Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Song of Solomon 1 -- 8

Highlights:

This beautiful love story shows the love of God for Israel and illustrates the love of Christ for His Church. It provides a model for the quality of love God desires to see between a man and his wife as well as our love for His Church. It opens with a Shulamite maiden working in a vineyard. A handsome stranger wins her heart. He promises to return and when he does he reveals himself as the mighty monarch.
This poem describes the wholesome enjoyment of married love between a man and a woman. It expresses the delight of the bridegroom in the bride and of the bride in her husband. The bride describes her wonderful memories as her bridegroom tarries. The whole narrative has a dreamlike quality. The circumstances are vague and not such as occur in ordinary life. The longing, the wondering, and the searching represent the images of dreams. The bride was asleep on her bed, but her thoughts were continually about her beloved absent bridegroom. By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not (Song 3:1).

Every believer is assured that my Beloved is mine, and I am His (2:16), for Jesus Christ has entered into our very lives. Our love relationship continues to grow and deepen as we listen to Him speak to us as we read and apply His Word. We become different people by virtue of our relationship with the coming Bridegroom. With Paul, we too can say: I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).

As Christians, sometimes we enjoy a very close sense of the presence of Christ. The hymn writer wrote: "He walks with me and He talks with me." But all too often His presence seems far away. Yet our love for Him continues to grow as we wait expectantly for that first glimpse of Him when He welcomes us home (John 3:29; Eph. 5:22-23; I Thess. 4:16-17).

As the bride, we also wait with great anticipation for the return of our Bridegroom Jesus when we too will be able to say: He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love (Song 2:4).

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1-3).

Thought for Today:

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Rom. 12:12).
Christ Revealed:

As the chiefest (outstanding) among ten thousand (Song 5:10). Jesus is the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16).
Word Studies:

1:3 savour =b> fragrance; 1:11 borders =b> ornaments; 1:12 spikenard =b> perfume; 1:16 our bed is green =b> we recline on a grassy field; 2:5; Stay me =b> Invigorate me; flagons =b> with delicacies; sick of love =b> overcome, lovesick; 4:4 bucklers =b> small shields; 5:4 bowels =b> heart; 8:5 raised =b> awakened.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Deval Patrick (MA), Rep. Adam Putnam (FL), Rep. Betty Sutton (OH), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC) • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for your friends (Job 42:7-10).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 8

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:10

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 1 -- 4

Highlights:

God is angry! Why (Is. 1:4)? To disobey is to invite punishment (1:5). Genuine praise goes beyond praying and on to serving people (1:17). A vision of the Lord's future reign in the most important place on earth (2:2-3). God promises glorious restoration to Israel (4:2-6).
The God of Creation chose the Israelites to reveal Himself as the One True God and later as God in the flesh (Jesus Christ) (Jude 1:25) and the Written Word to all nations (John 1:1-14). It must have been with deep sorrow that God led Isaiah to say: Hear . . . and give ear . . . for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib (manger): but Israel doth not know. . . . they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward (turned away from Him) (Is. 1:2-4). Isaiah recorded how the Lord had chosen and provided for the Israelites, only to have them turn against Him by worshiping idols. The Lord lamented that even the animals He had created knew who their Master was, but the sinful Israelites refused to recognize their responsibility to their Creator.

Like our Heavenly Father, it must have been heartbreaking for King David, the great prophet Samuel, and godly King Josiah of Judah, when their children were rebellious and did not obey the Word of God. The Lord has provided His written Word which, through the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, will teach us how to experience deliverance from guilt and the condemnation of sin and the joy of forgiveness.

Many godly parents are heartbroken when they see their children turning from the Lord. Like our Heavenly Father, they too feel sorrow over children who are uncommitted to the Lord, to reading the Bible, or to regular worship in a local church. Whether or not our children succeed or fail in their earthly goals, by comparison, it is of little eternal consequence, for only their spiritual achievements will bring true success and eternal rewards.

