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