A delightful picture of the future Kingdom of Righteousness! Verses 1-2 surely belong together since v2 follows v1 picturing a reign of true justice which the whole world awaits eagerly. Here each person is seen as providing shelter – referring to faithful Christians who will refresh others, giving refuge from storm and offering water in desert conditions. Just picture yourself walking through a desert in searing heat and blistering sun and suddenly finding shade under an enormous rock. What a relief to find respite with clear fresh water! The passage is Messianic when Christ will reign as the King of Righteousness and portrays the privilege of serving our Lord Jesus Christ.
Audrey Hum
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Monday, 29 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 31
This chapter speaks about where our dependence lies. When we are really in need of help in our lives where or who do we go to for help? Do we rely on ourselves, our families, friends or our material wealth and possessions? Israel looked to the strength and power of Egypt but God points out here that they are ‘only men’. The chapter warned Israel, and warns us today, about relying on ‘earthly things’ and exhorts us to ‘look only to the Lord God of Israel’. He also promises in these verses to fight for us, shield, deliver and rescue us – what more do we need in times of trouble? (See also Hebrews ch12 v 2)
Dot Poulsom
Dot Poulsom
Friday, 26 June 2009
Prayer & Donuts
Next Saturday (4th July) there will be a special session of prayer for revival. We will start at 8am, break at 9am for coffee, and then resume at 9:30, finishing at 10:30. Do come for the first hour, the second hour, or both.
Mark is buying shed-loads of donuts for the coffee break. If there aren't enough people at the prayer meeting, he may have to take some home! Out of consideration for Mark's health then ...
Mark is buying shed-loads of donuts for the coffee break. If there aren't enough people at the prayer meeting, he may have to take some home! Out of consideration for Mark's health then ...
Killing God
Six out of ten teenagers believe religion ‘has a negative influence on the world’ and 55 per cent say family, friends, money and entertainment are more important. The findings came in a survey of 1,000 teenagers for Penguin Books. Half of teenagers claim they have never prayed and 16 per cent have never been to church, even for a wedding or a christening. Three in ten believe in an afterlife but one in ten believes in reincarnation. The survey marked the publication of a novel about a 15-year-old girl who questions God’s existence. Kevin Brooks, author of Killing God, said he ‘wanted to explore the personal attitudes of young people today, especially those with troubled lives’ towards religion. ‘Why do some people turn to God for help while others take comfort in drugs and alcohol?’
Source: Daily Telegraph (22/6)
I don't suppose anyone's read the book (it only came out yesterday!) but it looks like one that it's worth keeping an eye on.
Source: Daily Telegraph (22/6)
I don't suppose anyone's read the book (it only came out yesterday!) but it looks like one that it's worth keeping an eye on.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Laughing at God
Hi all
As there are no Isaiah blog thoughst this week because we don't look at the next section of Isaiah this Sunday - let post this ...
This song by Regina Spektor is released this month. Some quite interesting lyrics
What do you think?
Look for them being quoted in a sermon near you..
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one laughs at God when the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one's laughing at God when it's gotten real late and their kid's not back
from that party yet
No one laughs at God when their airplane starts to uncontrollably shake
No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand
with someone else and they hope that they're mistaken
No one laughs at God when the cops knock on their door and
they say "We've got some bad new, sir,"
No one's laughing at God when there's a famine, fire or flood
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red
in the head you think that they're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
Friday, 19 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 30
This chapter is headed Woe (grief, misery, calamity … ) to the obstinate nation. The obstinacy seems to be that the people who said they were God's people did not trust Him or seek His free wise counsel and help and instead bribing Pharoah's courtiers for Egyptian 'help'.
The creator is a rock of ages, we cannot expect too little from man nor too much from God. (from Matthew Henry)
By verses 18-26, the prophecy of the defeat of the invading Assyrians army demonstrate God's mercy and grace to His people.
I randomly chose this chapter and then realised it contained verse 15 which meant a lot to me “In quietness and trust is your strength.”
