God's Mercy & Grace 08.02.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Saturday August 2, 2008 and today we will begin our studies on the book of Isaiah. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201-4&version=9
Today we will read and learn about Judah's sins, Isaiah's plea to Judah, God's reasoning with Judah, and Isaiah foretelling Judah's defeat. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing the God forgives all of our sins and to set aside a special time daily to give God thanks for being so merciful and gracious.
The book of Isaiah is the twenty-third book of the Old Testament and contains 66 chapters. The book is the beginning of the last group of books which are the Books of Prophesy. These books contain the writting of the prophets that God used to call His people back to Him. The book is often compared to the entire Bible as it contains the same subjects in both new and old testaments. The book was written by Isaiah to Judah and warns of coming judgment against them because of their sins against God. The purpose of the book is to teach us about correction and rebuke, rebellion leads to punishment, and repentance leads to restoration.
Isaiah opens revealing his credentials, "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." (Isaiah 1:1). Judah had been chosen to be the Lord's instrument of blessing to all nations, but they rejected His Word and became a sinful nation. "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward." (1:4)
Isaiah was greatly burdened over the sins of the nation of Judah and pleaded with them to listen to God. "Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah." (1:10). Even their worship had become an abomination, "Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them." (1:13-14).
The outflow of holy displeasure contained in earlier portions of this chapter should prepare us to expect an everlasting condemnation upon all sinners. But, instead, it is surprisingly followed by the most loving appeal ever presented by God all of His creation. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:" (1:18-19).
Isaiah foretold Judah's devasting defeat, "And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground." (3:24-26).
As repulsive as sin is to God His loving arms are extended to forgive, to restore, and to comfort all who will come to Him and ask for forgiveness.
It is by His mercy and grace that we are forgiven, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16). And any sin that is repented is wiped away from the "book of life" never to be remembered. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5).
Let us daily meditate and pray the prayer that Jesus has taught us, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13).
In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who will judge the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus will judge us all, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;" (II timothy 4:1).
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord,
Nothing brings abiding peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin and that we are firmly forgiven by Your mercy and grace. It makes us feel safe in a struggling world that continues to search for knowledge from all the wrong sources. Our wisdom is based upon our knowledge and understanding of You, our eternal Father, the One who changes not. In You we are saved and protected. In Jesus' name.....Amen.
Have a wonderful day and weekend!
God bless,
Christina
Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net
|
|
| Views: 158
Email This to a Friend 