I'm moved by the way sin is so harshly denounced in Isaiah 59, then God's planned future for His people is described in Isaiah 60. What grace!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
July 30, Day 211
Today's chapters in Isaiah remind me of one of those produce fields we often see in our area. It's not uncommon to see a field planted with a variety of different plants, each growing healthily. A few rows of one variety, then a few rows of another, then another.
Chapter 54: "Spread out your home...you will soon be bursting at the seams!"
Chapter 55: “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with My Word..."
Chapter 56: “I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord,
who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer."
Chapter 57: "I will comfort those who mourn."
Chapter 58: "This is the kind of fasting I want..."
Friday, July 29, 2011
July 29, Day 210
"But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment." (Isaiah 50:11 NLT) This is an ominous warning to those of us who have been raised with mantras like, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" or "Stand on your own two feet."
The "Suffering Servant" poems that begin in Isaiah 52 are obviously graphic prophecies about Christ. They are worth reflection over and over again!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
July 28, Day 209
Three days ago we read about Hezekiah's plea to God for Jerusalem as told by Isaiah. That was followed by many more chapters of things God was speaking to Isaiah during that painful season. What Isaiah received during the era was indicative of God's use of stressful situations to call us to focus on Him.
Today we get the account of Hezekiah's plea as told by the historians in 2 Kings. I am in awe of the connection of God's deliverance from Sennacherib (2 Kings 19) and the opening stanza of Psalm 19: "God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in times of trouble." Wow!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
July 27, Day 208
This summer, we have been preaching through Zechariah. Zechariah was a prophet in Jerusalem at the time of the reconstruction of the Temple (recorded in Ezra) and the Walls (recorded in Nehemiah). In Ezra you can read the account of how King Cyrus, the great Persian conqueror, sent the priest and others back to Jerusalem with orders and supplies to rebuild.
Now, here is where today's passage gets miraculous..."When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’” Isaiah 44:28 (NLT) Isiah goes on about Cyrus in Chapter 45. The miracle is that Isaiah was written almost 200 years before Cyrus was born! Talk about a validation of this prophet hearing from God! 200 years before Cyrus was born, he was named as the king who would order the restoration of Jerusalem. Wow!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
July 26, Day 207
Isaiah 40 begins with "Comfort ye" (I have Handel's Messiah running through my head and ends with "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." What a great chapter!
Monday, July 25, 2011
July 25, Day 206
I have reflected often about Hezekiah and how I don't want to end up like him. It seems that he cried out to God in adversity and God heard him. Then he got proud. He showed off as if he had built the kingdom, rather than giving God the glory. Then, when told that judgment was coming, he rejoiced that it would happen to his heirs rather than him. It's a little like adults today who spend as if there's no tomorrow and have no qualm about leaving the consequences for their children.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
July 23, Day 204
Don't get bogged down in these chapters from Isaiah. Instead, let God speak to you from individual verses and short passages. For instance, I love what he says in Isaiah 32:8: "But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity." (NLT)
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 22, Day 203
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. 16 You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you! Isaiah 30:15-16 (NLT)
Remember that Egypt symbolizes the world system. As followers of Christ, we are ALWAYS at decision points. We will either humble ourselves before God and trust Him or we will put our trust in "Egypt." In whom will you trust today?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
July 21, Day 202
1 How prosperous Israel is— a luxuriant vine loaded with fruit. But the richer the people get, the more pagan altars they build. The more bountiful their harvests, the more beautiful their sacred pillars. 2 The hearts of the people are fickle; they are guilty and must be punished. The LORD will break down their altars and smash their sacred pillars. Hosea 10:1-2 (NLT)
How much clearer does it have to be?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
July 20, Day 201
Hosea was appointed by God to a prophetic ministry that cut to his very soul. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute. The way Hosea treated her was a picture of the way God was treating Israel, who had prostituted herself with the false gods of other nations. We begin to get a small idea of how our willing sins grieve God's heart when we realize that we are the bride of Christ. He loved us and gave Himself fully for us, but we seek out other "lovers" to fill up our hearts.
