2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 219

Aug6

    Day 219—We are in the eighth month of Bible reading, with  Israel’s history and Jeremiah’s prophecy.

    Day 219 – Jeremiah 1 – 3 (the “weeping prophet” prophesies for 50 years, during the last 5 kings of Judah, and beyond the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon where he writes his last words of the book)

Jeremiah 1. Jeremiah is a young priest when God calls him to be a prophet to the nations.  At first, Jeremiah refuses, saying he is too young (20-25) and doesn’t know how to speak (much like the great leader Moses in Exodus 3).

But God, in both men, will take no excuses. He will empower Jeremiah and be with him to deliver him. And like Isaiah, the LORD then touches Jeremiah’s mouth, but with His hand, not a burning coal.

Right away, God tells Jeremiah that kings of the north will come and “set their thrones” at the entrance of Jerusalem. Disaster will come because Judah has forsaken Him.  And to Jeremiah, “But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything I command you.”  “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.”

Jeremiah 2. His first action was to go through Jerusalem and tell them about how it used to be. How they used to love God and follow Him. How Israel was holy to the LORD.  Then, that heartbreaking question Jeremiah was to ask them,

“What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? 

The wrong was NOT on God’s part but on theirs.

“Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed TWO EVILS;  they have FORSAKEN ME, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns FOR THEMSELVES…broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Jeremiah 3. Through Jeremiah, God accuses his people of being harlots, whores with many lovers. Because of this pollution in the land, God has withheld the rain. Yet they refuse to be ashamed.

Jeremiah is to tell Judah to see how “faithless Israel” turned from God and would not return. And how God sent her away with a divorce decree… “because she took whoredom lightly.” (idolatry) “Treacherous Judah” is even worse!

And yet, God’s heart is one of forgiveness if His people will return to Him in repentance.

“Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever. Only ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GUILT, THAT YOU REBELLED AGAINST THE LORD YOUR GOD, and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree; and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the LORD. Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD.”

When Israel finally repents, God will restore their land and bless them. There will be shepherds to teach them the truth, God’s own presence will be on the throne in Jerusalem (NOT the Ark of the Covenant), all nations will gather to His presence, and they will no more stubbornly follow their own evil hearts.

NOTE: It’s unknown when/where the Ark of the Covenant went.  Did the Babylonians take it? Did it come back 70 years later when the exiles returned? Some say that Jeremiah hid it before the Babylonians took the city.

Whichever… verse 16 of this chapter states, “And when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, declares the LORD, they shall no more say, “The ark of the covenant of the LORD.” It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again.”

(Indiana Jones aside, we are not to look for it.)

1 Corinthians 3:16 states that today, believers are God’s temple, and He dwells in them by His Spirit.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 217 and 218

Aug5

    Day 217 & 218—We are in the eighth month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy. NOTE: Sundays and Mondays are posted together.

    Day 217 – 2 Kings 22 – 23, 2 Chronicles 34 – 35 (King Josiah’s reign, reforms, and death. Pharoah Neco)

2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34. After the disastrous reigns of Manasseh and Amon, the 8-year-old Josiah becomes king and reigns for 31 years.  He does what was right in God’s sight. (This reminds me of King Joash who began at 7 and was a good king, until the end. 2 Kings 11)

Josiah orders the clean up and repair of the Temple (the previous kings had put in all kinds of idols and paraphernalia). During the cleanup, the Book of the Law is discovered, and when read to Josiah, he tore his clothes and repented.  “Great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

The prophetess Huldah tells him that, indeed, all the terrible judgments of God WILL come upon Judah and Jerusalem, but because of Josiah’s heart for good, they will not happen until after his death.

2 Kings 23 and 2 Chronicles 35. So Josiah turns Jerusalem and Judah upside down, instructing all the people to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments with all their heart and soul, and to obey all the words written in the book. And he destroys, grinds to dust, burns, and kills all who were involved in pagan idol worship. He also puts away any medium or necromancer and other abominations. (A thorough housecleaning.)

And he restored the ceremony of Passover and Unleavened Bread according to all he read.

Unfortunately, at the end of the 31 years, Josiah sees Egypt’s Pharoah Neco going to attack and fight with the Assyrians and thinks to join the fray.  Neco tries to persuade him to go back, but Josiah refuses, and he is shot. He dies in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 35:22) says the message from Neco was from the LORD.  “nevertheless Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo.  And the archers shot King Josiah.”

All Jerusalem lamented him. Even the prophet Jeremiah wrote a lament about him.

