Today’s Reading: Isa 27:1–28:29, Luke 9:28–62, Job 6:14–30

Today’s Theme: The Good Judge

Today’s theme is about God as our Good Judge, He judges sin and rebellion, but is always good and seeks to do good to His people.

Isaiah 27:1–28:29

God, the dragon slayer

In that day the LORD with his hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting serpent, and he will slay the dragon that is in the sea. Isaiah 27:1 (ESV)

God, the great Judge, will punish Leviathan in the last days.

The Leviathan was what we today call a Dinosaur, but the bible calls a Dragon. This particular Dragon once lived in the sea and is likely to be the same creature as the Dinosaur that we call Pliosaur (also possibly a Plesiosaur or a Mosasaur). This proves that these great creatures were roaming the earth and oceans just a few thousand years ago.

The great and terrible Leviathan is seen as a type for the Devil, in Revelation 12:9 and Revelation 20:2.

God will slay the Dragon Satan with the mighty sword of His word, which is hard (ferocious and unrelenting), great (large and robust enough to accomplish anything) and Strong (mighty and powerful).

The Devil and his Demons have infested and destroyed the good creation of God, but the twisting Serpent is on the run, God has declared his judgement and will surley bring it to pass.

Glory to the King, our God the Dragon slayer!

God’s vineyard

I, the LORD, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day; Isaiah 27:3 (ESV)

God is a good and faithful Judge, He is a God of meekness, love and peace and one who keeps His covenants for His own name’s sake. This is the God who keeps Israel, His vineyard.

Israel are God’s elect nation, the one He chose to be the light of the world and bear fruit that would display Him to the world and bring Him pleasure. We thank God that as Gentiles we have been grafted into this vine, as one new man (neither Jew or Gentile) in Christ.

Let all governments and every person take note, God is the one who keeps Israel and the Church, His chosen vineyard.

God, the crown of glory

In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people, and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. Isaiah 28:5–6 (ESV)

A great promise for Israel of God’s ultimate victory, we pray that this day would come to pass and that we, in a sense, would also see it in our day, that God will be exalted in modern day Israel.

Pray that the secular and ungodly positions of the Israeli government would be replaced with a focus and honour toward the God of the bible and the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah.

Pray that God would give the spirit of justice to leaders and strength to the soldiers who govern and protect Israel.

It is only by God being the crown of the people of Israel, that we will see God glorified through Israel, so we pray for their salvation to the glory of God.

Jesus, the Cornerstone

therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ Isaiah 28:16 (ESV)

This is a clear prophecy about Jesus, He is the cornerstone. See the following New Testament references.

1 Peter 2:6 reads “For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Acts 4:11 says “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.”

Paul quotes in Romans 9:33 “as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

The cornerstone speaks of the foundation of our trust in God and the judgement of God against those who reject the foundation. It also speaks of Jesus’ function as a good judge.

God’s wisdom is excellent

This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. Isaiah 28:29 (ESV)

God is the one who created the entire universe, planned our redemption and works out His purposes, we can trust in His counsel and wisdom as the good judge today.

Luke 9:28–62

Jesus the better Moses

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” Luke 9:35 (ESV)

Moses was a great judge of God’s people and is without parallel in all history. Elijah is among the greatest of all prophets. Their joint appearance with Jesus possibly point to Jesus’ role as the one who fulfils the law of Moses and replaces it with the Kingdom of God, while Elijah points to the prophetic office Jesus had and the fulfilment of prophecy that would be achieved.

Whatever their appearance signified, we see that the affirmation from God the father, to the disciples on the mount, elevates Jesus above both Moses and Elijah.

We are called to do as God said, ‘listen to Him’, the better Judge and greatest prophet.

Don’t’ focus on the law of Moses, it has passed. Do not get lost in prophecy, it has some profit but the greatest profit comes from listening to Jesus, He speaks most clearly in the bible.

Reflect the majesty of God

And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, Luke 9:43 (ESV)

The miracles Jesus performed were always to the benefit of the people and to the glory of God, not for a show or for His own sake.

Our lives should reflect the glorious majesty of God, just like the life of Jesus, as we exercise authority over demons, restore families and see the healing power of God released.

Like Jesus, we judge the demons but show the mercy and the goodness of God, to man.

Be the greatest

and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Luke 9:48 (ESV)

We need to live like Jesus, we need to be humble, serving, good judges.

When I say judge, think of it in terms of God’s word. Our lives, thoughts and actions are all governed by the word, we will exercise righteous judgement according to God’s word.

The only way to greatness in God’s kingdom is through firm belief in the word and through servant, childlike hearts, willing to serve for God’s glory and putting others first, just like Jesus did.

Boldly be the greatest by being a servant and having childlike trust in God’s word. It sounds like a paradox but is the way of God’s kingdom and ensures genuineness and authenticity before God and the church community.

Don’t’ look back

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (ESV)

Be encouraged today, we read how the enemy’s defeat is certain and God will win in the end. We have seen the power and greatness of Jesus and received instruction on how to live for greatness in the Kingdom, so don’t be distracted, don’t turn back, keep looking to Jesus, keep pressing forward.

We are not cowards, we follow our good judge to the end.

Job 6:14–30

Be teachable

“Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. Job 6:24 (ESV)

Job’s character is remarkable. We must be like Job; remain teachable and humble under trial. Our God is not a bad judge but a good one, who has our best interest at heart. Be open to the lessons He is teaching you today.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Luke 9

Today’s Reading: Isa 25:1–26:21, Luke 9:1–27, Job 6:1–13

Today’s Theme: Death Defeated

Today’s theme is about God defeating death, death is swallowed up in the life of God, seen most clearly in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Death will suffer an ultimate defeat at God’s hands, in the world to come and as believers, we already have eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus. We will look at how the principles of resurrection life over death and the coming resurrection, have an impact on our lives and service, as well as a final word to those going through depression.

