The meaning of Zephaniah's name is "One whom Jehovah hides." With little introduction, we learn that the Prophet was from Royal blood according to verse 1. Zephaniah was a contemporary of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.

In verses 2-6, the Prophet informs us that, man and beast, fowls and fish will be consumed. In other words, the judgment of Jehovah was about to fall upon idolatrous Israel and Judah. God considers "idolatry" as spiritual adultery. Why, because the Jewish nation was the wife of Jehovah. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called, Isaiah 54:5. Israel was referred to as the wife of Jehovah, and the church is called the Bride of the Lamb, Revelation 21:9. There are some who don't accept the Church as the Bride of Christ, but this writer sees the Church as the "Bride of Christ!"

It seems that verses 7-18 refer to two separate events. The first is the imminent destruction of Israel and Judah in the seventy years of captivity. The Land must have her sabbatical rest. The destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem is foremost in this chapter. The second event will be fulfilled in the Great Tribulation. The Double Reference Principle is to an event in the near future and another event in the remote future. In verses 11-13, there is a word that needs qualification, "Maktesh". According to The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia the word refers to the Tyropoeon Valley. This valley seems to have been the place where most of the merchandising or selling of manufactured products were bought and sold. This was the business section of the city.

Lastly, we read of the "Great Day of the Lord." This refers to great destruction. Neither wealth nor prestige will protect, because all people will come under divine judgment. The extent of the judgment described in verses 14-18. Woe to any people who find themselves under the judgment of Almighty God. The entire unsaved world is in for a greater judgment in the near future, the Tribulation. RJS

Malachi 1: 14

The mystery of Divine Election is presented in the first 5 verses. Some have sought to water down the words of the Lord "I loved Jacob and I hated Esau," by translating them: "I have preferred Jacob over Esau" or "I have loved Esau less than Jacob." But the words used in Malachi are also quoted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 9:13, where Paul is illustrating election. If God determines to send rain on one parcel of ground and not on another that is God's choice and we have nothing to say about it. God hardens on the same conditions as showing mercy. If men will accept mercy, God will give it to them, if they will not, thus hardening themselves; He is only just and righteous in judging them. The same sun melts wax and hardens clay. Remembering that we are clay or dirt, God's word either melts our hearts, with our permission, or hardens the heart because of unbelief. Man is able to make choices, he is not a robot. God made us that way because He wanted us to love Him by our being willing to accept Him. He does not force His will on us, but shows us the way and either we follow, or we rebel; that's up to us.

In verses 12-14 of this first chapter, we read of the hypocrisy of bringing an offering to God that is not perfect. When we pay all our bills and then tithe on what is left, we have stolen from God and brought Him an imperfect offering just as the Jews were bringing lame and sick offerings to Him in days of old. The Lord knows what your income is, He knows what your tithe is and if you are being deceitful with your giving, God has every right to collect the tithe in other ways. He may cut your salary or you my loose your job. He may bring on sickness or cause unforeseen expenses to collect His tithe. Remember God keeps books, and our rewards when we get to heaven are going to be listed according to the works we have done, be they good or bad, I Cor. 3:12-18. We cannot rob God! He always balances the accounts. He does not need an auditor, His books are always accurate. If, and when, we think we can fool God, we are only fooling ourselves and we end up the loser. Try tithing, you'll like it! It will be the greatest blessing you have received since you were born again! RJS

Malachi 3

Are you ready for the Lord to return? Apparently, even after being in captivity for years, a lot of the folks during Malachi's time were still apathetic and lukewarm towards the Lord. They knew what God wanted concerning acceptable worship and yet they did not have hearts to obey. They knew what God desired from their service and their monetary means, but they would not give God the first fruits that were His. Then, when confronted with their sin, they even had the audacity to complain against God and His divine and righteous judgments against them.

Before we get too judgmental against these folks in Malachi, we need to take a closer look at where we stand. Do we worship God acceptably? Most people would answer yes, but they answer from their own sinful opinions rather than knowing biblically what acceptable worship really is. The Apostle Paul says, Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. How many times have you really offered your body as a living sacrifice to God during this last week? A living sacrifice is doing what God desires and it starts with repentance. God desires that all would repent. God would that none should perish. God really is a God of love! It is sinful and stubborn hearted people that choose to go against God's ways. If God is truly a God of love, He must also punish sin! He is absolutely righteous and He alone is able to bring perfect justice to those who choose to go against His will for their lives. Do you rob God by not giving Him the very best of your life and the very first of your increase monetarily? Sadly, this applies to most professing Christians. Even sadder is the fact that when most folks are confronted with their sin, they continue to rebel and reject God's admonition and God's messengers and they complain and will not turn from their wicked ways. God says, Eze 18:31 "Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die"32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live." Yes, there were a few who did turn and obey God. Are you too, one that will choose Godliness in the Beauty of Holiness, to be a living sacrifice for Him?! DM

Malachi is one of the three exilic Prophets. This is the last chapter of the Old Testament. It is short and to the point and opens to us two great events in the New Testament. The Bible is consistent in that it has one message; our salvation and Who would make it possible. Between the O. T. and the N. T. is a period of silence. Sometimes called the "tunnel period" when there were no prophets and the voice of God was not heard. It is a time of transition during which the Jews were under Grecian culture. Malachi tells of two great events:

1. The Messiah's First Coming and rejection. John the Baptist is mentioned, [not by the name of John], but as a man like unto Elijah. John was a man who preached repentance and the putting away of sin. John was a "Hell-fire and brimstone" preacher. Even the Pharisees came to hear his message, but in their self-righteous attitudes, did not respond. John called them a "generation of vipers," Matthew 3:7. Malachi refers to Elijah and Moses, sent from heaven to the Mount of Transfiguration to witness to Christ's followers that He was the true Messiah.

