Bible Pathways - August 3, 2005

August 3

In Today's Reading:

Assyria to be broken; promise of Israel's restoration; Christ, the Branch; thanksgiving for God's mercies; Babylon's doom predicted; Israel to be preserved

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 (Jesus) shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious (Isaiah 11:2,9-10). The promise made through Isaiah concerning 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 you shall say, Praise the LORD, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing to the LORD; for He has done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, you inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of you (12:4-6).

Isaiah the prophet also looked beyond the defeat of the northern kingdom by Assyria to the future when Babylon would 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 and final 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 cling 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 (YAHWEH, the Self Existent Eternal One) is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:2-3).

Christ Revealed:

As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Isaiah 11:1; compare Luke 3:31-32). Isaiah 11 reveals Christ's earthly rule of righteousness. When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory (Matthew 25:31-46; see also Revelation 20:11).

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 Staff: Letha Hash · Country: Indonesia (216 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English · Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country · 44% Muslim; 35% Islamic mixtures; 10% Protestant; 4% animist; 4% Roman Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist · Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for the power of His Word (Hebrews 4:12).

Optional Reading: Hebrews 11

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:18