The final enemy death will be defeated, Hallelujah!

Isaiah 25:1–26:21

Death swallowed up

He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 (ESV)

Isaiah begins today’s reading by praising God as his own personal God and the one who makes plans from eternity past and brings them to pass now, the one who is a stronghold for the poor and needy.

God will swallow up death forever, that means death will meet its own death and it will be permanent. God is life and His life and light will swallow up the darkness and pain of death, for all eternity.

The Resurrection of Jesus was the beginning of death’s defeat. We rejoice that we have eternal life in Jesus now and that His resurrection is the core of our faith and points to death’s ultimate defeat in the kingdom to come.

We are not God and so cannot give death its final blow, but we can emulate Him. We see the heart of our God in verse 4, He helps the poor, needy and distressed, if we do this, we, in a temporal sense, swallow up death with light and love. Reaching out in Jesus’ name will bring life.

The Peace of God

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Peace seems elusive to so many today, it is often unwittingly sought in career, family, religion, recreation and ourselves, but we cannot find peace in any of these places.

Everything in our fallen world is tainted with the decay of death, there is no firm ground for man to stand on, no institution, achievement or philosophy.

The peace that man seeks can only be found in God.

Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

In commenting on this verse, J. N Oswalt says “For our mortality, short-sightedness, and weakness, we receive in exchange God’s immortality, omniscience, and omnipotence. That is security.”

And that is the point; God’s peace give us firm ground to stand on, security, a place where we can place all our hope and trust, and therefore have peace.

The resurrection will come

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Isaiah 26:19 (ESV)

We look forward to the day when the resurrection comes, it is an actual event in the future that we hope in. 1 Corinthians 15:12–15

One day we will be called from our graves and will receive new bodies in Christ, the lost will also be raised but only to be judged.

The hope of the resurrection should fill our hearts with joy and praise, and help motivate us to live as we ought to before God. 1 John 3:3

Death is not the end

Luke 9:1–27

Power over decay

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, Luke 9:1 (ESV)

Death brings decay, both spiritually and physically. Jesus gave the disciples power over death in the sense that, the decay of disease could be cured and the spiritual disease brought by demons, were subject to them.

This is true for us as disciples today too, we have the power to preach the gospel, to subdue the power of the enemy and to see physical bodies healed, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The power that we have through Jesus is life in the middle of death and light in the middle of darkness.

Jesus is full of life

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:16–17 (ESV)

This is an actual event, Jesus really did this, we should pause for a minute and stand in awe of that. We also see a principle here that is in line with today’s theme. Jesus is full of life.

Jesus is so full of life that the simple food in His hands multiples by a miraculous act of God, to feed over 5,000 people.

The Life of Jesus brings growth and multiplication, His life in us will bring fruit, which is why He is very bold in saying that a good tree will have good fruit.

If the life of Jesus is flowing through us, we will see growth and fruitfulness in our lives, others will be fed and God will be glorified.

Lose your life to find it

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23–24 (ESV)

Jesus has just been confirmed to the disciples as the Christ of God, the Messiah. He then explains that He will be killed but will rise, now He calls the disciples to do the same.

We must deny our own selfish pleasure and instead take up our cross (you will know what this is for you), and follow Jesus.

Jesus’ teaching is plain and points to the reversal of death and life that His resurrection brings. The only way to save our life, to escape the second death (hell), is to lose our lives, lose our rights as it were, and commit ourselves in total abandon to the Lord, this is the pathway that leads to life.

Only in dying to the flesh, can we live to the Spirit. It is only through death that new life can come. Die to live today.

Job 6:1–13

Dealing with depression

that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! Job 6:9 (ESV)

Job is clearly depressed and now his thoughts turn to the apparent escape of death and just fall short of suicidal thoughts, he asks that God would kill him.

In Christ there is hope, if you are going through depression today, do not look to death for its cold embrace, look to the one who has life in Himself and will give you life and comfort, look to Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 9

Today’s Reading: Isa 23:1–24:23, Luke 8:16–56, Job 5:17–27

Today’s Theme: The Powerful Jesus

Today’s theme is all about the power of Jesus, seen in His life, the ultimate victory and in us as His family.

By His power; demons bow, sickness is healed and death flees. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 23:1–24:23

The victory of God

They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the LORD they shout from the west. Isaiah 24:14 (ESV)

Our OT reading today speaks about the last days, when all nations will be judged and the pride of men and their position will be of no use for them to escape judgement. The only escape is through the righteousness found in Christ.

The picture we have of the end is one where God is victorious on the earth, redeeming business and commerce for His glory. He will be praised by all nations, as we read in this verse.

This verse mentions the majesty of the Lord. God will rule as King, Jesus will return as King and rule over the earth.

Our theme today is the powerful Jesus found in our NT reading, but it is here in the OT that we see the ultimate end and fruit of Jesus’ mission to earth and of His great power.

Demons judged

On that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven, in heaven, and the kings of the earth, on the earth. They will be gathered together as prisoners in a pit; they will be shut up in a prison, and after many days they will be punished. Isaiah 24:21–22 (ESV)

We see another glimpse of the ultimate victory of God, the demons and devils will be judged, as well as man.

Jesus will send the demons to the pit to be punished, this is the event that the demons in our NT reading are referring to, they fear the great power of Jesus to judge them eternally consigning them to the bottomless pit.

Rejoice, our enemy will be judged and defeated by our powerful King Jesus.

Luke 8:16–56

Powerful, purposeful, useful lights

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Luke 8:16 (ESV)

We often pray for our communities, which is in line with this passage. Jesus inside us is the light, He is powerful, He shines brightly, the glory of Jesus is like nothing else.