Some time ago I had to face an ordeal. I was very stressed about the process and the outcome. Thinking about this, I had walked along the beach to Aldeburgh in Suffolk one sunny Sunday in Spring. Along the windswept main street was a small church. A few people were going into the evening service, so I joined them. This turned out to be about 8 of us, and the minister, huddled around a heater in the back room. I was so preoccupied that only this one phrase really reached me “In quietness and trust is your strength.”
It dawned on me that God gives us His strength when we need it most. That as long as we are doing what is right then he will help us, with all His wisdom, power and love.
I will always be thankful for that little group of faithful Christians who gave me those words of renewal and reminder of the great giver of strength and calm when our own is finished.
Jenni Clark
The creator is a rock of ages, we cannot expect too little from man nor too much from God. (from Matthew Henry)
By verses 18-26, the prophecy of the defeat of the invading Assyrians army demonstrate God's mercy and grace to His people.
I randomly chose this chapter and then realised it contained verse 15 which meant a lot to me “In quietness and trust is your strength.”
Some time ago I had to face an ordeal. I was very stressed about the process and the outcome. Thinking about this, I had walked along the beach to Aldeburgh in Suffolk one sunny Sunday in Spring. Along the windswept main street was a small church. A few people were going into the evening service, so I joined them. This turned out to be about 8 of us, and the minister, huddled around a heater in the back room. I was so preoccupied that only this one phrase really reached me “In quietness and trust is your strength.”
It dawned on me that God gives us His strength when we need it most. That as long as we are doing what is right then he will help us, with all His wisdom, power and love.
I will always be thankful for that little group of faithful Christians who gave me those words of renewal and reminder of the great giver of strength and calm when our own is finished.
Jenni Clark
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 29
You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? - v16
Verse 16 about the potter and the clay stood out for me. It made me think about my attitude towards God, my Creator. Do I really understand how Big He Is and how small I am? How often do I go through the religious motions, doing the right things on the outside but inside my thoughts and priorities are somewhere else? These verses are sobering, God is so much greater and wiser than I can imagine. He knows all about me, he sees every small detail of my life. I cannot escape him. He made me, he is moulding me. Praise God that like the house of Jacob, he hasn’t finished with me yet. God has a future for me and my children and I like Isaiah want to understand how to put Him first, living the way that my Creator intended.
Louise Gilbertson
Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? - v16
Verse 16 about the potter and the clay stood out for me. It made me think about my attitude towards God, my Creator. Do I really understand how Big He Is and how small I am? How often do I go through the religious motions, doing the right things on the outside but inside my thoughts and priorities are somewhere else? These verses are sobering, God is so much greater and wiser than I can imagine. He knows all about me, he sees every small detail of my life. I cannot escape him. He made me, he is moulding me. Praise God that like the house of Jacob, he hasn’t finished with me yet. God has a future for me and my children and I like Isaiah want to understand how to put Him first, living the way that my Creator intended.
Louise Gilbertson
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 28
Wow!! What an amazing loving God we have. His people have just messed up again. No thought to Isaiah’s warnings and challenges, but just the determination to do their own thing. How appropriate for the 21st century! Yet God in His love reaches out in verse 16 of this chapter –
‘See I lay in Zion a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed’.
Dictionary definitions of the word ‘Cornerstone’ give a great insight into this love of God.
Definition 1- ‘A stone at the corner of a building uniting two intersecting walls’. This is what God has given to us in Christ, someone who draws and unites us back with himself.
Definition 2 – ‘A piece of rock hewn in a definite shape for a special purpose’.
God has given us Jesus for a special purpose, to forgive our sins and to show us how to live in the light of a loving God.
Definition 3 –‘A stone, often inscribed, laid at a ceremony marking the origin of a building’.
Christ is at the beginning and the central foundation to our new life in Him. Let us give thanks for God’s tremendous loving provision and be not dismayed!!