The Backslider in Heart

Isaiah 1

The picture we have in this chapter is one of God's people giving way to evil and being unresponsive to God's chastisement. For the child of God today, this is a sin unto death. Such sin is insanity. In Isaiah 1:18, we read God's plea for sanity. God pleads with the people to, come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. God does not want to hurt and destroy, He wants to bless and heal.

There comes a point where the chastening hand of God will not move the backslider in heart. Some have suggested that the book has two themes, one for chapters 1-39 and another for chapters 40-66. Judgment seems to be the emphasis in the first part, and salvation and comfort are prominent in the second. Just as God is able to save all who come to Him. Israel cannot end its history on this earth in failure. She comes to total failure and God puts her away, but in the end she will be fully restored. In the end, God's great grace is irresistible.

When people give way to evil, they do not necessarily abandon the outward forms of truth. In chapter one, God presents his case against the nation. In short, Isaiah 1:4 covers the problem. We read, " sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. However, note the faithfulness in worship. Isaiah 1:11-15 11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams ... 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity ...your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15 ... I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. They were as most who profess faith today, very religious and very corrupt. The nation as a whole did not heed this call to repentance, and I don't think the church will today either. But as we see here, the message must still go forth. DW (1) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

Their tongues and their hearts are in rebellion against God's leadership in the matters of government. Sin in both word and deed draws down the righteous indignation of God on any people. In Isaiah's time, integrity and honesty were not found in political leaders. Americans are entering a year of national elective offices and mud and lies will permeate the radio, television and newspapers. Intellectual honesty and integrity will be forgotten and politicians who spend the most money, and successfully tell the "biggest lies" most often will become the next leaders of our fair land. We already have anarchy in our land as mayors and judges are in the process of overriding the laws and rewriting them according to the dictates of their evil hearts. May God have mercy on our land! The bones of the Father's of our Constitution and country are twisting and turning in their graves as they see and hear what is being done in our judicial system.

The second half of our passage has to do with Spiritual anarchy and rebellion against God. Its signs are found in three spheres, Conscience, Reason, and Pure Affection. CONSCIENCE: There is a spiritual conscience that was instilled in man before birth. All people, regardless of national origin, or race, the world over have a built-in instinct to worship some form of god. It may be idols, or nature, or self, ancestors, or take on a multitude of other things, but its there! REASON: We live in a nation that can no longer think for itself. We have been dummied down by poor education, liberal media and the "boob-tube." Reason is the ability to think logically and arrive at a conclusion and make the right decisions. PURE AFFECTION: Is the means whereby we have a fondness, or friendly feelings toward another. It is manifested in our relationship with God and mankind. It is an old fashioned love that expresses itself in tenderness and overlooks the faults of the one loved. It's expressed in word and deeds. It's in conversation, eye contact, and selflessness. The "ME" society that came in the 1970's has catapulted itself into every part of society, and the church. "I am the most important" is the attitude of both believers and non-believers. RJS

The time is the days immediately following the end of this age. Isaiah's initial audience might have thought he was speaking of those who would survive the Exile. However, in the light of Matthew 24:4-30 he was referring to the people who will survive the difficulties in the Great Tribulation just before the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom. (2) The message is a message of hope and restoration. At His first coming the nation Israel rejected Jesus Christ. The majority of those that survive the tribulation will have turned to Christ in faith and hope.

In the Bible, we read of three great beginnings where only those who know God live on the earth. The first is at the creation of Adam and Eve. The second is Noah and his family. The last are the days immediately following the judgment of the great tribulation, and the end of this age. At this time, the angels will separate the wheat from the tares. We read about this time in Matthew 13:30. Jesus said "in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." The harvest is another picture of the end of this age. The barn is a picture of plenty and blessing. The kingdom will be a time of unparalleled peace, righteousness and prosperity. Oh, that today we understood the blessings of righteousness! In verse 3 of our text we read, it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem... I believe we could enjoy such a time today if most peoples' hearts were righteous.