As we submit our lives to Him, are filled with His word and faith in His word, as God the Holy Spirit lives in us and the fruit of God are seen, light will burst forth.

Do not hide; boldly, happily, brightly shine the light of God through acts of love and service, in every community God has called you to be a part of, where you live, where you study, where you work, where you fellowship, wherever you are.

As lights we have a purpose which is to shine to give illumination to others, to beat back the encroaching darkness of demons and men. Shine.

We are useful if we stand in such an open way, that others benefit from the light of our lives. We should enlighten each other and like lights on a runway, we should point sinners safely home to Jesus through the light of the public proclaimed Gospel.

Go, stand and shine today.

The family of Jesus

But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21 (ESV)

You have a unique opportunity to be a part of the greatest family the earth will ever know, the family of Jesus.

Jesus is not blinded by bias toward His blood family, instead He sees the greatest value in His true family of believers.

If we call ourselves part of God’s family, we will obey Jesus, if we claim to love Him, we will obey Him.

Hear the word today and do it, prove yourself to be part of God’s family with our powerful Saviour, Jesus.

Demons bow

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Luke 8:28–29 (ESV)

Demons cannot stand in the presence of Jesus because of His great authority and power.

Demonic possession is a very dark state where the possessed person’s will is consumed by the demon(s), so although the man has bowed to Jesus, the demons have bowed too and it is they who speak to Jesus in their fear of early judgement.

Do not fear the power of demons, Jesus’ power is greater. Demons bow and are silenced in His presence and at His word, they must go. Hallelujah!

Power to heal

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:46 (ESV)

This was an actual event in the life of Jesus but we can learn an allegorical lesson from it. The woman reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and received power from Jesus, which brought healing in her body.

When the power of Jesus, the power in His word represented by His hem and our faith collide, God’s power is released for our healing. Reach out in faith and pull on the promises of God and the person of Jesus. In faith, receive the power of Jesus for your healing and deliverance.

Power over death

But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” Luke 8:54 (ESV)

Jesus our glorious Saviour has power over hell and death, one touch of His hand brings life and causes death to flee. When we trust in Jesus, we pass from death to life.

Jesus is the very power of life, in His presence death flees and the dead rise. I was dead but now I am alive in His presence. Hallelujah.

Job 5:17–27

Human thinking

“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (ESV)

Sometimes our conclusions and thinking may seem right, but without insight from God, we cannot be sure and may be wrong. This principle is true, but is not the case with Job.

Ask God to take you beyond human reasoning today, to know the mind of the Spirit.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Luke 8

Today’s Reading: Isa 20:1–22:25, Luke 7:36–8:15, Job 5:8–16

Today’s Theme: See & Hear Parables

Today’s theme is about us seeing and hearing the parables of Jesus and the parable-like prophecies and warnings in the old testament.

Parables are narratives with a meaning, in that the saying or story seeks to drive home a point that the speaker wants to emphasise, by illustrating it with familiar things from everyday life. In biblical contexts, these are used by Jesus to reveal and illustrate the Kingdom of God.

A parable can be defined as an extended metaphor or simile, often told as a brief narrative. In Greek, the noun parabolē means “juxtaposition, comparison, illustration, to lay one thing beside another”.

I remember in Sunday School (over twenty years ago), our teacher Sister Denise, taught us that Parables are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning.

Isaiah 20:1–22:25

A walking parable

at that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Isaiah 20:2 (ESV)

What? Walk around naked? Well this is what God told Isaiah to do, although it is very likely that a loin cloth remained on him, for ethical reasons.

As strange as this sounds, it is known as prophetic symbolic action (prophetic symbolism), which are like the parables of Jesus, in that they point to a parallel message or reality. This was a shocking sign to those who would humble their hearts to hear its message.

In the original context it concerns Egypt and Ethiopia, whose people will be carried off as prisoners by the king of Assyria. It warns that the rebellion committed by Egypt will lead to disaster and serves as a warning to Judah, against joining and trusting in a coalition with them.

Our actions are messages that can speak louder than any words, in telling God’s story, so be a walking parable like Isaiah (but fully clothed of course!).

Let us commit to having humble hearts to hear what God says prophetically, through symbols and actions today.

Fallen, fallen is the city of human pride

And behold, here come riders, horsemen in pairs!” And he answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the carved images of her gods he has shattered to the ground.” Isaiah 21:9 (ESV)

This is a prophecy with more than one meaning, like a parable. The declaration was not about the physical city Babylon, as we see the same prophecy in Revelation 18:2, “And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.”

The prophecy could read ‘fallen, fallen is London, Paris or Washington because the spiritual Babylon has gone far beyond the physical territory (Iraq)’.

Babylon with its vast array of idols (which speak of man’s desire for his own glory, through worshiping what he should use, while using God, the one he should worship), was a city that epitomised human pride.

Human pride is fallen, is fallen. Don’t rebuild the ruins.

Today we bow ourselves to hear the narrative of the King and His kingdom’s victory over the kingdoms of men and devils.

Hear God

In that day the Lord GOD of hosts called for weeping and mourning, for baldness and wearing sackcloth; Isaiah 22:12 (ESV)

God called for mourning and weeping but the people were not listening and did their own thing, which was opposite to what God desired.

Isaiah’s weeping for the people shows the softness of his heart, we should have soft hearts.

Here is a note from Pastor which I found in my bible this morning: “Though you may agree that God’s judgment is always right, pray that your heart will always remain soft so that when God’s people are disciplined, you will respond with intercession rather than indifference – Dennis Greenidge”.

Our ears must be turned towards God, to hear what He has to say, and respond in the way He requires today.