Charles Riggs
‘See I lay in Zion a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed’.
Dictionary definitions of the word ‘Cornerstone’ give a great insight into this love of God.
Definition 1- ‘A stone at the corner of a building uniting two intersecting walls’. This is what God has given to us in Christ, someone who draws and unites us back with himself.
Definition 2 – ‘A piece of rock hewn in a definite shape for a special purpose’.
God has given us Jesus for a special purpose, to forgive our sins and to show us how to live in the light of a loving God.
Definition 3 –‘A stone, often inscribed, laid at a ceremony marking the origin of a building’.
Christ is at the beginning and the central foundation to our new life in Him. Let us give thanks for God’s tremendous loving provision and be not dismayed!!
Charles Riggs
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 27
Israel and Judah were doing their own thing, and ignoring God; but God was not giving up on them. He tried many things to get their attention, and it seemed the last resort would be war. That would and bring them to their knees.
V 8 By warfare and exile you contend with her….
Dear Lord have mercy on me.
I have always taken the words of this verse to heart and for me they mean that my Lord will not give up on me and that behind the scenes He is fighting and will continue to fight on my behalf. However, this verse has a severe warning that cuts to the quick. In our country with so much going on credit crunch and the rest, it feels like as a nation we have given up our Christian Birthright and we like Israel need to find our way back. If like me you feel you have let things slip in the way of standing up for your faith, maybe this is the time to consider where we stand as Christians and in relation to our neighbours, friends and our nation. Not an easy thing to say, and an even harder thing to act on.
Dear Lord have mercy on us.
Sharon Sampson
V 8 By warfare and exile you contend with her….
Dear Lord have mercy on me.
I have always taken the words of this verse to heart and for me they mean that my Lord will not give up on me and that behind the scenes He is fighting and will continue to fight on my behalf. However, this verse has a severe warning that cuts to the quick. In our country with so much going on credit crunch and the rest, it feels like as a nation we have given up our Christian Birthright and we like Israel need to find our way back. If like me you feel you have let things slip in the way of standing up for your faith, maybe this is the time to consider where we stand as Christians and in relation to our neighbours, friends and our nation. Not an easy thing to say, and an even harder thing to act on.
Dear Lord have mercy on us.
Sharon Sampson
Monday, 15 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 26
"You will keep in perfect peace him
whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you" - v3
This is one of my favourite verses and one of the first that I learnt when I became a Christian - God's promise here is that He will keep us in perfect peace when our mind is steadfast - our thoughts constantly turning towards Him or fixed on Him. The second condition is, bacause we are trusting in Him, this too will give us His peace when we are trusting all of ourselves, our plans, our hopes, our situations and our circumstances, those we love, to Him. Whatever is going on in our lives, as we trust everything into God's hands, He will fill us with His peace. This was the verse that I kept by my bed during a time of illness last year to look at whenever I was awake in the night. I can only say that I experienced the most incredible peace throughout all of that tough time.
Judy Riggs
whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you" - v3
This is one of my favourite verses and one of the first that I learnt when I became a Christian - God's promise here is that He will keep us in perfect peace when our mind is steadfast - our thoughts constantly turning towards Him or fixed on Him. The second condition is, bacause we are trusting in Him, this too will give us His peace when we are trusting all of ourselves, our plans, our hopes, our situations and our circumstances, those we love, to Him. Whatever is going on in our lives, as we trust everything into God's hands, He will fill us with His peace. This was the verse that I kept by my bed during a time of illness last year to look at whenever I was awake in the night. I can only say that I experienced the most incredible peace throughout all of that tough time.
Judy Riggs
Friday, 12 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 25
Looking at this chapter, it reads like a Psalm, starting with praise to the LORD for his power and mercy and ending with a sense of triumph over old enemies. But the middle section sees the coming together of several striking threads (thinking of the grand sweep of the Bible as a tapestry) into a wonderful knot of bright promises.
Here (in v6) is the great feast at the end of all things thrown by our gracious God to which believing people from the entire world are called.
In a tangential way, v7 is a promise of the coming of the indwelling Holy Spirit who will give understanding of the mysteries of God, clearing the foggy shroud of human spiritual blindness.
And finally in v8 not only will our Saviour abolish death itself but he will personally wipe away our individual tears of sorrow, pain, disappointment, shame...
As Paul says in 1 Cor 2v9, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him-..."
YOU CAN STOP READING HERE!
But if you want to follow these themes or threads further, here are some other examples of where they come to the surface. (This is definitely NOT a full list!) As you do so, you may like to ponder how much they are fulfilled now and how they will be completed at the renewing of the world.
For the feast, see Matt 22v4, Luke 15v23, Rev 19v19.
For 'All Peoples', see Gen 12v3, Psalm 87, Mark 11v17 & Luke 24v47.
For the shroud, compare with 2Cor 3v14 and John 16v13.
For the defeat of death see Job 19v25&26, Hosea 13v14&15, 1Cor 15 especially v54&55.
For tears see Rev 7v17 and finally Rev 21v4.
Do you remember that chorus “Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return….”? It’s from Isa51v11 and is worth comparing with this passage.
Tom Edom
Here (in v6) is the great feast at the end of all things thrown by our gracious God to which believing people from the entire world are called.
In a tangential way, v7 is a promise of the coming of the indwelling Holy Spirit who will give understanding of the mysteries of God, clearing the foggy shroud of human spiritual blindness.
And finally in v8 not only will our Saviour abolish death itself but he will personally wipe away our individual tears of sorrow, pain, disappointment, shame...
As Paul says in 1 Cor 2v9, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him-..."
YOU CAN STOP READING HERE!
But if you want to follow these themes or threads further, here are some other examples of where they come to the surface. (This is definitely NOT a full list!) As you do so, you may like to ponder how much they are fulfilled now and how they will be completed at the renewing of the world.
For the feast, see Matt 22v4, Luke 15v23, Rev 19v19.
For 'All Peoples', see Gen 12v3, Psalm 87, Mark 11v17 & Luke 24v47.
For the shroud, compare with 2Cor 3v14 and John 16v13.
For the defeat of death see Job 19v25&26, Hosea 13v14&15, 1Cor 15 especially v54&55.
For tears see Rev 7v17 and finally Rev 21v4.
Do you remember that chorus “Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return….”? It’s from Isa51v11 and is worth comparing with this passage.
Tom Edom
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 24
This chapter pulls no punches right from the off – “See, the Lord, is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it” (v1). Our God is a Holy God and the price of sin and disobedience is made perfectly clear here. Verse 2 reminds us God has no favourites and all will be treated equally – “it will be the same for priests as for people, for master as for servant…” I take comfort in the knowledge that God is just and even handed.
The following verses are full of imagery, leaving us (through the ages) in no doubt as to the price for disowning God. The times we live in now, where God appears marginalised or even denied, by many, seem to echo the depiction from Isaiah only too closely. Our society feels disjointed, selfish, angry, lacking in morality or humanity. Verse 5 tells us “The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant”.
Despite all this there is a message of hope, right in the middle - “They raise their voices, they shout for joy” (v14). It is a glimpse of the redemption to come. June 4th represents a dark day in my family, the recent death of a loved child. Even out of that darkness there is a light that never goes out and a hope for what is to come. God does not leave us, in our despair or our disobedience and we should rejoice in that, even when it is a lesson learned painfully.
Jason O’Hagan
The following verses are full of imagery, leaving us (through the ages) in no doubt as to the price for disowning God. The times we live in now, where God appears marginalised or even denied, by many, seem to echo the depiction from Isaiah only too closely. Our society feels disjointed, selfish, angry, lacking in morality or humanity. Verse 5 tells us “The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant”.
