Monday, May 21, 2012

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 21 May 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Israel Refined for God's Glory"
Today's Blog Reading: Isaiah 48:1-22
Today's Blog Key Verse: Isaiah 48:17 "Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel; "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go."

Verses 1-11, are addressed to all Israel and condemns the people for hypocrisy, idolatry, arrogance, and treachery.  At the same time, the people of Israel are promised salvation for the sake of the Lord's name.  This section of chapter 48 has four parts: (1) summoning Israel to hear the address (verses 1-2); (2) a charge that Israel's unbelief is without excuse because the Lord had revealed that is was He who was helping them (verses 3-5); (3) a prediction of future salvation (verses 6-8); and (4) a promise that the Lord will defer judgment for the sake of His Name (verses 9-11).

Verses 12-22, are again directed to Israel and encourages the unrighteous to participate in the Lord's redemption of the nation of Babylon.  The Lord (1) presents Himself as the sovereign Creator (verses 12-13), (2) shows that He alone predicted Israel's salvation through Cyrus (verse 14-15), (3) promises to come to the people in the form of His Servant (verse 16), and (4) promises peace and posterity to those who obey Him (verses 17-19).  Isaiah follows the divine speech with an exhortation to flee Babylon (verse 20) and participate joyfully in the second Exodus (verses 21-22).

"What is best for you" is a vital insight into divine law and morality.  God did not establish moral law to frustrate"natural" human desires.  God sets standards to show us "what is best for us."  Men and Women can be good and happy. But they cannot be bad and happy.  Let's let God direct us in the way we should go, and experience that "peace like a river."  Jesus although despised, will be ultimately "honored by all."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from James 1:19-20. 

Jesus Reigns!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

No comments:

Post a Comment