2 Kings 23:31-37. Josiah’s evil son, Jehoahaz, reigned in his place for 3 months. Neco carried him off to Egypt till he died. Then the Pharaoh made Eliakim, another of Josiah’s sons, king in his place and re-named him Jehoiakim. This king paid silver and gold tribute to Neco.

Jehoiakim reigned 11 years and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.

(The end of Judah and Jerusalem is near.)

   

   Day 218 – Zephaniah 1 – 3 (Prophecy in King Josiah’s time, but before all his reforms, lingering wickedness from Manasseh and Amon triggering the severe judgment prophesied, the Day of the Lord warning “is near”)

Zephaniah 1.  Zephaniah is a prophet of royal blood, the great-great grandson of Hezekiah.  He begins with the coming judgment on the remaining Southern Kingdom of Judah.  Although reform comes during King Josiah’s lifetime, it is too little, too late, and doesn’t outlast him.

The first verses are sweeping, including all the earth, then narrow to Judah, beginning with the wicked sons of the king.  The last verses seem to speak of the quickly coming invasion by Babylon, as well as echoing that great still future Day of judgment.

Zephaniah 2.  In the first verses of this chapter, God mercifully invites His people to repent, to entreat the favor of the LORD.  Then, although God uses the neighboring peoples to punish His people, they do not go unjudged – Philistia, Moab, Cush, and Nineveh.

Zephaniah 3.  Then, the prophet returns to Jerusalem, the city of their God, who has no excuses for their wickedness. “She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction; she does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God.  Her officials are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves. Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men; her priests profane what is holy.  The LORD within her is righteous, He does no injustice….. but the unjust knows no shame.”

Then follows the destruction of the city and land, the nations of the world, reminding me of Daniel’s prophecies.

In verses 9-20, the prophecy changes to blessing and restoration of God’s people and the nations.  God will gather a people of one pure language to call on His name.  It will be a humble and lowly people who see refuge in the name of the LORD.  They will do no injustice and speak no lies.

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.”

“The LORD your God is in your midst,

a might one who will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness;

He will quiet you by His love;

He will exult over you with loud singing.”

“At that time, I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 216

Aug3

    Day 216—We are in the EIGHTH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy.

    Day 216 – Nahum 1-3 (Prophecy about the Assyrian capital of Nineveh; a sequel to Jonah)

Nahum 1 begins clearly as a prophecy (oracle) about Nineveh, stating the attributes of God that make her destruction inevitable.  God is jealous, avenging, and wrathful against His adversaries and enemies. He is powerful over all aspects of creation.

He is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble for those who know to take refuge in Him… but with an overflowing flood, He will make a COMPLETE END of the adversaries. 

It’s interesting that Nineveh had walls 100 feet tall and a moat 150 wide and 60 feet deep, but God caused the Tigris River to flood into the city, eroding the walls so that the Babylonians could overtake it.  “Thus says the LORD, though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away.

And the prophet encourages Judah about them, “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for NEVER AGAIN shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.”

 

Nahum 2 details the imminent destruction of Nineveh, including the mad, confused race to mount an army to defend itself. “The chariots race madly through the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares.”   

“He remembers his officers; they stumble as they go, they hasten to the wall; the siege tower is set up.” 

“The river gates are opened; the palace melts away.”  (flood water destroying clay walls)

“Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away.  “Halt! Halt! they cry, but none turns back.”   

“Desolate! Desolation and ruin! Hearts melt and knees tremble, anguish is in all loins; all faces grow pale!”

“Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will burn your chariots in smoke and the sword shall devour your young lions….”

 

In Nahum 3, three charges are listed against Nineveh: 1) unusual cruelty & treachery, 2) spiritual & moral harlotry, and 3) pride/arrogance in her own security. 

But to the LORD of hosts, all Nineveh’s fortresses were like “fig trees with ripe fruit – easily plucked.” 

All her troops were “women.” 

Her mighty gates “stood wide open.”

Her princes were like “grasshoppers,” her scribes like “locusts settling on fences.” When the sun rises they fly away. 

“Your shepherds are sheep, O king of Assyria.

There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous (fatal). All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For UPON WHOM has not come your unceasing evil?”

 

And Jonah would be clapping his hands loudest, I believe.

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 215

Aug2

    Day 215—We are beginning the EIGHTH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy.

    Day 215 – 2 Chronicles 32 – 33 (Review of Hezekiah’s glory days, his pride, and Manasseh’s reign and repentance, Amon)

Chapter 32 repeats 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37, showing the Assyrian king, Sennacherib invading Judah, trash-talking the God of Israel, Hezekiah’s prayer, and God’s deliverance by His mighty angel wiping out the Assyrian army in a night.

