Thoughts on Isaiah 62-66 and John 18-19

The last few chapters of Isaiah are so powerful. The promise of Israel’s  redemption is described in detail. No longer will Jerusalem be called desolate, it will be called Sought After and the City No Longer Deserted. God will reveal to the nations his power, and they will recognize his mighty hand in the restoration of his people… they will see the Lord rejoicing over Jerusalem. How WONDERFUL to have the Lord rejoice over you!

Isaiah prays to the Lord for the fulfilment of this promise, for the redemption that has been prophesied. Chapters 63 and 64 are a prayer of lamentation and repentance for a nation gone astray. He asks God to forgive Israel and not keep his face turned away from them.

In Chapter 65, God declares his righteousness and contrasts the blessings of seeking him first, over judgment for their wickedness. He acknowledges Israel’s sin and declares the judgment upon those who have turned away from him, but in vs 16 he says:

“Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth; he who takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.”

Starting in vs 17 of Ch 65 and through Ch 66, we get a marvelously delicious picture of the new heaven and earth, a blessing not just for Israel, but for all who would seek and accept the Lord’s gift of salvation! But there is also a reminder that the Lord will come in judgment upon the enemies of the Lord, with rebuking flames of fire, and many will be slain.

I am sad because there are so many people who do not know the Lord, or worse, those who know but willfully turn away because God does not meet their “expectations” of him. I have encountered several in this last category this week, and continue to pray for them.

Ch 66:16 is a wake up call, a reminder that God is not like Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy, to whom an acquaintance of mine has likened him this week. Equating God to a childhood storybook character, because that’s what some believe he should be, is an inaccurate comparison. God does not appear in our lives once in a while, at our beck and call, to give us gifts and then send us on our way to continue in sin.

He wants a committed relationship with us, and his love and guidance is always there, but our sinful nature refuses to hear his words because they are hard to accept when we want to do our own thing and go our own way. Like a parent disciplines his child, so the Lord disciplines his children for our benefit and growth, to turn us back to the path of righteousness.

John 18 and 19 tell of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ. In speaking with Pilate, Christ answers this statement, “You are a king then!” with:

“You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone of the side of truth listens to me.”

Again, another reminder that the Lord is talking to his people. Speaking truth and working in our lives to guide us in righteousness and truth.

I could go into great detail about the trial, the rejection of the Jews, and the crucifixion… but one passage spoke to me very strongly. It is John 19:38-42.

In these verses there are two men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who request that Pilate give them the body of Christ for burial. Up to this point they have followed Christ in secret because of what others in their religious sect would think, but now that Christ is dead and there is no one else to do it, they pay him the honor he is due by giving him a king’s burial (75 pounds of spices!). Have you been worshipping in secret? Have you been ashamed to stand up and speak your faith? Like these two men, it’s time to take action. It’s time to start speaking up. It’s time to stop compromising because of what others might think. It’s just time.

Today’s reading begins in Jeremiah 1-3 and bookends (almost) with the 2nd to last chapter of John (Ch 20). Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal God’s plan for you in your daily reading. :-).

October 22

Last night I had to be off the computer, so no post on Isaiah and John, sorry. I will be reading Isaiah 65-66 (can you believe it, the last chapters!) and John 19 and then posting a combined Thoughts later today, that will include Isaiah 62-64 and John 18.

Be blessed today :-).

Thoughts on Isaiah 59-61 and John 17

Wow, I love stumbling on nuggets of scripture that are referenced in other places, especially when they are ones that I find particularly inspiring in those other places.

In Isaiah 59:17, God himself puts on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation… e.g. Eph 6, “Put on the Whole Armor of God.” Well, there you go, in Isaiah we can see that the armor we are told to put on is truly God’s armor given to us as a tool to fight against our enemy. HIS OWN ARMOR. Woo! What a gift, in addition to the Spirit who will give us the words we need to speak when we are called to testify of his glory (Isa 59:21). Awesome!

And, oh, can it get any better? Yes, it can. Isa 60:15b-17…

“…I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations. You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts. Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze and iron in place of stones.”

