July 30, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Isaiah 54 - It is fitting that after a great chapter on the Messiah's sacrifice that God would speak of the restoration of Israel as the restored wife of the Lord, verses 5-7.  The Lord gives her a great challenge and privilege in verse 2 that she is welcome to enlarge her territory, but even more, her privileges as one who belongs to the Lord.  These thoughts are worthy of all believers who want to trust God for greater opportunities to be used of Him!  There is also a promise of protection from the Lord as His people trust Him, verse 17.

Isaiah 55 - A cry is given by God to all who would seek Him.  He is approachable and more than willing to give that which no one can buy!  He also reminds humanity that His thoughts and His ways are infinitely higher than man's, verses 8,9.  And He gives the assurance that the word that comes from Him will accomplish its purposes, verse 11

Isaiah 56 - God calls for righteous behavior because that is His nature and what He will bring in His reign on earth.  God gives special blessings to all who would follow Him including eunuchs, verses 4,5 and foreigners who desire to join themselves to the Lord, verse 8.  The Lord's house is a "house of prayer" verse 7.

Isaiah 57 - Verses 1 and 2 speak of God's mercy in allowing His righteous ones to die without having to see the evil around them.  The New Living Translation has a great way of wording these two verses.  I've also found that verse 15 speaks of God's pleasure to inhabit eternity in a high and holy place but also with those who have a broken and humble spirit.

Isaiah 58 - This chapter deals with the right and wrong ways of fasting.  People think that God is impressed with their "religious appearances" when, in reality, He is looking for their kindness and compassion to a needy world around them.  God also looks with favor on the Old Testament Jew who would honor and observe the Sabbath as God had commanded.