Tag: Bible

Reflections on Isaiah 49-51

On 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 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 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!

Reflections on II Kings 18-20 & II Chronicles 29-32

On By BrianIn OT Reflections1 Comment

Hezekiah becomes king of Judah.  Observe:

  • Hold Fast to the Lord – Hezekiah was a rare king who not only did what was right in God’s eyes, but even did it to the extent of David. He tore down all the places of idolatry.  He trusted God and turned to him in trouble.  He followed God and kept his commands.  He walked faithfully before the Lord with his whole heart.  How well does this describe you?
  • Revival – After years of apostasy, Hezekiah led the people back to God. They cleansed the temple, restored the sacrifices and singing, and worshipped the Lord together.  Many people humbled themselves and set their heart to seek the Lord.  How do you need to return to the Lord?

Q&A#6: Verses, Questions, Project

On By BrianIn PASSION Catechism

Q/A#6
Q: What is the Word of God?
A: The Word of God is his flawless, unchanging, living, and abiding Word to us, consisting of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

Memory Verses
Forever, O Lord, your Word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
– Psalm 119:89

 Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.
– I Peter 1:23

Further Supporting Verses
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
– Proverb 30:5

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
– Luke 24:27

…as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you…as he does in all his letters….  There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
– II Peter 3:15-16

All Scripture is breathed out by God….
– II Timothy 3:16a

 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth….
– John 16:13

Reflection/Discussion Questions
Why is it important to your life that God’s Word is flawless, unchanging, and abiding?

How have you found God’s Word to be alive and active in your life?

How do the supporting verses give you confidence that the Bible really is God’s Word?

Project
Read Psalm 119 and reflect further upon God’s gift of His Word.

Reflections on Isaiah 36-39

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Assyria threatens Jerusalem, but God will deliver.  Babylon, not Assyria, will plunder Jerusalem.

  • Trust – Hezekiah provides a striking contrast to Ahaz back in chapters 7-8. While Ahaz looked to other nations for help, Hezekiah turned to the Lord, and the Lord answered.  Are you looking to the Lord for help in your troubles?
  • God Alone – The Assyrians mock God, claiming God cannot save Judah from their hands. But God hears.  God kills thousands of them in one night and sends them packing back to Assyria where the proud king is killed by his sons.  God alone reigns supreme over all the nations of the world.

Reflections on Isaiah 32-35

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

A king will reign in righteousness, but first judgment must come upon the nations.

  • God Is Our Salvation – In times of trouble, we should look to the Lord to be our salvation (33:2). He gives us stability in the midst of a chaotic world (33:6).  In what situations do you need to look to the Lord to be your salvation, your stability?
  • Coming Reign – A King is coming who will bring righteousness and justice and rest (32:1-2). Compare his coming reign to our world today.  How does his coming excite and encourage you?

Q&A#6: The Word of God

On By BrianIn PASSION Catechism

Q/A#6
Q: What is the Word of God?
A: The Word of God is his flawless, unchanging, living, and abiding Word to us, consisting of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

Forever, O Lord, your Word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
– Psalm 119:89

Since you have been born again,
not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living
and abiding word of God.
– I Peter 1:23

Reflections on Isaiah 28-31

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Judgment is coming upon Jerusalem, but restoration will follow.

  • Look to the Lord – In their calamity, Jerusalem looked to Egypt rather than God for help. God made clear that Egypt could not help them.  Are you looking to the Lord for help, or are you looking everywhere but God?
  • Heart – Israel’s hearts were far from God (29:13), so God says he will do wonder upon wonder (v14), that they might be in awe of God (v23). In what ways has your heart drifted from God?  Cry out to God that he might do wonder upon wonder, that your hearts might be drawn to him in awe.

Reflections on Isaiah 24-27

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God will bring judgment upon the earth, but a glorious day will follow.

  • Worship – This passage is filled with worship – praising and giving glory to God (24:14-16, 25:1). We can praise him because he is our stronghold, a shelter from the storm (25:3-4).  We can praise him because death and mourning will end (25:8), and the dead will rise (26:19).  Ponder these truths and praise the Lord!
  • Peace – We can find peace in the midst of trials when we keep our gaze set on the Lord and trust in him (26:3-4). What trials are you facing in your life?  Look to the Lord.  Trust him.  Find his peace.