Today’s Reading: Isa 25:1–26:21, Luke 9:1–27, Job 6:1–13

Today’s Theme: Death Defeated

Today’s theme is about God defeating death, death is swallowed up in the life of God, seen most clearly in the resurrection Jesus Christ.

Death will suffer an ultimate defeat at God’s hands in the world to come and as believers we already have eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus. We will look at how the principles of resurrection life over death and the coming resurrection have an impact on our life and service as well as a final word to those going through depression.

The final enemy death will be defeated, Hallelujah!

Isaiah 25:1–26:21

Death swallowed up

He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 (ESV)

Isaiah beings today’s reading by praising God as his own personal God and the one who makes plans from eternity past and brings them to pass now, the one who is a stronghold for he poor and needy.

God will swallow up death forever, that means death will meet its own death and it will be permanent. God is life and his life and light will swallow up the darkness and pain of death for all eternity.

The Resurrection of Jesus was the beginning of death’s defeat, we rejoice that we have eternal life in Jesus now and that his resurrection is the core of our faith and points to death’s ultimate defeat in the kingdom to come.

We are not God and so cannot give death its final blow but we can emulate him, we see the heart of our God in verse 4, he helps the poor, needy and distressed, if we do this, we in a temporal sense swallow up death with light and love. Reaching out in Jesus name will bring life.

The Peace of God

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Peace seems elusive to so many today, peace often unwittingly is sought in career, family, religion, recreation and ourselves but we cannot find peace in any of these place.

Everything in our fallen word is tainted with the decay of death, there is no firm ground for man to stand on, no institution, achievement or philosophy.

The peace that man seeks can only be found in God.

Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

In commenting on this verse J. N Oswalt says “For our mortality, short-sightedness, and weakness, we receive in exchange God’s immortality, omniscience, and omnipotence. That is security.”

And that is the point God’s peace give us firm ground to stand on, security, a place where we can place all our hope and trust and therefore have peace.

The resurrection will come

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Isaiah 26:19 (ESV)

We look forward to the day when the resurrection comes, it is an actual event in the future that we hope in. 1 Corinthians 15:12–15

One day we will be called from our graves and receive new bodies in Christ, the lost will also be raised but only to be judged.

The hope of the resurrection should fill our hearts with joy and praise and help motivate us to live as we ought to before God. 1 John 3:3

Death is not the end

Luke 9:1–27

Power over decay

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, Luke 9:1 (ESV)

Death brings decay both spiritually and physically. Jesus gave the disciples power over death in the sense that the decay of disease could be cured and the spiritual disease brought by demons were subject to them.

This is true for us as disciples today too, we have the power to preach the gospel to subdue the power of the enemy and to see physical bodies healed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The power we have through Jesus is life in the middle of death and light in the middle of darkness.

Jesus is full of life

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:16–17 (ESV)

This is an actual event, Jesus really did this, we should pause for a minute and stand in awe of that. We also see a principle here that is in line with today’s theme. Jesus is full of life.

Jesus is so full of life that the simple food in his hands multiples by a miraculous act of God to feed over 5000 people.

The Life of Jesus brings growth and multiplication, his life in us will bring fruit which is why he is very bold in saying a good tree will have good fruit.

If the life of Jesus is flowing through us we will see growth and fruitfulness in our lives, others will be fed and God will be glorified.

Lose your life to find it

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23–24 (ESV)

Jesus has just been confirmed to the disciples as the Christ of God, the Messiah. He then explains that he will be killed but will rise, now he calls the disciples to do the same.

We must deny our own selfish pleasure and instead take up our cross (you will know what this is for you) and follow Jesus.

Jesus teaching is plain and points to the reversal of death and life that his resurrection brings. The only way to save our life, to escape the second death (hell) is to lose our lives, lose our rights as it were and commit ourselves in total abandon to the Lord, this is the pathway that lead to life.

Only in dying to the flesh can we live to the Spirit. It is only through death that new life can come. Die to live today.

