Bible Pathways - Aug. 1, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
God is angry! Why (1:4)? To disobey is to invite punishment (1:5). Genuine praise goes beyond praying and on to serving people (1:17). A vision of the Lord's future reign in the most important place on earth (2:2-3). God promises glorious restoration to Israel (4:2-6).
God has declared that all true worship, sacrifices, and offerings are a delight to Him. But they all become "an abomination" when offered by those who have no desire to love and serve Him with all their hearts (1:13).
Isaiah exposed the Kingdom of Judah's real problem: They have forsaken the Lord . . . Hear the Word of the Lord . . . give ear unto the Law of our God (1:4,10). Isaiah also called his listeners a sinful nation . . . they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger (1:4,21,23).
They had not built golden calves nor forsaken the Temple services, as did the Northern Kingdom but they have rebelled against Me (1:2). A sinful nation . . . they have forsaken the Lord (1:4).
The prophet's chief concern was to encourage the people to hear the Word of the Lord. . . . be willing and obedient (1:10,19). He also warned that, if they did not repent, their imagined security as the Covenant people of Jehovah would be of no effect: Ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it (1:20).
The neighboring nations who threatened Judah's defeat were used to bring the judgment of God on their sins. Isaiah pointed out how unreasonable and stubborn they were, saying: The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider (1:3).
The two animals used as examples — the ox as the least intelligent and the ass as the most stubborn — illustrate the Israelites' ingratitude and how far they had drifted away from their only true source of protection and provision.
Then Isaiah looked far into the future as he spoke of the Day of the Lord of hosts when the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day (2:12,17).
A day of judgment is coming upon all who reject the revelation of the Holy Word of God. In that day a man shall cast his idols . . . which they made each one for himself to worship. . . . they have . . . despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel (2:20; 5:24).
Apart from the Word of the Lord (1:10), no one ever discovered the Truth about God, that man is a sinner, and that Christ is our Redeemer.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).
Thought for Today:
Every Word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him (Prov. 30:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who will judge the nations (Is. 2:2-4). The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing (II Tim. 4:1).
Word Studies:
1:13 vain oblations =worthless 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 like the moon =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 our Military worldwide • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts for the month of August sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Rick Boucher (VA) and Rep. Sue Myrick (NC) • Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for spiritual prosperity (I Chr. 4:9-10).
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: Matthew 9:38
