your Truth. May Your will be done in all the earth and may Your Name be exalted! Amen.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Isaiah 54 Verse 17 ends with this, "... This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord." An inheritance... an heirloom. Through Christ, we, who were not born Jewish, have been made "fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household." ( Eph. 2:19) And, we also receive the
" riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" and " the hope of His calling" .
So, along with Zion, these words are for all who believe... " the sons of the desolate" and the "sons of the married woman." The tent has been enlarged, the curtains stretched out, the cords lengthened, the pegs strengthened... to include the Gentile as well as the Jew. Our heritage begins with God's compassion - for He chooses to include us. He gives us His Name, taking us into His family.
He has gathered us "with great compassion." v7
He has shown us His " everlasting lovingkindness" v8
He has promised us His " covenant of peace" v10
He has revealed a city.. far more beautiful than anything we can imagine.. v11-12
He has taken it upon Himself to vindicate us. v17
" No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgement you will condemn." v17a
We, the children of our Heavenly King, have a great inheritance that is ours for eternity... in Christ Jesus the Lord.
Father in Heaven, how Holy and Righteous is our God! May all the earth call on You and give You honor and praise. For You are worthy of all our thanks and praise and worship. May Your Kingdom come.. that we may enter into the Beautiful City, where we will forever know Your Presence in a way that we cannot grasp from here. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give to us today our daily bread.. the life giving Bread from heaven, as well as the life-sustaining bread for our bodies.
Forgive us our sins, trespasses, and debts. We freely release all debts, trespasses, and sins done against us.. choosing to extend forgiveness and mercy to all. Lead us not in the ways of temptation, but deliver us from the traps and schemes of the evil one. For all glory, honor, and power is Yours alone, forever and ever, Amen.
" riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" and " the hope of His calling" .
So, along with Zion, these words are for all who believe... " the sons of the desolate" and the "sons of the married woman." The tent has been enlarged, the curtains stretched out, the cords lengthened, the pegs strengthened... to include the Gentile as well as the Jew. Our heritage begins with God's compassion - for He chooses to include us. He gives us His Name, taking us into His family.
"For your husband is your Maker,
Whose name is the Lord of hosts;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,
Who is called the God of all the earth.
For the Lord has called you..."
( v5-6a)
He has gathered us "with great compassion." v7
He has shown us His " everlasting lovingkindness" v8
He has promised us His " covenant of peace" v10
He has revealed a city.. far more beautiful than anything we can imagine.. v11-12
He has taken it upon Himself to vindicate us. v17
" No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgement you will condemn." v17a
We, the children of our Heavenly King, have a great inheritance that is ours for eternity... in Christ Jesus the Lord.
Father in Heaven, how Holy and Righteous is our God! May all the earth call on You and give You honor and praise. For You are worthy of all our thanks and praise and worship. May Your Kingdom come.. that we may enter into the Beautiful City, where we will forever know Your Presence in a way that we cannot grasp from here. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give to us today our daily bread.. the life giving Bread from heaven, as well as the life-sustaining bread for our bodies.
Forgive us our sins, trespasses, and debts. We freely release all debts, trespasses, and sins done against us.. choosing to extend forgiveness and mercy to all. Lead us not in the ways of temptation, but deliver us from the traps and schemes of the evil one. For all glory, honor, and power is Yours alone, forever and ever, Amen.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Isaiah 52-53
Redemption .... what good news, Isaiah writes - wake up, get dressed, get ready! "For thus says the Lord, ' You were sold for nothing and you will be redeemed without money'" ( 52:3)
It is good news because God Himself is acting on behalf of His people.
He is announcing their salvation.
He comforting His people.
He has "bared His holy arm."
He is going before them and is their "rear guard".
And it is all accomplished by His Servant, His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus will " prosper" - He will succeed in the work He is sent to do.
He will "be high and lifted up and greatly exalted."
And He will do this is a way that no one would ever have guessed or chosen.. that no man would have predicted.. in a way that is uniquely and wholly God-ordained:
"So His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of man." v14
He "grew up before Him like a tender shoot and like a root out of a parched ground." 53:2
He didn't look majestic or significant.
He was hated.
He was rejected.
He knew sorrow and grief.
He was despised.