Despite all this there is a message of hope, right in the middle - “They raise their voices, they shout for joy” (v14). It is a glimpse of the redemption to come. June 4th represents a dark day in my family, the recent death of a loved child. Even out of that darkness there is a light that never goes out and a hope for what is to come. God does not leave us, in our despair or our disobedience and we should rejoice in that, even when it is a lesson learned painfully.
Jason O’Hagan
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 23
“…To bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth” Ch23 V9
This chapter foretells the destruction of the great Phoenician city of Tyre, one of the most famous of the ancient world.. It was very wealthy and very evil. God would destroy Tyre because He hated its people’s pride. Pride separates people from God and He will not tolerate it. Out accomplishments come from God, and we have no reason for pride in ourselves. It is understood that some MPs are currently suicidal – their reputations have been shattered by recent disclosures and they have suffered enormous loss of pride. Let us be people of blameless integrity who can take pride in our achievements, recognising that it is God who makes this possible.
Chris Coote
This chapter foretells the destruction of the great Phoenician city of Tyre, one of the most famous of the ancient world.. It was very wealthy and very evil. God would destroy Tyre because He hated its people’s pride. Pride separates people from God and He will not tolerate it. Out accomplishments come from God, and we have no reason for pride in ourselves. It is understood that some MPs are currently suicidal – their reputations have been shattered by recent disclosures and they have suffered enormous loss of pride. Let us be people of blameless integrity who can take pride in our achievements, recognising that it is God who makes this possible.
Chris Coote
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 22
V 7-11
These verses stood out for me after reading the whole chapter. Too often we rely upon ourselves to protect or defend what we have rather than look to God who has provided everything we need. Chariots, weapons, walls and reservoirs are utilised to preserve that which was temporary. The people looked inwards and outwards but not upwards.
How often do we when we are busy forget to look up to God for help and guidance? Instead we continue on in our own strength and build up our own ‘walls’ or ‘reservoirs’ rather than being open and giving to those around us.”
Duncan Webb
These verses stood out for me after reading the whole chapter. Too often we rely upon ourselves to protect or defend what we have rather than look to God who has provided everything we need. Chariots, weapons, walls and reservoirs are utilised to preserve that which was temporary. The people looked inwards and outwards but not upwards.
How often do we when we are busy forget to look up to God for help and guidance? Instead we continue on in our own strength and build up our own ‘walls’ or ‘reservoirs’ rather than being open and giving to those around us.”
Duncan Webb
Monday, 8 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 21
V 11
“Watchman, what is left of the night?
Watchman, what is left of the night?”
This guy really does want some answers. “Please just tell me...what is going on out there?”
I often feel like this when I look at our society and the world beyond and, if I allow myself to imagine life without a loving God, can elevate panic to my primary emotion! It is a wonderful enemy strategy to make us feel there is no hope; it can paralyse and reduce us to anxious questioning. How many of our neighbours operate like this? Who are people turning to for answers?
If we, as God’s people, can’t act as watchmen then who’s doing the job? Who is taking notice of enemy action? Who is seeking God’s wisdom and help? Who is offering hope and a future?
I believe God is calling us again to take on this role.
I pray our lives reflect God’s peace and power so that those struggling to make sense of life may look to us for answers and, in doing so, meet the living God.
Becky Hartley
“Watchman, what is left of the night?
Watchman, what is left of the night?”
This guy really does want some answers. “Please just tell me...what is going on out there?”
I often feel like this when I look at our society and the world beyond and, if I allow myself to imagine life without a loving God, can elevate panic to my primary emotion! It is a wonderful enemy strategy to make us feel there is no hope; it can paralyse and reduce us to anxious questioning. How many of our neighbours operate like this? Who are people turning to for answers?
If we, as God’s people, can’t act as watchmen then who’s doing the job? Who is taking notice of enemy action? Who is seeking God’s wisdom and help? Who is offering hope and a future?
I believe God is calling us again to take on this role.