Isaiah was called to comfort those who were faithful to the Holy One (40:1). Isaiah prophesied of a coming King who would reign in righteousness and peace over children who had returned to Him. When the Messiah returns, many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Is. 2:3).

Thought for Today:

The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy (Num. 14:18).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who will judge the nations (Is. 2:2-4). The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing (II Tim. 4:1).
Word Studies:

1:13 vain oblations =worthless sacrifices offered by hypocrites; 2:12 day of the Lord =the coming judgment upon the unfaithful as well as the time of rejoicing for the faithful; 3:18 cauls, and their round tires like the moon =headbands bejeweled with sun and moon ornaments; 3:22 crisping pins =money bags or purses; 3:24 stomacher =rich robe; 4:4 blood of Jerusalem =Jerusalem was guilty of killing innocent prophets.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for August sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Rick Boucher (VA) and Rep. Sue Myrick (NC) • Country: Syria (17 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Limited religious freedom for Christians • 90% Muslim; 4% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Roman Catholic; .25% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Delight in the Word of God; prayerfully meditate upon it for daily guidance (Ps. 1:2).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 9

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 5 -- 9

Highlights:

God sings a love song to His beloved Israel (Is. 5:1-7). The brilliance of His holiness reveals the darkness of our sin (6:5). Send me (6: . . . Will you go ? A divine principle: God always leaves a seed (6:13)! A prophecy of Jesus, the Light of the world (7:14-16; 9:1-7). Whatever the circumstances, keep trusting God (8:20).
The prophet Isaiah foretold the judgment of God against the kingdom of Judah for the people's sins. Ahaz, king of Judah, was facing war. The prophet appealed to him, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord (Is. 7:11). Although Ahaz refused, Isaiah spoke a glorious prophecy of the true King of kings who was yet to come. The sign Isaiah offered was the declaration of a special Child: A virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel (God With Us) (7:14). Seven hundred years later, the Angel Gabriel confirmed to the Virgin Mary: The Holy Ghost (Spirit) shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing (One) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus, the Son of God, was born. To reject the virgin birth and question either the deity or the humanity of Jesus of Nazareth is to miss the significance that Jesus was both Holy God and sinless Man because only He could qualify to substitute for you and me to atone for our sins and redeem what Adam had forfeited when he chose to disobey God.

The prophet Isaiah received another glorious revelation of the eternal King of kings of whom he foretold: Unto us a Child (Jesus Christ) is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). We recognize the fulfillment of that prophecy in Jesus, who was born of the virgin and later crucified, providing eternal life to all believers by His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, and by His triumphant resurrection from the dead. Not only was His first advent (coming) declared, but also His second. We can rejoice as we look forward to the time when He will reign in righteousness on earth as the most Wonderful Counseller.

Jesus is the Second Person of the Godhead. The Same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:2-3; see also Heb. 1:3).

Thought for Today:

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever (I Chr. 16:34).
Christ Revealed:

Isaiah reveals that a Child shall be born; a Son shall be given; and that the government shall be upon His shoulder (Is. 9:6). The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15).
Word Studies:

5:1 vineyard =the Israelites; 5:5 go to =listen to Me; 5:23 reward =bribes; 7:16 abhorrest =hate, despise; 8:21 hardly bestead =sorely distressed, hard pressed; 9:9 stoutness =arrogance.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Dan Boren (OK) and Rep. Michael Ross (AR) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: The Lord is a shield for you in times of trouble (Ps. 3:1-3).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 10

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 10 -- 14
Highlights:

God allows evil kings to punish Israel, but He also punishes evil kings for harming Israel (Is. 10). A prophetic picture of Christ returning in glory (chap. 11), The Holy One of Israel (12:6), our salvation (12:2).
Concerning the return of Jesus to earth and His glorious millennial reign, Isaiah foretold: The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord . . . . The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign (rallying flag) of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious (Is. 11:2,9-10).

The promise made through Isaiah concerning Jesus Christ, the Ruler who would come from King David, the Root of Jesse, is far-reaching and anticipates the millennial reign of Christ to be followed by the new heavens and the new earth.

