Today’s Reading: Isa 65:1–66:24, Luke 24:13–53, Job 14:11–22

Today’s Theme: The New Heaven and Earth

Today we focus on the promise of the coming new heaven and earth where the death and decay of this fallen world will be no more when Jesus our resurrected Lord will reign.

Isaiah 65:1–66:24

God stands ready

I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name. Isaiah 65:1 (ESV)

This verse speaks of Gods stance of calling for salvation to Israel. In a wider context he calls all men from every nation.

God stands with arms open wide and his creation, goodness and our consciences along now with the preached Gospel continually beckon all mankind to come. But man is so desperately wicked that without the specific drawing of the Spirit and intervention from God, man cannot be saved.

The New Kingdom

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. Isaiah 65:17 (ESV)

God will establish the kingdom but this will come in two phases, part one is the millennial kingdom where people will still be born and die and the final one is the eternal kingdom where no one dies.

As we have seen in Isaiah’s prophecies concerning Messiah, the two advents (Jesus first and second coming) are often spoken of at the same time . This is done with the prophecy regarding the New Heavens and Earth too.

We can look forward to the coming new creation and kingdom, this should be the motivation for Isaiah’s calls to holy living in anticipation of the promise, so we should flee idolatry, have faith in God, trust in the truth of his word, listen to the Holy Spirit and walk in humility.

Honour God’s word

All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck; he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig’s blood; he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol. These … Isaiah 66:2–3 (ESV)

God can see right through the external keeping of religion vs genuine humility and reverence for God’s word.

This points to the fact that people can not just follow principles and receive the blessing from them or be in right standing with God.

We need to be in loving relationship with God and delight in him for our religious actions to have any significance.

If we tremble at God’s word then we will do what the word of God says including religious duty but not in deadness or hypocrisy but from a heart for God.

Luke 24:13–53

Jesus in all scripture

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27 (ESV)

Jesus gave them an exegetical overview of the OT pointing to Himself, this is one of the best ways to read the OT, we should read it in context to Jesus.

Tim Keller in this short video shows how the whole OT points to Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnSnNC8UJk

Enjoy biblical exposition

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32 (ESV)

Our hearts should burn with Joy when we have the scriptures opened to us by our Pastors and teachers too.

This is a good test for our hearts, if the explanation of the scriptures hold no appeal for us then we must check our desires.

Full bodily resurrection

See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” Luke 24:39 (ESV)

The physical world is not evil, God created the physical world and will physically recreate and restore it one day. Gnostics believe the physical world is evil and the spirit realm is good but this is heresy. They also say the resurrection of Jesus was only spiritual.

One of the core distinctive of our faith is that we believe in the full bodily resurrection of Jesus.

We too will have a physical resurrection body one day and will eat actual food etc but will no longer die.

God, opens our minds

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, Luke 24:45 (ESV)

We should pray that God by his Holy Spirit would open our minds to understand the bible too.

Avoid the lies of the new age which tell man to attempt to open his own mind without God, you will end up opening your mind to evil teaching and demons.

Revelation is a grace from God that we must ask God for.

God uses normal means to reveal  his truth, namely the Bible, The church, Pastors and Teachers.

Worship Jesus

And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, Luke 24:52 (ESV)

Yes, we worship Jesus, this was not a new idea introduced by Paul as some say, it was a practise of the very first disciple until today.

We joyfully worship Jesus today.

Job 14:11–22

The decay of the fall

the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so you destroy the hope of man. Job 14:19 (ESV)

This is why we long for the new creation, we are in a fallen creation that is rotting away.

It is not God that takes hope from man, it is sin and death.

Look forward to the New Heaven and Earth.

Today’s Reading: Isa 63:1–64:12, Luke 23:26–24:12, Job 14:1–10

Today’s Theme: The Resurrection

Today’s focus is on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We begin in the future when the resurrected Lord will establish his kingdom and destroy all his enemies. As we read through today’s readings there are elements of the power and significance of the resurrection everywhere.

