Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
We cannot do it ourselves. We need the LORD's salvation. Isaiah affirms God's ability to do this. The problem is Israel's sin, seen in her injustice and persecution of those who do turn from evil. But seeing no-one is able to help, we are told of the LORD putting on salvation like armour, to bring destruction on his people's enemies and redemption to the repentant. Chapter 59 ends with a promise that the servant's words will be talked of through all generations as he then relates the most exalted picture of what God will do for his people. They will be lit up by God's glory rather than the sun or moon, as those from throughout the world come to them with tribute to God. The language speaks of Jerusalem being rebuilt in the richest of splendour, freed from all sorrow and made utterly righteous. The words found fulfilment first in Christ as the magi brought him gold and frankinsense (60v6). This showed that it is in him that this repentant people of God were to be formed, and to him that those from the nations will come. And so the Bible ends with a great multidude from Israel and the nations as the new Jersualem pictured in Isaiah 60 (Rev 21v22-27). It should move us to cling to Christ with a genuine repentance, but also with real excitement. As you read note what is promised.
Isaiah 59-60
Isaiah 59-60
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.