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April 22 & Daily notes & readings

DAY 112

Today, we're reading a part of Isaiah that centers on oracles against some of the foreign nations.  You'll notice how they are spoken against because of their pride and arrogance.  As we've already seen before, they are used as weapons of God, but will endure judgement, too.

DAILY READINGS

Isaiah 13-17 & Psalm 112

DAILY NOTES

Isaiah 13

  • I've read "oracle" translated as burden and or harsh prophecy.  That puts these words into great perspective
  • Babylon will face the the day of the Lord's judgement as well.  It will mean destruction for the nation.
Isaiah 14
  • Judah will be restored.  Not only will they live in peace, but they will have dominion over those who ruled them.
  • God gives them a "taunt," also translated as a proverb or parable, to use against Babylon.  A spiritual nana-nana-boo-boo?
Isaiah 15
  • There is an oracle spoken against Moab.
  • Notice the  sense of compassion in Verse 5.  Does this mean the prophet/God does not look forward to doing this?  The prophet actually has great regret? 
    • You can see that in Chapter 16.  The "outcasts of Moab" are to be given refuge among Judah.
Isaiah 17
  • An oracle against Damascus
Psalm 112
  • A life that is lived faithfully is a blessed life.  We can give/should give thanks to God for that life.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

In reading the Old Testament, especially those sections that deal with judgement, I've heard many people question God.  Why would God be like that?  Why would God be so harsh?  

Those are fair questions.  There are other questions to be asked, though.  What about us?  What does it say about us that God has to judge us?  What does is say about us that God tells us what will happen if we continue the way we have but we don't pay attention?  There's a lot more to say about us than there is about God in these passages.  

As we continue to read, ask yourself those kinds of questions.  Don't be afraid to let the Holy Spirit give you some answers.

Stay blessed...john

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