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Bible Pathways - Aug. 1, 2007

 

08012007

Isaiah 1 

In Today's Scripture 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 as the One True God (Jude 1:25) and later as God in the flesh (Jesus Christ) and the Written Word to all nations (John 1:1-14). It must have been with deep sorrow that God led Isaiah to say: Hear . . . and give ear . . . for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib (manger): but Israel doth not know. . . . they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they (the majority) 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 Master.

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 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 eternal rewards.

Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things (pleasures, prestige, possessions) which he possesseth (Luke 12:15).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who will judge the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4). The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing (II Timothy 4:1).

Word Studies:

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

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts for the month of August sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer Staff: Dr. John A. Hash Government Officials [listed on their birthday/s] and the states represented (statistics from The Original U.S. Congress Handbook): Rep. Rick Boucher (VA) and Rep. Sue Myrick (NC) Country: Cape Verde (405,000) 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 390 miles off the coast of Africa Major languages: Portuguese and Crioulo (Religious statistics from Operation World and Religious Freedom in the World) Religious freedom 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice and consider yourself blessed when you suffer for the Name of Christ (I Peter 4:14).

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: Galatians 2:20



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