DW (1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

I Dwell in the Midst of a People of Unclean Lips

Isaiah 6: 5-8

Isaiah says, "I am undone," literally "cut off, destroyed." God said to Moses in Ex. 33:20 Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Isaiah now sees himself as good as dead, because he has seen the Lord. On several occasions in the Old Testament, when humans saw the "angel of the Lord" they thought they were going to die. Isaiah immediately saw himself as God sees him, a man of unclean lips. A person must indeed be perfect never to offend with words. How often have you wished you had not said something? Once words are spoken they can never be taken back. Oh, we may try to apologize, but the offending words seem never to be forgotten. I Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

"A Live Coal" verses 6, 7. When that red hot, glowing stone was taken from the Alter of Incense and placed on Isaiah's lips, they were purged from all sin. My guess is that Isaiah never forgot when that searing, flame touched to those tender lips. "Laid it upon my mouth" literally, "he caused it to touch my mouth." The seraphim brought the hot stone in touch with what Isaiah had acknowledged was his number one sin, and the sins of his people. It has been suggested that this fire was the fire of Divine Love. Jesus said, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," Matt. 12:34.

"The call of God." verse 8. God now knows that Isaiah is ready to do His bidding. Whom shall I send? Isaiah volunteered with no hesitation. He knew that God had a message and Isaiah could deliver it. God's call to be a minister is an elective honor and to be sent with God's message. The word "Send" is used in John 20:21, Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. We too, are commissioned to go to our neighbors and friends and even to the ends of the earth to tell all who will listen that they might be saved. If someone had not told you, you would not be saved! We should never cease to thank the Lord for the person that led us to the Lord, for without that witness we would be hell bound. RJS

We find the theme of this chapter in verse 14. Here we read "the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Some have made a major issue out of the fact that the Hebrew word used here does not always mean virgin. This may be true, however, when this verse is quoted in the New Testament, the Greek word that is used can only mean virgin. Jesus Christ came into this earth without a human father. This fact is significant for it enabled Him to be free from the pollution of sin.

This chapter opens with the enemies of Israel conspiring against her. Among her enemies was the northern kingdom which was begun in apostasy and, at this time, was wholly dominated by apostasy. God assures His faithful people in the Southern Kingdom that her enemies would not succeed. Isaiah made the startling prophecy that within 65 years Israel would no longer even be a people because they would be so shattered (7:8). Isaiah gave this prophecy in 734 b.c., so 65 years later was 669. When Assyria conquered Israel in 722, many Israelites were deported to other lands by Assyria and foreigners were brought into Samaria (2 Kings 17:24). However, in 669 many more foreigners were transferred to Samaria)... This "shattered" Israel, making it impossible for her to unite as a nation ("a people"). (1)

Ahaz was the king of Judah. He did not believe Isaiah's prophecy. " Ahaz was told to ask the Lord . . . for a sign" Ahaz, by rejecting the offer of a sign from God's messenger, was in effect rejecting the One who sent the prophet. The "alma'h was a virgin when Isaiah spoke his message, but then she would marry and have a baby. When the Aram-Israel alliance was broken the boy would still be young. Centuries later the Holy Spirit led Matthew to quote Isaiah 7:14 as a statement that was also true of a virgin birth (i.e., a birth to a woman who was still a virgin). This is the first of many prophecies about the Messiah given by Isaiah. (2) In other words, this is an example of a prophecy which had a double fulfillment. One was in the life of the prophet Isaiah, and the other, in the life of Jesus Christ. DW

(1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

15th

Thursday, April 15

Fear God, Heed His Word!

Isaiah 8

There are many people today who want to hear spiritual words and religious things, but just like in our text today with Isaiah, they are not interested from the heart. Can you imagine preaching and teaching to people who lie and tell you what you want to hear, but then turn and do their own thing in spite of the warnings of the Lord. It happened to Isaiah and to Ezekiel, too. Eze 33:30 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. 31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.

Our society today is seriously caught in apostasy and apathy. Many good people are doing nothing, as we see our great nation, founded upon God's Word, going down the tubes. What will it take, what will God have to do to bring about an obedient and a humble and contrite spirit in people; a people who desire Him? The scriptures are clear about the age that we live in. We are in the age of Grace. The very next step is the return of Christ to rapture His saints out and then the world will be thrown into the 7 year tribulation, a time unprecedented, a time as never before, a time when many will see the error of their ways. Sadly even then, there are going to be many more who will not turn and who will rebel against God to their eternal doom.

The choice that Joshua made for his family is a choice that we all should follow. Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Say Friend, will you too serve the Lord! DM

16th

Friday, April 16

The People Who Walked in Darkness

Have seen a Great Light

Isaiah 9:2-7

The first great prophecy of this chapter is in verse two and is quoted by Jesus, The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up, Matthew 4:16. The whole known world was in darkness when Jesus came to minister two thousand years ago. The Jews were in more darkness than the Gentiles, because they had the Old Testament and should have known the words from Isaiah 9. The Jews knew, but had rejected. The Gentiles did not know, but received and to this twenty-first-century we are blessed because of the ministry of twelve believing Jews, who accepted the challenge and went to the then known world with the Gospel message.