It also states again how Hezekiah’s pride grew about his very great riches and honor and how he made huge treasuries for himself. (Part of it came from the gifts the people gave to God and him when God defeated the Assyrian army). It also hints that the envoy from Babylon was “a test from God” to see what was in Hezekiah’s heart. (He failed.)

(Interestingly, those Babylonian representatives were sent to Hezekiah “to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land.” It seems that as far east as Babylon, the moving backward of the sundial ten steps was noticed.  It reminds me of the “star” that appeared in the East that prompted the Maji to come see Israel’s new king when Jesus was born!)

 

Chapter 33 tells the story of Manasseh’s reign. He began at age 12 (conceived during Hezekiah’s, extra, proud, fifteen years of life.)  He was horribly evil, undoing all the good that his father had done. He blatantly disregarded the laws of God about worshiping false gods and idols, sacrificing children, seeing out mediums and sorcery, and keeping holy the Temple of God. 

33:10 “The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore, the LORD brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, WHO CAPTURED MANASSEH WITH HOOKS AND BOUND HIM WITH CHAINS OF BRONZE AND BROUGHT HIM TO BABYLON.”

Interestingly, when Manasseh was in distress —– He entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him —–, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem.  THEN MANASSEH KNEW THAT THE LORD WAS GOD.”

WOW!  Hezekiah began good and fell into pride. Manasseh began terrible and ended up humble and honoring God.

Unfortunately, it was too late for his son, Amon, who ruled after Manasseh. He DID NOT humble himself before the LORD but did evil and sacrificed to images.  He was assassinated after two years, and his son Josiah reigned.

It seems Josiah learned from his grampa and did what was RIGHT in the eyes of the LORD. 34:1-2

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 214

Aug1

    Day 214—We are beginning the EIGHTH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy.

    Day 214 – 2 Kings 20 – 21 (A repeat of Hezekiah’s sickness & foolishness, Manasseh & Amon)

Chapter 20 retells (from Isaiah 38) the latter years of King Hezekiah, how he became deathly ill, prayed, and was given 15 more years to live. He used those years foolishly, boasting to the visiting Babylonian well-wishers about all that he owned. Isaiah scolded him and foretold of when the Babylonians would ruthlessly attack and take it all away. Hezekiah was not concerned, however, because “at least it won’t happen in my days.”

Chapter 21 tells of his very wicked son, Manasseh becoming king at 12 years old. (He was born in Hezekiah’s last “foolish” 15 years!!). This guy was worse than any of the kings of the northern kingdom. Manasseh “did what was evil in the site of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.”

He rebuilt the high places. He erected alters for Baal. He made Asherah poles. He worshiped all the host of heaven. He built altars to them IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. He burned his son as an offering. He used fortune telling and omens. He dealt with mediums and necromancers. He carved an image of Asherah and set in the house of the LORD. He led Israel astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the LORD destroyed before the people of Israel.

And BECAUSE of this…..  The LORD vowed to bring “such disaster on Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.”

After many years of utter evil (2 Chronicles 33 tomorrow will tell of his repentance after a terrifying incident!!), Manasseh dies and his evil son, Amon reigns for two years.  Manasseh’s legacy continues in the son, as he served and worshipped idols. “He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers and did not walk in the way of the LORD. 

After two years, his servants killed him and made Josiah (at 8 years old) the new king.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 213

Jul31

    Day 213—We are at the end of the seventh month of Bible reading, and we are finishing the book of Isaiah.

    Day 213 – Isaiah 64 – 66. (God’s mercy for those who remember Him, judgment & salvation, new heavens/earth, the contrite, God’s glory)

Chapter 64 continues extolling God’s mercy.

“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides You, who acts for those who wait for him”

The sinfulness of all mankind.  

“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”  “There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you…”

Begging for forgiveness.

“But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, PLEASE LOOK, we are all your people.”

 

Chapter 65. God responds, offering salvation to Gentiles.

“I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me.  I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,” to a nation that was not called by my name.”

God lists the abhorrent sins of His own people.

“I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and making offerings on bricks; who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig’s flesh, and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels; who say, “Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.”

THESE ARE A SMOKE IN MY NOSTRILS….”

God’s plans for the future – new heavens and earth, a millennial kingdom. 

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy and her people to be a gladness.”

“The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and DUST SHALL BE THE SERPENT’S FOOD.  (Genesis 3:14)

 

Chapter 66.  The humble and Contrite in Spirit are honored.

“Thus says the LORD; Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool;”   “But this is the one to whom I will look; he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

Jerusalem is pictured as a gracious mother.

“Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her….that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance.  For thus says the LORD: “Behold I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream.”