Thank God for the resurrection today, without it, we would be lost.

Isaiah 63:1–64:12

The Victorious Warrior King

“I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. Isaiah 63:3 (ESV)

This does not fit the western sentimentalised view of Jesus, but this is the Lord speaking, at his second coming he will return as a great warrior king and many of His enemies will be killed.

This is not allegorical, at the second coming there will be a great war and Jesus alone will slay His enemies (unrepentant men who are at the battle wage war against Israel and God) with the sword of His mouth.

When we think of this side of Jesus it brings a new perspective to our evangelism (telling men to flee the wrath to come) and to our daily walk (we will walk in the fear of the Lord and not be flippant and disrespectful to Jesus)

Jesus the risen king will return, live in readiness.

The Day of Vengeance

For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. Isaiah 63:4 (ESV)

This is the fulfilment of the second half of the prophecy mentioned yesterday, the part where Jesus stopped reading the first time he came.

By the way this is why in yesterdays reading Jesus said to the council you will not believe me if I told you, because His understanding and their understanding of the Messiah were so different. As we now know, the Messiah would  suffer but then rise from the dead and will return one day to complete the fulfilment of the prophecy.

God’s Compassion

I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Isaiah 63:7 (ESV)

Why does God give such grace to those he has chosen (Israel and the Church)? The answer is because of his compassion and love.

Thank God today for the compassion he has on you and for loving you so much that Jesus was crucified for you and rose from the dead to give us eternal life.

Jesus, The Angel of God’s Face

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9 (ESV)

In the Hebrew this is can read as “The Angel, His Face” the expression carries the same sense as other places in the OT that talk about God’s visible representation.

The angel is the visibly present Lord, the second person of the Trinity and by him God has saved and redeemed his people. We read in Colossians 1:15 that “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

God is touched and so connected to His people that he feels their affliction and redeems them in His love and pity for us.

This is evidence of God spoken of as a Trinity even in the OT.

Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit

But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them. Isaiah 63:10 (ESV)

More OT reference to the members of the the Holy Trinity. Evidence that the Trinity is not a new idea only found in the NT

If we sin the Holy Spirit is grieved, this is not a new thing in the NT.

God’s motivation

Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name. Isaiah 63:14 (ESV)

Again Gods greatest motivation is for His glory, when God is glorified it is the best possible result for His people because he is worthy of praise and adoration and is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

God was glorified in the the Resurrection of Jesus.

The God who tears the heavens

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— Isaiah 64:1 (ESV)

Yes Lord may secular Israel have the heart of the children of Israel in this passage who pray to be acquainted with you again.

Also we can lift this great prayer before God for our nation that God would tear through the spiritual climate and visit our nation.

Of course in a very real sense God already tore through the heavens and came down through the incarnation, passing through the heavens to come from his dwelling place to humble himself as a man.

Jesus life, death, resurrection and ascension cut through the spiritual realm, defeating the demonic structures of the enemy and making lasting deliverance available for God’s elect people.

The Risen Lord is the victor who as cut through the heavens, making a way for us.

God who acts

From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4 (ESV)

This is a distinguishing fact about our God, he is real and all the others are demons so they can do no good and have no real power in comparison to God.

Our God is one who acts and one who engages in relationship with those who put their faith in him.

God, our Father and Potter

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)

God is our great Father and is the potter, while we are clay in His hands, both of these pictures are picked up and used in the NT.

We must be pliable in his hands so he can mould us into vessels fit for his purpose.

Luke 23:26–24:12

Jesus, Crucified

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Luke 23:33 (ESV)

These are three short words but what they represent was the horrific act of nailing Jesus to the wood of the cross. This is the severe demonstration of God’s zeal for holiness and righteousness as well as His love for the world.

Crucifixion is one of the curliest executions invented by man, the following medical view is adapted from Norman Geisler (2004).

“As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain—the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward, he places his full weight on the nail through his feet… tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of the feet.

