08052007

Read Isaiah 22 -- 26

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Prophecy about Jerusalem; Babylon and Tyre to be destroyed; Isaiah glorifies God; God's dominion over Judah

Isaiah's prophecy was first directed to Judah, then to Israel, then to the surrounding Gentile nations, and finally to all the world. It foretold: He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces. . . . And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us . . . we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation. . . . Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (Isaiah 25:8-9; 26:3).

Just as surely as many of the prophecies were fulfilled in ancient history, we can also expect that the Messiah Jesus will return as Christ the King. As The Mighty God (Jesus Christ), The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (9:6), He will give eternal life to both Jews and Gentiles who have received Him as Lord of their lives.

Jesus has imparted His indwelling Holy Spirit into every believer and assured us: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them (spirits of Antichrist): because greater is He that is in you, than he (Satan) that is in the world (I John 4:4). We need not live in slavery to Satan and our fleshly passions; we can be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes, trickery) of the Devil (Ephesians 6:10-11).

We are slaves to what we allow to control us, including our thoughts and conduct. From the beginning, all are slaves to sin because we descended from Adam (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 5:12). However, our Creator, through Christ, has given us free will to choose. Once we choose to obey Him, we no longer remain slaves to sin. God's Word provides a simple revealing test: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart. . . . Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:16-18).

Christ Portrayed:

By Eliakim, master of Hezekiah's household (Isaiah 22:20-22); what was said of him is true of Christ who is also Master over the household of faith. Christ . . . a Son over His own house; whose house are we (Hebrews 3:6; Galatians 6:10).

Word Studies:

22:2 stirs => full of shoutings; 23:13 raised up => destroyed; 24:7 mourneth => laments; 24:15 fires => dawning light; 24:19 clean dissolved => split open; 24:23 ancients => elders; 26:7 weigh => make smooth and straight, prepare.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Charles & Josephine Van Boskirk Government Official: Rep. Michael Doyle (PA) Country: China, Mainland (1.242 billion) in eastern Asia Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) Renewed persecution of the Church 16% Asian (including Fulun Gong); 8% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing; 10% Atheist Prayer Suggestion: Thank God in prayer for His faithfulness to His Word and His desire that all come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).

Optional Reading: Hebrews 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 4:4