And a final word of JUDGMENT and the GLORY of the LORD.

” For behold, the LORD will come in fire, and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger in fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by His sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many. ” “For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see My Glory.”

For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain (Israel). From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, ALL FLESH shall come to worship before Me, declares the LORD.”

‘

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 212

Jul30

    Day 212—We are in the seventh month of Bible reading, with more in Isaiah.

    Day 212 – Isaiah 59 – 63. (Israel’s evil ways & repentance, future glory of Israel, the LORD’s favor & salvation, the Day of the LORD)

Isaiah 59 talks about how Israel’s sin has separated them from their God. “your sins have hidden His face from you so that he does not hear.”  Their bloody hands, lying lips, unjust lawsuits, and feet that run to evil, as well as sinful thoughts, all condemn them.

Israel, like us, knows her sins and confesses, “For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities; transgressing and denying the LORD, and turning back from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.”  

God saw all this and “wondered” that there was no man to intercede. “Then His own arm brought Him salvation, and His righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head.”   “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.

 

Isaiah 60 tells of the light that will shine forth from Israel “in that day.”  

“Arise, shine, for your LIGHT has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.”   “the LORD will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light.”

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.”

 

Isaiah 61. The beginning of this chapter is familiar to those who study the life of Jesus because He read this portion of scripture in the synagogue of His hometown of Nazareth to begin His ministry. And….. the Jews rejected Him, saying, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son??” They even tried to murder Him. (Luke 4:16-30) 

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring GOOD NEWS to the poor;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

Verse 10 echoes the heart of any who WILL believe and receive Jesus.  “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” (See 2 Corinthians 5:21)

 

Isaiah 62 speaks of the glory of Zion’s coming salvation.  

“Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth; say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, His reward is with him, and his recompense before Him.’ And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”

 

Isaiah 63 speaks of “the LORD’s Day of Vengeance….” 

“Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments…”?

“Why is your apparel red and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?”

“I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood splattered on my garments and stained all my apparel.  For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come.”

It also tells of “the LORD’s Mercy….”

“I will recount the steadfast LOVE OF THE LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the GREAT GOODNESS to the house of Israel that He has granted them according to HIS COMPASSION, according to the ABUNDANCE OF HIS GREAT LOVE. 

For He said, Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.”

And He became their Savior.” 

“

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 210 & 111

Jul29

    Days 210 & 211—We are in the SEVENTH month of Bible reading, continuing in the book of Isaiah.

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 210 – Isaiah 49 – 53. (This section contains the glorious chapter about the Messiah/Servant and His work of salvation on the cross. Some Jewish leaders even forbid chapter 53 to be read in their synagogues.) 

Chapter 49 begins the section on “the suffering servant” and shows the Lamb of God who was slain to redeem god’s elect.  (“Coastlands and peoples from afar” generally refer to all the gentile nations of the world.) These are called to recognize that the Messiah/Servant will be both human-born and virgin-born.  “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.

God also promises the restoration of his chosen people, Israel. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even THESE may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

Chapter 50 tells of Israel’s iniquities and transgressions against God and the utter obedience of the Messiah/Servant.  “The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.  But the LORD GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint…”

.Chapter 51 offers hope and comfort to the wandering Jews. “Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.”    “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing;  everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and signing shall flee away. I, I am he who comforts you;”  

Chapter 52. The LORD’s coming salvation is announced in surprising ways. “For thus says the LORD: ‘You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”  “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to ion, ‘Your God reigns.”

“Behold, my servant shall act wisely, he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you–his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind–so shall he sprinkle many nations…

And Chapter 53. Those glorious but terrible words about the atrocities and suffering of Jesus the Messiah that bought our so great a salvation when we were lost and bound for hell because of our sin.

He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely, he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes, we are healed.

All we, like sheep, have gone astray;
we have turned, everyone to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, 
so he opened not his mouth."

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him,
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; 
he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 

Out of the anguish of his soul shall he see
and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one,
my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities."

Halleluia!




   Day 211 – Isaiah 54 – 58. (More comfort & encouragement for Israel, God’s compassion & salvation, contrite hearts & true fasting)


Chapter 54. To Israel in exile, God says, “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married, says the LORD. Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitation be stretched out.“


“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in jewels, and lay your foundations with sapphires.”


“In righteousness, you will be established…


Chapter 55 reveals God’s compassion.


“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”


“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”


“Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”


Chapter 56 speaks of salvation to foreigners and the outcasts.


“And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants, EVERYONE who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant — these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer…..for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”


Chapter 57. 




"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy;
I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
For I will not contend forever,
nor will I always be angry."