At this point, another phenomenon occurs. As the arms fatigue, great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain…. Air can be drawn into the lungs but it cannot be exhaled. Jesus fights to raise himself in order to get even one short breath.

Now begin hours of this limitless pain, cycles of cramping and twisting, partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against the rough timber. …. A deep, crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart”

Father forgive them

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 (ESV)

It is extraordinary that Jesus is able in the excruciating pain of the cross, to think of others and pray to God to forgive his enemies.

He has left an example of each of us.

The madness of rejecting Jesus

And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” Luke 23:35 (ESV)

Listen to the madness of their statement, they acknowledge that he saved others and now mock that he should save himself.

Their behaviour is really demonic.

The Hour of Darkness

The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” Luke 23:36–37 (ESV)

The mockery of the soldiers too who had nothing in common with the rulers shows that as Jesus said this was the hour of darkness, there was likely a strong demonic atmosphere at the crucifixion inspiring the cruelty and mockery as Satan celebrates his apparent victory.

Know in dark times that in the end we win.

The darkness of God

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, Luke 23:44 (ESV)

Some say that this 3 hours of darkness was the period in which all the sins of those who put their faith in Jesus was laid on him.

Also note that in the OT darkness would not speak of demonic presence but the presence of God (often in judgement), these three hours of darkness are marked by Gods express presence in laying the sins of the world on His son.

God judged His Son for the sins of world so that God’s elect who put their faith in Christ can be free from the price of sin. He was judged so we would not be judged for our sin.

The veil torn

while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Luke 23:45 (ESV)

The tearing of the temple veil can symbolise many things including:

1. Pointing to the Judgement coming on the temple
2. The consummation of the old covenant
3. God rending His garments like a mourning Father
4. God’s presence leaving the temple
5. The Temple and sacrifice type is now fulfilled in Jesus death
6. This was the great, ultimate and final Yom Kippur
7. Jesus opens the door to Heaven
8. Temple worship is over
9. The Temple as the centre of Gods activity on the earth is no more

Sovereign on the Cross

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 (ESV)

Jesus remained in full control, he laid his life down, he decided when he would breathe his last breath.

The 1st day of the week

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. Luke 24:1 (ESV)

Jesus rose on a Sunday, the 1st day of the week which is why from the book of Acts until today Christians meet and fellowship on a Sunday in honour of the resurrection of Jesus which opened the way to eternal life and new beginning in God.

Jesus rose from the dead!

And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, Luke 24:5–6 (ESV)

We need to read this slowly and appreciate it. This is absolutely amazing, Jesus rose from the dead, this is just awesome, God showing his great power and wisdom.

We need to remember that when the NT was written this was a revolutionary concept which is why Paul was met with such mockery…. 2000 years later we take it for granted that Jesus rose from the dead but this was the greatest event in the history of the world and the great victory of God over the devil.

Paul said that without the resurrection our faith would be in vain in 1 Corinthians 15:17 where it says “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

Women, preach the gospel

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, Luke 24:10 (ESV)

God has called women to proclaim the Gospel, the first proclaimers of the Gospel were women… this doesn’t mean women should be Bishops or rule over churches but they should boldly declare the gospel.

This is again revolutionary, if this was a made up story there is no way the authors would let women be the first ones to see the resurrected Lord or to proclaim the good news because 2000 years ago women were seen as 2nd class to men.

 Job 14:1–10

God is both infinite and imminent

look away from him and leave him alone, that he may enjoy, like a hired hand, his day. Job 14:6 (ESV)

Although Jobs understanding that God has determined how long each person lives and where they live etc is correct, his understanding of God’s relationship to His creation is faulty.

The bible reveals to us that God predetermines mans days and limits because he is a God who cares about His creation and actively engages with His creation.

God has not (like Hinduism or deism teach) set a number of laws in motion and now sits back and lets man get on with it, no, he is our transcendent creator, actively calling men to salvation and pouring out both discipline, blessing and judgment… God is personally involved in someway in everyones lives and in a general way in all situations and most intensely in the lives of the His elect.