The second great prophecy is now before us, verses 6 and 7. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ⁷Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The name "Wonderful," is found many times in the Scriptures, but there is one outstanding reference found in Judges 13: 17 and 18. One commentator says it should have been translated, "secret," another says He is "incomprehensible." We personally accept the latter above the former, because there is no word in our language that covers the greatness of our Saviour. "Counselor" He is the Supreme Counselor who is qualified to give wisdom to all. "The mighty God" literally means the "Mighty Almighty God," El Gibbor is the Hebrew name, also the "conquering One." "The Everlasting Father" He is the Planner of the ages, the Eternal One, He controls all creation, Col. 1:17. "The Prince of Peace" "The Peaceful Prince," He shall promote and increase His government and peace without war. RJS

17th

Friday, April 16

Saturday, April 17

God is Sovereign on Earth

Isaiah 10

This chapter opens with another very interesting statement. In verse 1, we read woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees...? Our founding fathers rightly understood that the foundation of all law comes from nature and the God of nature. When human potentates pass laws contrary to the law of God they are unrighteous decrees or illegal laws. In this chapter, Isaiah ... contrasted two kingdoms: the Assyrian Empire and God's millennial kingdom. Assyria would fall because it dared to defeat God's people. Even though God used the Assyrian Empire to punish Israel, He did not like the attitude Assyria displayed. (1)

God uses the nation of Assyria as an instrument of judgment on Israel. Israel's sin was in giving way to evil and establishing this corruption in law. God had commissioned Assyria to chasten Israel as the rod of His anger and the club of His wrath. Because Israel was godless and had angered God with her sin, Assyria would plunder her cities and ruthlessly trample her people. God often uses unlikely instruments to accomplish His purposes in the world (cf. His using Babylon against Judah, which puzzled Habakkuk, Hab. 1:6-17). (2) Those in power thought that they could do as they pleased. Now they would be subject to the same corrupt power at the hands of the Assyrians. What comes around goes around. A principle of God's justice in this world is that we will reap what we sow.

The Assyrians were guilty of the same corruption. Therefore God would deal with them as well. They were drunk with power and saw themselves as immune from divine justice. The Assyrian king boasts that God cannot save Hezekiah and Jerusalem. In 701 b.c. 185,000 Assyrian soldiers surrounding Jerusalem were killed (37:36-37). Then in 609 b.c. the Assyrian Empire fell to Babylon. The fall of the Assyrian Empire is a prototype of the fall of all who oppose God and His plans for His covenant people. (3) God's purpose will come to pass in this earth. It cannot be frustrated. If this were not true, the ultimate triumph of good would not be certain, and we would be without hope. In defending Jerusalem, God injects Himself in a miraculous and powerful way. Whenever, God acts like this it is to bring to pass His righteous purpose on this earth. DW

(1) (2) (3) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

18th

Sunday, April 18

The Reign of Jesse's Offspring

Isaiah 11

We see in our text that with the Babylonian captivity of 586 B.C. King David's dynasty appeared to be as decimated as the Assyrian army. One of the major differences between the two was that life remained in the stump and the roots of the line of David. That life was to manifest itself in new growth in the form of the Rod and the Branch. Jesse of course was King David's father, through whose line the Messianic King was to come in Ruth 4:22 and 1 Samuel 16:1,12,13 The Branch also mentioned in vs. 1 is a clear reference and title for the Messiah.

Then we see a wonderful mention in vs. 2 of the Spirit of the Lord. Just as the Spirit of the Lord came upon David when he was anointed king in 1 Samuel 16:13 and just as David had ask for the Spirit of the Lord in Psalm 51, so the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon David's descendant, Jesus Christ, who will rule the world. It is also interesting to note that this verse also refers to the 3 persons of the Holy Trinity. Vs. 2 also gives us the Spirit imparted qualifications that will enable the Messiah to rule justly and effectively. These are wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, and knowledge and fear of the Lord.

It is also interesting to note in vs. 9 "The full knowledge of the Lord." Everyone will know the Lord when He returns to fulfill His New Covenant with Israel. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

How does all this apply to us today? Simply this; the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, who came through the line of King David, is what saves a person. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. Therefore if a person professes to know Christ, but there is no spiritual fruit, that person is making a false profession and will spend an eternity in Hell. It is not the profession, nor the prayer that saves us. It is the repentant heart and life through God's grace by faith that saves us. God will make a person new, if their repentance is genuine. Do you know the Savior who died for your sin? Is your name written in the Lamb's book of Life?! Where's the Fruit? DM

19th

Monday, April 19

An Oasis in the Desert of Sin and Sorrow

Isaiah 12:1-6

For the last several months, we have been reading of the surety of Israel and Judah being carried away into the Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity. In the current chapter, we have a glorious sound of victory and a new relationship with God, for both Israel and the Church. This passage has a double reference that includes Israel and the Church in a future restoration. We will look at the twofold prophesy in the next two paragraphs.

To the Jews first: And in that day, the Millennium, after Israel is fully restored under the leadership of their Messiah, all the events of this chapter will be literally fulfilled. There are fifteen different forms of worship for the Jewish people found in these six verses. " O LORD, I will praise thee: ... thou comfortedst me ... God is my salvation ... I will trust, and not be afraid ... the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song ... he also is become my salvation ... Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation ... Praise the LORD ... call upon his name ... declare his doings among the people ... make mention that his name is exalted ... Sing unto the LORD ... he has done excellent things: this is known in all the earth ... Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion ... for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of you.

