Tag: teach

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Ezekiel’s Vision of Restoration

Read: Ezekiel 44-48

We pick up where we left off yesterday through the end of Ezekiel. This time focused on restoration of the priesthood and Israel, the allocation of the land and the reinstatement of the rituals and offerings. It’s unlikely that we would get excited about these details, but those who are in exile, banished from the Promised Land for generations of sinful behavior, these people would read these words over and over again with great anticipation.

In the details, God honors those who have proved themselves faithful through the ages:

“‘But the Levitical priests, who are descendants of Zadok and who guarded my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices of fat and blood, declares the Sovereign Lord. They alone are to enter my sanctuary; they alone are to come near my table to minister before me and serve me as guards. Ezekiel 44:15-16

The priests are given specific duties and special recognition for their work (not news, but there is a point):

“‘In any dispute, the priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances. They are to keep my laws and my decrees for all my appointed festivals, and they are to keep my Sabbaths holy. Ezekiel 44:24

Here’s the rub:

“‘I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. Ezekiel 44:28

Special treatment, yes, but not for personal gain. The priests enjoy the firstfruits of the land that are part of the offering and sacrifice, but their possession is God himself. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we would fully live for Christ? This doesn’t seem practical in our society, yet I think it’s worthy to consider in degrees. If I can move one degree more in this direction each year or month, in time, my focus would be fully on Christ.

Lord, be my inheritance alone. Teach me to appreciate that above all other gifts and things of this world.

 

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People Will Recognize Ezekiel; God Is The Shepherd

Read: Ezekiel 33-34

There is a lot to consider in these two chapters, but I hope that they encourage us to be a witness to the world, to be accountable to whatever our calling may be as we live out our lives for Christ.

Ezekiel’s Call as a Watchman Revisited

Flashback to chapter 3, here we are reminded of Ezekiel’s call.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. Ezekiel 33:7

While is it certainly an honor to be called by God to be the watchman, the price of this calling is now understood more fully. In the previous 30 chapters we’ve read Ezekiel’s words from the Lord to the people, hard words and difficult lessons. The most difficult, personally, was the death of his wife and the reaction required by the Lord (Ezekiel 24:15-27). With these experiences, the calling has deeper meaning.

if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Ezekiel 33:4

Life experiences changes how we witness to the world. Spiritual maturity happens by experiences we encounter, how we respond to those challenges and, probably more than anything else, how we introspectively examine both. We need deep friendships, brothers and sisters in Christ to help us process these times and work out how God is using them to sharpen us. Listen friends! Even in the hardest of times, when Israel is swept away into exile and Jerusalem destroyed, Ezekiel has these words from the Lord, the Creator of all:

Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:11

Our heavenly Father wants us to grow and be in relationship with him.

Now they know that a prophet has been among them

It’s no surprise to Ezekiel that Jerusalem will fall, that the crown jewel of the Hebrews is to be taken by force and all within it killed or dispersed. Yet he has to explain again that God is using invading forces to effect his wrath on his chosen people.

I’ve read this a dozen times and I’ve talked about the difficulty that comes with taking on the mantle of leadership in the church, rather depressing:

My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:31-32

At some level, there is some assurance that this will happen, but honestly, it’s not all that wonderful to be reminded that our message goes in one ear and out the other! The next Ezekiel consolation prize, now that years have passed and Ezekiel’s message is being lived out, the people finally start to recognize this truth:

“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Ezekiel 33:33

It’s certainly not about fame or fortune, but to know that your words are heard and respected is enough. Sometimes we need to hear these words.

The Lord Will be Israel’s Shepherd

The Lord will not stand by idly while we screw up!

So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. Ezekiel 34:5-6

As we are reminded in James 3:1, not many should become teachers, bearing the title “leader” in the church comes with a significant price.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. Ezekiel 10-11

What more could we ask for? As the world’s religion teach rituals and duties required to please their gods, the Lord himself reminds us that he will reconcile himself to us, that he will send his Son to save us. Our message is quite different that the rest of the world.

Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 34:30-31

“You are my sheep,” perhaps some of the most comforting words declared by the Lord of all, spoken during a time of great desperation, must have touch some of those who heard Ezekiel’s message. Somewhere in the crowds there are those who took the words to heart. Like tossing seeds without discretion, Ezekiel’s words are spoken to all people with one assurance, God will shepherd his people. In the end, that is more than enough.

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Cooking Pot; Ezekiel’s Wife Dies

Read: Ezekiel 24

The last chapter in part one of Ezekiel compares Jerusalem to a cooking pot, the chosen are cooked along with the pot itself, one more parable for our ancestors to consider. The last section gives us something ponder: Ezekiel’s wife dies suddenly. The Lord tells Ezekiel and gives him direction to use this as a teaching moment. Really. The challenges of being a pastor, one called to lead at all times, good and bad. Lessons to learn hear. I pray God will speak to you in some special way this day.

Jerusalem as a Cooking Pot — Ezekiel 24:1-14

Ezekiel is given another vision on Jan. 15, 588 BC, the date precisely calculated in the NIV Study Bible notes based on multiple references. Interesting. I don’t want to get sidetracked, but the collective histories surrounding the exile is quite interesting, something to read about separately. The Lord told Ezekiel to pay particular attention to this date:

“Son of man, record this date, this very date, because the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. Ezekiel 24:2

It is a pivotal date for Jerusalem, for our ancestors. Ezekiel is give this parable to describe the fate of Jerusalem.

“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘Woe to the city of bloodshed,
to the pot now encrusted,
whose deposit will not go away!
Take the meat out piece by piece
in whatever order it comes.
Ezekiel 24:6

Then set the empty pot on the coals
till it becomes hot and its copper glows,
so that its impurities may be melted
and its deposit burned away.
It has frustrated all efforts;
its heavy deposit has not been removed,
not even by fire.
Ezekiel 24:11-12

From cooking the meat and bones with spices to burning the impurities in the pot itself, the chosen have now been burned away.

“‘Now your impurity is lewdness. Because I tried to cleanse you but you would not be cleansed from your impurity, you will not be clean again until my wrath against you has subsided. Ezekiel 24:13

The term lewdness is particularly poignant here (see Ezekiel 23), for the people have openly rejected the Lord, his prophets and his commands. Without shame, they entered into depravity, wading deep into the waters of sin.

Ezekiel’s Wife Dies — Ezekiel 24:15-27

One of the most challenging vocations on earth is that of a pastor, one who is charged with leading a flock. It’s often glorified as one who is above reproach and more often the subject of great controversy when one falls prey to temptations of this world. Mostly, the daily activities of an effective pastor go unnoticed. I have the utmost respect for those who have answered the call to lead the sheep, to teach and exhort, to comfort and convict; especially those who know how to do both with love and compassion at the right time. It’s a difficult calling with eternal consequences–not to be taken lightly.

Here we are presented with a most challenging command with few words of preparation for Ezekiel:

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners.” Ezekiel 24:15-17

I can’t imagine what it would be like to receive this message from the Lord, it takes my breath away. Not only is Ezekiel about to lose the love of his life, but he is to use this tragedy to teach the people. Such is the cost of discipleship (re: Bonhoeffer). This is the road of those who stand in the gap, who are recognized as leaders in our faith community. Perhaps each of us are tested and tried in ways that will either strengthen or break us, I don’t know for sure, but it seems to be the case for many characters in the Bible.

Here Ezekiel is given a task to use this most mournful moment as yet another symbol for God’s chosen people.

Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things have to do with us? Why are you acting like this?” Ezekiel 24:19

This isn’t normal! Ezekiel, you should be wailing and groaning, what’s up?