In that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee (12:4-6).

Isaiah the prophet also looked beyond the defeat and captiviity of Israel, the northern kingdom, by Assyria to the future when Babylon would also carry the people of Judah into captivity. Surprisingly, about 180 years before it took place, he also foretold Babylon's defeat and destruction, saying: Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah (13:19-20). In striking contrast, Isaiah prophesied Israel's future restoration: The Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place . . . and they shall rule over their oppressors (14:1-2).

Until that day, let us proclaim to the world with Isaiah: Behold, God is my salvation. . . . the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Is. 12:2-3).

Thought for Today:

But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation (Ps. 13:5).
Christ Revealed:

As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Is. 11:1; compare Luke 3:31-32). Isaiah 11 reveals Christ's coming earthly rule of righteousness. One day soon Jesus will return to earth in all the fullness of His glory and accompanied by His angels. Then He will set up the millennial Kingdom of His creation; this will be the beginning of His rightful eternal rule over His creation (Matt. 25:31-46; also Rev. 20-22).
Word Studies:

10:1 grievousness =oppression, injustice; 10:12 high =proud; 10:20 stay =rely; 10:22 consumption =destruction; 10:33 lop =cut off; 14:16 narrowly look upon =gaze at.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Margaret Brown • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Sen. Roland Burris (IL) and Rep. Christopher Murphy (CT) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray aloud with your voice — God hears (Ps. 3:4).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 11

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 15 -- 21

Highlights:

God warns: "You'll be sorry if you mess with My children!" (Gen. 12:3). Learn from His judgments against Moab in Isaiah 15 — 16; Damascus (Syria) (Is. 17); Ethiopia (chap. 18); Egypt (chap. 19 — 20); Babylon, Edom, Arabia (chap. 21). God sifts our lives to remove the chaff and draw us closer to Him (21:10).
The prophet Isaiah was led to turn his thoughts from the glorious future reign of the King of Peace to proclaim the judgment of God upon the unbelieving. First it was pronounced upon the idolatrous northern kingdom of Israel, saying: The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim (Is. 17:3). He then included Judah, saying: In that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin. . . . there shall be desolation. Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation (17:4,9-10).

The fortress of Ephraim refers to the ten-tribe northern kingdom, a symbol of wealth, power, and self-glory, which would be ruthlessly destroyed by Assyria. Surprisingly, he also prophesied that Judah, the glory of Jacob, would fade, a reminder that the southern kingdom and the Holy City of God would eventually be destroyed because they too had become involved in worldly pursuits, numerous sins, and idolatry.

Nothing hides the will of God from view as deceptively as success and pride, both of which foster self-sufficiency. Perhaps this is why our Savior cautioned: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (destroy), and where thieves break through and steal (Matt. 6:19). Wealth accumulated for self-interest grows out of greed and can weaken faith, as James pointed out, saying: My beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5). Covetousness leads to an endless pursuit of earthly possessions. Our Lord Jesus warns: Beware of covetousness (greed): for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15).

The Lord desires to speak to each of us personally as to how He would have us invest our lives in transforming others and fulfilling His Great Commission. Paul wrote to Timothy: Charge (Instruct, Command) them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded (conceited), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (I Tim. 6:17; also Deut. 8:18).

Thought for Today:

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His Covenant and His Testimonies (Ps. 25:10).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who will sit on the throne of David (Is. 16:5). the angel Gabriel told the virgin Mary that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32-33). Christ also is revealed as the Saviour (Is. 19:20; comp. Matt. 1:21; Luke 2:11).
Word Studies:

16:3 bewray =betray; 16:11 my bowels =my inner being, heart; 17:11 a heap = failure; 19:8 angle =ooks; 21:14 prevented with their bread him that fled =gave food and water to the fugitives.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Robert Andrews (NJ), Rep. Keith Ellison (MN), Pres. Barack Obama, and Gov. Ted Strickland (OH) • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious freedom • 80% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Offer up your prayer to God, your King, who will hearken to your prayer (Ps. 5:2).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 12

