When the enemies of your soul have chased it to the end of the line, there are only two options: give in and die, or turn to God and be rescued. David was at the end of the line. He was going to go to the grave, or the LORD was going to rescue him. He had no resources left.
LORD, we thirst for you, because only you have the power to rescue us.
The prophet’s words end with a mixture of hope and horror. While God is calling his own, and all the nations to himself, he is also warning that “those slain by the LORD shall be many.” The devouring fire and worms cannot be stopped, which is not a sign of “unending judgment” (ESV Study Bible notes), but a sign that the dead bodies will be unable to prevent their destruction. Those who go out and look on the dead bodies of the rebellious will have a sure witness that the LORD’s victory is final. No more rebellion, no more sin.
LORD, thank you for making an ultimate end of sin.
Both prophets see visions of a new heaven and a new earth. Isaiah condemns his listeners because they did not respond to God’s call, so they will experience judgment, not the promised blessing. Instead, the blessing will go to another chosen people that God himself will bring forth for his servant’s sake (8-9). John writes to encourage a church struggling to stay alive in the midst of oppression, persecution and impurity. He shows them the heritage of the conquerors: holiness, glory, eternal life and the presence of God among them. He does not write to a people who already possess that inheritance. Until Christ returns, death will come to all. But afterwards — that is another story.
LORD, keep our eyes on the prize of eternal life with you.
A person is only as strong as the partners by his side. Yet, there are some times when we look at our side and see no one who can help. That’s when we have to trust the silent partner to be a refuge for us.
Thank you LORD, for being our refuge when no one else can.
The temptation to avoid danger by falling in with the schemers is addressed here. David wanted protection, but he would rather be put in danger himself than take the easy way out by becoming a schemer. He would rather be beaten by a righteous man than fall in with hypocrites.
LORD, give us the courage to reject the easy way.
There is only one Messiah. He is a fearful king, whose coming will mean such slaughter of God’s enemies that he is pictured as having his robe covered in their lifeblood. Yet, this same Messiah is the only hope for redemption and salvation for Israel, whose righteous deeds are like a polluted garment (blood-stained from menstruation). The world’s judge is her only Savior.
Return, Lord Jesus. Make us holy by grace today, so that when you return, we do not need to suffer your wrath.
It is not paranoia when they are really out to get you. David prayed to God with the full assurance that evil men were setting traps for him. He trusted God, but he still prayed for those traps to backfire. Like David, we cannot afford to simply assume that the LORD will protect us. One of the ways he protects us is by putting prayers upon our hearts – prayers he wants to answer. So, it pays to be slightly paranoid, for our own protection.
LORD, people and evil spirits are out to get us. Deliver us!
Anyone who has ever known the cruelty and heartache of divorce can feel the message of Isaiah here. The LORD promises to un-forsake his people. He has not abandoned them. He tells them to get ready for his return, which will be gladness instead of mourning, honor instead of shame.
come, Lord Jesus. Even now, we celebrate the fulfillment of your promises.
The next big challenge that the enemy is hatching to destroy us is to teach our children that there is no real purpose to life. This psalmist has come to realize that life is all about the purpose of God. It is the hem that defines the garment. It is the reason for time itself. We cannot escape God because he has a reason for creating us. We can try to run from it, but it will find us. We can choose what we will, but we were designed for him. The wisest choice is to cooperate with that purpose that defines us.
LORD, lead us in the way which conforms to your purpose.
The land and people known for being afflicted, forsaken and hated will experience a reversal. It (and they) will be restored, beloved, and made beautiful and prosperous. In fact, the land and people of God will be made into a reflection of his righteousness and glory. When the LORD restores the earth, Jerusalem will be its central focus point.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Psalm 143
Isaiah 66
Psalm 142
Psalm 141
Isaiah 63-64
Isaiah 61-62
Psalm 139
Isaiah 60
