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
Tyre is now spoken against. It is much like our own society: "The market place of the nations," from where goods and services are exported. Hedonistic as "a city of revelry." And "proud" in her "splendour," considering herself above other cities and nations because of her financial prominence and the culture that goes with it. Yet we are told she will be brought down because of this pride. Her sin not to honour God for her success and to give herself to trade without scruples, like an attractive prostitute, seducing others with her corrupting culture (23v17). We are told however, that in the end her profits will benefit God's people - perhaps a hint to some of faith in the LORD within Tyre, who will bring their cultural abilities into the new creation when raised from the dead (Rev 21v24). Certainly, the next oracle looks ahead to the judgment of the entire earth for breaking God's moral law that is written into the fabric of things (24v5). It will be a day when the demonic and human will be punished together (v21-22). And so there is a right joy and a wrong joy. The redeemed throughought the earth will rejoice to see justice finally done and God's name exalted. However, the joy of "revelry" throughout the earth will cease (24v8) - a stark word when one considers how many live a pleasure seeking life unaware of Christ. As you read consider what is condemned.
Isaiah 23-24
Isaiah 23-24
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.