I pray our lives reflect God’s peace and power so that those struggling to make sense of life may look to us for answers and, in doing so, meet the living God.
Becky Hartley
Friday, 5 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 20
How then can we escape? v6
Although written to Israel who were foolishly relying on others instead of the Lord, these words also ring true Today. Hebrews 2 v 3 reads: ‘How can we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?
It was this warning that if we rely on any but the Lord, we have no hope of eternal life and will not escape the punishment for sin that spoke to me as a teenager and I received the Lord Jesus Christ into my life and knew the forgiveness of sin and the beginning of a relationship with God.
Grace Ruoff
Although written to Israel who were foolishly relying on others instead of the Lord, these words also ring true Today. Hebrews 2 v 3 reads: ‘How can we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?
It was this warning that if we rely on any but the Lord, we have no hope of eternal life and will not escape the punishment for sin that spoke to me as a teenager and I received the Lord Jesus Christ into my life and knew the forgiveness of sin and the beginning of a relationship with God.
Grace Ruoff
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 19
The Holy Highway is a recurring theme in Isaiah’s prophecy. It will be put in place by God himself after the elevation of Jerusalem as foretold in Ezekiel’s prophecy. At the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to rule over all the world, Jerusalem will be lifted up to a position higher than Mount Olives.
It will be a super smooth road with no dangers whatsoever, stretching from the heart of Egypt to the Tigris River, designed to have no hazards for anyone whether they are infants or elderly. No-one with evil intentions will be allowed to walk on it. Only the redeemed of the Lord will walk there, and the Lord will join them and have fellowship with them as they go up to Jerusalem to worship him in the new temple on the plateau.
Ray Tribe
It will be a super smooth road with no dangers whatsoever, stretching from the heart of Egypt to the Tigris River, designed to have no hazards for anyone whether they are infants or elderly. No-one with evil intentions will be allowed to walk on it. Only the redeemed of the Lord will walk there, and the Lord will join them and have fellowship with them as they go up to Jerusalem to worship him in the new temple on the plateau.
Ray Tribe
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 18
Isaiah 18 talks of the destruction of the land of Cush, which we now call Ethiopia.
God has foreseen their plans for conquest and will undermine them, eventually bringing about acts of worship from a people set against Him. To me this once again reassures me of God's hand in our lives. He can foresee what lies ahead, what plans are being made, and if they are against Him then he can turn that around. Nothing is beyond God's power. In the NLT bible translation, verse 5 reads:
Even before you begin your attack, while your plans are ripening like grapes, the Lord will cut you off.
God is always in control. And this is a certainty. Often we may think that we are in control of our own plans, but we must remember that it is God who makes things possible or impossible for us. Not with our strength and planning, but with God's. So in everything we do we must seek God's wisdom and support. For if not, our plans can be undone, just as the Ethiopians were.
Suzie Timney
God has foreseen their plans for conquest and will undermine them, eventually bringing about acts of worship from a people set against Him. To me this once again reassures me of God's hand in our lives. He can foresee what lies ahead, what plans are being made, and if they are against Him then he can turn that around. Nothing is beyond God's power. In the NLT bible translation, verse 5 reads:
Even before you begin your attack, while your plans are ripening like grapes, the Lord will cut you off.
God is always in control. And this is a certainty. Often we may think that we are in control of our own plans, but we must remember that it is God who makes things possible or impossible for us. Not with our strength and planning, but with God's. So in everything we do we must seek God's wisdom and support. For if not, our plans can be undone, just as the Ethiopians were.
Suzie Timney
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 17
“You have forgotten God your Saviour; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress” Isaiah 17 v 10:
This verse refers to the people of Judah who wandered away from God and ultimately suffered the shame of exile from their own land. For Christians today, the idea of forgetting God seems unthinkable. And yet…I wonder if we “forget” God in more subtle ways – in the way we live our lives and relate to other people. As I was reminded at church recently of the reality of persecution for thousands of Christians worldwide, I thought for these people it would be the easiest thing in the world to give up their faith in Christ and live without threats, intimidation, violence and torture. And yet…they hang in there, determined, clinging to faith in a God they cannot see, putting Him before all else. For many of us (or maybe it’s just me), being a Christian is comfortable because life in general is comfortable; I may not forget God but sometimes I can be complacent about following Him perhaps because I’m free to live out my faith.