We should pray that God gives us the hearts that we need, to hear what He says. It is not just a given that we will hear, we need ears (hearts) that actually hear.

Eliakim , a shadow of Jesus

And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. Isaiah 22:22 (ESV)

Eliakim was a shadow of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Revelation 3:7 tells us that the one Eliakim pointed to was Jesus “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens'”.

The amazing reality is that Jesus, the one who has the keys to the Kingdom, to open and close access to the King’s presence and gives us the keys to the Kingdom in prayer. Our wonderful Saviour said in Matthew 16:19 “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

We have been given a great responsibility, like Eliakim, to use the keys of the Kingdom justly. The principles of the parables helps to give us vision and clarity as we pray. Whilst we stand on the earth, let us use the keys of the Kingdom in prayer today, to the glory of God.

Luke 7:36–8:15

Humble, grateful love

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 (ESV)

This was an actual event in the life of Jesus, which He uses as a parable, to enlighten us to the example (parable), of what the woman’s actions are to all of us.

The woman’s actions were not to receive forgiveness, but because she had received it, forgiveness was present and this produced love. Notice Jesus used the present tense, He said “are forgiven”.

Forgiveness has three essential stages: (1) the offer, (2) the acceptance and (3) the confirmation. God makes the offer of forgiveness to us as sinners, if we in humility, receive the forgiveness offered, we will see confirmation of this in our lives, through grateful acts of love.

Darrell Brock says “God’s kindness has produced a response of humble, loving gratitude from the woman, rather than self-exaltation like the Pharisee”.

Be humble, recognise that you need God’s forgiveness, receive it and respond to it with love. Love is the evidence of true forgiveness. Do not be like the Pharisee who did not see his need for God or for much forgiveness, we all desperately need God’s grace.

God assures us today, that our trust in His offer means we are forgiven and the fruit is there for the world to see, our lives are changed, we walk in love.

Secrets of the Kingdom

he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ Luke 8:10 (ESV)

The secrets of the Kingdom are given in parables so that they serve to enlighten the elect and pass judgement on those who hear but don’t understand, because of the hardness of their hearts.

God has chosen to speak in this way with stories, which means He needs to open the ears of the hearers Himself, the message without the Spirit to open hearts, is of no use.

God has encrypted the message in plain sight as it were, by using parables and the simplicity of proclaiming the story of the good news. This way, even the conversion of sinners cannot be down to our cleverness, God has the encryption key, it is His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit opens ears and eyes to see the truth in the message.

Tell God’s story today, but do it with the Spirit so that hearts are unlocked, so that hearers will receive and respond to the Spirit’s call.

The parable of the Soils

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15 (ESV)

This parable is often referred to as the parable of the sower and the seed, which is unfortunate because it misses the main point. The seed is always the same, it is the word of God and the sower is the one who shares the word of God. The thing that is different each time is the soils, this should be more appropriately called ‘the parables of the soils’.

This parable is the key that helps to open all parables and points to our last point; The word of God will only be understood if the soil of our heart is already in a place to receive it.

There are essentially just two soils, good and bad. Our hearts must not be easily distracted (the way side), hard and shallow (the rocks), or given over to the things of this world (the thorns). Our hearts should be in a place to hold fast to God’s word in faith, and be honest as the word challenges and calls us.

So faith and honesty are what we need to receive the word of God well and be fruitful. Ask God to help your heart to see and hear every day.

Job 5:8–16

Injustice shuts her mouth

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. Job 5:16 (ESV)

We pray this today, we have the keys of the Kingdom, let us pray the poor would have hope through our acts of love as God’s ambassadors and that injustice will be silenced in the light of God’s grace.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 7 and Luke 8

Today’s Reading:  Isa 17:1–19:25, Luke 7:1–35, Job 5:1–7

Today’s Theme: God’s Global Mission

Today’s theme is about God’s global mission to save the nations, to bring healing and glorify His name.

Isaiah 17:1–19:25

God of all nations

In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” Isaiah 19:24–25 (ESV)

Today we read a lengthy passage where God declares His victory over the idols, His judgement of the nations and the salvation of the nations.

When God called Abraham and made covenant with him, it was so that all families and nations of the earth would be blessed, he was blessed to be a blessing. Genesis 12:3

God’s global purpose has always been the salvation of the nations. God is not a racist.

God declares that Egypt are His people, Assyria the work of His hands and Israel His inheritance. This reminds us that all mankind has been created in the image of God and God desires to save people from all nations.

This should have served as encouragement for Israel, to be the light of the world, pointing the nations to God and not compromising by trusting in the nations.

The great commission is global in its scope, Jesus told us to go to all nations in Matthew 28:19-20.  We must continue to work and pray that the mission will be finished because Jesus also told us that this Gospel must be preached to all nations (ethnic groups), and then the end will come, in Matthew 24:14.

Keep an eye on the Joshua Project where you can find out about unreached people groups and how you can work and pray, to see them receive the gospel.

Luke 7:1–35

Faith from all peoples

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:9 (ESV)

Here we see Jesus express genuine human emotion, He marvelled or was amazed by this Gentile’s faith. The faith He was amazed by, was the centurion’s recognition of Jesus’ authority and the power of His words, to bring healing without the need to physically be there.

Jesus’ response to the man’s faith and His action of turning and addressing the crowd, should be taken in the context that Jesus is saying; learn from this man’s faith, I am pleased with it and it is the kind of faith that I want you to have.

We should trust in God’s ability to speak a word for our healing and to meet our needs, knowing that God has angels under His authority that go and do His will.

This passage is one of the key scriptures in the narratives, about the life and ministry of Jesus, that points to our theme which is, God’s desire is that all nations (people groups) would be saved.