Today’s Reading: Isa 60:1–62:12, Luke 22:63–23:25, Job 13:13–28

Today’s Theme: The price paid for the Kingdom or The Suffering of Christ for the Kingdom of God

Today’s theme looks at the coming kingdom of Christ where Israel and Gods elect people will be glorified. In our NT reading we look at the price Jesus paid to make the kingdom (which is both now and not yet) a reality.

Isa 60:1–62:12

Peace in the middle east

Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. Isaiah 60:18 (ESV)

This whole chapter is speaking about the victory and glory Israel will receive in the kingdom.

This verse shows us two things, first this is yet future as there is war in Israel today. Second is that Gods plan is to bring peace and an end to war, which essentially means all mans efforts at peace will fail… Only Jesus at His second coming will bring lasting peace.

We continue to pray that the Lord would speed his return.

No Sun!

The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19 (ESV)

This is picked up in Revelation, the creation will be fundamentally changed in the new heaven and new earth… there will be no need for the sun, which is mind boggling form a scientific perspective but it is the truth of God word.

We look forward to the day when the kingdom of God is established.

God’s people

Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. Isaiah 60:21 (ESV)

Israel and the engrafted church are Gods planting, God worked hard to redeem, sustain and beautify us and the purpose was for His glory.

God seeking His own glory is one of the key themes running through the bible from creation, then redemption and finally through to consummation.

Now and not yet

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)

Jesus quoted only the first half of this declaration in Luke 4, he went as far as the first line of verse two and then paused.

This is because the fulfilment of this verse would be in two parts, the part he quoted was fulfilled in His first coming, the second part talking about the vengeance of God and restoration of Israel would be fulfilled at the second coming.

This is why it is often difficult for the Jews to see Jesus as the Messiah who fulfilled these prophecies because when they look at the prophecy they see it as one act at one time by one man (the Messiah) they did not perceive two distinct periods of time, this is why Jesus said they must be won by our love.

At the same time we must ask God to lead us by His Holy Spirit to do what Jesus did on the road to Emmaus, we should show them in the OT all the scriptures pointing to Him.

Salvation

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 (ESV)

The future glory of Israel is not merely political, the greatest promise to look forward to is Salvation in Christ.

This is the same language used in the NT, this is where we see the promises of future glory and grace for Israel intertwining with Gods elect church.

Pray for Israel

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1 (ESV)

This verse reminds us that like Isaiah we must pray for Israel until we see the fulfilment of the prophecies mentioned before.

Also the word “not keep silent” reminds us that we should both advocate for and evangelise Israel.

Married to the Land

For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5 (ESV)

The people of Israel will be committed to the land in the same way a man is committed to his wife, we are already starting to see this today.

God will rejoice over Israel as a bride, this is the language of commitment , covenant and love and we see a reflection of this in the NT where the church is called the bride of Christ

This is the destiny of all Gods elect, both the bride of Christ and redeemed Israel, together in one new man.

Luke 22:63–23:25

Jesus, mocked and beaten

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. Luke 22:63 (ESV)

We need to read this slowly, Jesus was mocked and beaten, this was the great price he paid for our redemption.

The Mockery would have been cruel and the beating severe. We need to pause and mediate on what Jesus endured in his love and obedience to the Father and his love for us.

Jesus, abused

They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” Luke 22:64 (ESV)

The soldiers played a cruel game with Jesus, they blindfolded him and taunted him with more blows asking him to prophecy who struck him.

I’m sure these soldiers wer filled with demons in this hour of darkness.

What will the soldiers say on the day of Judgement when they realise they so shamefully mocked and abused the Lord of glory.

Jesus, blasphemed

And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. Luke 22:65 (ESV)

Luke makes the point that the soldiers blasphemed him, this is further NT evidence that Jesus is seen as divine, only God can be blasphemed.

The answer is Yes

“If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, Luke 22:67 (ESV)

This reveals the answer as yes, because there would be no discussion if His answer was no

Jesus the Christ

Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Luke 22:71 (ESV)

The scribes and priests agree by this statement that Jesus declared himself to be the Christ

Shallow People

When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. Luke 23:8 (ESV)

Many people are like this today, they want to see signs and wonders as if the church is a circus for their thrill and entertainment.