And in spite of that He:
Bore our griefs v4
Carried our sorrows v4
Was pierced through for our transgressions v5
was crushed for our iniquities v5
was chastened for our failures
was scourged for our healing
took all our iniquity
Was taken away.
was killed
was buried
was crushed
was poured out
was "numbered with the transgressors"
"Bore the sins of many and interceded for the transgressors." v12
Every word that Isaiah prophesied was fulfilled in Jesus Christ as He gave Himself up to be crucified. Yet there is still more that will be accomplished;
Verse 10-12 " He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days... He will see it and be satisfied...
I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong.. "
His Kingdom is coming! Our Savior will reign forever as King and Lord. He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted forever and ever. Amen!
Father, give us ears to hear and hearts to receive Your Word, that we might be transformed by the renewing of our minds and made one with You. Fill us with Your Spirit and draw us nearer to Yourself. Thank You for the good news that Jesus, our Redeemer has succeeded in the work that You sent Him to do.. to save us, to purchase us, and to justify us, that we might be completely and always Your people. Amen.
Redemption .... what good news, Isaiah writes - wake up, get dressed, get ready! "For thus says the Lord, ' You were sold for nothing and you will be redeemed without money'" ( 52:3)
It is good news because God Himself is acting on behalf of His people.
He is announcing their salvation.
He comforting His people.
He has "bared His holy arm."
He is going before them and is their "rear guard".
And it is all accomplished by His Servant, His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus will " prosper" - He will succeed in the work He is sent to do.
He will "be high and lifted up and greatly exalted."
And He will do this is a way that no one would ever have guessed or chosen.. that no man would have predicted.. in a way that is uniquely and wholly God-ordained:
"So His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of man." v14
He "grew up before Him like a tender shoot and like a root out of a parched ground." 53:2
He didn't look majestic or significant.
He was hated.
He was rejected.
He knew sorrow and grief.
He was despised.
And in spite of that He:
Bore our griefs v4
Carried our sorrows v4
Was pierced through for our transgressions v5
was crushed for our iniquities v5
was chastened for our failures
was scourged for our healing
took all our iniquity
Was taken away.
was killed
was buried
was crushed
was poured out
was "numbered with the transgressors"
"Bore the sins of many and interceded for the transgressors." v12
Every word that Isaiah prophesied was fulfilled in Jesus Christ as He gave Himself up to be crucified. Yet there is still more that will be accomplished;
Verse 10-12 " He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days... He will see it and be satisfied...
I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong.. "
His Kingdom is coming! Our Savior will reign forever as King and Lord. He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted forever and ever. Amen!
Father, give us ears to hear and hearts to receive Your Word, that we might be transformed by the renewing of our minds and made one with You. Fill us with Your Spirit and draw us nearer to Yourself. Thank You for the good news that Jesus, our Redeemer has succeeded in the work that You sent Him to do.. to save us, to purchase us, and to justify us, that we might be completely and always Your people. Amen.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Isaiah 51
v1 Israel is told to look "to the rock from which you were dug".. look back to Abraham.. to the beginning of their nation. Abraham was called, blessed, and multiplied by God's own hand. Israel had every opportunity to be treated in the same way... if they would just listen; "Pay attention to Me, O My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation." We must look to the Rock of Ages... to our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone.
Joy and gladness, thanksgiving, righteousness and salvation.. are all gifts that the Lord gladly bestows on His people. There will be a time, the Lord declares, when the sky will vanish and the earth will wear out. But, even though everything we think we can count on is gone... He will forever reign! His righteousness will not fail. His salvation will never end. Hallelujah!!
"Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, and the son of man who is made like grass; that you have forgotten the Lord Your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth;" the Lord asks Israel. He reminds them that :
He is the One who comforts them. ( v12)
He is the One who covers them with His hand. ( v16)
He is the One who calls them, saying , " You are My people."
He is the One who "contends for His people" (v22)
These are truths for us today as well!
Our God dried up the seas, stretched out the heavens, and laid the foundation of the earth. He is the One who tells what will happen and then does what He says. Our God is the One Who judges in righteousness and does justice. He removes our sins. He slays the dragons. He redeems His people.
His desire is to give us joy and gladness, salvation and righteousness.