The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword. And you will do as I have done. You will not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners. Ezekiel 24:21-22

The consolation prize for Ezekiel is that he will get his voice back, he will be able to speak again normally:

At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 24:27

I truly believe we fight spiritual battles all the time. On the outside things may look lovely and clean, perhaps covered up with makeup or nice clothes, but inside battles rage. My prayer is that the church will become the church it is supposed to be so we will have fellow believers to lean on when trials and temptations come our way–they will and they do–people to hold onto when it all goes to crap.

Lord, help us to learn by these extreme examples, to take it personally and to do something about it.

 

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Jeremiah and Zedekiah

Read: Jeremiah 32-34

I probably should have stopped to review Zedekiah’s history a few days ago to give us some perspective, but here we are today in the 10th year as king, near the end of his of his reign as king of Judah. At this point, he’s heard enough of Jeremiah, so he has him confined to the temple courts as punishment and in an effort to get him to change his prophetic words.

Background on Zedekiah

Reference: 2 Kings 24:18-25:7; 2 Chronicles 36:9-14, king of Judah from at age 21 for 11 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 36:14

Here’s a good review of Zedekiah’s not-so-great legacy: https://www.gotquestions.org/King-Zedekiah.html

Having this as a background, reading Jeremiah’s interaction is easier to understand. As the gotquestions.org summary concluded, Zedekiah had the opportunity to learn from his relatives mistakes when they ascended to the throne, but he chose to listen to false prophets, the message he wanted to hear. It did not go well for Zedekiah.

Jeremiah Buys a Field

For a faithful prophet, or for anyone who listened to the same, buying a field before the Babylonian exile made perfect sense. For everyone else, this probably didn’t look like a good idea, perhaps even somewhat crazy. Jeremiah trusted the word of the Lord, he knew the exile was not permanent and the deed of purchase would enable his heirs to reclaim the field after the exile.

42 “This is what the Lord says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. 43 Once more fields will be bought in this land of which you say, ‘It is a desolate waste, without people or animals, for it has been given into the hands of the Babylonians.’ Jeremiah 32:42-43

Promise of Restoration

Jeremiah’s prophecy of destruction followed by restoration continues. In this passage, he looks forward to the distant future, to that wonderful time when the Righteous Savior will appear:

“‘In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
Jeremiah 33:15-16

Good news and Great news! The call to patience and trust in the Lord is evident — this is what we must hear.

Final Warning to Zedekiah

Jeremiah provides Zedekiah with a consolation prize:

“‘Yet hear the Lord’s promise to you, Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the Lord says concerning you: You will not die by the sword; you will die peacefully. Jeremiah 34:4-5

Essentially, all is about to be destroyed, but you will die peacefully. However, before you get to this final resting place, he will witness the horrors of his apostasy, his individual choice to ignore Jeremiah. He will witness his sons’ execution, have his eyes gouged out, then die peacefully.

Freedom for the Slaves

In the last section of chapter 34, Jeremiah addresses the deceitful actions of Zedekiah when he reneged on the legal process of freeing the slaves in the seventh year–another example of his corrupt heart.

“Therefore this is what the Lord says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom to your own people. So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord—‘freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. Jeremiah 34:17

The sarcasm flag is waving as the Lord redefines freedom for Zedekiah and his people. They’ll see freedom from life on earth through the sword, plague and famine. Not so good.

The lesson today focuses on the bad behavior of Zedekiah, his refusal to listen to the Lord’s prophet. Somehow he was unable to understand that Jeremiah’s prophecies were the ones that actually happened while his sycophants merely said that which would please the ears of the king and his cronies. Lord, keep your word fresh in our ears so we hear what you have to say. I’m hard-headed and need constant reminders, please don’t let me be one who listens to false teaching! Keep me from saying that which people want to hear over your words, your call. Let me learn from these mistakes.

 

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Restoration: One Day

Read: Jeremiah 30-31

Jeremiah’s words are not all gloom and doom. For those who listen to the whole message, there is great hope in the words we read today.  I can’t wait for this moment, to see this glorious day!

“‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty,
‘I will break the yoke off their necks
and will tear off their bonds;
no longer will foreigners enslave them.
Instead, they will serve the Lord their God
and David their king,
whom I will raise up for them.
Jeremiah 30:8-9

For many of us, the phrase “In that day” is the hope we long for, it is the reason to continue moving forward because that day it will all be clear. Whatever present circumstance or ailment that holds us back, we know one day that will be removed.

The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back
until he fully accomplishes
the purposes of his heart.
In days to come
you will understand this.
Jeremiah 30:24

“In days to come you will understand this.” Lord, why can’t today be that day? I’m sure this question reveals my need for greater faith, more assurance that God is for us, but I truly long for an inkling of understanding. On the plane to and from Orlando last week, there was a young boy, probably 3 or 4 years old, who persistently asked his mother, “why.” “Why do I have to have a seat belt on? Why do the clouds do that? Why is the sky blue? Why, why, why?” She did a great job interacting with her son, even though at one point she had to say, “Mommy doesn’t know all of the answers.” She was patient and loving, though I’m sure she was veiling her frustration to some degree. As I ponder my reaction above, I wonder if God is tired of hearing my ask, “why?” Seriously, Lord, why must I go through this trial?

Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13

No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:34

Jeremiah speaks of a time in the distant future, one when God restores all and we can dance unashamedly. I fully believe this will come to pass, that there will be a day when we will live with joy that words cannot describe. During times of trial, this is harder to understand, but all the more pleasant to consider.

For some reason the image of playing with a child comes to mind. I remember those days when we would blow up a balloon, then let it go, shooting around the room. The laughter and excitement in our girls’ eyes was wonderful; their “do it again” reply was so much fun! But here’s the thought: if I only blew up the balloon one-third of the way, it would barely leave my hand, let alone shoot across the room. I would blow up the balloon as full as I could before letting it go. That made the surprising reaction much more exciting–it’s what made the game fun!

Perhaps this is a metaphor for those times in life when pressure keeps mounting. It seems like we’ll burst, but somehow we continue until that day when the balloon is released and we laugh and say, “do it again!” Lord, give me patience to wait on your timing. Don’t let me steal the future joy for some present satisfaction. Oh how I wish I could be that child again. One day.

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Nebuchadnezzar Rules; False Prophets; Letter to the Exiles

Read: Jeremiah 27-29

God used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of discipline against the nations. His actions are difficult to understand by most and we see prophets arise to say things the people wanted to hear, yet they were words not from the Lord. Jeremiah calls them out, not a pleasant exchange, but what else can he do? He only tells the truth.

With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him. Jeremiah 27:5-6

Even the animals…all will fall under the authority of Nebuchadnezzar for a period of time. Those who refuse will be punished.

But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain in its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 27:11

Jeremiah warns Judah to ignore the prophets that contradict God’s message to live under the rule of the king of Babylon. It’s strange and interesting and hard to comprehend why God would take this course of action as his means of shaping our ancestors. Perhaps that’s really the problem, I find it hard to understand–as if I were capable. I wonder if God tests us with trials today, places before us things which we cannot possibly understand just to see if we will be obedient. Who is our current Nebuchadnezzar? What has God put in my face that makes no sense to me? I can think of several things right away, things I won’t put in the blog, but current thoughts nonetheless.

The prophet Hananiah spoke words and took actions that the people wanted to hear and see.

“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Jeremiah 28:2

Jeremiah’s response provides a great example of how we should react to false teaching:

He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied Jeremiah 28:6

In other words, Hananiah has wonderful words to say, those which are pleasant for the people to hear, but they are lies. Hananiah then takes the yoke and breaks it to demonstrate what God will do, but again, all false prophecy. How often do we applaud that which we want to hear over that which is real?

As expected, it doesn’t go well with Hananiah:

15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. 16 Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the Lord.’” 17 In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died. Jeremiah 28:15-17

Later we see a similar fate for Shemaiah:

31 “Send this message to all the exiles: ‘This is what the Lord says about Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, even though I did not send him, and has persuaded you to trust in lies, 32 this is what the Lord says: I will surely punish Shemaiah Jeremiah 29:31-32

It’s understandable that the leaders of the day wanted to hear a prophecy that met their expectations and desire, but that doesn’t make the prophecy true.

