Isaiah’s insight into the future, more than any other prophet, spoke to entire nations concerning their fate and their relationship to Israel. Egypt, Babylon, Syria, Lebanon … all were identified by the prophet in his sacred discourses compiled in the canonical book under his name.

The pivotal point of consequence was always how they related to God’s people, Israel.

I remember the words of the Psalmist encouraging the kings of the earth to “Kiss the Son lest He be angry.” [Ps.2]  It all boils down to how we relate to Christ Jesus. It is His eternal kingdom that is coming. All nations will come and bow down to Him in worship.

PRAYER: Father, in light of Your eternal plan in the earth, and the time and space we have yet to do Your will, give us the grace and wisdom to diligently serve Your eternal purposes here on earth by bringing men to their reconciliation with You.

READING: Isaiah 46-48

The Jews were chosen by G0d to be His people, His offspring, His inheritance. Sadly, many  who trace their roots to Abraham seem to be diametrically opposed to anything Godly, let alone Christian. In fact, many  persecute Christian believers.

I am of the view that the true “Israel of God” is the body of believers who are Abraham’s children not because of their bloodline, but because of their faith in Christ Who is God’s door to salvation.

Recently as I approached the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, a bearded gentleman approached me and asked if I was a Jew. My answer … the Apostle Paul said that I am the “Israel of God.” The man had no rebuttal, but smiled and turned to the next pilgrim who approached the wall. [Gal. 6:16]

PRAYER: Lord, my faith has given me my standing with You in the Eternal Church, Your Body, Your Bride. I am Your chosen vessel. You sought me out and purchased my salvation with Your blood. I am of the Redeemed.

READING: Is. 44, 45

Why? Because the Lord is with us.

Love and faith are the conduits for the Lord’s Kingdom, whereas fear and unbelief serve the enemy’s camp.

If you have fear, hear the Word of the Lord from Isaiah … ‘Fear Not!”

PRAYER: Father, I confess areas of fear in my life, and I hereby renounce it and put my trust in You and Your promises. You alone are God and there is no savior besides Thee.

READING: Isaiah 41-43

Last week I was baptized in the river Jordan at a location near Jericho which very well could have been the location John baptized Jesus. The reeds were abundant, just like the Bible describes. The water was a little muddy, but welcoming. It was a memorable day.

In reading Isaiah 40, we hear described the message that John brought to the region … “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” For sure, people would have to leave their city to reach this remote section of the Jordan river in the midst of a dry wilderness area. Yet, God’s power was evident in John’s life which was the draw.

God’s power in our life comes from spending time in His presence. Those needing spiritual strength will seek you out.

PRAYER: Father, fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit that John had. We want to minister to needy people around us.

READING: Is. 38-40

Isaiah 36 and 37 describe Sennacherib’s assault upon Jerusalem when Hezekiah was king. The imposing Assyrian army planned to subdue Jerusalem like they had to other strongholds. However, Hezekiah called upon the Lord to defend the city. Meanwhile he hewed out his famous tunnel to the pool of Siloam to provide the city with a water source if besieged.  He also fortified the wall. I was able to observe a portion of this wall in an excavation site in Old Jerusalem last week.

The Bible says “The Zeal of the Lord” engaged to save Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. In one night, the Lord’s angel slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers causing the hostile king to retreat in defeat.

This same God hears our prayers for assistance from His throne. He always causes us to triumph.

PRAYER: Father, we trust in Your Mighty Hand to deliver us from our enemies. As You did for Hezekiah, now show Your great power and deliver us.

READING: Is. 36,37

Isaiah 35 gloriously describes the perfect world where Christ is King and the those He has redeemed will return to Zion with singing. Everlasting joy will be upon their heads. No sorrow or mourning will be there. The main street will be the “Way of Holiness.”

That is Christ’s goal; redeem men to live with Him in that city. Our goal; to be witnesses of His Kingdom and share the good news that by His blood and sacrifice, others too can become inhabitants of that city.

PRAYER: Lord, open our eyes to behold the glorious things You have planned for us and all those who accept You as Savior. You are our King.

READING: Is. 33-35

In the valley of Megido, one can see miles of fertile fields of crops, planted neatly and being watered by ingenious methods. The crops in Israel are beautiful. It is one of the world leaders in the exporting of citrus fruits, although so small.

Joshua and Caleb described it as “A fertile land, flowing with milk and honey.”

Our lives can be fertile and productive when we allow the Lord to water us frequently with His Word. Plenty of “Sonshine” also helps the growing process.

PRAYER: Lord, take my life and make me fertile and productive. Use me to spiritually feed those around me.

READING: Is. 30-32

Jerusalem is known as the “City of David.” Why? He defended it, lived in it, wrote of it, but above all, it was there that he established his worship relationship with God. It was there that he would rise early in the morning to seek the Lord and lift his voice to offer his sacrifice of praise.

Strangely, I heard very little singing in Jerusalem. Since it is in Palestine, I heard the Islamic cantors over the loud speakers at the mosques, but apart from that, I only heard a Catholic tour group singing one of their liturgical prayers at a holy site.

Sing to God in your place of habitation and make it where you cultivate your worship relationship with Him. As He did for David, He will give your city to you.

PRAYER: Father, You long to hear our voices in praise every day. Forgive us for neglecting Your praise. As David did, we will magnify Your name with our song and our lives.

READING: Isaiah 27-29

Peace is the noble quest of many. Yet, where does God’s Word say it is found? Isaiah gives the clearest solution apart from the teachings of Christ … “God, You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind stays focused on You, because He trusts in You.”

For many years, I have used this verse as an antidote to unhealthy thinking. In the struggle for true peace of mind, this is the only suitable solution. God is the Author of peace, and His Son, Christ Jesus, is the Prince or overseer of His peace. It’s on y found in Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, to You we run when our minds and lives are torn by sin and struggle. You told us to be of good cheer, because You have already overcome the world

READING: Isaiah 23-26.

I understand this plea more clearly since spending a week in Israel. Jerusalem is a city of tension … Jews, Palestinians, Christians, tourists, all bustling around on their own mission. The political and religious struggles of different people groups all thinking they are right creates this unrest in the air. Yet, we know the Lord watches it closely and will eventually send Christ back to enter it once again. [Zech. 14:1-9]

It was more easy to envision His return as I stood upon the Mount of Olives which gives one a perfect vantage point to behold the glorious city. No doubt, there will be strife there until Christ returns with His saints to establish His Kingdom.

Meanwhile, we pray for its peace as instructed.

PRAYER: Lord, we trust in You and what You have spoken to us in scripture. We rest in that and continue to pray for the key city of Jerusalem that its inhabitants would lay down their swords and come to know You as Lord and Savior.

READING: Isaiah 20-22