Job 6:1–13

Dealing with depression

that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! Job 6:9 (ESV)

Job is clearly depressed and now his thoughts turn to the apparent escape of death and just fall short of suicidal thoughts, he ask that God would kill him.

In Christ there is hope, if you are going through depression today do not look to death for its cold embrace, look to the one who has life in himself and will give you life and comfort, look to Jesus.

Today’s Reading: Isa 23:1–24:23, Luke 8:16–56, Job 5:17–27

Today’s Theme: The Powerful Jesus

Today’s theme is all about the power of Jesus seen in his life, ultimate victory and in us as his family.

By his power demons bow, sickness is healed and death flees. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 23:1–24:23

The victory of God

They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the LORD they shout from the west. Isaiah 24:14 (ESV)

Our OT reading today speaks about the last days when all nations will be judged and the pride of men and their position will be of no use for them to escape judgement, only righteousness found in Christ.

The picture we have of the end is of a time where God is victorious on the earth, redeeming business and commerce for his glory and he will be praised by all nations as we read in this verse.

This verse mentions the majesty of the Lord, God will rule as king, Jesus will return as king and rule over the earth.

Our theme today is the powerful Jesus found in our NT reading, but it is here in the OT we see the ultimate end and fruit of Jesus mission to earth and of his great power.

Demons judged

On that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven, in heaven, and the kings of the earth, on the earth. They will be gathered together as prisoners in a pit; they will be shut up in a prison, and after many days they will be punished. Isaiah 24:21–22 (ESV)

We see another glimpse of the ultimate victory of God, the demons and devils will be judged as well as man.

Jesus will send the demons to the pit to be punished, this is the event that the demons in our NT reading are referring to, they fear the great power of Jesus to judge them eternally consigning them to the bottomless pit.

Rejoice, our enemy will be judged and defeated by our powerful king Jesus.

Luke 8:16–56

Powerful, purposeful, useful lights

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Luke 8:16 (ESV)

Last night we prayed for our communities which is in line with this passage. Jesus inside us is the light, he is powerful, he shines brightly, the glory of Jesus is like nothing else.

As we submit our lives to him, are filled with his word and faith in his word, as God the Holy Spirit lives in us and the fruit of God are seen, light will burst forth.

Do not hide, boldly, happily, brightly shine the light of God through acts of love and service in every community God has called you to be a part of, where you live, where you study, where you work, where you fellowship just anyplace where you are.

As lights we have a purpose which is to shine to give illumination to others, to beat back the encroaching darkness of demons and men. Shine.

We are useful if we stand in such an open way that other benefit form the light of our lives, we should enlighten each other and like lights on a runway point sinners safely home to Jesus through the light of the public proclaimed Gospel.

Go, stand and shine today.

The family of Jesus

But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21 (ESV)

You have a unique opportunity to be a part of the greatest family the earth will ever know, the family of Jesus.

Jesus is not blinded by bias toward his blood family, instead he sees the greatest value in his true family of believers.

If we call ourselves part of God’s family we will obey Jesus, if we claim to love him we will obey him.

Hear the word today do it, prove yourself to be part of God’s family with our powerful saviour Jesus.

Demons bow

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Luke 8:28–29 (ESV)

Demons cannot stand in the presence of Jesus because of his great authority and power.

Demonic possession is a very dark state where the possessed persons will is consumed by the demon(s) so although the man has bowed to Jesus, the demons have bowed too and it is they who speak to Jesus is fear of early judgement.

Do not fear the power of demons, Jesus’ power is greater. Demons bow and are silenced in his presence and at his word they must go. Hallelujah!

Power to heal

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:46 (ESV)

This was an actual even in the life of Jesus but we can learn an allegorical lesson form it. The woman reached out and touched the hem of Jesus garment and revived power from Jesus which brought healing in her body.

When the power of Jesus, the power in his word represented by his hem and our faith collide, Gods power is released for our healing. Reach out in faith and pull on the promises of God and the person of Jesus. In faith receive the power of Jesus for your healing and deliverance.

Power over death

But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” Luke 8:54 (ESV)

Jesus our glorious saviour has power over hell and death, one touch of his hand brings life and causes death to flee. When we trust in Jesus we pass from death to life.

Jesus is the very power of life, in his presence death flees and the dead rise. I was dead,now I am alive in his presence. Hallelujah.

Job 5:17–27

Human thinking

“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (ESV)

Sometimes our conclusions and thinking may seem right but without insight from God we can not be sure and may be wrong. This principle is true but is not the case for Job.

Ask God to take you beyond human reasoning today to know the mind of the Spirit.

Today’s Reading: Isa 20:1–22:25, Luke 7:36–8:15, Job 5:8–16

Today’s Theme: See & Hear Parables

Today’s theme is about us seeing and hearing the parables of Jesus and the parable like prophecies and warnings in the old testament.

Parables are narratives with a meaning in that the saying or story seeks to drive home a point the speaker wants to emphasise by illustrating it from familiar things from everyday life. In biblical contexts these are used by Jesus to reveal and illustrate the kingdom of God.

A parable can be defined as an extended metaphor or simile often told as a brief narrative. In Greek, the noun parabolē meant “juxtaposition, comparison, illustration, to lay one thing beside another”

I remember in Sunday School over twenty years ago our teacher sister Denise taught us that Parables are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning.

Isaiah 20:1–22:25

A walking parable

at that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Isaiah 20:2 (ESV)

What! Walk around naked! Well this is what God told Isaiah to do, although it is very likely that a loin cloth remained for ethical reasons.

As strange as this sounds it is known as prophetic symbolic action (prophetic symbolism) which are like the parables of Jesus in that they point to a parallel message or reality. This was a shocking sign to those who would humble their hearts to hear it’s message.

In the original context it concerns Egypt and Ethiopia, whose people will be carried off as prisoners by the king of Assyria. It warns that the rebellion committed by Egypt will lead to disaster and serves as a warning to Judah against joining and trusting in a coalition with them.

Our actions are messages that can speak louder than any words in telling God’s story, so be a walking parable like Isaiah (but fully clothed of course).

Lets commit to having humble hearts to hear what God says prophetically through symbols and actions today.

Fallen, fallen is the city of human pride

And behold, here come riders, horsemen in pairs!” And he answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the carved images of her gods he has shattered to the ground.” Isaiah 21:9 (ESV)

This is a prophecy with more than one meaning like a parable. The declaration was not about the physical city Babylon as we see the same prophecy in Revelation 18:2 “And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.”

The prophecy could read fallen, fallen is London, Paris or Washington because the spiritual babylon has gone far beyond the physical territory (Iraq).

Babylon with it’s vast array of idols which speak of man’s desire for his own glory through worshiping what he should use while using the one (God) he should worship, was a city that epitomised human pride.

Human pride is fallen, is fallen. Don’t rebuild the ruins.

We bow ourselves to hear the narrative of the king and his kingdom’s victory over the kingdoms of men and devils today.

Hear God

In that day the Lord GOD of hosts called for weeping and mourning, for baldness and wearing sackcloth; Isaiah 22:12 (ESV)

God called for mourning and weeping but the people were not listening and did their own thing which was opposite to what God desired.

Isaiah’s weeping for the people shows the softness of his heart, we should have soft hearts.

Here is a note from Pastor I found in my bible this morning “Though you may agree that God’s judgment is always right, pray that your heart will always remain soft so that when God’s people are disciplined, you will respond with intercession rather than indifference – Dennis Greenidge”.

Our ears must be turned towards God, to hear what he has to say and respond in the way he requires today.

We should pray that God gives use the hearts we need to hear what he says, it is not just a given that we will hear we need ears (hearts) that actually hear.

Eliakim , a shadow of Jesus

And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. Isaiah 22:22 (ESV)

Eliakim was a shadow of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God.