Letter to the Exiles

Jeremiah writes a letter to the survivors, those exiled, in an effort to provide specific instructions for their behavior during this period:

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Jeremiah 29:4-5

He goes on to tell them to get married, have children, increase in number and faith while trusting that God will provide. Further, he tells them to work with the government, support them and make themselves known as wise people who are seen as obedient. This is not a call to false humility, God wants them to earnestly support those who hold them captive. It’s in this context that we read one of the most quoted verses in the Bible:

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” Jeremiah 29:11-14

Understanding their situation helps me fully appreciate the power of the words in the Bible. Those who were faithful had to accept exile, captivity by a king that they knew was not a man of God. And in the midst of exile, of being carried away from the Promised Land, all that they knew and loved, in this setting, they are to love God and love their neighbors while trusting that God has a plan. This isn’t a call to worship their gods or become like those who are deceived by the lies of the world. Not at all. Jeremiah does not suggest we become like them; rather, we show them who we are as people of God.

How does Jeremiah do it? How does he discern the voice of God over the words of false prophets? Lord, help us to get close enough to you to hear your voice clearly, to know what it is you want and not simply words we prefer to hear.

 

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Potter’s Hands

Read: Jeremiah 18-19

The imagery created by this parable touches many of the senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and even taste if you’ve spent time in an artists workshop. As the Lord moves Jeremiah to visit the local potter’s house to teach this lesson, it’s easy for me to put on those shoes, to be transported back to the time when I would take our girls to places like Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA camp where we spent a lot of time in the arts and crafts workshop. Great memories help this scripture come to life for me.

So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:3-4

“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel…” Jeremiah 18:6

I’d like to say this very visual illustration is all about how God shapes and molds us into wonderful creations that are perfectly designed to carry out his plan for the world, but that’s not the story and not the point of the metaphor. God is trying yet another approach to get our attention through Jeremiah.

This is what the Lord says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests Jeremiah 19:1

They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. Jeremiah 19:5

“Nor did it enter my mind…” — powerful words that attempt to get the attention of those who are hearing the words and watching the demonstration.

“Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. Jeremiah 19:10-11

Pause. Imagine. Run the video in your mind. See the jar smashed. Hear the sound as it hits the stone pavement. Feel the shards and chunks of clay in your hands as you try to piece it back together. Smell the fresh clay as the dust rises. My mouth is dry and the taste of clay is in my mouth.

14 Jeremiah then returned from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy, and stood in the court of the Lord’s temple and said to all the people, 15 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on this city and all the villages around it every disaster I pronounced against them, because they were stiff-necked and would not listen to my words.’” Jeremiah 19:14-15

They didn’t get the message. Lord, help us to not be “they.” Use this imagery to move us to the place you would have us today.

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Sin, Favor, New Heavens and New Earth; Beulah Land

Isaiah 59-62

From recognition of my many sins to the image of Beulah Land, through the land of despair and discouragement, today’s reading was a challenge for me for deep personal reasons. God is so faithful as I read this morning. I hoped He would speak to me in these verses and then it happened–nearly the last verse. I end this blog today with wonderful memories of worshiping Him some 25 years ago. I even remembered the names of the leaders, a wonderful couple: Udell and Janet Meyers. I count this as a blessing with the assurance that I will one day worship with endless joy, so I may as well start with joy this morning.

Isaiah 59: Sin, Confession and Redemption

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:1-2

The mirror doesn’t lie, my sins are ever before the Lord, clear as day, my iniquities are many.

The blindness is frustrating,

Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
Isaiah 59:10

But God was not satisfied to see people lost and lonely. His creation, those he endowed with eternal spirits were too precious to leave in the darkness, so He himself provided a new light:

He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17

Hear the Gospel proclaimed hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus!