Father in heaven, You are the Lord of hosts, our Mighty God and there is no one like You. We praise You and we worship You. We are Your servants. How can we serve You today? Your word tells us that You require us to do what is just, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. May Your will be done in each of us today. Jesus gave us the commandment to love one another as You have loved us. May we be faithful to obey Your commands today. Fill us Holy Spirit and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. We ask this in the Name of the Holy Son of God, Jesus. Amen.
v1 Israel is told to look "to the rock from which you were dug".. look back to Abraham.. to the beginning of their nation. Abraham was called, blessed, and multiplied by God's own hand. Israel had every opportunity to be treated in the same way... if they would just listen; "Pay attention to Me, O My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation." We must look to the Rock of Ages... to our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone.
Joy and gladness, thanksgiving, righteousness and salvation.. are all gifts that the Lord gladly bestows on His people. There will be a time, the Lord declares, when the sky will vanish and the earth will wear out. But, even though everything we think we can count on is gone... He will forever reign! His righteousness will not fail. His salvation will never end. Hallelujah!!
"Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, and the son of man who is made like grass; that you have forgotten the Lord Your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth;" the Lord asks Israel. He reminds them that :
He is the One who comforts them. ( v12)
He is the One who covers them with His hand. ( v16)
He is the One who calls them, saying , " You are My people."
He is the One who "contends for His people" (v22)
These are truths for us today as well!
Our God dried up the seas, stretched out the heavens, and laid the foundation of the earth. He is the One who tells what will happen and then does what He says. Our God is the One Who judges in righteousness and does justice. He removes our sins. He slays the dragons. He redeems His people.
His desire is to give us joy and gladness, salvation and righteousness.
Father in heaven, You are the Lord of hosts, our Mighty God and there is no one like You. We praise You and we worship You. We are Your servants. How can we serve You today? Your word tells us that You require us to do what is just, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. May Your will be done in each of us today. Jesus gave us the commandment to love one another as You have loved us. May we be faithful to obey Your commands today. Fill us Holy Spirit and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. We ask this in the Name of the Holy Son of God, Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Isaiah 50
More is revealed about Jesus in this chapter....
v4 Jesus was given the "tongue of disciples" to "sustain the weary one with a word".
God, the Father "... awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple."
v5 "The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back."
This resonates with us as we remember how Jesus spoke and acted with compassion on those He came into contact with, offering His easy yoke and light burden.. offering His rest. ( Matthew 11:28-30) We know that Jesus spent much time in prayer and proclaimed that He spoke only " the things seen with My Father" ( John 8:38) And John 12: 49 " For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak."
Jesus perfectly obeyed all that the Father required of Him. Even:
v6 " I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from the humiliation and spitting." Matthew 26: 67 " Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, "
Isaiah shares with us next something that we don't find in the gospels...he shares with us what Jesus was thinking during the time He was being beaten, humiliated and crucified.. .
More is revealed about Jesus in this chapter....
v4 Jesus was given the "tongue of disciples" to "sustain the weary one with a word".
God, the Father "... awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple."
v5 "The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back."
This resonates with us as we remember how Jesus spoke and acted with compassion on those He came into contact with, offering His easy yoke and light burden.. offering His rest. ( Matthew 11:28-30) We know that Jesus spent much time in prayer and proclaimed that He spoke only " the things seen with My Father" ( John 8:38) And John 12: 49 " For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak."
Jesus perfectly obeyed all that the Father required of Him. Even:
v6 " I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from the humiliation and spitting." Matthew 26: 67 " Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, "
Isaiah shares with us next something that we don't find in the gospels...he shares with us what Jesus was thinking during the time He was being beaten, humiliated and crucified.. .
"For the Lord God helps Me,
Therefore I am not disgraced;
Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
And I know that I shall not be ashamed.
He who vindicates Me is near;
who will contend with Me?
..
Behold, the Lord God helps Me;
Who is he who condemns Me?"
(v7-9)
Jesus so perfectly trusted the Father to vindicate Him, to help Him, to bring Him through the agony of the cross. Then, He calls us to follow Him.. " Who is among you that fears the Lord , that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."