Revelation 3:7 tells us that the one Eliakim pointed to was Jesus “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

The amazing reality is that Jesus, the one who has the keys to the kingdom to open and close access to the kings presence, gives us the keys to the kingdom in prayer. Our wonderful saviour said in Matthew 16:19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

We have been given a great responsibility like Eliakim to use the keys of the kingdom justly. The principles of the parables helps give us vision and clarity as we pray, while we stand on the earth lets use the keys of the kingdom in prayer today to the glory of God.

Luke 7:36–8:15

Humble, grateful love

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 (ESV)

This was an actual event in the life of Jesus which he uses a parable to enlighten us to the example (parable) the woman’s actions are to all of us.

The woman’s actions were not to receive forgiveness but because she had received it. Forgiveness was present and this produced love. Notice Jesus used the present tense, he said “are forgiven”

Forgiveness has three essential (1) the offer, (2) the acceptance and (3) the confirmation. God makes the offer of forgiveness to us as sinners if we in humility receive the forgiveness offered we will see confirmation of this in our lives through grateful acts of love.

Darrell Brock says “God’s kindness has produced a response of humble, loving gratitude from the woman, rather than self-exaltation like the Pharisee”

Be humble, know you need God’s forgiveness, receive it and respond to it with love, Love is the evidence of true forgiveness. Don’t be like the Pharisee who did not see his need for God or much forgiveness, we all desperately need God’s grace.

God assures us today that our trust in his offer means we are forgiven and the fruit is there for the world to see, our lives are changed, we walk in love.

Secrets of the kingdom

he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ Luke 8:10 (ESV)

The secrets of the kingdom are given in parables so that they serve to enlighten the elect and pass judgement on those who hear but don’t understand because of the hardness of their hearts.

God has chosen to speak in a way with stories which means he needs to open the ears of the hearers himself, the message without the Spirit to open hearts is of no use.

God has encrypted the message in plain sight as it were by using parables and the simpleness of proclaiming the story of the good news, this way even the conversion of sinners cannot be down to our cleverness, God has the encryption key, it is his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit opens ears and eyes to see the truth in the message.

Tell God’s story today, but do it with the Spirit so hearts are unlocked so hears will receive and respond to the Spirit’s call.

The parable of the Soils

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15 (ESV)

This parable is often referred to as the parable of the sower and the seed which is unfortunate because it misses the main point. The seed is always the same, it is the word of God and the sower is the one who share the word of God. The thing that is different each time is the soils, this should be more appropriately be called the parables of the soils.

This parable is the key that helps open all parables and points to our last point, The word of God will only be understood if the soil of our heart is already in a place to receive it.

There are essentially just two soils, good and bad. Our hearts must not be easily distracted (the way side), hard and shallow (the rocks) or given over to the things of this world (the thorns). Our hearts should be in a place to hold fast to God’s word in faith, and be honest as the word challenges and calls us.

So faith and honesty is what we need to receive the word of God well and be fruitful. Ask God to help your heart to see and hear everyday.

Job 5:8–16

Injustice shuts her mouth

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. Job 5:16 (ESV)

We pray this today, we have the keys of the kingdom lets pray the poor would have hope through our acts of love as God’s ambassadors and that injustice will be silenced in the light of God’s grace.

Today’s Reading:  Isa 17:1–19:25, Luke 7:1–35, Job 5:1–7

Today’s Theme: God’s Global Mission

Today’s theme is about God’s global mission to save the nations, to bring healing and glorify his name.

Isaiah 17:1–19:25

God of all nations

In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” Isaiah 19:24–25 (ESV)

Today we read a lengthy passage where God declares his victory over the idols, his judgement of the nations and now we end with the salvation of the nations.

When God called Abraham and made covenant with him it was so that all families or nations of the earth would be blessed, he was blessed to be a blessing, Genesis 12:3.

God’s global purpose has always been the salvation of the nations. God is not a racist.

God declares that Egypt are his people, Assyria the work of his hands and Israel his inheritance. This reminds us that all mankind has been created in the image of God and God desires to save people from all nations.

