(456) 2 April: Proverbs 22v2 / Isaiah 44v24-45v25 / Psalm 99v1-4

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

Proverbs 22:2

Understanding to grow in

The LORD directs and governs absolutely everything. Everything. So he is in no way defensive in declaring "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster" (45v7). He uses even evil for good. And we have no right to quarrel with him about what he does, for we are mere clay in the hands of him as the potter (45v9-11). But what he does here is good for his people. He promises to raise up a Persian King, Cyrus, who will defeat Babylon and decree that the exiled Jews can return and rebuild their temple (A stone on which this decree was made can be seen in the British Museum - the "Cyrus Cylinder"). Again, the LORD's intent in all this, is that people would know that he is the true God as opposed to the idols, and be acknowledges not just by the Jews but by those from the nations who witness what he does as well. This is his great purpose in raising up Jesus to deliver us from our exile from his everlasting kingdom too. As you read note what the Lord tells us he is able to do.
Isaiah 44:24-45:25

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.

Psalm 99:1-4

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here