Do we just want to see Jesus do things and not want to know him in love and obedience, then we are just like king Herod.

I am Barabas

a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Luke 23:19 (ESV)

There is a picture here, although we don’t like to admit it, we are all like Barabas, Jesus died in our place, as disgusting and evil as we are, he took our place, we should have been punished and died for our sin. Jesus took the place of the elect that put their faith in Him.

Don’t be weak

So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. Luke 23:24 (ESV)

Pilate was a weak man, he feared man more than God and held position over doing what was right.

We must be careful we don’t fall into the same trap of compromise and pragmatism in our lives when it comes to our stand for Jesus.

Job 13:13–28

Hope in God

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. Job 13:15 (ESV)

Job knew that nothing could happen to him without Gods consent, so he recognised it was God that slay him, yet his faith remained strong because he said regardless of this he would hope in God.

This hope gives some context for Jobs plea for an audience with God, although it still gives no excuse to the angry and rude way in which he seeks to address God.

In Jobs mind he has done nothing wrong which is essentially true but the wider truth is that we are a fallen race and have all sinned before God and as the NT says are children of wrath so whatever good we receive in this life is not deserved, entitled or earned, instead we must recognise this as the mercy (not getting what we deserve) and grace (getting what we don’t deserve) of God extended to us

Today’s Reading: Isa 58:1–59:21, Luke 22:24–62, Job 13:1–12

Today’s Theme: The call to repent.

Today’s theme is about the call for us all to repent which means to chafe our minds and turn from sin to walk in the higher ways of holiness before God. We look at this first through the lens of biblical fasting.

Isaiah 58:1–59:21

Don’t deceive yourself

Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. Isaiah 58:2 (ESV)

Ask the Lord to keep us as a people from delighting in his ways without the love and resolution in our hearts to live in his ways.

If we are walking in self deception we need to repent before God.

It’s not about you

‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Isaiah 58:3 (ESV)

In some circles it is commonly taught that if you want something from God then you need to fast to get access to it. This is simply not true and unbiblical, fasting should not be about us seeking our own pleasure as God will explain in the rest of the chapter.

If our focus is on ourselves we need to repent

Fasting God’s way

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 (ESV)

The fast that God has chosen is not the seeking of pleasure or the other extreme of just humbling yourself. Instead it is extremely practical in its aims and goals which are connected to social justice and mercy.

It is also connected with the removal of oppression, this can be both physical and spiritual.

Genuine fasting will result in more than just humility it will manifest in acts of love and service

If we engage in any spiritual activity with the wrong motives then we need to repent of this too.

We need to change

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, Isaiah 58:9 (ESV)

Through fasting we should change, we should stop oppressing others, pointing the finger in criticism / judgement and gossip / speaking wickedness. God calls us again to repent.

We need to repent to restore a healthy relationship with God so that he will respond when we pray.

Satisfaction for the scorched places

And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)

Through this change brought about in us through prayer, fasting and true repentance God will strengthen us and satisfy our desires especially in areas of our life where there is great need (scorched places)

God will bring healing where the fire of lust, sin and rebellion has brought pain, loss and damage to our lives.

Delight in God

then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 58:14 (ESV)

All repentance is a turning from delighting in sinful things to delighting in God.

This is the ultimate purpose of fasting, that we delight no longer in the trivial things of this life but take delight in the Lord.

Sin separates us from God

but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:2 (ESV)

An important truth, sin separates us from God and for Gods people in particular, if we walk in open sin he will not hear our prayers unless they are genuine prayers of repentance.

Walk in honesty

No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. Isaiah 59:4 (ESV)

Lord keep us from dishonesty, our culture is one focused on individual rights and desires which are exalted above honesty and truth, keep us from being swept up in the tide of dishonesty and selfish gain.

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart today and to do away with anything that is dishonest as you walk in repentance.

Walk in peace

The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. Isaiah 59:8 (ESV)

We are actually commanded to pursue peace and to walk in peace. If we walk in anxiety, worry and panic then we are actually in sin and need to repent.

Lord help us to know the way of peace and to walk in it.

God is unstoppable

He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. Isaiah 59:16 (ESV)

Even though there should have been someone to intercede for the city and there was not, God in his power and mercy still moved to honour His will to bring salvation Himself.

So even if we do not do as God requires, we will not stop his purpose, we only hurt ourselves.

Lets remember to pray for the city we live in today.

Be clothed like God for the battle

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

We are constantly in a state of war in the spirit.

This is God clothing himself for battle, the first part of this imagery is used in the NT too for the believers armour.

Put on the full armour through faith and the word today to fight the battles ahead in the spirit and prayer.

Pass on the word of God

“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.” Isaiah 59:21 (ESV)

We are called to actively pass our faith on to our children.

We can claim this promise of God as yes and Amen for ourselves as we read and meditate on Gods word, speaking of it and passing it on to the next generation.

Luke 22:24–62

Be a servant

But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. Luke 22:26 (ESV)

We must repent of having the worlds ideals in terms of greatness.

Jesus teaches us the truth that in the kingdom of God, we should be servants of God and of one another, Jesus who was certainly the greatest served the disciples at the last supper giving them a clear picture of what greatness in Gods kingdom means.

Lord help us to joyfully serve you and your people.

Your faith will not fail

but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 (ESV)

Like Peter Jesus has prayed for us hat our faith will not fail under trial, if we do stumble we need to turn again or repent as Jesus said and seek to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Repent and live to fight another day

Laying our rights down

He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. Luke 22:36 (ESV)

Jesus would have had the right to take up arms against those who came to capture him, so baring the arms was not wrong and the use of them would not have been wrong but forgoing his right to use them showed an example to His disciples which they would follow in their own lives as ministers of the Gospel after His resurrection.

This is the opposite to the teaching of Islam which encourages the use of the sword and violence.

Chose to lay down your rights for God’s purposes today.

God’s will be done

saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 (ESV)

This is the core of all prayer and repentance.

This should be a crucial element in our prayers, we should make our request in respect and submit to the ultimate will of God, surrendering our will to His.

This was not just a routine for Jesus this was genuine anguish of soul, which is why he prayed this very genuine and heartfelt prayer.

He is standing right there

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” Luke 22:61 (ESV)

This means there was not a great distance between them, this was an awful blow for Jesus but he had prepared his heart for it in advance and he had prepared Peter and I’m sure in his looking at Peter it was one of Love.

How often have we been guilty of denying Jesus when he is standing right there?

Job 13:1–12

What about my case?

But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. Job 13:3 (ESV)

This is wounded pride and arrogance speaking, the sad thing is that in todays world many people think they also have a right to argue with or argue their side of the story with God.

This is flawed and fallen thinking.

Thankfully we are covered by our advocate Jesus.

Don’t be a hypocrite

Will it be well with you when he searches you out? Or can you deceive him, as one deceives a man? Job 13:9 (ESV)

Job is right to warn his friends of the hypocrisy of supposing to speak for God with great legalistic maxims without the foresight that they too would fail under such scrutiny.

Those in exposure ministries should take heed here, as the NT says, when judgement or correction is given in hypocrisy the hypocrite is in danger of the same judgment.

Legalism and pointing the finger at others can often be a deceitful mechanism to hide or minimise our own shortcomings, we can foolishly compare ourselves against our selves or look at external circumstances and deduce with human reasoning and false discernment that someone is “blessed” or “cursed”.

Today’s Reading: Isa 55:1–57:21, Luke 21:25–22:23, Job 12:13–25

Today’s Theme: Free Grace

Today’s there is no clear theme although the first point about God’s free grace is in some way connected to all other points about faith, repentance and our conduct before God, it all starts and is empowered by the free grace of God found in Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 55:1–57:21

Free Grace

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1 (ESV)

God makes an urgent appeal without discrimination for all men to come and find satisfaction in him. This free grace offered to all men is fulfilled in Christ as we read in John 4:10–14 and John 7:37–39.