To the Church Second: "The Wells of Salvation," found in verse 3 are always open and flowing to all who will receive the gift of the "Water of Life." Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life, John 4:13-14. That water is ever fresh, ever abundant, ever free, ever health giving! It is an artesian well, of free flowing water to satiate the souls, of the thirsty; the world around. In the Millennium we will reign with Christ here on earth. Since we are going to reign with Him in the future, why not live so close to Him today that all our friends and acquaintances will see Him now and desire to know Him as we do? Tell Christ that you love Him, and live it to the fullest. RJS

20th

Tuesday, April 20

The Enemies of God

Isaiah 13

In some ways, we could think of the history of this world as a tale of two cities. The cities are Babylon and Jerusalem. Babylon is the kingdom of the enemy. This is brought out even more clearly as Satan is described as the real king of Babylon in the chapter 14. Isaiah's oracle concerns Babylon. Babylon ... had long been a rallying point of anti-God activity. From its very beginning (Gen. 11:1-9) it had been characterized by rebellion against God. ... it was viewed as a place of hatred against the God of Israel. ... in the Tribulation it will be a center of hatred against God (Rev. 17-18).

(1)In Isaiah's day that judgment was coming because of the tremendous political turmoil of the next several decades that would culminate with the fall of Babylon to the Assyrians in 689 b.c. That political turmoil was similar to the judgment which will come on the whole world just before God establishes His millennial kingdom on the earth.

(2) It is interesting to note that there are cycles and patterns in human history. The spiritual forces at work in Isaiah's day will also be at work at the end of the age.

The prophecies of this chapter speak of events in Isaiah's day, but also events that will take place at the end of the age. In particular we read in verse 12, I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Jesus made a very similar statement concerning the end of the age. Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved... At the end of this age, the struggle between good and evil will come to a head. At this time, God will once again inject Himself in a supernatural way to insure the triumph of good over evil. The history of this world will reveal clearly, the character of evil, the grace and goodness of God, and the failure of the best of God's people. Oh, that God's people would stand as an effective force of righteousness against the enemy! Sadly, even the best of God's servants fail, leaving a clear message that without God, there would be no hope. If we understood this, we would yield ourselves to righteousness, and not try to serve God in the flesh. DW

(1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

21st

Wednesday, April 21

The Fall of Lucifer

Isaiah 14

This chapter deals with the Lord having Mercy on the house of Jacob, the Fall of the king of Babylon, the Fall of Lucifer, and that Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia will be destroyed. We would like to focus on the Fall of Lucifer for our devotion today. God created Lucifer as the Cherub (Angel) who covers. Lucifer means "shining one or morning star". In either case, we know that he was very beautiful from the description in Eze 28:12 " Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

We need to understand that Lucifer fell from heaven, from the very throne of God, because of the sin of pride. Pride is an ungodly sin that will literally keep most people from ever getting to heaven. 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. The sin of pride is a terrible thing. It has ruined many good people; it has cost many Good "professing Christians" eternity. It really doesn't matter what you think about your eternal state. It REALLY matters what God thinks about it. If God does not agree with you nor know you, where are you going to go when you die? To know for sure, we must confess with God that we are the ones that nailed Christ to the cross, that we are guilty of the very sin of pride that cost Satan his place in heaven. Interestingly, a third of the angels fell too. This speaks volumes as to the company that we keep. Are you absolutely sure you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? It really is a matter of life or death! DM

22nd

Thursday, April 22

The Moabites, the Children of Lot

Isaiah 15:1-9

The Moabites are the children of Lot, as the result of an incestuous relationship with Lot's firstborn daughter, following the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the death of his wife and other children in Sodom. The son born, to the firstborn daughter was named Moab, and from this child came the nation of the Moabites. Ruth was of this family and became the grandmother of King David. Petra, "The Rose Red City, Half as Old as Time" is in the ancient land of the Moabites.

In Judges 3:12-26, we see three nations allied together to make war with Israel; Eglon, King of Moab, the Ammonites and Amalekites, and Israel served Moab for eighteen years. Ehud, a left handed Benjamite and Judge in Israel went to Eglon the king of Moab, a very fat man, and by subtlety plunged a dagger into the king, killing him and Ehud escaped to the army of Israel. Israel then defeated the Moabites and had rest for eighty years.

In 2 Chronicles 20, we have these three nations along with Syria about to make war again with Judah. King Jehoshaphat called the nation to fasting and prayer, God answered, and the heathen were destroyed by the LORD. The people of Judah went out to the battle-field and found the attackers dead and also found great riches of spoil among the dead. God had fought the battle for Judah and the fear of God was upon the nations around Judah.