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 22 -- 26

Highlights:

Isaiah weeps as God judges unrepentant Jerusalem, which uncaringly eats and drinks, then is destroyed (Is. 22:1-14). Wicked leaders deposed (22:15-25). Judgment and salvation promised (chap. 25). Our only deliverance from sin and its consequences (26:4).
Isaiah's prophecy was first directed to Judah, then to Israel, then to the surrounding Gentile nations, and finally to all the world. It foretold: He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces. . . . And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us . . . we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation. . . . Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (Is. 25:8-9; 26:3). His promises will come to pass without fail.

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

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

We are slaves to what we allow to control us, including our thoughts and conduct. From the beginning, all are slaves to sin because we descended from Adam who chose to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12). However, our Creator, through Christ, has given us free will to choose. Once we choose to obey Him, we no longer remain slaves to sin. God's Word provides a simple revealing test: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart. . . . Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness (Rom. 6:16-18).

Thought for Today:

I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy: for Thou hast considered my troubles (Ps. 31:7).
Christ Portrayed:

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

22:1 valley of vision =Jerusalem; 22:2 stirs =shoutings; 23:13 raised up =destroyed; 24:7 mourneth =laments, sorrow; 24:15 fires =dawning light; 24:19 clean dissolved =split open; 24:23 ancients =elders; 26:7 weigh =make straight, the right way.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Michael Doyle (PA) • Country: Tajikistan (6 million) southeast central Asia • Major languages: Tajik and Russian • Almost entirely Muslim • 82% Muslim; 4% Russian Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Begin each morning with prayer (Ps. 5:3).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 13

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 27 -- 31

Highlights:

God deals out "tough love" to Israel (Is. 27:11) and Judah (30:1-17). It is futile to rely on Egypt: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help (31:1-3).
The magnificent northern kingdom of Israel was enjoying great prosperity when the Lord led Isaiah to prophesy its coming captivity by Assyria. He proclaimed disaster for the nation: Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower. . . . The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet (Is. 28:1-3).

The people of Samaria, the capital of the large and powerful northern kingdom, were enjoying the luxury of both summer and winter homes, ivory palaces, and a wealth of gardens. They were content in their affluence and unwilling to hear the Lord's prophet. With a heavy heart, Isaiah warned that all would soon be destroyed because for many years they had rejected the Word of God and turned to idols. Samaria's beauty was likened to a fading flower that would soon disappear. The prophet foretold a horrible future: Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet — and, without God, the nation would be helpless to withstand the fierce Assyrian army. Like most worldly-minded people today, they did not believe judgment would or could happen to them. The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not (II Cor. 4:4).

Isaiah also warned Judah that, since they had refused to live in obedience to the Covenant of God, they had made a covenant with death and would suffer Assyria's attack and eventually be destroyed by the Babylonians. They would pay the same price for their sins as the northern kingdom. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).

Times and circumstances change; but all who have not received Christ as their Savior have made an eternal covenant with death (i.e. eternal separation from God) (28:15,18), whether knowingly or unknowingly. For all who have not heard the Gospel and don't possess a Bible, it is our responsibility to share the Good News and let them know what God has said.

We can praise the Lord that while there is life, there is still hope. The Lord is not slack (slow) concerning His promise, as some men count slackness (slowness); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9). Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity (unrighteousness, sin) (II Tim. 2:19).

