Read Isaiah 58 – 63
Highlights:
Does God approve of how we fast (58:6-7)? Truth: Sinful nature separates us from God (59:2-15); Solution: A Redeemer (59:16-21); Chap. 59 could describe our nation today;The Light of the World (chap. 60); Jesus fulfilled chap. 61 (see Luke 4:16-29); God's love, mercy, pardon, and deliverance outlined in chap. 62 & 63.
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not (Isa. 58:11).
We find the concept here of the Lord being a guide. Let us look at the definition of what a guide is. The dictionary defines a guide as a person who leads a traveler to a destination and explains everything along the way. The guide will normally accompany the person traveling to the end of the trip.
This explanation makes complete sense when speaking of thoughts expressed in the Word of God. The Bible tells us that we are strangers and pilgrims in this land; it is not our home. The Lord guides us in every path, leading us until we reach our destiny. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Heb. 11:13).
In looking at this Scripture, there are questions that we can ask regarding it. The first question is, who does the Lord guide? While there is an easy answer to this, still yet there is a deeper explanation that can accompany it.
Of course, the Lord guides the believer. He guides those who have surrendered their lives to Him and have obtained forgiveness for their sins. He is the guide of those who are truly following Him. If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour (John 12:26).
It is clear then as to whom the Lord is guiding. He is guiding those that follow Him as Lord and Savior. There is also a second question that needs to be answered. To what is the Lord guiding His followers?
There are many men who have claimed godliness. They have had many followers. Some of these men were false prophets who have taken their followers on terrible journeys with even worse endings.
However, we know the Lord only has our best interest at heart. He desires for us to live a fruitful life in His kingdom on earth. He must be trusted to lead us in the right direction. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him (Matt. 7:11)?
As individuals, our journeys with Christ may take different roads. Some may stay in their hometowns their whole lives, working for the Lord there. Others may go all around the world for Jesus, being used in various ways. Our ultimate destination will be the same. Heaven awaits every true believer.
Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21).
Thought for Today:
Fasting and prayer with a submissive heart is honored by God.
Christ Revealed:
As the One anointed to preach Good Tidings (Is. 61:1). Jesus read this passage to the rulers of the synagogue (Luke 4:16-22) but stopped without completing the second verse (Is. 61:2), thus showing that He fulfilled the first part. But, the second part, the Day of Judgment, was yet to be fulfilled.
Word Studies:
60:5 see, and flow together, become enlightened, and shine forth the Light of God; fear, be in awe (be amazed at what God is doing), and then when that has registered, comes the joy; 61:3 appoint, impart comfort; 62:4 Hephzibah, My delight is in her; Beulah, married; 63:15 the sounding of thy bowels, the yearning affection of your heart.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask for forgiveness for particular sins (Ps. 51:1-9).
Optional Reading: 1 Peter 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 90:1-2