false hope

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND01 (3)Isaiah 19-20

It would have been embarrassing to see the great prophet walking around naked and barefoot for three years. The people probably thought that he had finally lost it – that he had gone utterly mad.  All this time they were thinking that God was going to rescue them from the Assyrian threat by means of Egypt and Cush. Then God tells them that it is this false hope that they should be ashamed of.

LORD, forgive us for putting our hope in flesh. It is hard to see your invisible hand, and it is easy to grasp at some other form of rescue, and assume that you are in it. May we put our hope in you alone.

May we who are being tempted to put our hope in the wrong place be reminded of your power and faithfulness.

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grant us help

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMGP0148Psalm 108

A nation fully aware of their insufficiency pleads for God to grant them help against their foe.  His greatness extends beyond their border, even above the heavens.  With him they shall do valiantly, because it is he who will tread down their foes.

LORD, when we are faced with the impossible, we will trust in your help.

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just you wait

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000016Isaiah 17-18

Neither power alliances like that of Israel and Damascus, nor alliances with foreign exotic nations like Ethiopia who send ambassadors by ship will accomplish God’s will.  The LORD is working out his will in a slow and steady way, like the heat of noonday.  He will cause these great powers to be deserted, and will some day exalt his land, causing the other nations to bring him tribute.  Just you wait.

LORD, we await your time, and ask that you help us to reach the nations with the gospel, so that many welcome you when you return to reign.

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the LORD of the second chance

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0997Psalm 107

The psalmist looks at four different groups of people who suffer (exiles, slaves, fools, endangered) – the for winds of those scattered.  Then he tells how God orchestrates reversals, so that those who felt all hope was lost now have a second chance.  This is the way God works.  He allows us to get to the end of our rope, and he is there holding the other end. 

LORD, thank you for being the God of rescue – the LORD of the second chance.

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shelter the outcasts

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0995Isaiah 15-16

Though the prophet predicts a sudden attack, humiliating Moab, and God is behind the attack  — he also commands the inhabitants of Judah to grant asylum to the fleeing Moabites.   The people of God are not to gloat over the fate of their enemies but to use occasions like this to extend mercy and shelter.  The reason is that the earthly oppressor (in this case, Assyria) will soon go away.  The Messiah from heaven will come and bring true justice and righteousness.  Life today is not about being lucky enough to be on the right side in the battle.  It is about being prepared for the next life.  Following Jesus today is what matters.  He tells us to love our enemies.

LORD, give us the courage to follow you now.

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bad record

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

F1000005Psalm 106

The psalmist praises God for delivering his people over and over again, even though they have not lived up to the standard of his faithfulness.  Over and over the Israelites have despised his deliverance and acted unfaithfully.  They have a bad record, but they have a good God.  The psalmist calls on God once again to save his people, and gather them from among the nations.  He intends to gather his people in a great harvest.  They do not deserve it, but he is a God of grace.

LORD, gather us from among the nations, that we may praise and worship you forever.

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destruction from the Almighty

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

F1000003Isaiah 13-14

The day of the LORD will come for the powerful and oppressive Assyrians and Babylonians.  It will mean their destruction.  The king of Babylon thinks that he will arise to the heights of heaven (14:13).  In reality, Sheol (the grave) awaits him.  Maggots are his bed, and worms his covers (14:11).  Isaiah gives his suffering people some perspective.  Even the mightiest and cruelest of their enemies will suffer the fate of all humanity.  Only God lives forever.  Only his promises give us hope of life beyond the grave.  So, Jesus tells his disciples not to fear great oppressors like the kings of Assyria and Babylon: “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:5).

LORD, You have decreed destruction for the destroyers.  We fear you, and we trust you.

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miracles in the land of Ham

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0697Psalm 105

This psalm was a comfort for the Israelites who found themselves in exile in foreign lands, because it recalled all the times that the LORD defended, protected, and avenged Israel when they were in foreign lands among foreign kings.  It links the people with their God, and his promises to their ancestors, and to them.  The people need not trust in their own power when trials come.  There is a sovereign God at work in their lives.

LORD, thank you for being with us, and working out your ill in our lives wherever we go.

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recovery

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0782Isaiah 11-12

Looking far into the future, Isaiah sees a felled forest which is the LORD’s own people.  Judgment has taken place.  But out of the stump of Jesse sprouts a branch.  A new king arises.  He will gather together the LORD’s people, destroying their divisions, and recovering them in righteousness.  The people thank the LORD for turning away his anger and comforting them.  Together they give thanks, pray in his name, and make known his deeds among the peoples.

LORD, thank you for recovering your remnant, and making us a part of your gathered harvest.

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ecosystem

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0698Psalm 104

The psalmist analyzes how the earth works together like a precision machine to sustain itself – or not.  He assumes that there is an unmoved mover, an uncreated creator.  He sees intelligent design in the ecosystem, and it is cause for praise.  He does not see the analysis of the system to be a reason to reject God.  In fact, his awareness of the remarkable way that God provides for his creation is a reason for a relationship with him.  He calls for sinners (those who have rejected that relationship) to be consumed from the earth, for the wicked to be “no more” (35).  The same LORD who uses death as part of his grand scheme to renew the earth (29) will also use the second death to rid his world of sin.  It is all part of the design.

LORD, open our eyes to see the world as you see it.

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