July 24 - Isaiah 25-27
This passage reminds me that God has a plan for this world, and He is working His plan to perfection. Chapter 25 exhorts us all to praise Him for His power and His perfect plan. He is not working this plan through America, but through Israel. The USA is not the center of the world to God, but "the mountain" is the center. The mountain is referring to Mount Zion or the Temple. God is working everything out for the end of this age, when Jesus will return. The Jewish people will be gathered back to the Land, and they will become a righteous nation. (25:2) Until that time and even in that time, there will be many trials, so God gives them a promise which applies to us, also. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You." (25:3) Then, verses 8 and 9 express the way our hearts should desire the Lord all the time. Do you have that perfect peace? It is available to all who believe in Jesus regardless of circumstances.
The rest of the passage makes several references to the Tribulation time before Jesus comes back to reign in Jerusalem and how it is a time of indignation on God's part. We have already seen that truth. However, look at 26:18. It gives a graphic word picture for us. Israel had been complaining about their pain. It was like the pain of childbirth. They had been striving so much, but in the end their efforts brought forth only wind, not a baby. How disappointing! All of that pain and effort for nothing. That is what life is like for someone who does not allow God to lead them and to give them the power to do His will. It will accomplish nothing that is lasting. God will accomplish His plan, but will you be a part of His plan or will you do your own thing? Being a part of His plan is the only thing that brings significance to life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 28-30.
The rest of the passage makes several references to the Tribulation time before Jesus comes back to reign in Jerusalem and how it is a time of indignation on God's part. We have already seen that truth. However, look at 26:18. It gives a graphic word picture for us. Israel had been complaining about their pain. It was like the pain of childbirth. They had been striving so much, but in the end their efforts brought forth only wind, not a baby. How disappointing! All of that pain and effort for nothing. That is what life is like for someone who does not allow God to lead them and to give them the power to do His will. It will accomplish nothing that is lasting. God will accomplish His plan, but will you be a part of His plan or will you do your own thing? Being a part of His plan is the only thing that brings significance to life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 28-30.