This little book gives a great balance between God's redemptive love and His judgment. To err in either direction is to miss the heart of God.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July 19, Day 200
The Passover was delayed so the spiritual leaders had time to prepare. Some people who lived a great distance from Jerusalem humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem to seek and celebrate God. God saw their humility and Hezekiah took the high road. Instead of holding them to a legalistic set of rules, he honored their heart: "Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, 'May the Lord, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.'" (2 Chronicles 30:18-19 NLT)
I believe that their generous gifts in chapter 31 are, in part, the result of the grace they were shown. How can we help by love a God who so loves us?
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 18, Day 199
When it all comes down, we have but One reliable refuge: "In that day the people will proclaim, 'This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!'" (Isaiah 25:9 NLT)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 17, Day 198
Reading today's chapters reminds me of how quickly and easily mighty kingdoms fall. We who live in the USA should take heed!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July 16, Day 197
Many scholars believe (I also believe) that Isaiah 14:12-21 is more directly written as a prophecy against Satan himself. Read it carefully and I think you will see the reason.
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 15, Day 196
This picture of how Ahaz forsook his true Friend, then turned to his enemy for help really has an impact on me. How many times has my heart been far from God, so I chose the world's ways to answer my problems? Thank God for His gracious forgiveness!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
July 14, Day 195
Micah. "And why is this happening? Because of the rebellion of Israel— yes, the sins of the whole nation. Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? Samaria, its capital city! Where is the center of idolatry in Judah? In Jerusalem, its capital!" Much of what I read today speaks of our nation's capital as a city of duplicity and deceit. It seems that the gods most worshiped in that city are power and money. Oh, may God revive Washington, D.C.! Today's passage includes the beautiful picture of Christ on the throne and people from all the nations going up to be taught by Him. Amen!
I can't think of Micah without thinking of Micah 6:8. It's worth memorizing, for sure!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 13, Day 194
Many years ago a friend of mine said, "We have an extra ticket to the opening round of the NBA finals in Phoenix; do you want to go?" My well-connected friend drove us to the city, parked in VIP parking and took us to our seats in the lower level a few rows up the visiting team's bench. We we just above eye level with the basketball rim. All night we watched Michael Jordan leap as if he could defy gravity. I will never forget it.
I thought about that as I pondered Isaiah 10. Think about all the times you have been given favor: a better seat, a test you didn't have to take or a free day off when others had to work. When you receive favor for a while, you can begin to believe you live above judgment. Assyria had been given favor and God used them to discipline Israel. However, they day would come; the day they would pay for their own rebellion.
The same is true of us, no matter who we are. We should be careful not to attempt living like a privileged child who thinks we can get away with anything we want.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 12, Day 193
10 Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent a message to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos is hatching a plot against you right here on your very doorstep! What he is saying is intolerable. 11 He is saying, ‘Jeroboam will soon be killed, and the people of Israel will be sent away into exile.’” 12 Then Amaziah sent orders to Amos: “Get out of here, you prophet! Go on back to the land of Judah, and earn your living by prophesying there! 13 Don’t bother us with your prophecies here in Bethel. This is the king’s sanctuary and the national place of worship!” Amos 7:10-13 (NLT) We live in an age when messages from God are treated with the same disrespect!
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 11, Day 192
Amos was (obviously) a contemporary of Isaiah. This shepherd from Tekoa spoke God's judgment in a different way than Isaiah. Just like God uses different communicators today to reach people in different cultures, God used different prophets to bring messages to different ones of His people.
Amos begins with words of judgment on Israel's neighbors, but quickly turns the spotlight on Judah and Israel. God would judge them! "Come back to the Lord and live! Otherwise, he will roar through Israelt like a fire, devouring you completely." (Amos 5:6 NLT) I think He could easily be giving us this same message in the U.S.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
July 10, Day 191
Isaiah received his prophetic call in the year King Uzziah died. The very next chapter is a message for King Ahaz, Uzziah's grandson who became king sometime later. The messages for his contemporaries are laced with prophecies ("The virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and you shall call His name Immanuel..."). While not always easy to follow, the messages are worth meditation.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
July 9, Day 190
Isaiah. Most of us have seen movie scenes in which something is happening and we don't get the enormity of it until the camera pulls back. I think about the scene in which Tom Hanks' character in "Castaway" is rescued. He is lying there, wasting away on his raft. Suddenly, he is dwarfed by a huge ship right next to him.
