A Child and Heir

O. T.  #1715  "A Child and Heir"
June 18, 2020
Isaiah 63-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

When my mother passed away, ten years after my dad, we, their children, had their will telling us how their property was to be distributed. Did you know that you are a child and an heir of God's? Do you know what is yours?

After having extolled God's goodness (v.7-9) and rehearsed God's past faithfulness to Israel for the sake of His glory (v.11-13), the prophet offered a prayer of repentance by the nation in its desolate condition. (MacArthur)

To whom is Isaiah pleading in this prayer found in verses 15-19?
It is God who:

• dwells in a holy, glorious home in heaven; (verse 15)
• has zeal and strength that never diminishes;
• expresses mercy, love, concern, and sympathy;
• is our Father; (verse 16)
• is  LORD (Jehovah; Self-Existent or Eternal);
• is our Redeemer [to be the next of kin (to buy back a relative's property); ransom];
• has a name of Everlasting (eternal, forever, without end);

Our Father and Israel's Father is our One-and-only Redeemer. Jesus fulfilled the requirement for purchasing our salvation by shedding His blood on the cross, a perfect sacrifice.

Paul told the church at Roman (8:15-17), For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And of children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

When Jesus Christ becomes our Savior, then we become a child of God. Then we can cry unto our Heavenly Father in prayer and He hears us.

Since we have several visitors to this blog, I try to keep witnessing for our Savior. Friend, have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior, Redeemer?

LET IT GROW

Now, let's take a peek at Isaiah's prayer for mercy and pardon:

• First, he appeals for God to hear him from heaven.
• He asks for new mercies such as He had shown toward Israel in the past;
• Even though Abraham and Jacob (Israel) were their patriarchs, they can't help.
• He questions why God allowed His nation to wander in sin and disobedience.
• His request is for His servants to return in repentance to Him.
• Your sanctuary Temple is going to be destroyed (in 63BC by Babylon and 70AD by the Romans).
• We are Thine, so rule over us again; He never ruled over Israel's enemies.

On behalf of the faithful remnant, Isaiah asks God for two favors: to show mercy and compassion toward them and to punish their enemies. Before making these requests, Isaiah recited the Lord's past favors, reminding Him of His compassion in former days. (Life Application Study Bible)

Does it sometimes seem as though we never belonged to God? As if we had never been known as God's child? We are God's beloved child, chosen before the foundation of the world. Each of our paths are designed uniquely for us. Jesus is our hope and future, so stay close to Him. God's got this.

Galatians 4:6 says, And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out "Abba, Father!"

Are we crying out to Him? Are we repenting of our sins? Are we following the wrong path in disobedience? We need to correct it.

LET IT GO

You are a Good, Good Father; perfect in all of Your ways. That's who Your are.
Your are here in every moment, perfect in all Your ways.
Take courage my heart; hold onto God; He's never failed yet.
Hold on, He's in the waiting.

Walking Through Deep Waters

O. T. #1714  "Walking Through Deep Waters"
June 17, 2020
Isaiah 63-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Here is a devotional we can use today from Charles Swindoll:

If your niche is encouraging, please don't stop. If it is embracing, demonstrating warmth, compassion, and mercy for goodness' sake, keep it up. Don't quit, whatever you do. I think many Christians are dying on the vine for lack of encouragement from other believers. It's a delightful thing to receive a good word just at your time of need.

God...will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.  (Hebrews 6:10)

Why were the people of Israel in such a mess in Babylon? Verse 10 tells us because they rebelled (disobey) and vexed (to pain or grieve) the Holy Spirit of God. So God became their enemy and fought against them.

Jehovah extended His mercy to His people; He sent His angel (Christ) to deliver them, but they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit (Is. 61:1) and Jehovah became their enemy. This was accomplished in Israel's history by allowing heathen nations to conquer and plunder Israel. (Falwell)

What good can come from this? Read verses 11-14. The people recalled the days of old with Moses leading them to cross the Read Sea in deliverance from slavery in Egypt. He surely saw their affliction and heard their cry, in Exodus 3:7-8. Those faithful Israelites knew their history.