Many of us reading this today are Gentiles like the centurion, thank God for His magnanimity and mercy in saving us for His glory.

Job 5:1–7

Turn to God

“Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn? Job 5:1 (ESV)

Yes, God will answer. We do not turn to saints, angels or Mary, the only one we turn to is God.

All nations can today turn to God in response to the Gospel, and cry out to God who answers our prayers, in the name of Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 7

Today’s Reading:  Isa 14:24–16:14, Luke 6:1–49, Job 4:12–21

Today’s Theme: God’s Decrees and Commands

Today’s theme looks at God’s decreed will and his commanded will. Each of these are quite different, the decreed will of God is that which absolutely will come to pass and no one can stop it. On the other hand, the commanded will of God are the things God desires but does not force, with this will our compliance is required.

Isaiah 14:24–16:14

The unstoppable God

For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:27 (ESV)

When God decides to do something no one can stop Him. God is unstoppable.

When God decrees something it cannot be undone, He is the King and when he makes an official decree it stands forever.

One of the things that God has decreed is His choice of you as one of His elect. He decreed it before the creation of the world, with this mind you can be encouraged to persevere.

Thank God for his unstoppable decrees over your life today. 1 Corinthians 2:6.

Luke 6:1–49

The call to ministry

And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Luke 6:13 (ESV)

Jesus spent all night praying and then chose twelve from His company of disciples to have a special ministry as Apostles.

These Apostles were unique in that they were the only ones to be closely discipled by Jesus as an incarnated man. They were commissioned to be witnesses and authors of the writings of the New Testament, no apostle today is an apostle like this as Jesus is not here physically and the Bible has already been written.

God’s call to the ministry is not a decree but a command that we need to respond to. Judas was chosen to be a minister but he turned his back on his office and was replaced.

If God has called you to ministry you need to choose to respond to the calling, do it and bring glory to God.

The manifesto of the kingdom

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:20 (ESV)

The beatitudes contain a mixture of decree (statements of fact) and commands (things you need to chose to do).

As an exercise, see if you can read through them today and identity the commands. When you do, form a list and meditate on them asking God to help you obey the commands by His Holy Spirit.

For example this verse is a decree that the kingdom of God belongs to the poor where as verse 27 commands us to love our enemies.

Try to find time to hunt for these treasures today, happy hunting.

Job 4:12–21

Trust the word of God

A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh stood up. Job 4:15 (ESV)

This was a demonic encounter, perhaps the scenario is that a lying spirit was sent out to Job’s friend to feed him false perspectives and information which he would in turn regurgitate to Job. This would cause Job more emotional and spiritual distress and of course disrupt Job’s purer view of God.

We must all recognise that if we have encounters like this they are mostly from demonic spirits that have an agenda to tell us lies. Note the fear Eliphaz said and then the lies and blatant ill content towards both God and man (made from the dust jibe).

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 6

Today’s Reading:  Isa 13:1–14:23, Luke 5:1–39, Job 4:1–11

Today’s Theme: God’s Judgement and Mercy

Today’s theme is about God’s just judgment, focusing on the punishment God will deal out and the mercy He shows to us through Jesus. Without the coming judgement there is no backdrop for the Gospel.

Isaiah 13:1–14:23

God will punish

I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless. Isaiah 13:11 (ESV)

Punishment is a word that has fallen on hard times. Often if the word is used we tend to think of remedial punishment which is not final and seeks to reform the one punished. However the scriptures clearly teach that God will justly bring final punitive judgement on the wicked leading to their final death and eternal condemnation in hell.

God promises that a day of global punishment is coming where the wicked will be judged. This is actually the backdrop to the Gospel we proclaim. God has made a way of escape from the judgement to come through the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

The word translated as punish here is the Hebrew word pāqad. While pāqad has a wide range of meaning, it basically expresses the action of overseeing an individual for a particular purpose. God who oversees us often “visits” to bring divine judgment in response to human sin. In these instances, pāqad is translated as “to punish.”

The Gospel makes a way for God to pass over us when He visits to bring judgement.

God shows compassion

For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land, and sojourners will join them and will attach themselves to the house of Jacob. Isaiah 14:1 (ESV)

God declares that He will show compassion on His chosen people Israel. We can take comfort that God is merciful and compassionate and seeks to show us compassion.

We should not have an image of God as an angry, unapproachable and blood thirsty monarch. He is a compassionate, serving, loving creator who actively seeks to bless and restore His people.

Satan Judged

But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Isaiah 14:15 (ESV)

Jesus told us in John 16:11 “concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged” when he told us about the coming of the Holy Spirit convicting the word of judgement to come.

The Devil’s judgement has already been declared, he is a defeated enemy.

This passage gives us unique insight into the original sin of Satan which was pride, vanity and rebellion. This insight comes from the spirit behind Babylon in the passage.

Satan was so enamoured with himself that he lost sight of the basic truth that he was only a created being while God is eternal.

Satan is not even close to God in power. It was a lost cause the moment he chose to rebel. Despite his warped desires and proud words he will be brought down to the pit.

Don’t fear the devil, his judgement is set, we win!

Luke 5:1–39

Follow Jesus

And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:11 (ESV)

We like the first disciples must commit to follow Jesus, leaving everything else we were following or dedicated to, to live our lives in allegiance to Him alone.

Jesus is the only escape from judgement, follow Him to find life.

The life of Jesus

And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Luke 5:31 (ESV)

Take time to consider the life of Jesus. In v14 He shows humility, v16 shows the priority of private prayer in His life, v17 shows He spent his days teaching the truth and would be used by the Lord to heal the sick, in v20 He forgives sin.

Now in this verse we see that the purpose of His life was to bring sinners to repentance. This is the great mercy of God and should be our purpose as well, to the glory of God.

