July 31
Read Read Isaiah 1 -- 4
The Lord had chosen the Israelites to be the nation from which the Living Word (John 1:1), the Messiah (Savior), would come. But He also chose them to be the bearer of His Written 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). God called them children who are corrupters, but He appealed to them to hear the Word of the Lord. . . . let us reason together . . . though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. . . . if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword (1:10,18,20); but they ignored Him.
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 rebellious and did not obey the Word of God.
Many godly parents are heartbroken when they 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 are no longer regularly worshiping in a local church. In contrast, Christ . . . loved the Church, and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). If our children achieve success or fail in their earthly goals, by comparison it is of little consequence, for only spiritual achievements bring true success in life.
God has graciously said: Let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18). It is of utmost importance that we recognize the blessings of obedience as well as the consequences of sin. God 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. Isaiah was called to comfort a very small remnant (group) who were faithful to the Holy One of Israel (1:9). He assured them of a King who would reign in righteousness and peace when the Messiah would reign and 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 (2:3).
The Bible is God speaking to us. Our priority is to take time while we still have the opportunity to read the Bible and to worship Christ on the Lord's Day. Apart from the Word of God, no one can discover "the truth" about himself as a lost sinner who needs to receive Christ as personal Redeemer and Lord of his life. 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 sacrifices offered by hypocrites; 2:12 day of the Lord means the coming judgment upon the unfaithful as well as the time of rejoicing for the faithful; 3:18 cauls, and their round tires means hairdos; 3:22 crisping pins means money bags; 3:24 stomacher means rich robe; 4:4 blood of Jerusalem means killing innocent prophets.
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.
Prayer Needs:
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 Arabic International Radio broadcast for the month of August in honor of Dr. & Mrs Hash · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Walter and Gladys Essex · Country: Slovenia (2 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Slovenian and Serbo-Croatian · Freedom of religion · 81% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Have faith in God's Word (John 4:49-53).
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 Corinthians 3:17