Bible Pathway - Aug. 5, 2010
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: 2 Corinthians 4:11