Live like Jesus

Job 4:1–11

God is merciful

As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. Job 4:8 (ESV)

This may be true but the absolute blanket application takes the principle out of context, making it a central controlling principle with no room for love, mercy or the active personality of God. Thankfully God is merciful and offers grace through Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 5

Today’s Reading:  Isa 10:20–12:6, Luke 4:1–44, Job 3:17–26

Today’s Theme: God’s Anointed

Today’s reading is all about The Anointing that comes from God. God’s anointing comes upon us and is inside us through the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Anointed One and has anointed us for service.

Isaiah 10:20–12:6

Breaking the yoke with fatness

And in that day his burden will depart from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck; and the yoke will be broken because of the fat.” Isaiah 10:27 (ESV)

The word translated as fat is the Hebrew word šemen which is the same word used for olive oil, olive tree, oil, fat, rich food and fertile.

The original picture given here is of Israel as an ox, which is a beast that would be used to work hard in the fields with a yoke fastened around it’s neck to plough the fields of its master (The Assyrians). The word burden gives us the impression that the ox has been ordered to work under obligation and not freely.

The text tells us that the neck of the ox will become so fat that the burden of the yoke will snap off and fall away setting the animal free.

God liberates us in Christ setting us free from the burden and slave master of sin. However this picture shows us that deliverance comes from within as well as from outside. Romans 6:16.

The anointing God has given is inside us and makes us healthy from within. This growth and strength mean that the bondage that once held us cannot hold us anymore because we are bigger and stronger than the enemies yoke. 1 John 2:27.

Greater is He who is in you than he in the world. The anointing you have is in you and teaches you all things. Continue to take in God’s word which gives you the fatness of the anointing to break the burden and bondage of sin. 1 John 4:4.

The Spirit Resting

And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)

The prophecy of Jesus the coming Messiah, as a branch from the root of David is one of the clearest messianic prophecies. So much so that Jesus quotes it Himself in our New Testament reading today.

Jesus was the anointed one prophesied about in this verse. This helps us understand the anointing in a practical way. For us the anointing of God comes through God’s Holy Spirit resting upon us and empowering us for service.

So we have seen so far today that the anointing is inside us through God’s Spirit and word and also comes upon us externally by God’s Holy Spirit to equip us for work in the kingdom.

Don’t attempt to do anything without God’s anointing. Anointing in he Old Testament was used to set aside priests, kings and prophets. Now in the New Testament the anointing of the Holy Spirit sets us apart for God to be used as His priests, kings, ambassadors and prophets in the earth.

Affirm the truth in your heart today that the Holy Spirit is resting on you. Do not grieve or quench Him, live with the reality of God’s anointing and calling in mind.

The victory of the Anointed

In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10 (ESV)

The root of Jesse is Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This passage is estacalogical in meaning, it speaks of the glorious end when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. The king will be on His throne ruling with justice and mercy and Israel will be finally gathered as promised.

We look forward to the victory of The Anointed One, The Christ, Jesus. (Christ means the anointed one).

Luke 4:1–44

Full of the Holy Spirit

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness Luke 4:1 (ESV)

Like Jesus, we have been filled with God the Holy Spirit. We are filled for a purpose, we are at war and need to be fat with the Spirit so the yoke the enemy tries to catch us with cannot get a hold of us.

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and was led into the wildernesses by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan.When the temptation began, the fullness, the fatness of the anointing came out in the form of the written word.

Jesus shows us how to defeat the enemy through the anointing. It is by using the written word of God in the Bible while filled with the Holy Spirit, this will defeat the enemy EVERY time.

Be filled with the Spirit and be filled with the word.

The Devils anointing

When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. Luke 4:28 (ESV)

The enemy has a negative anointing as well. In this case the people are filled with anger rather than being filled with the Spirit.

What will you allow yourself to be filled with and taken over by today?

We are all like the ox we read about. We will take a yoke and have a master, but which one, Jesus said in Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Anger is a hard task master causing you stress, don’t submit to that anointing, instead be filled with the Spirit.

The authority of God’s anointing

And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” Luke 4:36 (ESV)

The anointing God gives comes from the highest authority in the universe, God. God’s anointing gives us authority and power over the enemy. We don’t need to get into a long prayer or discussion towards the enemy, we just stand in the authority of the anointing / calling we have from God and command the enemy to bow to God.

The anointing makes you an ambassador for God’s kingdom in a dark world. Use the power of the anointing inside and on you today to defeat the enemy.

Job 3:17–26

Delivered from fear

For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.” Job 3:25–26 (ESV)

Jesus the Anointed One delivers us from our fears, Hallelujah!!

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 4

Today’s Reading:  Isa 9:1–10:19, Luke 3:1–38, Job 3:1–16

Today’s Theme: God’s Instruments (Tools)

Today’ theme is all about the instruments or tools God intends us to be in His hands to accomplish His purposes in the earth. The greatest instrument in the hands of God the Father is His own Son, Jesus.

We have a choice, either we are joyful, submissive, humble and obedient instruments like Jesus or we are either of two negative extremes, which would see us walk in pride like the king of Assyria or self loathing like Job.

We should live in a way to sharpen each other as God’s tools and not grow rusty through lack of use.

Isaiah 9:1–10:19

Jesus, the light in darkness

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)

Matthew was very clear that when Jesus decided to go and live in Capernaum at the start of His ministry He did so in fulfilment of this prophecy, as we read in Matthew 4:13-17.

Jesus is supremely useful. He is not the light standing aloof from the world far up in the clouds needing special mediation, rituals and insight to receive the benefits of His light, no, Jesus is a light IN darkness.