God led them through the deep waters of the Red Sea, divided it so they could cross over toward the Promised Land. Israel was led by Moses' hand who in turn was led by the hand of God.
What was this compared to?

• Like a horse in the wilderness, the people were able to walk with all obstacles cleared from their path.
• It was like cattle who leave the barren, cold mountains to go down into the valley where they find abundant pastureland.  
• Israel was able to enter the land of Canaan where God gave them rest.
• God gained a magnificent reputation, a glorious name, by doing this.

May we continue to share the good deeds of our Great God, who shows us loving kindness and mercy.
Are you walking through deep waters today, difficult times and storms of life, dear friend? God delivered His children through their deep waters, and He can do it again in your life. There is dry ground ahead, so keep walking by faith, trusting Him.
I have to remind myself of this. Just yesterday, God brought me through the deep waters of asthma. I do not take breath of life for granted. I thank Him everyday.

LET IT GROW

Back in Isaiah 43:2, God promised to be with us.
You know what, it is when we are spiritually in the fire, knocked down by swift rivers, and treading in deep waters, that we turn to God and experience Him in a new way. Will we pray? Will we give glory to the name of Jesus? Will we find rest in Him during this difficult time? Will we remain faithful? Will you continue to encourage others?

LET IT GO

When you feel like giving up and giving in, God's love is the reason to not.
His love is the reason. He is the peace. His love is the reason to keep on believing.
Every minute He is with us. He is our hope.

May we rise together.
It's all God's children singing, "Glory, glory, He reigns."
I love those new songs on my radio. Hit that refresh button through prayer today.

Carried and Cared For Today

O. T. #1713  "Carried and Cared For Today"
June 16, 2020
Isaiah 63-Part 2
In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW

Do you need to be carried and cared for today during this crazy time in our world? The loving kindnesses of our Heavenly Father can carry you through this, for He cares for you. Lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus. He can handle them better than we can.

Is Jesus coming as your Savior or enemy? We learned about the difference in the previous first six verses.
Now, in verses 7-9, the prophet Isaiah is mentioning, speaking, celebrating which is centered around
what three words stand out here describing God? Notice that they are plural and indicate an abundance.

1. The lovingkindnesses (checed, Kheh'sed) which means  favor, good deed, merciful kindness of the LORD; God's grace is extended in His kindness toward His people. (verse 7)
2. The great goodness refers to good, in the wildest sense; gladness; joy.
3. His mercies, refers to compassion; tender love; Delitzsch describes it as His deepest, sympathizing tenderness.  

Isaiah was speaking about God bestowing those upon Israel; Matthew Henry says it is referring to the church, but we can apply them to us.
How has God shown His favor, goodness, and mercies upon you?
As for my family, God keeps providing for our needs, has blessed our business beyond our wildest dreams, and is so merciful to me a sinner. I owe my all to You, Jesus.

God's dealings with His sinful people is rooted in His grace, His deepest sympathy and His inherent goodness. (Matthew Henry)

LET IT GROW

As children of God, His very own, how are we to respond to these?

• Praise the LORD for His loving kindnesses, mercies, and great goodness toward us.(verse 7)
• We do not lie, but obey His laws; we do not betray Him as our Savior in our life.
• In our suffering, we declare that Jesus suffered on the cross for us, as well as His rescuing us.
• We recognize that in His love and pity He redeems us. (verse 9)
• He lifts us up and carries us through all our years, just as He did Israel.

As a mother carefully carried and cares for her children, so the Lord carried and cares for His people. This redemption is rooted in His love and His shemlah (His forgiving gentleness) toward His people.
(Falwell)

Read Psalm 103.

