September 25- Publicly Proclaiming Bold Promises

September 25, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16;
Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 24:3-4

Isaiah 45:11-48:11

God has a bold and authoritative voice in the book of Isaiah.  This is not a meek and bruised reed.  This is the God of the Universe who controls all things. He is not impressed with man-made idols.  He boldly proclaims that He is in control of the future and will make bold promises to prove who He is.

One promise God makes is that He is the one who will raise up King Cyrus of Persia to defeat Babylon.  Remember that Babylon is the earthly representation of rebellion against God.  It started with the Tower of Babel and will end with the one world government led by the Antichrist.  Babylon is represented as being loaded down with idols.  But one day, the pomp, glory and honor of Babylon will end.  She is pictured as a woman whose shame is revealed.  Public humiliation is her future.  This promise is fulfilled when Babylon is conquered by Persia, but this is also a future promise for that last world empire. She will no longer be considered the queen of kingdoms.

Babylon is a tool to punish the Israelites for their rejection of God. But the Babylonian pleasure-seeking rebels will not always flourish.  They will be used and then judged by God.  Isaiah reveals that these idols they have worshiped are really demon hordes (vs. 12).

In Chapter 48 God rebukes Israel for their stubbornness and rebellion. God explains that the reason He will not wipe out Israel for their obstinance is for Himself. He is going to rescue and forgive them for His own sake. The pagan nations will not be able to say that they defeated Israel and Israel's God.  He will not allow the unbelievers this satisfaction.

How do you like God's story?  Human beings are flawed.  He is in control.  He reveals that He is just and righteous.  He forgives and controls all things.  This is our God. 

Ephesians 4:1-16

Since the Gentiles have been put into the wonderful position in the story of being chosen by God to come into His family, Paul entreats the Gentiles to walk worthy of their calling.  Instead of being obstinate and stubborn, Paul calls believers to be humble and gentle. Patience with others is a sign of God's love.

Here is a call to unity...There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.  Do you believe this?

People are unique within the family of God by the unique gifts that each person in the Body has been given.   This is explained when the Apostle Paul quotes the psalm that we read yesterday.  It is about Jesus ascending into heaven and leading the captives from death and giving gifts to people.  The gifts are special abilities that we are to use in the body of Christ on earth.

As we become more and more like Christ, our unique gifts are used to help the whole body stay healthy and grow.  Using our gifts also promotes love.  Remember, God is love.

What are the gifts that God has given you?  How are you using them to help other believers?

Psalm 68:19-35

Do you feel carried in the Savior's arms each day?  You are. This psalm shows us a picture of Jesus' millennial reign where all of the nations are bringing Him tribute. Even Egypt and Ethiopia, who have long been Israel's nemesis, are coming to worship the King.  Praise God!

Proverbs 24:3-4

The house being built here is an eternal home built by the Lord.  Our future rests on wisdom and knowledge.  It is God's wisdom that keeps the universe operating.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton