Bible Pathways - Aug. 1, 2006

Isaiah 1

In Today's Reading:

Judah'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 and later as God in the flesh (Jesus Christ) (Jude 1:25) 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 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 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 the Messiah returns, many people shall go and say, Come ye, 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). 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 English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · Staff: Dr. John A. Hash Government Officials (listed on their birthdays): Rep. Rick Boucher (VA) and Rep. Sue Myrick (NC) Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa Major languages: English and Tigrinya Religious freedom 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray with unwavering faith so that your prayers may be answered (James 1:5-7).

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: Psalms 23:6