Chapter 58. Good and bad fasting.


“Why have we fasted, and you see it not?  Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?


Behold, in the day of your fast you see your own pleasure and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like YOURS this day will not make your voice heard on high.


“Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself?  Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?


“Is not THIS the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?   Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh.


THEN shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.


THEN you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry and He will say, Here I am. 


If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted…


THEN shall your light rise in darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.  


If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, and from doing YOUR pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable;


If you honor it, not going YOUR OWN ways, or seeking YOUR OWN pleasure, or talking idly,


THEN you shall take delight in the LORD and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth.”


 





			


	



			
				


	

		
2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 209


					
Jul27
			


	

		
    Day 209—We are in the SEVENTH month of Bible reading. We’re continuing in the history of Israel.


    Day 209 – 2 Kings 19, Psalm 46, 80, 135. (A recounting of the siege of Jerusalem by the Rabshakeh and Sennacherib, Hezekiah’s desperate prayer, and God’s answer when His angel killed 185K Assyrians in a night. And glorious psalms of God.)


Whenever I read this story about the death of the Assyrian army, I think of Jesus’ answer to Peter’s drawing the sword in the garden when Jesus is arrested.


(Matthew 26:53-54) “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?”  


If ONE of God’s angels can wipe out an Assyrian army in a night, 12,000 of His angels could eliminate the entire population of the world. (Do the math!)  Instead, Jesus obeyed His Father and gave His life as an atonement for the sin of all who would believe. Praise God.




Psalm 46:1-3, 6-7, 9-11.  
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
He utters His voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the chariots with fire.

Be still, and know that I am God.
I WILL be exalted among the nations,
I WILL be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

Psalm 80:1-3.
Give ear, O Shephard of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim shine forth.

Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
Stir up your might and come to save us!
Restore us, O God; let Your face shine, that we may be saved!

Psalm 135:19-21.
O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the LORD.

			


	



			
				


	

		
2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 208


					
Jul26
			


	

		
    Day 208—We are in the SEVENTH month of Bible reading. We’re continuing in Isaiah.


    Day 208 – Isaiah 44 – 48. (More comfort for Israel after exile, Cyrus, the idols & fall of Babylon)


Chapter 44 tells about God’s heart for His chosen people. 


“Fear not, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun (an honored name) whom I have chosen.”  “I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring and my blessing on your descendants.”


“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”   “The LORD has redeemed Jacob and will be glorified in Israel.”


God says of Himself, “I am the first and the last; besides Me, there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”


And because of this, the making and worshiping of stone, wood, or metal idols is super stupid! 


“All who fashion idols are nothing.”   


“A carpenter… “cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong in the forest. Then, it becomes fuel for a man. He takes part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread.  Also, he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it.  


Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat, he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm. I have seen the fire.”   And the rest of it, he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it, saying, “Deliver me, for you are my god.”


Ah, the futility!


 


In the last part of 44 and chapter 45,  Isaiah tells about the still unborn and unknown Cyrus, the future king of Persia who will orchestrate the downfall of Babylon and, according to God’s word through Isaiah, will make it possible for the Jews to return to their land, and rebuild the city and the Temple.


God calls him “my shepherd,” who shall fulfill all my purpose concerning Jerusalem and the temple.


He calls Cyrus “my anointed,” who will subdue nations before him, to level exalted places, break in pieces the doors of bronze, and cut through the bars of iron.


“For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name (Cyrus), though you do not know me.  I am the LORD, and there is no other besides me there is not God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know….that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.”


 


In the rest of chapter 45, Isaiah exalts and praises the one and only, true, mighty, Savior, LORD, and God. 


“Turn to me and be saved,


all the ends of the earth!


For I am God, and there is no other.


By myself I have sworn;


from my mouth has gone out in righteousness


a word that shall not return;


To me, every knee shall bow,


every tongue shall swear allegiance.


“Only in the LORD,” it shall be said of me,


“are righteousness and strength.”


 


Chapter 46 contrasts the idols of Babylon and the One True God, who loves them.


He has borne them from before their birth, “carried you from the womb; even to their old age, I am he, and to your gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”


 




Chapter 47  tells in imagery of the upcoming humiliation and destruction of Babylon because of their treatment of His people.  “I was angry with my people; I profaned my heritage; I gave them into your hand; you showed them no mercy; on the aged you made your yoke exceedingly heavy. 










And finally, chapter 48 tells how God “refined” his beloved, chosen people.  “….because I know you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass,“





But He also foretells new things, hidden things, that they have never known that He will do for them. “For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. “





“Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains.





“Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it out to the end of the earth; say “The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!”