God bids us to come and buy although the price has been paid by Christ. This indicates that a transaction must take place, action is required on our part. The buying is faith and repentance in Jesus Christ’s finished work.

We do not need to labour and spend ourselves on things that will not satisfy or sustain us, instead we should throw ourselves on God’s free and abundant grace.

While water speaks of our necessity (the need for salvation), the milk and wine speak of Gods abundant life and blessing freely offered in Christ. Thank God for his grace today.

Repent today

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6–7 (ESV)

This is linked to the first set of verses, this is the buying without money spoken of. God now calls all men everywhere to repent.

We must repent quickly because repentance is not just a given, its a grace granted by God which will not always be available so we must not take it for granted or have the mentality that I’m going to sin and then repent.

There is a window of opportunity in all our lives to seek The Lord and we must do it now. This not only speaks to those lost but also to those who have gone astray… Notice it says return to The Lord.

God’s thoughts are higher

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9 (ESV)

We can trust in God, his thoughts are so far beyond anything we can begin to comprehend, he sees and knows everything intimately, he knows the past, present and future, he is full of wisdom and knows the outcome of every possibility, by his intellect he created the physical universe and all it’s inhabitants, by his power he created the spiritual real, heaven and the Angels.

Consider the greatness of our God, he is so much greater than us, so much higher than us, he knows everything, while we know so little, we are not on par with God, he is infinitely great while each one of us and even collectively as humans are finite in our minds and ways of thinking.

This serves as a rebuke to humanistic reasoning which men try to apply to God’s word and the notion that we know more than God and the bible found in the aggressive secular humanism characteristic of atheism and and so called scientific ideas like evolution and the big bang theory.

God’s active word

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)

The words of men are impotent but Gods words are active, full of power and because this is the very universe that he spoke into existence, his words have great creative force to the point that His word like guided missiles hit their target and accomplish his mission without fail.

We can trust in God’s word, it is not like the words of man, Gods word is sure and true.

A house of prayer

these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7 (ESV)

God desires to save people from all nations and desires that we come together to pray. This was God’s desire for the house of God in the OT and in the church today. In this sense everything is secondary to prayer, when we pray things actually change God will go to work brining that which we believe him for to pass.

Yesterday night we had a powerful prayer meeting at Church where we prayed for our Christian brothers and sisters suffering under the terrorism and brutal murder inflicted by ISIS.

If you do not attend prayer meetings or regular prayer with other believers it is something that must be remedied in your life today.

Be humble

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)

God, who is himself rightly high and lifted up dwells with those who are humble, who are low in their own estimation and broken in spirit. The paradox is that by humility we dwell in the high heavenly places with God whereas exalting ourselves in pride will bring us to the low place of the flesh.

The lesson is simple, be humble and God will revive and strengthen you.

Luke 21:25–22:23

Jesus will return

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Luke 21:27 (ESV)

We are reminded that Jesus will return and his return will not be quiet or private but very public.

This single verse destroys the argument of Rastafarians. When Jesus returns, it will not be through a woman, he will come in the clouds and everyone will see it.

We look forward to that day, living in hope and readiness.

Holy Communion

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:19–20 (ESV)

Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus and was actually based on part of the Passover meal.

When we keep communion we are obeying the words of Jesus and in a special and symbolic way by faith remembering his body that was broken for us and his blood that shed for us in thankful reflection and worship.

Jehovah Witnesses do away with communion which is against the teaching and command of Jesus.

Job 12:13–25

Sound Wisdom

With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. Job 12:16 (ESV)

Sound wisdom comes from God.

This statement and all the others in this section speak of Gods position of power, influence and his ultimate sovereignty.

Although we must be careful with Job as he is speaking in the anguish of his soul and his understanding is not perfect so some of his examples make God sound capricious