This should have served as encouragement for Israel to be the light of the world pointing the nations to God and not compromising by trussing in the nations.

The great commission is global in its scope, Jesus told us to go to all nations, Matthew 28:19-20. We must continue to work and pray that the mission will be finished because Jesus also told us that this Gospel must be preached to all nations (ethnic groups) and then the end will come, Matthew 24:14.

Keep an eye on the Joshua Project where you can find out about unreached people groups and how you can work and pray to see them receive the gospel.

Luke 7:1–35

Faith from all peoples

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:9 (ESV)

Here we see Jesus express genuine human emotion, he marvelled or was amazed by this Gentile’s faith. The faith he was amazed by was the centurions recognition of Jesus authority and the power of his words to bring healing without the need to physically be there.

Jesus response to the man’s faith and his action of turning and addressing the crowd should be taken in the context that Jesus is saying learn from this mans faith, I am pleased with it and it is the faith I want you to have.

We should trust in God’s ability to speak a word for our healing and to meet our needs knowing that God has Angels under his authority that go and do his will.

This passage is one of the key scriptures in the narratives about the life and ministry of Jesus that points to our theme which is that God’s desire is that all nations (people groups) would be saved.

Many of us reading this today are Gentiles like the centurion, thank God for his magnanimity and mercy in saving us for his glory.

Job 5:1–7

Turn to God

“Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn? Job 5:1 (ESV)

Yes, God will answer. We do not turn to saint, angels or Mary, the only one we turn to is God.

All nations can today turn to God in response to the Gospel, and cry out to God who answers our prayers wain in the name of Jesus.

Today’s Reading:  Isa 14:24–16:14, Luke 6:1–49, Job 4:12–21

Today’s Theme: God’s Decrees and Commands

Today’s theme looks at God’s decreed will and his commanded will. Each of these are quite different, the decreed will of God is that which absolutely will come to pass and no one can stop it. Whereas the commanded will of God are the things God desires but does not force, with this will our compliance is required.

Isaiah 14:24–16:14

The unstoppable God

For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:27 (ESV)

When God decides to do something no one can stop him. God is unstoppable.

When God decrees something it cannot be undone, he is the King and when he makes and official decree it stands forever.

One of the things that God has decreed is his choice of you as one of his elect, he decreed it before the creation of the world, with this mind you can be encouraged to persevere.

Thank God for his unstoppable decrees over your life today. 1 Corinthians 2:6

Luke 6:1–49

The call to ministry

And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Luke 6:13 (ESV)

Jesus spent all night praying and then chose twelve from his company of disciples to have a special ministry as Apostles.

These Apostles were unique in that they were the only ones to be closely discipled by Jesus as an incarnated man and were commissioned to be witnesses and authors of the writings of the new testament, no Apostle today is an apostle like this as Jesus is not here physically and the bible has already been written.

God’s call to the ministry is not a decree but a command that we need to respond to. Judas was chosen to be a minister too but he turned hs back on his office and was replaced.

If God has called you to ministry you need to chose to respond to the calling, do it and bring glory to God.

The manifesto of the kingdom

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:20 (ESV)

The beatitudes contain a mixture of decree (statements of fact) and commands (things you need to chose to do).

As an exercise see if you can read through them today and identity the commands, when you do form and list and mediate on them asking God to help you obey the commands by his Holy Spirit.

For example this verse is a decree that the kingdom of god belongs to the poor where as verse 27 commands us to love our enemies.

Try to find time to hunt for these treasures today, happy hunting.

Job 4:12–21

Trust the word of God

A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh stood up. Job 4:15 (ESV)

This was a demonic encounter, perhaps the scenario is that a lying spirit was sent out to Jobs friend to feed him false perspectives and information which he would in turn regurgitate to Job which would cause Job more emotional and spiritual distress and of course disrupt Jobs purer view of God.

We must all recognise that if we have encounters like this they are mostly from demonic spirits that have an agenda to tell us lies, note the fear Eliphaz said and then the lies and blatant ill content towards both God and man (made from the dust jibe)