LET IT GO

Help us share the many ways You have shown us loving kindnesses, mercies, and great goodness toward others.
We thank You and praise You for all you do for us everyday.
Savior and Redeemer, how Great You are!
Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy name!

He's Got This

O. T. #1712  "He's Got This"
June 15, 2020
Isaiah 63

LET IT GLOW

How are you holding up through this pandemic, friend? I'm still walking on down this country road with faith in Jesus. I know it is difficult, so hang onto Him. He's got this.

When Israel is surrounded by hostile enemies desiring her extinction, how could she rise to glory and prominence? The answer is Jesus Christ who comes back to earth:

• He speaks righteousness and is mighty to save, deliver;
• He comes in anger and fury to destroy those who opposed His Beloved Israel'
• He first came to be the Savior, crushed as grapes going through the winepress and alone;
• HIs judgment will be so severe that Jesus' garments will be stained with blood of the people (Rev. 19:13); ultimately, Satan and his demons will be destroyed;
• The time will be a specific day and year of His judgment according to the purposes and plans of God; it will also be the time of His redeemed.

Jesus will victorious in the final war. That final battle at Armageddon will be tremendous.
We saw this place, called the Valley of Jezereel, which means seed of God in Hebrew. It is a huge valley between tall hills or mountains. Right now, it is a fertile agricultural field. Historically, it was the place where Gideaon defeated the Midianites and King Saul was later defeated by the Philistines.
Armageddon means the end of the world in Hebrew, which comes from the Hebrew words, Har Mediddo, Mt. Megiddo. Its size is roughly 380 square kilometers. It is astounding to think of so much blood shed that it will be as high as the horses bridles there.

Whose side are we on, dear one? Jesus is in control of those last days. Are you one of His children? I believe the church and believers will be raptured out of here before this happens.

LET IT GROW

Verse 5 tells us that there was no one to help uphold justice and righteousness, so Jesus Christ brought salvation. Of course, there are many who believe in Him as Savior and Messiah and there are those who reject Him. Do you believe in Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, as John proclaimed?
Friend, do not wait or put off coming to Jesus, for when He comes in the clouds, it will be too late. Simply confess your sins to Him and ask forgiveness from Jesus and become your Savior. He will.

For us who have already done so, we have our hope in Him. He's got this. Keep trusting Him with all things.

LET IT GO
Lord bless you and keep you; make His face shine upon you; be gracious to you and give you peace.

Prepare The Way

O. T. #1711  "Prepare The Way"
June 12, 2020
Isaiah 62-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Look at these promises God has made in verses 8-9:

• Strangers will no longer ravish and plunder the land of Israel. He swore this by His right hand and strong arm. He will never again hand them over to their enemies.
• They will raise the corn and get to eat it, praising the Lord, and give a drink offering, which the priests could have.

God's mercy is giving plenty, and peace to enjoy it-the earth yields her increase, there are hands to be employed in gathering it in, and they are not taken off by plague and sickness, or employed in war. Strangers and enemies will not come and gather it for themselves or take it from them when it is gathered. Israel will have a heart to honor God with it. They enjoy this mercy.
We must gather what God gives, with care and industry; we must eat it freely and cheerfully, not bury the gifts of God's bounty, but make use of them. Bless the Lord and give Him thanks for the bounty to us; serve Him with our abundance, use it in works of piety and charity.
God confirms it by an oath, that His people, who trust in Him and His Word, may have strong consolation (Heb. 6:17-20). [Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah]

Are we trusting in our own strength and abilities or upon God's?


LET IT GROW

Read verses 10-12. What was Israel instructed to do on their journey back home?

• Leave the gates of the heathen cities to prepare for their journey;
• throw up the road or prepare the highway for those returning;
• smooth out the stones, boulders for the road;
• lift up a standard, banner, above the nations.
• Their salvation was coming, Jesus Christ.
• In the millennium reign, Israel will be called The Holy People, The People Redeemed by the Lord.
• Jerusalem will be known as The Desirable Place and The City No Longer Forsaken. 

