Bible Pathways 8/1/2000
August 1
Isaiah 1 -- 4
The Lord had chosen Israel with a special calling to be the nation from which the Messiah Savior would come. But He also chose them to be the bearer of His Word to all nations. It must have been with deep sorrow in His heart that God led Isaiah to say: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox (instinctively) knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib: but Israel does not know, My people. . . . are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger (Isaiah 1:2-4). The Heavenly Father calls them children who are corrupters, but appeals to them to hear the Word of the Lord. . . . let us reason together . . . though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. . . . But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword (1:10,18,20). However, they ungratefully ignored His appeal.
Like our Heavenly Father, it must have been heartbreaking for King David, the great prophet Samuel, and godly King Josiah of Judah, who all had children who were evil.
Many godly parents are heartbroken to see their children no longer serving the Lord. They too feel the sorrow of our Heavenly Father over children who are uncommitted to reading the Bible and no longer regularly attend a local church, since Christ . . . loved the Church, and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). If our children achieve success or failure in their earthly goals, it is of little consequence compared to their spiritual achievements, for they alone bring true success in life and rewards in Heaven.
God has graciously invited His children: Let us reason together. It is vital that we recognize the truth of the Word of God -- the blessings of obedience as well as the consequences of sin. He has provided a perfect Guide through His Word, that, with submission to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will experience the joy of forgiveness and deliverance from guilt and condemnation of sin. Isaiah was also called to comfort a very small group who believed the Word of God and were faithful to the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 1:9). He assured them of a brighter day, of a King who would reign in righteousness and who would provide peace and security to Jewish and Gentile believers alike. He foretold of a time when the Messiah would reign and will teach us 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 (2:3).
When the Word of God is set aside, devotion to the Lord will fade and sin becomes inevitable. The first indication of a Christian's spiritual downward course is being too busy to read the Bible and worship Christ on the Lord's Day. This failure also robs us of the only true source of direction, protection, and spiritual growth. This is an insult to our Creator who provided His Word for our spiritual instruction and physical and material benefit. Ignoring God's Word is an attitude of pride. The choice is clear, and everyone must individually make the choice to respond to the Lord, who said: Let us reason together; or to allow our feelings of self-will and independence to let the lust of the flesh (I John 2:15-17) have its way.
Apart from the Word of God, no one can discover "the truth" about himself as a lost sinner who needs to accept Christ as personal Redeemer and Lord of their lives. The lofty (proud) looks of man, shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day (Isaiah 2:11).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who will judge the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4; compare Micah 4:1-3). Our Lord is the righteous Judge who will reward those who obey His Word and look for His return (Rom. 6:17-18; II Tim. 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 means worthless or empty sacrifices; away with means endure; 1:31 as tow means like straw or kindling to be burned; 2:9 mean means commoner; 2:12 day of the Lord means the time of judgment upon the ungodly as well as the time of rejoicing for the faithful; 2:16 pleasant pictures means religious imagery; 3:16 wanton means seductive; 3:18 bravery means beauty; cauls, and their round tires means hairdos; 3:20 tablets means perfume boxes; 3:22 wimples means shawls; crisping pins means money bags; 3:23 glasses means mirrors; 3:24 rent means rope; stomacher means rich robe; burning means brand as a slave; 4:1,2 In that day means the time when Jesus will rule the earth; 4:4 blood of Jerusalem means sins of Jerusalem of killing innocent prophets including Jesus Christ.
NOTE: Definitions may not agree with present-day usage as given in your dictionary; we attempt to explain the thought expressed in the original language.
Government Officials: Rep. Rick Boucher (VA) and Rep. Sue Myrick (NC) · BPM Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Pray for your church leaders · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in honor of Patsy Ruth Bone · Country: Vatican City (800) in Rome, Italy · Major languages: Italian and Latin · Religious freedom · Approximately 100% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Acts 10:30).
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:
I Thessalonians 4:18