And Isa 61:1-3a

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…”

He makes sure the very best is laid out for his people, and provides restoration of their broken spirits, so that “all who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” — Isa 61:9b

A little aside for the curious — If there are any fashionistas out there, I have but one question: What are you wearing this season? Might I suggest… http://bit.ly/2XXa3d

Jesus prays a prayer in John 17 in three sections: One for himself, asking that the Father glorify him, thereby bringing glory to the Father,  since his work on the earth was now finished; one for the protection and sanctification of his disciples after he leaves them to continue spreading the gospel; and one for all who will later hear the message and believe, that we might be unified in the body of Christ, “one” as Christ and the Father are one, so that the world will recognize God’s love in us (any similarity to Isa 61:9b above?)

But, my favorite part is that Christ prays for us to be with him. He prays for ME to be with him, he prays for YOU to be with him, where he is. He claims us as his own. Thank you!

Tomorrow is Isaiah 62-64 and John 18. The Lord is good. He’s working, even though you may not immediately recognize his handiwork. Keep your eyes open and pray for wisdom and understanding when you read. God will speak.

Amen.

Thoughts on Isaiah 55-58 and John 16

The lead in title on Isa 55 is Invitation to the Thirsty. How thirsty are you? What are you looking for to quench that thirst? Security, creature comforts, finances, notoriety? None of these things come cheap or with guarantees, nor can they truly satisfy. I adore the passage in verses 1-3:

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me, hear me that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.”

I want what the Lord offers. Both free and truly good. Can’t beat that, because the alternative is just not that appealing… “There is no peace for the wicked” Isa 57 :21. And, in chapter 56, he opens the door of his blessings to all nations, not just Israel.That means you and me!

In John 16, Christ continues to speak with his disciples. I don’t know about you, but I always get really excited with the entire page of my Bible text is RED. It means Jesus has everyone’s attention.

He’s telling his disciples that it is necessary for him to return to the Father, but that he will send the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to them, to guide them. The disciples are sad to know that Jesus will leave them, but he lets them know that they will have great joy when they see him again, even though they will have experienced great distress.

My favorite part of this passage is vs 33, because it comforts me, just as it was intended to do for the disciples:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

I enjoy my time in the word so much. Sometimes, I think I don’t have time to read, but that’s just not true. I may not have time (on occasion) to write my thoughts out, but there is no reason to believe there is not 20-30 minutes in my day to read the Word of God.

Tomorrow is Isaiah 59-61 and John 17. Carve out that time to sit still, read and pray. 🙂

Thoughts on Isaiah 51-54 and John 15

A clear portrait of the rejection of God’s Servant, our Messiah, is painted in Isa 53, and in John 15 he speaks of himself in similar terms.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hid their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”  — Isa 53:3

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” — Jn 15:18

Why did they hate him? He says in John 15 it was because he came and revealed their sin to them and made them accountable, but by hating him they also hated the Father even though it seemed they wanted to try and believe. He refers to the miracles they saw and yet still chose to reject him.

Now we, as believers, have the privilege of being persecuted and hated as Christ was and still is.

Thankfully, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Attached to the life giving source of Christ, we can bear fruit, we can obey him and, therefore, testify of him to this world. And, he has sent his Spirit of Truth to give us the testimony.

Today’s reading in Isaiah is a beautiful rendering of salvation, both in its description of God’s free people marching into Zion with singing and rejoicing, no longer to be judged; but also in the description of the Messiah taking up our infirmities and carrying our sorrows, being crushed for our iniquities… the punishment that brings US peace.

Looking forward to reading Isaiah 55-58 and John 16 tomorrow, and finding some peace in the Word and in prayer.

Thoughts on Isaiah 48-50 and John 14

In spite of Israel’s stubbornness, God is faithful to his covenant with them. So that his glory may be revealed and that his praises may be spoken, he holds back his wrath on Israel so that they may not be cut off, but rather tested and refined (Ch 48: 9-11). He will not destroy them, nor let them be destroyed.

In Chapter 49, there is more reference to the Savior, the Redeemer and Holy One of God.  And God promises to redeem Israel from their captivity and to restore them (fulfilled by their return from Babylon).

