Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22;
Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18
Isaiah 25:1-28:13
Christ's millennial kingdom is a time for God to fulfill His promise of an earthly ruler for Israel, who will rule throughout eternity. Chapter 25 of Isaiah gives us a glimpse into what that earthly reign will entail. It is a picture of abundance, fellowship, good food, provision, and gladness. With the ruthless leaders of the earth conquered and bound for future destruction, Christ wipes away every tear (Vs. 8) and swallows up death. Can you imagine? Does your hope rest on these promises? Finally, all mockery and insults against Israel will cease. In that day, all the children of Abraham (including those who are spiritual children by belief in Christ), will enjoy the presence of Jesus and relax in His righteous reign on earth.
Chapter 26 provides a Song of Praise that is sung by the inhabitants of the earth during this time of peace and prosperity on earth. The song recounts God's works, His destruction of ruthless rulers and oppressors, and the promise of resurrection life (Vs. 19) for those who love God. We know that Christ fulfilled the promise of God's light of life coming to those who were in the grave when He rose from the dead after His crucifixion. Christ set the captives free from the grave when He rose from Sheol after His death. All those who had died in faith prior to His resurrection where set free from Hades (the holding place of death) when He rose. They are now seated with Christ in heaven.
In Chapter 27, we see Satan described as a sea serpent Leviathan. He is the dragon of the sea. This imagery is used throughout the Bible. We see it in the books of Job and Revelation. While Satan is punished, Israel takes root in the land and flourishes throughout the earth. God's ways will overcome the earth and defeat the ways of evil. Israel is God's chosen instrument to demonstrate His power and goodness. Although Israel is a foolish and stupid people, who have a tendency to turn from God, He takes these lifeless branches and brings them to life, making them fruitful and productive. Verse 12 provides the narrative for God bringing the nation of Israel back to the land and to true worship of Him.
Chapter 28 is a prediction of Samaria's captivity. These are the 10 Northern tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. They are described as being led by drunks. We see that the Northern Kingdom was prosperous and licentious. But, Assyria is sent to punish the North by taking it into captivity. Eventually, the Lord will be Israel's crowning glory in the future. The drunkeness of the priests and prophets will be judged by God. They refused to listen to God, so God sends a foreign oppressor, who does not speak their language, to speak judgment upon them. Verse 12 reveals God patiently giving His message of truth to Israel repeatedly.
Do you listen to God? Does God have to bring suffering upon you before you become open to the truth of who He is? Obedience is a better way!
Galatians 3:10-22
Paul is continuting to teach a very important truth to the church in Galatia. That truth is that Christ rescues us from the curse pronounced by the law. The Old Testament is a heavy weight of judgment against sin. The New Testament has the lightness of forgiveness in it. Jesus provided this lightness by hanging on a cross and absorbing the curse of sin for us. Gentiles get to receive the same blessings that Abraham received, and in addition, they get the Holy Spirit who will live inside of them and work to sanctifiy them each day.
Paul explains that the promise to Abraham of this future child who would save the world was not negated by Moses when God gave Moses the Law. The promise is to Abraham and it is an irrevocable agreement. The Law was given to show us our sin and how guilty we all are before God. The Law shows us the need for the child from Abraham that was promised. The Law and the Promise are not in conflict. We receive the promise of Christ through belief.
Do you understand Paul's teachings? We are not bound by the Law any longer. We are bound by love to be obedient through the gift of the Holy Spirit to Christ.
Think and meditate about what this means in your life.
Psalm 61:1-8
God is the one to whom we must cry for help. He is our eternal king who will rule with righteousness.
Proverbs 23:17-18
Don't envy sinners. It's easy to do, but it is unwise. Fear the Lord. He controls the earth.
What did you see today?
Blessings,
Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
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