Is. 31-33

From of old Jerusalem has always existed as the center of God’s relationship with his people. I’ve been there. It’s great, but there are more beautiful cities. However, none is as significant. Jerusalem was where Christ died for our sins. Jerusalem is where Christ will return and set up his earthly kingdom.

John saw a new jerusalem. As glorious as it is described in the book of revelation, it’s significance is only exceeded by the importance of those that will dwell there. God’s treasure is in earthen vessels, us. We are the city he wants to live in.

Isaiah 30

To God’s people who sought refuge in Egypt (sin), the prophet called them out because they wanted God to tell them pleasant, smooth words. It doesn’t always shake out that way.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. [Pr. 27:6]

If God speaks corrective words, it’s for your long-term benefit.

Isaiah 27-29

Sincerity is a vital element in a church worship service. It should be prominent in both the leaders and the followers. When excellence in music performance or self-aggrandizement is in the driver’s seat, we have a problem.

Music excellence is permitted if the motive is to give God a quality of glory due His name. (Make His praise glorious)

Self-aggrandizement is not permitted. It is actually anti-worship. It is self-worship,

The prophet said, “Their lips do honor me, but (they) have removed their heart far from me.” Here it is … sincerity is engaging your heart in glorifying and bowing down to the Lord. Your lips will follow.

Isaiah 26

For many years I would produce and direct a local church music production at Christmas and Easter. With the myriad of details necessary, I would begin “losing my mind.” (My wife handles the details much better than I … but she can’t direct a choir)

Anyway, my solution for the stress became Is. 26:3.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

As I focused on the Lord’s capability, my in-capabilities diminished and I was able to function. This and other key verses have been my survival lifelines. I’m now retired and the peace is more abundant. I really miss the joys of those times, though.

Is. 23-25

The prophet with God’s inspiration could write about the future. As he described the destiny of God’s people, he reassuringly declared their eventual reward and relief from the trials of earthly life. This must be heaven. God’s mountain, the Church, is the vehicle through which God will show all the culmination of His eternal love.

Though our earthly existence has its challenges, our rewards will be eternal. It’s the best deal in the universe!

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [1 Cor. 2:9]

Isaiah 20-22

Pastor Moses Vegh (pronounced Vay) used to say, “A scripture taken out of context is nothing but a pretext (an excuse to do something that is not accurate.)”

Fresh out of high school, I worked one summer as a carpenter’s helper for a framing contractor. His name was Wayne. He would quote the Bible where it says, “Eat and drink for tomorrow you may die.” [Is. 22:13] He thought he was cute. Actually, that phrase in context says that the inhabitants of Jerusalem were in a season of distress and they should have been penitently humbling themselves rather than being in a party mode.

As we hear and study God’s Word, we are wise to “rightly divide” it. [2 Tim 2:15]

Is. 16-19

Have you ever trembled? Shaking involuntarily? It is a reaction the human body has when it is cold or experiencing great fear.

All the nations of the earth shall tremble before the Lord. [Jer. 10:10]

When things are going well for despots, they strut around in their arrogance. When terror confronts them, they wilt and begin trembling.

Nations and world leaders would be wise to “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” [Ps.2:12]

Meanwhile, we pray for the nations … firstly our own.

Is. 11-14

This was Satan’s declaration, his mantra. He even assumed to become “Like the Most High.”

Mistake!

Self determination is OK when we have faith and authorization from God’s Word. However, personal pride and presumptive selfishness will destroy us in the long run.

The humility of Christ is our model Who “Being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” [Phil 2:6,7]

Isaiah 10

For God a day is as a thousand years. He can accomplish in one day all that He wants to do.

Nations make plans to achieve their goals. They may have a one year/five year/100 year plan. This must amuse the Lord. The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. [Ps. 2:4]

He created the world as we know it in 6 days. All He needs is one day to do whatever He wants.

Isaiah 9

The prophet Isaiah spoke liberally about the Messiah and His coming dominion. When the “Kingdoms of this world” seem to flaunt their power and authority, the Christian need only absorb verse 7 to put it all into perspective.

Of Christ Isaiah said, “Power and peace will be in His kingdom and will continue to grow forever. He will rule as king on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom. He will make it strong by ruling with justice and goodness from now on and forever. The Lord All-Powerful will do this because of HIS strong love (zeal) for his people.

God has promised and is determined to accomplish this goal. It will all belong to Christ Jesus and be under His Authority. We now have a glorious opportunity to become right with Christ and await the unveiling of this Kingdom on earth.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. [Ps. 2:12]