Jesus came into the world and from there shines the light to those who sit in darkness, Jesus brings the light to us.

Jesus is not a useless instrument He is extremely useful in the Father’s hand because He gets down into the dust and darkness of humanity through the incarnation and shines the light of God’s truth and presence.

As Christians we are called to be incarnational missionaries like Jesus in the hand of God to shine the light right in the middle of darkness and death rather than shining upon it from a distance.

Engage with the dark world around you by shining the light of the truth found in the gospel message and life.

Jesus, The God-Man King

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

This is such a clear prophecy of the coming of the Messiah Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Jewish commentators say that this is just a prophecy about king Hezekiah while some commentators claim the amazing titles given to this king are akin to titles given to kings in Egypt. So titles like mighty God just mean a great warrior.

All the attempts to rationalise this are foolish. The text is quite straight to the point and has clear implications for those who reject the doctrine of the incarnation of the son of God.

We must continue to pray for Jewish people who reject this as a prophecy about Jesus and for the unbeliever who also tries to rationalise it away.

It is clear from this verse that the Messiah will be human because he will be born, however His birth will not be normal because He will be born to a virgin which points to the other point, the Messiah King’s origin will be divine.

The divine attributes of Jesus are seen clearly in the four titles given to Him.
(1) As wonderful counsellor Jesus would teach with the sort of wisdom the world had never heard before.
(2) As Mighty God Jesus would remain divine while a man.
(3) Jesus is a father to those who follow Him, taking care of them as a loving king and not like the kings of earth, He is eternal.
(4) Jesus as the prince of peace has brought peace between God and man and will bring ultimate peace in the end.

Jesus, the God-Man, God’s greatest instrument.

Jesus, King, Now and Not Yet

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:7 (ESV)

One of the areas that cause frustration for Jewish and secular commentators is that they have not been enlightend by the Holy Spirit and so miss the dual nature of the prophecies about the Messiah. These show that He will come as a suffering servant and then return as an eternal conquering king.

This cannot be a king among other kings in the middle of the historical royal line like Hezekiah. This is a final king, the ultimate king with a kingdom that never ends, this is David’s greatest son, Jesus the Christ.

The promise of God to David known as the Davidic covenant finds it’s fulfilment in Jesus, as do all the covenants, prophecies and scriptures.

We have an understanding of messianic prophecy in the church which is sometimes called the “now and not yet”. For example the kingdom of God has come but not fully realised in the world as yet. In the same regard, Jesus is king right now but will fully realise and consummate his kingship and kingdom when He returns as the king at the 2nd coming.

God actively and passionately brings prophecy to pass.

Jesus, the now and future king, God’s final instrument.

Humble tools in God’s hand

For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I remove the boundaries of peoples, and plunder their treasures; like a bull I bring down those who sit on thrones. Isaiah 10:13 (ESV)

The proud talk of the Assyrian king is the opposite to the humble and selfless service of king Jesus.

God is sovereign even over war, governments and peoples. God uses us as instruments in His hands so it is foolish for us to walk in pride when we have been effectively used by God.

Pastor Dennis gives a great analogy of the donkey Jesus rode on taking a bow, that would be absurd.

As vessels, tools and instruments in the masters use we must remain humble and keep perspective like King Jesus and not like the king of Assyria.

After God has used us let’s agree with Jesus’ teaching in Luke 17:10 “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

The Boasting Axe

Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood! Isaiah 10:15 (ESV)

Just drumming our point home that there is no place for pride. We are tools in God’s hand to accomplish His purposes.

Paul makes the point clear in Romans 9:20–23 “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?…”

Recognise yourself today as an axe, rod and vessel designed to accomplish a task for God’s great purpose and glory, not your own.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be a sharp, accurate, sturdy, trustworthy tool to get the job done.

Luke 3:1–38

Stay sharp, show your repentance

Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8 (ESV)

If we do not show the clear evidence of repentance it at best means we will dull our edge as God’s tools. As we compromise in sin our effectiveness as tools will erode, at worst we will show evidence that we are not God’s children.

John was being used as a powerful instrument in God’s hands and he did not shirk back from speaking the truth.

Repentance is an active thing, effort and deliberate focus is needed. It is not just an act of the heart but of the mind and will too

We cannot rely on our Christian heritage as the people of Israel in John’s day relied on just being Hebrews.

The people ask the question what then shall we do and John gives them some very practical answers. Ask the Holy Spirit today to also give you practical answers, to help you to be an effective tool for God today.

A day of wrath is coming, so pick up your feet and run from it.

Please God, like Jesus

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22 (ESV)

God declared from heaven that He was well pleased with Jesus. We want God to say the same of us.

As believers we have been baptised by Jesus with God the Holy Spirit. Now we need to use our faith to be effective tools in God’s hands and bring God pleasure (Hebrews 11:6).

Notice the entire trinity is present here so the modalists are wrong. Modalists, like oneness Pentecostals, say there is no trinity and that the one God just takes on different forms. This is opposed to orthodox doctrine and the testimony of the scriptures which reveals that God is one being with three distinct persons, namely Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God testifies that Jesus is His Son. Like our Old Testament reading said, Jesus is God the God-Man (100% God while 100% Man, known as the hypostatic union).

Job 3:1–16

Why are you here

Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light? Job 3:16 (ESV)

God has a purpose for your life. You are one of His instruments, He seeks to use you for His purpose to bring glory to His name.

If you are going through depression like Job, then look up to God. He has a purpose for you in the same way a carpenter has a use for a hammer, drill or screwdriver.

Many children die at birth or in the womb and are with God now. You did not die in the womb, if you are reading this today then God allowed you to live, this means He has a purpose for you even in the middle of difficulty and suffering.