Are we preparing others for the return of Jesus? Have we removed the things that hinder our witness?
Are we holding up the standard for life-the Word of God?
Are you a holy person that is redeemed by the blood of Jesus?

LET IT GO

Prepare our hearts for Your return, Jesus.
This is not the end, but the beginning of eternity.
You will change everything when You come back, Jesus.
We are trusting in You, Savior.

A Crown

O. T. #1710  "A Crown"
June 11, 2020
Isaiah 62-Part 2
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

Israel's new name will reflect their new favored status. Jerusalem will become a lighthouse for the world. The Lord's delight will be in her.

In our key verse, we see that Israel will be a crown of glory and a diadem, describing them as the headdress of the high priest. These are in the hand of God, not on His head. God will display Zion in all of her glory, which is ultimately a manifestation of His redeeming power. Israel will be a nation of kings and priests. Their God shall rejoice over them as He fulfills His covenant relationship on their behalf.
[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Can we also apply this to us as a Christian and as the church of God? Will we rejoice being the bride of Christ? Are we one in whom our God delights? Is our life pleasing to Him?


LET IT GROW

Now look at verse 6. What is God saying to us and Israel?

• He will post watchmen (overseers) for further protection of His people. These could be spiritual watchmen or angels, but likely not military ones.
• Probably they are intercessors who pray for the final peace of Jerusalem, who will pray day and night.
• These prayer warriors will give our God no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise on the earth and His promise is fulfilled. (verse 7)

Paul tells us to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Do we wear God out with our prayers? Jesus agreed and told His disciples to pray always and not give up. (Luke 18:1)

Are we prayer warriors interceding for people we love, for Israel, and for America?
One day we will lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus our King.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are sovereignly controlling earth and in heaven.
Please take control of our lives.
To You be the glory forever!

A New Name

O. T. #1709  "A New Name"
June 10, 2020
Isaiah 62

LET IT GLOW

Are you ready for a new change in your life right now? Who isn't? We talk about getting back to the normal life we had before the pandemic, but I hope it will be a better life.  I desire this to be a time in our lives that has changed our perspective on life, our way of dealing with people, our attitude toward our life as it is. I pray it has changed us into a more loving people, a stronger-in-faith people, a more compassionate people, and a more-praying-to-God people.

Tony Evans has this to say about this chapter, "This chapter is one of the crown jewels of prophecy in terms of the glorious future awaiting Israel when Jesus Christ returns and establishes His kingdom."

• In that bright future, Israel's righteousness will shine like a bright light and her salvation, like a flaming torch. (verse 1) 
• God will also give His chosen nation a new name. (verse 2)
• God Himself will announce this new name; therefore, we can trust that what it proclaims will certainly happen.
• In Isaiah's day, God called Israel Deserted, (Forsaken) and Desolate; (verse 4)
• Their name will be changed to Hephzibah (My delight is in her) and  land of Beulah (married) and the Lord's Bride. (verses 4 and 5)
• The Holy People, If and The Redeemed of the LORD, as well as Sought Out are other names by which Israel will be called. (verse 12)

The people will rejoice in what God has done (61:10) and God will rejoice with the people as He fulfills His covenant relationship on their behalf (verse 5). (Falwell)

LET IT GROW

Since Israel will be called by a new name, it indicates a new change. Their hearts will love God instead of idols. Gentiles will see the change. They will have righteousness and salvation.
Just as a Christian is a new creation in Christ so also Israel will experience a radical change from that which has been normal previously.

Have you experienced a change of heart? Have you repented of your sins and asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord? When you do, your new name will be "Christian."
Are our actions and words demonstrating that we have had a changed name? If others are asked, would they say they recognize us as a Christian? Something to think about.

LET IT GO
Jesus, make me into a beautiful person, as my name means.
Make my heart as beautiful as You have purposed.
May others recognize me as a Christian.
Thank You Jesus for another year in which to live.