Isaiah tells in these nine verses of our text, that God is again going to bring Moab to its knees. Note verse 6, the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, and there is no green thing. In other words, God has sent a famine to the land of Moab. In verse 7, it seems that they tried to escape to the east into Arabia and the Arabs turned against Moab and helped to destroy Moab. When God sends destruction upon a land, because they refuse to worship Him, He uses both nature and humans to destroy that nation. Beware America, we are about to stand in God's judgment for the sins of our nation and the rejection of God in our society. God is not mocked; judgment will fall on all who reject God. RJS

23rd

Friday, April 23

A Warning Concerning Arrogance

Isaiah 16

In verse 6, of this chapter we read, "we have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud" Pride is a very destructive spiritual force in the heart and life. The Assyrians were coming against Jerusalem. God promised to defend His people. The Moabites could have found refuge in Israel. However, they "fled all the way south to strongholds in Edom such as Sela, about 50 miles south of Moab's southern border. If they really wanted to be safe they should have joined themselves to Jerusalem"

(1) This demonstrated that they trusted in their own abilities and resources rather than in God. This is pride. We find the Biblical principle in Proverbs 16:18. Here we read, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

There is the greatest tendency for us to trust what we can see and understand rather than trust God. Isaiah describes the future of Moab as they turn to pride and unbelief. Because of their pride, confident that they did not need God, the fruitfulness and productivity of their land would be stopped (16:7-10). Several words indicated that the fruit to be lost was grapes: raisin cakes (a delicacy; cf. 1 Chron. 12:40; Hosea 3:1) of Kir Hareseth (cf. Isa. 16:11), another city in Moab, possibly the same as Kir (15:1), vines of Sibmah (16:8-9), choicest vines.... vineyards (vv. 8, 10), wine... presses. Harvests (v. 9) and orchards (v. 10) suggest other fruits too. (On Heshbon and Elealeh in v. 9 see 15:4.) The invading army and the drought which would accompany it would wipe out Moab's chances for survival. (2) Indeed pride goes before destruction.

It is important for us to understand that God has not given us sufficient resources on this earth to succeed without Him. It is important that we are faithful and do what

God is Love, God is merciful, God is gracious, God is forgiving, and God is longsuffering. But God is also righteous and just and He must punish sin! There is an end to presuming upon God's grace and mercy. There are consequences for sin. There is judgment that will take place in God's perfect timing for all those who are disobedient. Time after time, God desired obedience from His chosen people Israel. Time after time they directly disobeyed God and did their own things and went their own ways instead. Eze 33:11 "Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?' Did you ever stop to think about how many times you personally have had the opportunity to be in church under the preaching of God's Holy Word, but paid little attention; how many times you have had the opportunity to study and meditate on God's Word, but didn't; how many times you could have memorized a verse, but didn't; how many people you could have shared the message of eternal life with someone, but didn't, etc? How many opportunities have we missed? What could our lives have been like if we really, truly obeyed God? Pastors preach their hearts out Sunday after Sunday and yet few folks really listen, as is evidenced by their lack of spiritual growth. Many people here the words of the Lord, but very few really take those words to heart and obey. There is much religion in our society today, but very little submission and obedience. Is it any wonder that so many are walking spiritually blind? Most people do not even know what they are missing and are blinded by the god of this world. 2Co 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Many good, professing to be Christians, are doomed to destruction and judgment because of unrepentant and unsubmissive hearts. They just don't know it because they cannot see it. Satan has them fooled into thinking they are ok right where they are. Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. It's your choice! DM

we can, but without seeking Him in faith and following His direction in life, we will come to destruction. We can follow the path of faith and obedience or we can follow the path of self sufficiency and self will. The latter path is the path of pride. The end for all who take the path of pride is destruction. This is true for Moab and it will be true for all who follow the same path. DW

(1) (2)Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

24th

Saturday, April 24

Judgment Day

Isaiah 17

What would you do if God pronounced judgment against you and your town? In fact, the Holy Spirit's main job in the world today is, John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. So we know that God Is bringing a pronouncement to all mankind and that pronouncement is, "Repent, The Kingdom of God is At Hand!" We do not know when judgment day will come but we need to be ready! Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Would any person in their right mind refuse to go the heaven? The sad reality is that there are many who refuse God out of sinful pride and arrogance. Luk 13:23 And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' 26 "Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; 27 and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.'28 "In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. Now why would God call good professing Christians "evildoers" and not let them into heaven. It is because God knows their hearts and He knows that they have never truly repented of sin. Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Yes, it is God who knows our hearts and He will save those who will turn from their sin. God is also a just God and must punish sin. Just by not choosing God's ways, you have already chosen your own ways and because we are all sinners, the wages of sin is Eternal death. Jesus Christ died and paid the price for sin, once for all. The simple fact is, He has done His part, it is now your choice! Whom will you choose? God or self; Heaven or Hell. Those are the choices and judgment day is immanent. DM

25th

Sunday, April 25

Woe to the Land of Ethiopia

Isaiah 18

Isaiah preaches against Ethiopia in today's chapter and promises judgment upon this land because they had allied themselves against God's people, Israel. Many commentators think this refers to the Upper Nile, above the cataracts and what is now named Upper Egypt, Nubia, Eritrea and Ethiopia. This area is extremely arid, almost treeless, rugged mountains. Some of the poorest people on earth live in this area.

The Coptic Church in Egypt and Ethiopia has a hierarchical type of church government, much like the Roman Catholic, except they have their own Bishop and priests who lead the church. Ethiopia allows several of the main line denominations to have missionaries in Ethiopia. However, persecution has become the norm for today to both the Missionary and the Indigenous Churches.

Tradition has it that, King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba had "an affair" and a son was born to her after she left Israel. There are hundreds of Black Jews that have immigrated to Israel and have been accepted as Jews, because they claim Jewish blood from Solomon. In the Ethiopian Jewish Book entitled Teezaza Sanbat (Commandment of the Sabbath), we read of the creation, but primarily the book is focused on the greatness and glory of the Sabbath of Israel. The last emperor of Ethiopia was Halie Salassie, who claimed that he was the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah." In 1974, Salassie was forced from office; a provisional government was set up to rule the land. The only problem was that many of the people of the new government were Islamic and to this day, there is persecution and unrest throughout the land. In 2003, hundreds of Christians, both the youth and elderly were imprisoned and persecuted for their Christian faith. In August 2003, fifty seven youth were placed in steel over sea shipping containers for bringing Bibles to a summer military camp and to this date their fate is unknown.

In the future, when the nations of the world come up against Israel, and the armies of the North, East and South come, to make war with Israel, Ethiopia will be included as those from the South. RJS

26th

Monday, April 26

The Path to Truth

Isaiah 19

In this chapter, we read about Egypt. Judgment was coming against Egypt from the Lord. God is pictured as riding on a swift cloud (cf. Pss. 68:4, 33; 104:3). In Canaanite mythology this same idea is used of Baal, the god of rain and fertility. However, the Lord, not Baal, is the true Giver of rain (something Egypt would sorely need, Isa. 19:5-10) and fertility. (1) Although people are free to choose, God sets up kings and He sets aside kings.

The coming judgment would cause internal divisions (v. 2) and despair among the people when they would realize that their gods, only mere idols, and their occult practices (cf. mediums and... spiritists, 8:19; Lev. 19:31; 20:6) could not save them. Now they would be overtaken by a cruel master and a fierce king, the Assyrian empire's king. Egypt, who centuries before had been a cruel master over Israel (Ex. 1:11-14), would now be the object of cruelty. This Assyrian king was Esarhaddon, who conquered Egypt in 671 b.c. This judgment would come from the Lord, the Lord Almighty (Isa. 19:4), Israel's Master and great covenant-keeping God. (2)

In this chapter, human history is reversed. In the past Israel looked to Egypt, a type of the world, for help rather than God. This chapter speaks of a time when Egypt will look to Jerusalem for help. It is a reference to the kingdom when the knowledge of God will fill the earth and Jesus will rule from Jerusalem. God is determined to put down all enemies. Within the framework of the order of creation this will be accomplished. It is important to realize that God has limited Himself to certain principles in His dealings with fallen humanity. Within the framework of these principles, the day is coming when most in Israel and the whole earth will embrace truth. At this point, the kingdom will begin. This pattern is similar to our experience. The best of us don't seek the truth and find blessing. We turn our own way and in our failure, stop resisting truth and yield our hearts and lives to God. It is only then that we come to find great blessing. The same will take place on this earth relative to humanity as a whole. If we realize this, we will find it easier to patiently minister to others. DW

(1) (2) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

27th

Tuesday, April 27

God, or Mammon

Isaiah 20

The picture that God gives us here in this chapter is one where the people were relying on another country to protect them instead of God. In the USA, we have many allies and yes, by God's divine help, our country helps to protect many nations, including Israel. But we need to understand that God is able to overrule and overcome them all, including the USA. King David said, Psa 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Our daily provision and our daily protection comes solely through and from God Almighty. Psa 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

It is interesting to note how God, somewhat humorously, commands Isaiah to live for three whole years. He was to go without his outer clothing and he was to walk barefoot everywhere he went. This signified a picture of what would come to these protecting nations as an act of utter disgrace and humiliation. God used this example to teach the Nation of Israel of how the nations they were counting on to protect them would be after He got finished with them. In fact that is exactly what happened. Isaiah's nakedness and bare feet symbolized the coming desolation and shame of Egypt and Ethiopia at the hands of the Assyrians.