Look up.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 3

Today’s Reading:  Isa 7:1–8:22, Luke 2:22–52, Job 2:11–13

Today’s Theme: God’s Firm Word

Today’s theme is all about the firm reality of God’s words vs the lies of the enemy and the powerless words of man. It is by God’s word and especially His decrees and prophecies which are guaranteed to come to pass that our faith in God and wisdom in God will increase.

We can trust God above all and know that His word is firm and sure.

Isaiah 7:1–8:22

God’s word overrules

thus says the Lord GOD: “ ‘It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass Isaiah 7:7 (ESV)

God said that the plans of the enemy will not stand and will not come to pass. This proved to be true as history records.

God’s decrees as the King, overrule and supersede all the plans and words of the enemy. While our enemy is powerful and intelligent they are no match for God the sovereign.

We can trust God’s word today which overrules the word of the enemy. 1 John 4:4.

Have firm faith

And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.’ ” Isaiah 7:9 (ESV)

Ahaz was given a choice, trust God and His word, or the enemy and their word. One of the major themes in Isaiah is trust which is displayed through the contrast of either trusting God or the nations.

I read the following from commentator J N Oswalt which sums this up well “Unless Ahaz comes to the point where he can believe in God’s sovereignty to the extent of entrusting himself and his nation to God, he is doomed to live in the shaky, panicky condition he now experiences”

James picks this up in the New Testament. If we do not have firm faith in God then we will not be firm in our lives. In James 1:6-8  we read “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Firm, steady, resolute faith in God and His word will give stability and balance to our minds and lives today.

Prophecy of the virgin birth

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Some see a double prophecy here. In the immediate sense God is giving a sign to Ahaz that he would see within his lifetime that God was with them. In the next chapter this theme is developed and we see a child born, Isaiah’s own son who was named for prophetic symbolism as “Maher-shalal-hash-baz” which may point to the more immediate fulfilment of the prophecy.

However, there is so much here and later in tomorrow’s reading which points squarely and conclusively to the Messiah, the God-Man, Jesus the Christ. We read just yesterday that Jesus was born of a virgin, He had no earthly father. Also note Isaiah’s wife was neither unmarried or a virgin.

The name Immanuel can only be properly associated with Jesus as He is God with us as Matthew points out in Matthew 1:23.

Some liberals throw this out as a prophecy and say it is just about a young woman having a child. This is nonsense because that would not be a sign of anything, young women have babies all the time.

God’s prophecy here (which will be made even clearer in tomorrow’s reading) is a trustworthy word which was fulfilled by Jesus the Christ.

The Proof of Prophecy

for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” Isaiah 8:4 (ESV)

One of the greatest evidences of the Bible being the inerrant word of God is the proof of prophecy. Our faith is the only one in the world that has a track record of accurately fulfilled prophecies.

God knows the end from the very beginning and actively brings His word to pass. As such, He is in the unique place to give prophecies that come to pass.

We cover this point and 4 other external proofs that prove the Bible is the inspired word of God in our documentary called The Gospel which you can view and share online here https://vimeo.com/channels/wwmfgospel

The enemy’s counsel

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10 (ESV)

As we have read throughout the Psalms this year, the enemy may conspire against you, but do not fear, his plans will not succeed.

People may even take counsel against you, try to sideline you, speak evil of you, slander you, and gossip about you with the intention of pulling you down. If God is with you they can not ultimately succeed.

The words of devils and people are impotent. They do not have the power to do you harm or good. Their words cannot stand because God has already spoken words of life over you and the power and potency of God’s word cannot be undone.

Trust in the power of God’s decrees over your life, that they will stand up against every other word. Put your trust in what God has already said.

Say yes and amen to the word of God 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Be careful of conspiracy theories

“Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. Isaiah 8:12 (ESV)

As a side note, do not get caught up in chasing conspiracy theories. Don’t get me wrong there are conspiracies and cover ups out there but as this verse suggests these can lead to fear and dread which is unhealthy.

I personally remember several years ago I spent time looking into all sorts of conspiracies. Some may have been true, others certainly were not but the overall feeling they left you with was uncertainty and fear.

Instead spend your time and energy focusing on God and His word where you find sure hope and salvation.

Luke 2:22–52

Prophecy fulfilled

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29–32 (ESV)

Jesus is God’s surest fulfilment of prophecy. Like faithful Simeon and Anna we should be filled with hope and joy as we look to Jesus and see that yes God is faithful to His word and personally see that His word is fulfilled.

God gave prophecies in Isaiah and throughout the Bible that Jesus would come and gave a personal assurance to Simeon that he would see Him.

As we read through Luke’s account our faith should grow and our resolve that God backs up His word and fulfils all He has said should grow.

Jesus is the fulfilment and pinnacle of all scripture. Jesus has indeed brought revelation to all nations and glory to Israel.

Ask questions

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Luke 2:46 (ESV)

A simple life lesson from the boy Jesus. We should take time to listen and should always ask questions. Rev. Taylor once said that her dad had counselled her to always be willing to learn by listening to others.

Take time to ask questions today, don’t be a know it all, be teachable and humble because this will make you wise.

Jesus was the incarnate Word, the one who gave the law in the first place, but He still asked questions. Even if you know the answer, ask questions to help you understand where people are so you can help them.

Increase in wisdom

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 (ESV)

Jesus increased in wisdom which means in the incarnation He laid aside his omniscience (the knowing of everything as God).

We must also increase in wisdom, this will come through God’s firm word in the Bible primarily but also through life experiences and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Job 2:11–13

Don’t speak

And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. Job 2:13 (ESV)

Sometimes the best comfort we can give a person in grief is to just be there, we don’t need to say anything. Sometimes our words can bring more pain or have no effect. True comfort is found in God’s sure word.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Luke 2