God never forgets us – so let’s seek to always remember Him, our Saviour with us by His Holy Spirit, and worship Him with our whole lives.
Chris Hawker
This verse refers to the people of Judah who wandered away from God and ultimately suffered the shame of exile from their own land. For Christians today, the idea of forgetting God seems unthinkable. And yet…I wonder if we “forget” God in more subtle ways – in the way we live our lives and relate to other people. As I was reminded at church recently of the reality of persecution for thousands of Christians worldwide, I thought for these people it would be the easiest thing in the world to give up their faith in Christ and live without threats, intimidation, violence and torture. And yet…they hang in there, determined, clinging to faith in a God they cannot see, putting Him before all else. For many of us (or maybe it’s just me), being a Christian is comfortable because life in general is comfortable; I may not forget God but sometimes I can be complacent about following Him perhaps because I’m free to live out my faith.
God never forgets us – so let’s seek to always remember Him, our Saviour with us by His Holy Spirit, and worship Him with our whole lives.
Chris Hawker
Monday, 1 June 2009
Isaiah Chapter 16
This chapter continues of the prophecy concerning Moab begun in Ch 15. When threatened by attack, the people of Moab usually looked for security in their mountain stronghold of Sela, the area of Petra in Jordan. Rather than sit tight like birds on their nest, God has stirred them up and made them seek refuge as vassals in Zion. Their tribute would be the gift of lambs, (v1 & 2).
In v 3 to 5, God instructs His people to put their mind and strength into the welfare of these fugitives, lovely words which at one level foretell what God will do through David’s greater Son, Jesus.
Moab was the son of Lot through his incestuous relationship with his eldest daughter (Gen 19). His descendants occupied the mountainous south east end of the Dead Sea. Such an unpromising start does not exclude all Moabites from God’s grace, which thankfully extends to all sinners. An example is Ruth, a Moabite and David’s grandmother, who is drawn into the royal line that leads directly to Jesus.
Isaiah, however, sees through to the heart of the Moabite problem…..their pride ….which will prevent them responding to God’s offer of shelter in Zion. Their choice will result in them being conquered within 3 years, with all the attendant grief that goes with such an end (v6 to 13). Verse 12 is an apt reminder of the futility of all pagan religion.
This chapter speaks directly to us of the consequences of our decisions and choices…… will you accept God’s outrageous Grace as revealed in Jesus, or will you fall foul of your own false gods and pride? The choice is yours. Read verse 4b and 5 again.
Andy Poulsom
In v 3 to 5, God instructs His people to put their mind and strength into the welfare of these fugitives, lovely words which at one level foretell what God will do through David’s greater Son, Jesus.
Moab was the son of Lot through his incestuous relationship with his eldest daughter (Gen 19). His descendants occupied the mountainous south east end of the Dead Sea. Such an unpromising start does not exclude all Moabites from God’s grace, which thankfully extends to all sinners. An example is Ruth, a Moabite and David’s grandmother, who is drawn into the royal line that leads directly to Jesus.
Isaiah, however, sees through to the heart of the Moabite problem…..their pride ….which will prevent them responding to God’s offer of shelter in Zion. Their choice will result in them being conquered within 3 years, with all the attendant grief that goes with such an end (v6 to 13). Verse 12 is an apt reminder of the futility of all pagan religion.
This chapter speaks directly to us of the consequences of our decisions and choices…… will you accept God’s outrageous Grace as revealed in Jesus, or will you fall foul of your own false gods and pride? The choice is yours. Read verse 4b and 5 again.
Andy Poulsom
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