We need to bring some practical application here. What and whom do people trust in these days? The answer is clear; houses, jobs, cars, money, investments, government, the stock market, and self, etc. Stuff! The Scripture is clear. Mat 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. This nation has grown fat with indulgence and wealth. Do not be fooled. Most of us probably fit in to this category somewhere. The key to knowing what God desires is in repentance and submission; in obedience and living a godly life. Seriously, how many more days do you have left? No one knows except for God and sadly, many will stand before Him, judged and condemned to the Lake of Fire. Few will be saved, even yet as through fire. God desires all to be saved and that none should perish. After careful self examination, where do you stand and whom are you trusting in? Are you ready? Christ is coming soon! DM

28th

Wednesday, April 28

Nations are a Creation of God

Isaiah 21:1-16

Isaiah referred to the "desert of the sea" and it's possible he was referring to the great desert between the Euphrates and the Jordan Rivers. He speaks of the fall of Babylon and other kingdoms that have reaped destruction and now lie buried under the sands of time. These long forgotten kingdoms are representative of the wrath of God upon nations that neglect and forget God. When the Lord lifts His hands of blessing from a nation, destruction comes as a whirlwind either from without or within. God may consume a people with drought, floods, earthquakes or a multitude of other sources He has at hand. We need to remember that all nature is subject to the will of God and that it obeys Him without hesitation. It would do well for all people to look at history and see that a time comes when God says, "Enough is enough." Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed the following after eating grass in the field for seven years and his reason returned to him in Daniel 4:32, " the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He wills."

A nation is a creation of God even as an individual person is a product of God's creation. What forethought, what wisdom has been required for the planning of a nation! God brought God-fearing people from Western Europe to a new land; God had a design for America long before its discovery in 1492. God brought persecuted, chosen people to the colonies and special leadership to form a government of the people and by the people. The God-given freedoms we American's share today are because God fearing men who believed in prayer and honoring God were our first leaders. However, in the last half of the 20^th century we have been in the process of removing God from every facet of our society. America is already seeing anarchy by judges and civil leaders. There are two ways: 1) Stop this tide of disobedience to the laws of the land, and anarchy will be shut down by Christians getting on their knees and seeking revival. 2) By becoming involved in the political arena and standing for the faith delivered to the fathers. By praying and getting involved, we can thwart the destruction that is at the threshold of our wonderful nation and restore some "age old values" to our society. RJS

29th

Thursday, April 29

We Reap as We Sow

Isaiah 22

In this chapter, we read a message of Judgment on Jerusalem. Often Jerusalem is referred to as a mountain (e.g., Mount Zion), but here the city is called a valley. This also fits because a valley-the Kidron-runs between two hills directly east of the city. From this city God was revealing Himself to Isaiah; hence it was called the Valley of Vision.

(1) As the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom, the time came when they besieged Jerusalem.

Jerusalem was being besieged and the people inside the walls could do nothing about it. The people realized that the enemy's advancing to the very walls of Jerusalem was a day of judgment brought on by the Lord, the Lord Almighty (cf. vv. 12, 14-15, 25). The attack was not happenstance; it had come because of the people's disobedience (cf. vv. 12-14). In the city people were in tumult and terror as they saw the enemy camped outside waiting for an opportunity to get inside to sack and burn the city (v. 5).

(2)When faced with such a difficult circumstance, what would the people do? They should have turned their hearts from sin to God. Sadly, they did not. One would think that in such a precarious position the nation would turn back to God and repent. Obviously the city could not deliver itself (v. 8a). However, in their sinful condition the people still tried to do things their own way. When the people saw the enemy they should have repented, realizing they were helpless before the Assyrians. Pulling out their hair (cf. Ezra 9:3; Neh. 13:25) and wearing sackcloth (cf. comments on Isa. 3:24) were signs of mourning. But instead of mourning (22:12) the Jerusalemites "lived it up" in revelry (cf. v. 2), banqueting, and wine-drinking in the face of their impending death (tomorrow we die, v. 13). They did not believe God was powerful enough to save them and to follow through on His promises. Therefore a pronouncement of woe came to the people through Isaiah: this sin of lack of trust in the Lord would not be atoned for.

(3) Even though God in His grace spared the people this time because of King Hezekiah, the nation still came to destruction. In the end, there is no substitute for a righteous heart. DW

(1) (2) (3) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

30th

Friday, April 30

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Read Past Devotionals in the Devotional Archive!

Read Past Devotionals in the Devotional Archive!

Zephaniah, a Prophet of Doom

Zephaniah 1:1-6

Responding to Judgment

Zephaniah Chapter 2

Rejecting God's Correction Leads to Destruction

Zephaniah 3

Malachi 1: 14

Corrupt Spiritual Leadership

Malachi 2

Malachi 3

According to Malachi 4, Moses and Elijah would be Prominent

Malachi 4

The Backslider in Heart

Isaiah 1

The Future House of God

Isaiah 2

Hope for the Future

Isaiah 4

God's Disappointing Vineyard

Isaiah 5

I Dwell in the Midst of a People of Unclean Lips

Isaiah 6: 5-8

The Reign of Jesse's Offspring

Isaiah 11

An Oasis in the Desert of Sin and Sorrow

The Enemies of God

Isaiah 13

The Fall of Lucifer

Isaiah 14

The Moabites, the Children of Lot

Isaiah 15:1-9

A Warning Concerning Arrogance

Isaiah 16

Isaiah 17

Woe to the Land of Ethiopia

Isaiah 18

The Path to Truth

Isaiah 19

God, or Mammon

Isaiah 20

Nations are a Creation of God

Isaiah 21:1-16

We Reap as We Sow

Isaiah 22

Desolation and Destruction

Isaiah 23