Bible Pathways - Aug. 10, 2008

Isaiah 47

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Wouldn't you hate to be in the shoes of a citizen of Babylon? Once the most powerful, now none shall save thee (47:15)? God reminds Israel that His promises will not fail (48:9). Do you see the clear reference to the Trinity in 48:16, the prophecy of the Messiah, a Light to the Gentiles (nations) . . . the Holy One of Israel (49:6-7)? Feel Christ's humiliation in 50:6. The comfort of God is gloriously described in 51 as He relates that Zion's failures will be forgiven and joy shall be upon their head (51:11).

At the time Mary and Joseph were approaching the Temple with Baby Jesus, Simeon was there waiting for the Light to lighten the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the consolation of Israel (2:25-26) as prophesied by Isaiah: Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit (who is teaching you for your profit), which leadeth (guides) thee by the way that thou shouldest go (Isaiah 48:17). I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth (rejected by mankind), to a Servant of rulers (49:6-7). The Name Jesus means "Jehovah is Salvation."

When Simeon saw Mary and Joseph, there was nothing to indicate that the Baby they held was The Prince of Peace (9:6). These two humble peasants were obediently bringing their Child to the Temple to present Him to the Lord . . . to offer a sacrifice according to . . . the Law of the Lord (Luke 2:22-24).

Simeon was equally unpretentious. He was not the high priest; in fact, he was not a priest at all. He was only a devout, godly Jew who was expectantly looking for the coming of the Promised Messiah. Holding the Baby Jesus, he announced the fulfillment of the prophecy that had been given to Isaiah about 700 years before our Savior's birth: Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel (2:30-32).

How easy it is to miss some of the greatest moments of our lives unless we, like Simeon, stay in touch with the Spirit of God! Led by the Spirit he came to the Temple on that day (2:27). And, as a result he spoke by the Holy Spirit to fulfill prophecy. We especially should be looking forward to the time when we too will see our Messiah. Jesus Christ . . . Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father. . . . Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him (Revelation 1:5-7).

Thought for Today:

Be patient and remain obedient, for what God has spoken into your life will happen.

Christ Revealed:

As the Light to the Gentiles (nations) (Isaiah 49:6). Jesus said: I am the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:23).

Word Studies:

47:8 carelessly =b> securely; 47:11 put it off =b> avert or avoid it; 47:15 quarter =b> own region; 48:2 stay =b> rely; 48:10 refined thee =b> tested you; but not with silver =b> without finding character as silver, but worthless; 49:21 removing =b> wandering.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Official: Rep. Charles Pickering (MS) • Country: Bolivia (8 million) in South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Religious freedom • 92% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 3% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Num. 21:7).

Optional Reading: James 5

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:17