“The Redeemer will come to Zion,
to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 59:20

Repentance is available to all. No sin is too great. But the world closes eyes to iniquities and makes us believe in our own self-righteousness. God will not be fooled. In our short time on earth, we make choices. I pray we would choose wisely.

Isaiah 60: The Glory of Zion

The very thought of this sunrise is captivating:

“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
Isaiah 60:4-5

The Lord has arisen and all nations come to him. Hearts throb and swell with joy as Jesus is honored above all else.

Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.
Then all your people will be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
Isaiah 60:20-21

I can’t lie, I am looking forward to the day when sorrows will end. Some days are just difficult.

Isaiah 61: The Year of the Lord’s Favor

Isaiah continues to paint the picture of a glorious future, this is the hope I’m holding onto:

Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7

Everlasting joy, that’s a wonderful promise. Truthfully, I’d take a day full of joy right now! It’s hard to imagine such a time as this when all of God’s goodness is restored.

I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
Isaiah 61:10

My soul will be refreshed, will delight like never before. Moments of joy flutter by in this day and age. The future Isaiah speaks of is worth waiting for and worthy of telling others about. Lord, help me to sense this joy deep inside my heart so it shows in all that I do. Pour joy into my soul this morning. Let your light radiate for others to see.

Isaiah 62: Zion’s New Name

No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah;
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.
Isaiah 62:4-5

Years ago, while serving the Air Force in England, we worshipped with a missional community out in the countryside rather than the base chapel (I hardly remember the details), but I do remember Udell and Janet Meyers who lead the ministry for a while there. A godly couple, wonderful people, good times. When they were reassigned (somewhere), we had a musical send off that included the song Beulah Land, by The Gaither Vocal Band. I’d never heard the term Beulah Land before, so I asked Udell. His response was classic: “look it up.” His ministry was more about teaching people to fish than it was about feeding us, though he certainly did both. “But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah.” We sang the song mostly a cappela, five of us with Udell taking lead and I sang low bass. The imagery was wonderful. The memory precious.

Joy filled the hearts of all present that afternoon and for a few hours we smiled at the thought of being homesick for a land we’ve never seen before, a land we’ve only heard about through the words of Isaiah. Thank you Lord for your amazing words through your great servant Isaiah.

Receive today’s benediction, words far better than any I could create:

They will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the Lord;
and you will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted.
Isaiah 62:12

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Comfort; Songs of Praise; Assurance

Isaiah 40-44

Read these words today and receive the assurance that God is with you, that God is for us who call upon His mighty name. As I read through these chapters, several songs and hymns of praise come to mind. My words are few this morning to make way for Isaiah to speak to your soul. Enjoy the time of reflection and admiration for the Creator of the Universe is on our side! That is more than amazing–it is incredibly awesome!

Isaiah 40: Comfort for God’s People

From John the Baptist to contemporary songwriters, Isaiah 40 grabs the imagination of many.

A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3

One of my favorite Rich Mullins songs, Everywhere I Go, includes Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.” When I played this (some 15 years ago!), I included a host of images that portrayed God in nature, people, good, bad and ugly — everywhere God was visible. Back and forth we declare, “Everywhere I go I see you.” As the music builds, then cuts dramatically as we declare this verse, “But your word’s alive and will be after all.” (2,3,4,5,6,7,8) “Everywhere I go I see you!” Powerful stuff. Somehow it doesn’t look so powerful in a post.

More recently, Lincoln Brewster includes this quote in Everlasting God:

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

There’s a cool story behind this song as well, especially the part where Lincoln has his son read the scripture.

The promises of God are everlasting and everywhere we go. It’s no wonder musicians used this text to encourage us as Isaiah attempts to encourage the Israelites in difficult times.

Isaiah 41: The Helper of Israel

Hear these words of assurance:

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

May we receive these words today as the world beats us down, as it tries its best to trip us, to cause us to stumble. Lord, help us as we do our best to do your work!

