Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 47-49
Devotional Thought:
In chapter 47, we find God’s justice. Babylon thought that she was in control of her future, but God was always in control. Babylon thought she could abuse God’s chosen people and rule the world as she saw fit, but there was a day of reckoning. God makes it clear that her false gods could not warn her nor help her once the One True God said it was time for judgment. People today think they are in control as well. People think they can run their lives any way they want, but there day will come as well.
In chapter 48, we find God’s mercy. The children of Israel had taken the advise of Jeremiah and had built homes, gardens, and families, but they had become so attached to living life in Babylon, they did not want to leave. Sounds like a lot of Christians today. In fact, God calls Israel so stubborn that they are pictured as having iron necks. Yet, “for His name’s sake” God does not destroy them, but judges the enemy and frees Israel from their bondage. He ushers them into their homeland in order for them to rebuild according to the plan of God.
In chapter 49, we find God’s grace. In this message, God’s Servant explains His ministry of bringing the gospel to Israel and through Israel to the rest of the world. He pictures the gospel as light in a dark world (vs. 1-7), as freedom to those held captive to sin and its consequences (vs. 8-13), and love and grace to the downhearted and wandering (vs. 14-26).
Personal Requests:
• Lord, help me hate sin the way you do. Help me to see it as the enemy of your cause. Help me to want to glorify you in my life.
• Lord, thank you for your mercy that is new every morning. When I am stubborn in my selfishness, thank you for your patience and prodding to remind me your way is best.
• Lord, thank you for bringing the gospel to me. Thank you for loving me so much that you were willing to pay my sin debt. I desire to love you more each day.
• Lord, help me not to be so attached to this world that I would not long for your return.