Those were my thoughts as I read these opening chapters of Isaiah's prophecy. We have been reading for days about the sins of Israel and her kings. We have read multiple times about the pride in the hearts of Judah's kings and the judgment upon that pride. Then...suddenly...God speaks through Isaiah and tells His view of it all and what He is about to do.
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 8, Day 189
Today's chapters give us the "Reader's Digest" version and a longer account of King Uzziah. Though he was a good king, he let pride drive him from God. He suffered with leprosy as a result. The year of his death marked the date of Isaiah's prophetic call (Isaiah 6:1).
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July 7, Day 188
Today we enjoy one of the advantages of reading chronologically. Jonah is familiar to most of you. The book is placed toward the end of the Old Testament, among a number of small prophetic writings. However, it took place before the much longer books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July 6, Day 187
The account of King Amaziah, told in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, is ripe with significance. One great victory tempted him to seize control of his own life, forsaking God for the idols of his fallen enemies. That was the beginning of the end for Amaziah. At this stage in my life I have tasted a few victories. I know the heart temptation to walk away from God and live my own way. Only by His grace do I walk in victory over those thoughts.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 5, Day 186
As I read about Jehoiada and Joash today in 2 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 24, I thought about an important lesson they showed us. The High Priest was full of faith, but lacking in business sense. The King was just the opposite. As long as they worked together, they accomplished much. When that partnership no longer existed, everything fell apart. I am grateful to the many wise (and godly) business people who have helped protect our church over the year. As we have grown, we have been able to hire some of them and they have helped save us from many mistakes.
Monday, July 4, 2011
July 4, Day 185
2 Kings. Jehu was a warrior. God used him to clean house. It was brutal and ugly, but God had a purpose in it. His judgment of sin can be ruthless. I have known some within the church that seem to have this warrior anointing from God; I'm pretty compassionate and at first this was hard for me, but I have come to understand that God uses them in a very special way.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
July 3, Day 184
2 Kings. Each of today's chapters is an account of God's faithfulness during difficult times. I hope they might encourage you today.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July 2, Day 183
Congratulations! This is "hump day" for the year. We are crossing the half-way point of reading the Bible chronologically. We are entering some of the territory that many find the most difficult, with obscure kings and hard-to-understand prophetic messages. However, the New Testament towers ahead of us on the journey and we will arrive there before too long. Hang on!
2 Kings. Elijah finished his earthly life by continuing to stand against the deception of his generation. When he was taken to heaven, God gave extraordinary power to Elisha as the successor. Remember that Elijah joined Moses and met Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Also, you might be interested that some scholars believe the two witnesses who preach in Jerusalem described in Revelation to be Moses and Elijah.
I was again puzzled as to why Gehazi got no results to his petition for the life of the boy. Then it hit me: God, who sees the heart, saw the false motives in Gehazi. If he had seen the boy healed, he most likely would wanted to turn it into a profit-making venture. May my heart always belong only to God!
Friday, July 1, 2011
July 1, Day 182
Obadiah. Today we receive one of the benefits of reading chronologically. Obadiah was a prophet who lived and prophesied in the same era we are reading about in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. In his little prophecy, Obadiah declares God's judgment on the Edomites. Edom was the other name for Esau, the brother of Jacob (whose name became Israel and is the father of the Israeli people). Esau's descendants were usually aligned against their cousins because the Jews were God's chosen. Therefore, when Israel began to face judgment and was taken captive to Babylon and Assyria, the Edomites rejoiced. God said that he would judge them for they, too, were in rebellion to Him. Obadiah declared that the Israelis would occupy Edom's territory and that there would be no survivors in Edom. Indeed, what happened was that the small remnant of the Edomites who still lived by the second century after Christ had lost their identity as children of Edom, having intermarried with the Jews. They are now a part of the Jewish people.
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