How patient the Lord is with us. How faithful he is to us. How wonderfully loving in that he chastens us, while revealing his mercies at the same time.

In John 14, he tells his disciples that he and the Father are one, and that no one comes to the Father except by him. He reminds them that by obeying his commands they are expressing their love for him. If Jesus says loving him means obeying his commands… then obey I will.

He knows his time is coming, so he tells his disciples not to worry about when he leaves them, because the Father will send the Holy Spirit to teach them all things and remind them of his words. If he says not to worry… then worry I will not.

John 14 is one of my most favorite chapters. I memorized vs 1-3 as a child and recall these verses when I want to think of a promise of the Lord:

“Do not let you hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

I learned it a different way, but the message is still so powerful. He promises to come back. He promises that where he is, we will be also.

I can look back at all that God promised Israel, the good and bad news, and it was all fulfilled. Knowing this, I can absolutely trust that what he promises in John will also be fulfilled. AMEN to that!

Tomorrow’s reading is Isaiah 51-54 and John 15. Enjoy your time in the Word.

Thoughts on Isaiah 33-47 and John 8-13

As you may have read, I was sick this week and got behind on my reading and posts. I know this is a huge chunk of scripture to think about, but I found the timing of the messages so “pure God” (see my 10/15 post)  that although I had intended to read all, but only comment on today’s scriptures to catch up, I just couldn’t help being excited at how marvelous God is, so I’m going to just go for it. Big meal today!

In the passages of Isaiah 33-47, God declares and demonstrates his glory, power, mercy and faithfulness to his chosen nation of Israel. He promises restoration, comforts them, and ransoms them. He defeats the Assyrian nation for them, and allows the faithful, yet dying, King Hezekiah a second chance at life because of his prayer to the Lord. I just marvel how this pictures the love of God for his people, embodied so intimately in the personal response to Hezekiah’s request.

In chapter 43, one of my already highlighted passages, God reminds Israel that he is their only Savior, creator, and provider. He says he will gather up his children “from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” And, through Christ’s sacrifice, we can now be a part of that promise.

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” — Isa 45:22

John 8-10 continue to chronicle the ministry of Christ. He boldly defends his purposes and his testimony, as the resistance from the Jewish leaders increases and the Jews demand further proof of who he is so that they might believe. Through all this, Jesus patiently heals the sick and teaches those who would humbly understand and accept the kingdom of God.

In John 11, Jesus’ good friend, Lazarus, dies and is buried. When Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, the “proof” that everyone seems to be seeking is more evident than ever, to the extent that the Pharisees decide it is time to kill him before they lose control completely and the people are “led astray”.

Despite this, Christ enters the city on a donkey and the people honor him as a king with praises, song and waving palm branches, but the revelation of the fact that this is fulfilling the Messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, is not made known to the disciples until after his death (Jn 12:16).

In Ch 12-13, Jesus speaks openly with his disciples and lets them know he will soon be sacrificed and encourages them to keep believing in him, for by then many of the Jews had hardened their hearts against his message.  He foretells his death and reveals that he will be betrayed by one of them, then speaks privately with Peter about how Peter will deny him, even though Peter promises to lay down his life.

God is Israel’s deliver and salvation in Isaiah. His Son, Jesus, is revealed as our deliverer and salvation in John. Hallelujah!

Tomorrow, Isaiah 48-50 and John 14 (ooooh, my favorite). Read, pray and be blessed. 🙂

October 15

The last chance I had to really focus on anything was October 11. I fell ill that day and I’ve kept wanting to get back onto my reading and Thoughts schedule, but my body was weak. But in my weakness, God is strong, and instead of my normal Thoughts on the Daily Readings, I want to share with you the awesome power of God.

This past year has been one of struggle, strain and stress for us. The peace in our home was so gravely compromised by our upstairs neighbors, that we felt the only option was to move. Unfortunately, we’ve lived so long in our current location under rent control, that the cost of living would be significantly higher for us if we left.

