Reflections on II Chronicles 33-35

On May 17, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

We see God’s interaction with two great kings, as the exile draws near.

Humility – It took capture and imprisonment to humble Manasseh. Josiah humbled himself when he heard the Word of the Lord. How has God humbled you? Do you humble yourself before God’s Word?
Judgment and Mercy – God judged Manasseh for his sins, but then showed him mercy when Manasseh humbled himself and cried out for help. God’s judgment was coming against Judah because of their sins, but God mercifully postponed his judgment because of Josiah’s humility. How have you seen God’s judgment and mercy at work?

Reflections on II Kings 21-23

On May 15, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two evil kings are followed by Josiah – the final righteous king before the exile. Note:

Influence and Consequences – Manasseh led the people of Judah astray into much evil, and God’s judgment was coming. Do you influence people towards God or away from him? To do what is right or wrong? Toward blessing or judgment?
Repentance – Josiah reads the Book of the Law and truly repents. He humbles himself, rips his clothes, and weeps over their past sin. Then he moves in the right direction – he cleanses the temple from all the instruments of idolatry, destroys the high places, rids the land of mediums and idols, and much more. When confronted with sin – do you seriously repent like this?

Reflections on Micah 5-7

On May 10, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections1 Comment

Micah shows us God’s response and our proper response to the ungodly world around us.

Coming Shepherd-King – A ruler will come from Bethlehem to shepherd the people and bring forth peace (5:2-4). Matthew references these verses in his account of Jesus’ birth. The Shepherd-King has been born and will return to usher in peace. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
What the Lord Requires – In the midst of all the injustice, God calls Israel to love justice, to show mercy (or love), and to walk in humility before God (6:8). In what ways are these three expectations true in your life? In what ways do you fall short?
Look to the Lord – In the midst of the oppression, Micah says he will look to the Lord (7:7). God will show compassion and forgive sins (7:18-20). In what oppressive situations do you need to look to the Lord? For what sins do you need to look to the Lord for forgiveness?

Reflections on Micah 1-4

On May 8, 2018May 8, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Micah proclaims judgment for Judah and Israel because of their idolatry and oppression, and one day these sins will be no more.

Idolatry and Oppression – Israel is condemned for their idolatry (1:6-7), while Judah is condemned for their oppression of the poor (2:1-3, 3:1-3). What idols lurk in your heart? Are there ways you are oppressing others?
Coming Shepherd-King – While judgment is coming for their sin, God will one day raise up a king to gather the people like sheep and lead them (2:12-13). Jesus came to be our Good Shepherd to gather and lead us (John 10) and one day reign as King.
End of Oppression and Idolatry – Though there may be these sins today, there is coming a day when they will be no more. God will judge the people and restore those who have been oppressed (4:3-7). God will cut off idolatry (5:13-14). Imagine a world free of oppression and idolatry!

Reflections on Isaiah 63-66

On May 3, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Judgment is coming against those who reject God, but a glorious day is coming for God’s people.

Humility – God will look to the one who is humble before him (66:2). We have every reason to be humble before God, for even our best righteousness is as filthy rags (64:6). So part of our humility is to have contrite, repentant spirits. Humbly we tremble at his Word (66:2). Are you humble before God? Are you repentant of your sins? Do you tremble at his Word?
Great Day – Isaiah 65 and 66 speak of a great day coming. It will be a day without weeping, a day without strife. And all shall come to see the glory of the Lord and worship him together. What a great hope we have!

Reflections on Isaiah 58-62

On May 1, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

There will be judgment for sin, but a glorious day is coming.

Our Sins – Israel sinned against the Lord. They failed to follow the Lord, they rejected justice and righteousness, and they committed many other sins (59:1-15). Their many sins separated them from the Lord (59:2). Our sins separate us from God too. We need a Savior.
Our Savior – Isaiah speaks of a Messiah (anointed one) who will have the Spirit of the Lord, bring good news and deliverance to the people, and usher in a glorious new day (chapters 61-62). Years later, Jesus read part of this passage in the synagogue and announced that he was that Messiah (Luke 4:18-19). Our Savior has come!

Reflections on Isaiah 52-57

On April 28, 2018April 28, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

God promises the coming of the suffering servant, calling all to come to him.

Suffering Servant – God’s chosen servant will suffer and die to pay for our sins, and in the end will be victorious (chapter 53). What a glorious prediction of our Savior! Have you come to the Savior? How will you respond?
Come to the Lord – God calls Israel to freely come to him, to seek him while he could be found (55:1-6). Even foreigners can come to him (56:3, 6-7). He will dwell with the contrite and humble (57:15). Are you walking in humility? Thank God that you can come to him.

Reflections on Isaiah 49-51

On April 28, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

God will raise up his servant for Israel and the nations, and in him we must put our trust

God’s Servant – God’s servant will raise up Israel, but he will also be a light for the nations (49:6). Simeon recognized that this servant was Jesus (Luke 2:29-32). Jesus affirmed this by calling himself the light of the world (John 8:12). God’s chosen servant has come!
Trust the Lord – Isaiah uses the picture of one walking in the darkness and calls these people to trust in the Lord (50:10). In what ways are you walking in darkness, unable to see the path ahead, and needing to trust the Lord?

Reflections on Isaiah 43-48

On April 12, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Isaiah reminds the people that there is only one true God who will restore them.

One True God – Again and again we read that there is only one true God. Idols are folly. None can stop God when he acts. God is the Creator who made us for his glory. He is with us so we need not fear. How does the presence of the one true God give you courage? How are you living for his glory?
God Our Savior – God promises to save Israel by raising up a man named Cyrus to bring the people back to the land (44:28-45:1). This prediction is given over 100 years before the Persian king Cyrus is born, and Cyrus does indeed let the people return to the land. Truly God is in control, and he moves for the good of his people. Praise the Lord!

Reflections on Isaiah 40-42

On April 11, 2018 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Isaiah predicted that Babylon would come back in chapter 39. Now he begins to speak words of comfort and hope to those who will be taken into captivity.

Great God – None can compare to God. The nations and rulers are as nothing before him. Idols are foolish. This great God can help us, strengthen us, and uphold us (41:10). Look to him in your trouble. And praise your great God.
Chosen Servant – Isaiah 42 is the first of four servant songs. God will raise up his chosen servant, and the Spirit will rest upon him (v1). This servant will bring forth justice (v2, 3, 4). He will be gentle (v2-3) and will bring healing and restoration (v6-7). Rejoice, for this servant has come and is coming again – his name is Jesus!