Bible Pathways - Aug. 3, 2008
August 3
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Chapter 10 focuses our attention on Assyria, used by God to chasten His people while chapter 11 is a prophetic picture of the future kingdom when David's Son, Jesus Christ, returns in glory as the Branch (11:1; compare Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12). Babylon takes center stage and other nations are defeated (Chapter 13). There is no doubt that the Devil (Satan) is prince of the world system (14:12-15; compare Matthew 4:1,8-9).
Salvation and fellowship with God are two great themes of the Bible. All who trust in His Word receive the Living Water of Salvation and have experienced spiritual satisfaction beyond compare. Behold, God is my salvation. . . . Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. . . . Praise the Lord, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people (Isaiah 12:2-4). It then becomes our way of life and our greatest joy is to lead others to the wellspring of eternal life. His well of life-giving water is truly overflowing and inexhaustible just as the nature of God. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:14). His invitation is to come to the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:1-3).
All the wells of salvation are in Christ; and from Him the believer receives the priceless water that satisfies the truly thirsty. The wells of salvation are revealed in His Word (John 7:37-38).
We can not afford to neglect the joy of drawing from the water of salvation provided in His Word for the day-by-day cleansing from all sin. Jesus taught us to pray: Give us this day. . . . forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:11-12). We praise the Lord that we have been cleansed with the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26). There is a precious assurance of acceptance and fellowship with God. This comfort is real, abiding, and inexpressibly precious.
Can we Praise the Lord, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted (Isaiah 12:4) amid difficulties and disappointments, heartaches, and loneliness? Can we sing unto the Lord (12:5)? Yes, it is possible by looking beyond ourselves and recognizing that the Sovereign God providentially controls every circumstance of our lives and has placed us exactly where we are at this time for our eternal good (Romans 8:28). We can profit from every circumstance proving and proclaiming that His grace is sufficient in any circumstance.
He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (II Corinthians 12:9).
Thought for Today:
Hard times that come to our lives give opportunity to show the operation of God's grace to a thirsty world.
Christ Revealed:
As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Isaiah 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 eternal rule (Matthew 25:31-46; also Revelation 20-22).
Word Studies:
10:1 grievousness =b> oppression, injustice; 10:12 high =b> proud; 10:20 stay =b> rely; 10:22 consumption =b> destruction; 10:33 lop =b> cut off; 14:16 narrowly look upon =b> gaze at.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Christopher Murphy (CT) • Country: Bangladesh (125.7 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Bangla and English • Present religious freedom may become limited • 86.6% Muslim; 12.1% Hindu; .6% Buddhist; .3% Christian; .4% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Beseech the Lord in intercessory prayer for others when you have questions (Ex. 32:11).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 11
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:12