Prayer, prayer, and more prayer. We were praying, our friends and family were praying, but the oppression continued. Patience was necessary because it was just not God’s timing.

We spoke to those who were causing the disturbances, and they stopped for a short time, but resumed their behavior mere days later. We spoke to them on occasion after occasion, and received the same brief reprieve, but no permanent compromise could be established.

Prayer, prayer, and more prayer, but by then we were tempted to take matters into our own hands. We began looking into how much it would cost to move and what kinds of lifestyle changes we would need to make to afford a possible $200-$300 more rent per month.

The problems persisted through the year. We notified the landlord, but he always took a passive approach, advising that it was something neighbors should be able to work out together. We figured our hands were tied. No cease and desist from the neighbors, no help from the owner. What could we do?

Prayer, prayer, and more prayer.

As time passed, our neighbors got tired of our complaints and became verbally aggressive or simply ignored us. We appealed to the landlord again, explaining how we had tried his way and that it wasn’t working, and asked for his intervention. He agreed to speak with them, but the effect was only temporary, and just a few days later we were in the same position as before.

That was the night God chose to move. I will not go into detail, but suffice it to say that God took a meek little landlord and wielded him like a mighty sword. Through this man, God honored our trust and faithfulness in prayer and defeated our “enemy” so completely that the power to judge and decide whether they stay or go was put into our own hands. We felt just like Israel must have each time the Lord put their enemies under their feet.

Now, even though our neighbors are still up there, it is almost as though we live alone in this building. That is significantly more than we had ever asked for, but our cup overflows. That is how good our God is.

Tomorrow, I am reading Isaiah 45-47 and John 13.  Give God the glory in all things.

October 11

I am praising the Lord for this beautiful Sunday. Today I will be delving into Isaiah 33-35 and John 8. Thankful for his Word and work in my life, I will be posting my thoughts on these passages later today.

Take a moment to thank God for who he is and all he’s done. Keep reading and praying, and have a wonderful day.

Thoughts on Isaiah 28-32 and John 6-7

Trusting solely in the Lord and calling a people to true worship is a common theme of these readings.

In Isaiah, God sends out “woes” to the tribe of Ephraim, David’s city and an obstinate nation, rebuking them for their rebellion and alliances with the pagan nations. He says, “These people…honor me with their lips, but their hears are far from me….” and “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it…”

But, he also says, “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”, and “Return to him you have so greatly revolted against, O Israelites. For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.”

God longs for his children to return to him; and to those who do return, he promises to graciously receive and bless them once again.

In John 6, Jesus miraculously feeds bread and fish to the 5000 on the hillside, but later (vs 35) refers to himself as the Bread of Life and alludes to the living water from chapter 4. The Jews want Jesus to give them this bread of life, but Jesus’ teaching becomes increasingly more difficult as he explains to the Jews that he is sent by the Father as the true Bread from Heaven, contrasting himself with the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness. He says that they can have eternal life ONLY by believing in him and eating his flesh and drinking his blood (referring to the Lord’s Supper as a symbolic reminder of his sacrifice), vs. the Israelites who ate the manna but were still subject to death.

This teaching is too difficult for them to receive and they grumble about it, some deciding not to follow Jesus any longer, but when he questions his 12 disciples, Peter speaks up and says “…we believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Israel wanted to rely on outside resources, deciding it was easier to go with the flow and blend in with the crowd, instead of trusting in God and his providing hand.

The Jews of Jesus’ time wanted a quick fix to their doubts, asking for more miraculous signs so that they might believe in him. Jesus responds by telling them they need to simply believe in him by faith, and not apologizing for “offending them” with words straight from the Spirit. Again, the message of trusting God.

There are times when I want to take the easy way out, or at least what I perceive as the easy way out. Hasty, not well thought-out decisions come from the “easy way”. In the end, the “easy way” is harder and longer, sometimes with unexpected consequences, than if I had simply trusted, prayed, and waited on the Lord. That’s when I have to call upon this little gem:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Tomorrow’s reading is Isaiah 33-35 and John 8. Be faithful with your time in the Word to strengthen your relationship with God.