August 5 - Isaiah 63-66
There were several things that the Lord showed me in our reading for today. I hope you were blessed as you read through Isaiah. It is such a rich book with so many wonderful truths and insights for life.
Isaiah 63:1-6 seems to me to be a description of Jesus coming again to fight the battle of Armageddon. His garments are sprinkled with blood, and He had to tread the wine press alone. If I remember correctly, the book of Revelation says that Jesus will kill the enemy soldiers at the battle of Armageddon with the sword of His mouth.
Then, there is an extended passage about the mercy and lovingkindnesses of the Lord toward His people. The Bible says that He did these things to make His name glorious. (63:14b) It was for a testimony that was to be shared. Then, in chapter 64 the point is made that our God is the only God in the history of the world who has this kind of testimony. He is the only one who can point to all of the great things He has done for His people, and there is no denying His acts in history. There is the mention of the crossing of the Red Sea, but that is just one of many. God has continually proved Himself to this world, but people reject His witness because of sin and particularly pride.
The final two chapters serve as a summary. God will deliver the people who turn back to Him. He is waiting for them with outstretched arms. (65:2) In the end He will bless Israel and fulfill His promises in the Millenial kingdom. (65:24-25) However, it will be a terrible day of judgment for anyone who rejects His efforts to call them. (66:16) The lesson is to live ready to stand before the Lord, because we will all have to give an account before Him. The only acceptable way to stand before Him is with a sincere heart of faith and of true worship for Him who loves us so much.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 1-2.
Isaiah 63:1-6 seems to me to be a description of Jesus coming again to fight the battle of Armageddon. His garments are sprinkled with blood, and He had to tread the wine press alone. If I remember correctly, the book of Revelation says that Jesus will kill the enemy soldiers at the battle of Armageddon with the sword of His mouth.
Then, there is an extended passage about the mercy and lovingkindnesses of the Lord toward His people. The Bible says that He did these things to make His name glorious. (63:14b) It was for a testimony that was to be shared. Then, in chapter 64 the point is made that our God is the only God in the history of the world who has this kind of testimony. He is the only one who can point to all of the great things He has done for His people, and there is no denying His acts in history. There is the mention of the crossing of the Red Sea, but that is just one of many. God has continually proved Himself to this world, but people reject His witness because of sin and particularly pride.
The final two chapters serve as a summary. God will deliver the people who turn back to Him. He is waiting for them with outstretched arms. (65:2) In the end He will bless Israel and fulfill His promises in the Millenial kingdom. (65:24-25) However, it will be a terrible day of judgment for anyone who rejects His efforts to call them. (66:16) The lesson is to live ready to stand before the Lord, because we will all have to give an account before Him. The only acceptable way to stand before Him is with a sincere heart of faith and of true worship for Him who loves us so much.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 1-2.