Father in heaven, our faithful Almighty God, You are eternal and never changing. We praise You and thank You for the Word of life that brings us truth and hope and comfort. All that Jesus suffered was according to Your Word and Your will.. for our salvation. How wonderful and amazing! We also can trust in You and rely on You to bring us through all the trials of our lives.. which are nothing in comparison to our Lord's sacrifice on the cross.. and so little compared to what many of Your followers are suffering even today. Thank You for this truth to bind around us as a belt. Thank You for the righteousness of Christ which is our breastplate, the helmet of salvation which covers our heads, the shoes of peace which allow us to stand firm, and the shield of faith which protects against the fiery darts of the enemy. We take up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to fight against evil. And we pray continually for Your Kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Isaiah 48 Israel has been found out. They have pretended to worship God, but "not in truth, nor in righteousness". Everything that is happening to them, is because of their idolatry and rebellion against their God. So, God is telling them beforehand what is going to happen, so that when it does happen, they will know without doubt that it is from Him. They have forgotten Who He is!
He wants them to know Him and return to Him.
He acts for His own sake, and His " glory [He] will not give to another."
" I am He, I am the first, I am also the last. Surely My hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens ." If Israel has strayed, rebelled, and worshiped idols, it is because they have forgotten and turned away from the One true God. Over and over again, Isaiah speaks the words of God's heart, " I am the Lord your God..."
Isaiah 49 The prophecies of Isaiah begin to build into a great crescendo here... theses words are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
v1 It is Jesus who was called and named while in His mother's womb.
v2 It is Jesus who's mouth is made a sharp arrow.
v3 It is Jesus who is the Servant and in Whom God will show His glory.
v4 It is Jesus who waits upon the Father for a reward.
v5 It is Jesus who was "formed... from the womb to be His Servant".
v6 It is Jesus who not only will restore the "preserved ones of Israel;" but who is "...made a light of the nations so that My ( God's) salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
v7 It is Jesus who was despised and abhorred by the nation. It is Jesus who is and will be worshiped by kings and princes.
v8 It is Jesus who was given as a covenant of the people.
v9 It is Jesus who releases those bound and gives sight to those who are blind.
v10 It is Jesus who feeds the hungry and gives water to the thirsty. It is Jesus who has compassion on us and who leads us to the springs of water.
v11 It is Jesus who makes a way through mountains and valleys.
v12 It is Jesus who calls us to come from afar to find Him, to find salvation and healing and comfort.
God reveals His love for His people, " Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
He promises to give them sons and daughters.
He promises to show Himself to the nations and be the standard to the peoples.
He promises to contend with those who come against His people.
He promises that all flesh will know that He is Lord, Savior, Redeemer, " the Mighty One of Israel"
"And you will know that I am the Lord ; Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame." ( v23b)
This is the truth that we must know and believe to worship God in spirit and in truth. We must keep our attention and focus on the Lord, Who is the One and only God, for there is no other.
Father in heaven, how Holy is Your Name. You alone are worthy of all praise and worship. You have revealed Yourself to us in Your holy word and we need to grow in this knowledge . Help us to be faithful to keep Your word, to read and meditate and be filled by Your Spirit , so that we might do Your will. Thank You for this reminder of Your promises and of the greatness of our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank You for saving us by the blood of the Lamb, Your Son. Amen.
He wants them to know Him and return to Him.
He acts for His own sake, and His " glory [He] will not give to another."
" I am He, I am the first, I am also the last. Surely My hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens ." If Israel has strayed, rebelled, and worshiped idols, it is because they have forgotten and turned away from the One true God. Over and over again, Isaiah speaks the words of God's heart, " I am the Lord your God..."
Isaiah 49 The prophecies of Isaiah begin to build into a great crescendo here... theses words are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
v1 It is Jesus who was called and named while in His mother's womb.
v2 It is Jesus who's mouth is made a sharp arrow.
v3 It is Jesus who is the Servant and in Whom God will show His glory.
v4 It is Jesus who waits upon the Father for a reward.
v5 It is Jesus who was "formed... from the womb to be His Servant".
v6 It is Jesus who not only will restore the "preserved ones of Israel;" but who is "...made a light of the nations so that My ( God's) salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
v7 It is Jesus who was despised and abhorred by the nation. It is Jesus who is and will be worshiped by kings and princes.
v8 It is Jesus who was given as a covenant of the people.
v9 It is Jesus who releases those bound and gives sight to those who are blind.
v10 It is Jesus who feeds the hungry and gives water to the thirsty. It is Jesus who has compassion on us and who leads us to the springs of water.
v11 It is Jesus who makes a way through mountains and valleys.
v12 It is Jesus who calls us to come from afar to find Him, to find salvation and healing and comfort.
