Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

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Bible Pathways 08/01/04


 

 

Read Isaiah 1 -- 4

 

In Today's Reading:

 

Israel's sin; Isaiah's exhortation for repentance; coming of Christ's kingdom; Jerusalem's glorious future

 

The God of Creation chose the Israelites to reveal Himself to all people as the One True God, who is both the Incarnate and Written Word. It must have been with deep sorrow that God led Isaiah to say: Hear . . . and give ear . . . for the LORD has spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows its owner, and the ass its master's crib (manger): but Israel does not know. . . . they have provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger, they are gone away backward (turned away from Him) (Isaiah 1:2-4). Isaiah recorded how the Lord had chosen and provided for the Israelites, only to have them turn against Him by worshiping idols. The Lord lamented that even the animals He had created knew who their Master was, but the sinful Israelites refused to recognize their responsibility to their Creator.

 

Like our Heavenly Father, it must have been heartbreaking for King David, the great prophet Samuel, and godly King Josiah of Judah, all of whom had children who were rebellious and did not obey the Word of God. The Lord has provided His Written Word which, through the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, will teach us how to experience the joy of forgiveness and deliverance from the guilt and condemnation of sin.

 

Many godly parents are heartbroken when they see their children turning from the Lord. Like our Heavenly Father, they too feel sorrow over children who are uncommitted to the Lord, to reading the Bible, or to regular worship in a local church. Whether or not our children succeed or fail in their earthly goals, by comparison, it is of little eternal consequence, for only their spiritual achievements will bring true success and eternal rewards.

 

Isaiah was called to comfort those who were faithful to the Holy One (40:1). Isaiah prophesied of a coming King who would reign in righteousness and peace over children who had returned to Him. When Messiah Jesus comes, many people shall go and say, Come you, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

As the One who will judge the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4; compare Micah 4:1-3). Our precious Lord Jesus is the righteous Judge who will reward those who obey His Word and look for His return (Romans 6:17-18; II Timothy 4:1-8). The Branch of the Lord (Isaiah 4:2) refers to Christ Himself as the descendant of David.

 

Word Studies:

 

1:13 vain oblations = sacrifices offered by hypocrites; 2:12 day of the Lord = the coming judgment upon the unfaithful as well as the time of rejoicing for the faithful; 3:18 cauls, and their round tires = headbands bejeweled with sun and moon ornaments; 3:22 crisping pins = money bags or purses; 3:24 stomacher = rich robe; 4:4 blood of Jerusalem = Jerusalem was guilty of killing innocent prophets.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · The International Arabic Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · Government Officials: Rep. Rick Boucher (VA) and Rep. Sue Myrick (NC) · Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe · Major languages: Luxembourgish and German · Religious freedom · 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you contentment in your circumstances, whether in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11-12).

 

Optional Reading: Hebrews 9

 

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

 

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:24

 



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