Thought for Today:

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about (Ps. 32:10).
Christ Revealed:

As the precious (Chief) Corner Stone, a sure foundation (Is. 28:16; Eph. 2:20-21; Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:10-12; Rom. 9:33; I Pet. 2:6-8).
Word Studies:

27:1 piercing =swift; 28:21 strange =awesome, unusual; 28:22 bands be made strong =punishment be made greater; 30:1 cover with a covering =give an offering; 30:3 confusion =humiliation, your undoing; 30:24 ear =low.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Parker Griffith (LA) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC) • Country: Tanzania (31.3 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Swahili and English • Churches are expected to help implement Marxist policy • 45% Christian; 19% Muslim; .4% Baha'i; .1% Hindu; 35.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Ps. 8:1-9).
Optional Reading: James 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 32 -- 37
Highlights:

Be wary of nations which can't be trusted for they shall be destroyed. Hear the threats of God against nations (Is. 33:1,7-9; 34:1-17). The Lord promises victory (33:5-6,21-22; 34:8; 35:4,10; 37:5-7,22-38); just do as Hezekiah did (37:14-20).
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah . . . Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them (Is. 36:1). Even the walled cities were no match for the might of Sennacherib's army. In one military campaign he quickly defeated 46 of the towns and villages of the small southern kingdom. He carried away into captivity about 200,000 of its inhabitants, but he was not able to conquer Jerusalem. At that time, all of western Asia was under Assyria's control, including Babylonia, Media, Armenia, Syria, Phoenicia, Philistia, Edom, and most of the promised land.

Eventually, the king of Assyria demanded unconditional surrender. Feeling secure in the might of his army, Sennacherib sent word to the people of Jerusalem: Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you. Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliver us (36:14-16). Upon hearing this demand, King Hezekiah immediately did what we all should do when we receive bad news. Hezekiah went up unto the House of the Lord. . . . And Hezekiah prayed . . . O Lord of hosts, God of Israel . . . Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. . . . hear all the words of Sennacherib, which (he) hath sent to reproach the living God. . . . save us . . . that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the Lord, even Thou only (37:14-17,20).

Isaiah sent a word to Hezekiah, saying: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Whereas (Because) thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria. . . . I will defend this city to save it for Mine own sake, and for My servant David's sake (37:21,35). That night the Angel of the Lord went forth, and smote . . . the Assyrians (37:36), destroying 185,000 soldiers.

It is important that, like Hezekiah, we pray and trust the Lord for all of our needs. It is foolish to think we can stand against the wiles (schemes, trickery) of the Devil in our own might (Eph. 6:11). God is waiting for us to place our trust in Him. The Lord is still urging us: Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty (unsearchable) things, which thou knowest not (Jer. 33:3; also Eph. 3:20).

Thought for Today:

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy (Ps.33:18).
Christ Revealed:

As the One, who in judgment, wields the sword of the Lord (Is. 34:6). Out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations (Rev. 19:15).
Word Studies:

32:2 covert =shelter; tempest =storm; 32:5 liberal =noble; churl =deceitful; 32:7 instruments =schemes; 32:19 low in a low place =completely destroyed; 33:9 hewn down =destroyed.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Betty Beane on her birthday • Government Official: Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC) • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers express gratitude to God for His wonderful works (Ps. 9:1).
Optional Reading: James 2

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 38 -- 42

Highlights:

Sickness, prayer, and healing (Is. 38; remember Ex. 15:26). Hezekiah's poem of praise (Is. 38:9-20). His poor judgment because of pride (chap. 39). Prophecy of the Deliverer and Savior (chap. 40).
About 13 years had passed since Isaiah brought Hezekiah, king of Judah, the exciting news that the southern kingdom would be miraculously saved from the "invincible" armies of the Assyrian Empire. But this time Isaiah said to Hezekiah, who was gravely ill: Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live (Is. 38:1; II Kin. 20:1; II Chr. 32:24-26). With intense weeping, Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech (beg) Thee, how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect (sincere) heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore (bitterly) (Is. 38:2-3; comp. 38:17). He reminded the Lord how he had served Him faithfully and had not departed from His Commandments. He had sincerely lived to please the Lord.

Isaiah again heard the voice of God say: Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord . . . I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days 15 years (38:5). Surely the additional years were not only due to Hezekiah's tears and prayer but to his faithfulness during the previous 50+ years of his life.

Our Lord Jesus reminded us: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth (Matt. 7:7-8). We should never hesitate to pray, regardless of how hopeless our circumstances may appear. However, this does not mean that God always answers our prayer in the way we want or according to our timing.

