January 27, 2023
DAY 27 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses for Today: Isaiah 19:19-22
Today we continue our journey through the book of Isaiah, who was a prophet of the Lord. You need to keep in mind as we study the prophets that they didn’t have a supernatural understanding of the things which God was revealing to them. They had an absolute dedication to God’s instruction: even if that meant telling the entire Nation of Judah – hundreds of thousands of people – that their King was to be born, die, and come back to start a new nation. Although Isaiah trusted and followed, it is not likely He understood.
Take some time to seek God’s guidance and understanding for our journey through Isaiah 18-22 today. Read Isaiah 18-22. Let’s journey!
Isaiah 18-22: In all the chapters journeyed through today, we learned of God’s punishment for those who persecute His people. Once again, we see God using pagan lands to capture Jerusalem and His chosen people, Israel, as a form of punishment and correction to point them back to Him. It seemed that every country of the Old Testament time had their gods. The rulers appear to believe that when they went to battle that the country with the superior god would prevail. This logic would lead to the belief that the various god’s powers rose and fell somewhat like the tide of the ocean. The children of Israel did not seem to follow that way of thinking. It appears that when they decided to engage in the sinful conduct of other nations, God would withdraw His protection from them. They appeared to know this; yet, like us today, they began to accept the sinful ways of the world around them. God’s judgment would come upon them. They would suffer at the hands of their captors until they returned to God, who, upon hearing their plea to Him, would restore them. (Isaiah 18:1-22:25)
Our focus verse for today:
19In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. 20It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 21So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. 22The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. (Isaiah 19:19-22, NIV)
Today’s focus verses speak of Egyptians and Assyrians coming to God. It speaks of Israelis, Egyptians, and Assyrians, believing and worshiping together. This is an incredible prophecy. It makes clear that God is God of all people; not just the people of Israel. That said, it is important to understand that the people of Israel hold a special place with God because He made them caretakers and deliverers of His word. Why is the distinction important? How does this prophecy make you feel?
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