Isaiah 42:1-9: The Servant of the Lord

The beginning of Isaiah 42 is referenced in several places in the New Testament, the hope of things to come. As Jesus walked on the earth, the apostles couldn’t help but recall the words of Isaiah:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:10-17: Song of Praise to the Lord

Another song of assurance for those who put their trust in the Lord.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
Isaiah 42:16

There are many times when I qualify for this help, times when I’ve felt blind with no idea of where I was going. Perhaps this shouldn’t be written in past tense! Thank you, Lord, for these words of encouragement. I pray for my friends who feel they are in dark times today. Be with them Lord. If I can, let me be their encourager, their Barnabas.

Isaiah 42:18-25: Israel Blind and Deaf

Lord, may this not be said of your servant today:

You have seen many things, but you pay no attention;
your ears are open, but you do not listen.”
Isaiah 42:20

May we see and hear your word clearly. I’m so grateful to have the Bible so accessible, with notes and commentary at my fingertips. Open my eyes and let me soak in the wonder of your majesty.

Isaiah 43:1-13: Israel’s Only Savior

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:14-28: God’s Mercy and Israel’s Unfaithfulness

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19

Isaiah 44:1-5: Israel the Chosen

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 44:3

Isaiah 44:6-23: The Lord, Not Idols

Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Isaiah 44:8

Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this;
shout aloud, you earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.
Isaiah 44:23

 

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Trust in Egypt Condemned

Isaiah 30-32

This past week at Exponential, I was reunited with so many men and women of great faith and deep humility; those who have led literally hundreds to Christ by creating and cultivating environments that were safe to discuss eternal matters. These leaders have names I know well, but you would not recognize from headlines. They truly care nothing about headlines on human tablets for they know their reward comes from Christ, from the Lord of all. Hearing “well done” from Jesus is infinitely greater than any accolade from another human. Some have the opportunity to speak in front of thousands, but even they know this privilege is only meant to point others to Christ.

Hear the words of Isaiah this morning as he speaks timeless wisdom for our ancestors and for us today.

Isaiah 30: Woe to the Obstinate Nation

The Lord of all is ever patient with his wandering flock, rebuking us for transgressions in an effort to keep us on track.

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:15, 18

The title given for this chapter is a bit deceptive, it’s more about the great things God will do than it is about the “woe” to us as obstinate people.

And you will sing
as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;
your hearts will rejoice
as when people playing pipes go up
to the mountain of the Lord,
to the Rock of Israel.
Isaiah 30:29

This is a great chapter to read for encouragement, many quotes worthy of pasting on top of festive photos. Take heart, “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.” (Isaiah 30:20)

Isaiah 31: Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt

A great reminder to those of us who rely on our own craftiness and wisdom as our ancestors did with Egypt:

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the Lord.
Isaiah 31:1

I can’t help but remember the Tozer quote from yesterday, the call to remember God as the Lord Almighty, the powerful Creator of all, as I read this chapter. Not by human hands, but by the might of God himself will we be saved. Let us look to the Holy One and not in the mirror for help. It seems ridiculous to say, but it is so often true as we mislead ourselves and others.

Isaiah 32:1-8: The Kingdom of Righteousness

More words of encouragement to help us in our present struggle:

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
The fearful heart will know and understand,
and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.
No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
Isaiah 32:3-5

Now, Jesus, now! We all want this time to happen now! My impatience is selfishly driven for I know the reward that awaits. Help me to reach out to those who don’t read these words, who don’t understand the eternal decision that awaits them.

Isaiah 32:9-20: The Women of Jerusalem

Isaiah writes specifically to the women of Jerusalem, those who are responsible for so much in their culture, you are not forgotten:

You women who are so complacent,
rise up and listen to me;
you daughters who feel secure,
hear what I have to say!
Isaiah 32:9

Now that I have your attention! Here is the promise:

The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert,
his righteousness live in the fertile field.
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:16-17

Today’s reading is full of encouragement for those who know the Lord, who are wrapped in his robe of grace. Lord, help us to invite many more into this relationship with our words, deeds and example of faith in you. Fill us with joy knowing this is to come so soon!

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