Since we often fall short in our desire to be like Jesus, some accept the condemnation of Satan that we are too unworthy for God to answer our prayers. Although it is right to assess our faults and confess our sins, it also magnifies the grace of God to recognize the good in our lives just as Hezekiah did. We can also remind the Lord of our sincere endeavors to live God-honoring lives, which will only happen as we surrender to the power and inner working of the Holy Spirit.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Titus 3:5; also James 5:16).

Thought for Today:

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee (Ps. 33:22).
Christ Revealed:

As the Creator (Is. 40:28; comp. John 1:1-3); as the Shepherd (Is. 40:11; comp. John 10:11); as the Redeemer (Is. 41:14; compare Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9).
Word Studies:

38:10 residue =emainder; 40:2 comfortably =indly and tenderly; 40:12 meted out =easured; span =pread of the fingers; 42:4 isles =slands; 42:13 jealousy =is fury.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Tibet (province of China) (4.6 million, from 1990 census) in eastern Asia • Major language: Tibetan • The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) • 97% Tibetan Buddhist; 1% Muslim; 1% Bon; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord; He will never forsake you (Ps. 9:10).
Optional Reading: James 3

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Isaiah 43 -- 46

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Here are powerful promises of the Lord's love and protection plus the prophecy of our Savior's redeeming work and Jerusalem's restoration. Is Cyrus introduced? Note the warning against false idols in chapter 46. Don't miss 46:13! What a promise!!
When Isaiah was a prophet, in spite of their unfaithfulness, the people felt very secure in knowing that Jerusalem was the City of God and the sacred Temple stood there. Therefore, because of their misplaced confidence, the people rejected Isaiah's prophecy concerning the "ruins" of Jerusalem.

Through Isaiah, God prophesied both the destruction and the rebuilding of the Temple while the nation was still enjoying freedom and prosperity. He also prophesied: The cities of Judah . . . shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places (ruins) (Is. 44:26).

At that time, Babylon, the capital city of the Chaldean dynasty, was surrounded by massive walls about 300 feet high. The Babylonians were certain that they were invincible and no one could successfully invade their great city. However, Isaiah foretold that a man named Cyrus would conquer Babylon 150 years before it took place. Thus saith the Lord . . . of Cyrus, he . . . shall perform all My pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the Temple, Thy foundation shall be laid (44:24,28).

Babylon thought itself invincible because of its walls, as well as the great brass gates spanning the Euphrates which ran through its center. However, God declared exactly how the city would be taken by the armies of Cyrus. The river would dry up and the Lord would see that the gates across it would be left unlocked. And that is exactly what happened when Darius, the Mede, under the rule of Cyrus entered the city by channeling the river around it the same fateful night that King Belshazzar of Babylon saw the handwriting of God on the wall (Dan. 5:1-31).

Only God could have given Isaiah such remarkable details concerning the defeat of Babylon by saying that Babylon . . . shall be as . . . Sodom (Is. 13:19). At the end of the kingdom of Judah's 70 years of captivity, this was fulfilled exactly as foretold by the prophet. This prophetic fulfillment should dispel all doubt regarding the Lord's loving concern and care for His followers.

It is a fact that even the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will (Prov. 21:1).

Thought for Today:

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth (Ps. 37:21).
Christ Revealed:

As the Redeemer (Is. 43:1; 44:22-24). Through His death on the cross, Christ has redeemed (bought back) all who trust Him as their Savior (I Cor. 6:20; Gal. 4:4-5; Titus 2:13-14; I Pet. 1:18-19).
Word Studies:

43:2 fire =oppression; kindle upon =consume; 43:13 let it =prevent it from happening; 44:9 delectable =cherished; 45:1 loose the loins =weaken; two leaved gates =double gates; 46:12 stouthearted =stubborn-minded.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter W. Swanson • Staff: Mike Moore • Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and several African languages • Limited religious freedom • 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Ps. 9:11).
Optional Reading: James 4

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12