God reveals His love for His people, " Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
He promises to give them sons and daughters.
He promises to show Himself to the nations and be the standard to the peoples.
He promises to contend with those who come against His people.
He promises that all flesh will know that He is Lord, Savior, Redeemer, " the Mighty One of Israel"
"And you will know that I am the Lord ; Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame." ( v23b)
This is the truth that we must know and believe to worship God in spirit and in truth. We must keep our attention and focus on the Lord, Who is the One and only God, for there is no other.
Father in heaven, how Holy is Your Name. You alone are worthy of all praise and worship. You have revealed Yourself to us in Your holy word and we need to grow in this knowledge . Help us to be faithful to keep Your word, to read and meditate and be filled by Your Spirit , so that we might do Your will. Thank You for this reminder of Your promises and of the greatness of our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank You for saving us by the blood of the Lamb, Your Son. Amen.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Isaiah 47 The Lord speaks to Babylon, using the image of a woman;
She considers herself a queen.
She doesn't believe that anything can touch her
She doesn't recognize her own sinfulness.
She believes she will reign forever.
She is secure in herself and her choices... which are wicked.
She says in her heart, " I am, and there is no one besides me."(v8) - words that blaspheme for they are only true of God.
She boasts of things that are really out of her control, "loss of children and widowhood". (v9)
She has trusted in wickedness and evil - sorceries, spells, astrologers, - all who will be struck down and cast into the fire.
She is deluded by her own wisdom and knowledge. (v10)
All that she has trusted in and boasted in.. will fail. " There is none to save you."(v15) the Lord warns.
God had judged Israel and sent them into exile, into Babylon's hands, but they "did not show mercy to them, on the aged you made your yoke very heavy." ( v6) Because of this and because of her great pride and wickedness, she will be judged even more harshly.
Father in heaven, You are God alone. You are our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts. You are the Holy One of Israel and there is none like You. There is no nation on earth that can stand against You or find security in itself , not even the USA. We are in great need of Your Word and we pray that it will spread rapidly be glorified in our land. There is so much deception, pride, and wickedness in our country, o Lord forgive us! We do not recognize our own sinfulness! Lord, open our eyes and bring us to repentance. May those in government, news media, and even in the entertainment industries... humble themselves before You and repent of their sins. You are our only Hope. You are the only One who brings righteousness and salvation . Once again I pray for my family and ask that You move in their lives to bring them to salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. I ask this in His powerful Name. Amen.
She considers herself a queen.
She doesn't believe that anything can touch her
She doesn't recognize her own sinfulness.
She believes she will reign forever.
She is secure in herself and her choices... which are wicked.
She says in her heart, " I am, and there is no one besides me."(v8) - words that blaspheme for they are only true of God.
She boasts of things that are really out of her control, "loss of children and widowhood". (v9)
She has trusted in wickedness and evil - sorceries, spells, astrologers, - all who will be struck down and cast into the fire.
She is deluded by her own wisdom and knowledge. (v10)
All that she has trusted in and boasted in.. will fail. " There is none to save you."(v15) the Lord warns.
God had judged Israel and sent them into exile, into Babylon's hands, but they "did not show mercy to them, on the aged you made your yoke very heavy." ( v6) Because of this and because of her great pride and wickedness, she will be judged even more harshly.
Father in heaven, You are God alone. You are our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts. You are the Holy One of Israel and there is none like You. There is no nation on earth that can stand against You or find security in itself , not even the USA. We are in great need of Your Word and we pray that it will spread rapidly be glorified in our land. There is so much deception, pride, and wickedness in our country, o Lord forgive us! We do not recognize our own sinfulness! Lord, open our eyes and bring us to repentance. May those in government, news media, and even in the entertainment industries... humble themselves before You and repent of their sins. You are our only Hope. You are the only One who brings righteousness and salvation . Once again I pray for my family and ask that You move in their lives to bring them to salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. I ask this in His powerful Name. Amen.
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