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April 23 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 113

There's a lot of politics involved in today's readings.  Consequently, it can be hard to understand everything that's happening or make all the connections to the nations that are mentioned.  Just remember that we're hearing a prophetic voice in the midst of those circumstances.

Image result for Isaiah preached naked

DAILY READINGS

Isaiah 18-22 & Psalm 113



DAILY NOTES

Isaiah 18



  • Ethiopia is going to bless Israel with gifts.
Isaiah 19
  • God has judgement for Egypt.  
  • Later, Egypt, Assyria and Israel will be a 3-fold blessing.
Isaiah 20
  • Don't worry!  You'll never have to worry about this happening at our church.
Isaiah 21
  • God denounces 3 foreign nations.
Isaiah 22
  • Instead of mourning their sins as God told them to do, the people of Israel celebrated victory.  So, God gives them a warning of destruction.
Psalm 113
  • A psalm about God's willingness to help those who are in need.


OTHER OBSERVATIONS

We're all mature adults.  So, let's not freak out too much about the naked prophet.



Ok.  I'll admit; it's a little funny.  And some commentators suggest that he wasn't completely naked; he only wore extremely torn and wore out garments.  You decide.



What would drive him to that?  Of course, God told him to.  We also understand that Isaiah strongly opposed a potential multi-national revolt against Assyria.  This was Isaiah's best (most dramatic?) way to indicate what he thought would be the result of such an action.



Sure, it's extreme.  But is there anything you feel passionately about that you would do/say something as dramatic in order to communicate the kind of danger Isaiah saw?



If so, then you probably understand where Isaiah is coming from.  If not, then you probably need to get more passionate about things that matter.



Stay blessed...john

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