resurrection or restoration?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

 

SDC12593Isaiah 26-27. 

Is Isaiah promising resurrection here, or merely the restoration of Israel?  He uses language of physical resurrection: “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead” (26:19). But then he seems to be predicting that the exiles will return to the land (27:13).  In chapter 26, Isaiah speaks of the former lords who ruled over Israel (like the Egyptians and Assyrians). These are dead, have been destroyed, and all memory of them has been wiped out (14).  But Israel remains.  Israel has reason to hope. That hope is not a choice between resurrection  and restoration, but a combination of the two. God will not forget his nation, nor will he forget a single believer within it.

LORD, we trust in you for a resurrection from among the dead.

Posted in confidence, Isaiah, resurrection, sleep of death | Tagged , | Leave a comment

being God’s dominion

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1D (3)Psalm 114

While living in New Zealand, my wife and I visited a huge lamb farm.  We took a tour of the farm which consisted of riding in the back of a pickup truck and viewing thousands of sheep while a worker explained the farm.  There was a mass flow of sheep, but all of them got out of our way as soon as we appeared.  The psalmist pictures the sea and mountains running to hide as Israel showed up in the wilderness.  The power of God moved with them.  That is what it means to be God’s dominion.

LORD, give us awareness of your presence among us.

Posted in courage, discernment, fear, glory | Tagged | Leave a comment

we have waited

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

 

SDC12591Isaiah 25  

We have waited for the LORD to save us by subduing the oppressor (1-5,10-12).  We have waited for the feast which all peoples will enjoy on Mt. Zion (6). We have waited for the day when the veil of death is swallowed up for all nations (7-8a). We have waited for the LORD to eliminate sorrow and shame (8b). We have waited for the day of rejoicing and gladness when we can say “this is our God, we have waited for him” (9).

LORD, thank you for being the stronghold and shelter in which we can wait for your deliverance. Grant us perseverance as we wait for your ultimate answer to our prayers.

Posted in deliverance, perseverance, resurrection, second coming, vindication | Tagged | Leave a comment

from where God looks

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Hex0018Psalm 113

From where God looks, we are all lowly.  He looks far down on the heavens because his glory is above the heavens.  Those we deem as the greatest of earth are poor and needy compared to him.  This same unapproachable immortal God has chosen to raise the poor from the dust, and lift the needy from the ash heap, and make them sit with princes.  Everything he does is an act of grace.

LORD, rescue us.  Look down and raise us up.

Posted in compassion, dependence upon God, grace, humility | Tagged | Leave a comment

ultimate judgment

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000023Isaiah 24

In his previous oracles, Isaiah had predicted that the LORD would judge the nations around him, including his own.  The judgment is described as possibly imminent, possibly within the lifetime of his readers.  Now, Isaiah steps back and looks at the horizon.  He predicts the ultimate judgment of the whole earth.  It will be emptied because of the transgressions of its inhabitants, and no rank or nation will escape.  Now, this judgment is imminent.

LORD, make us ready for your judgment.  Forgive our sins, and prepare us for your visitation.

Posted in forgiveness, Isaiah, judgment, second coming | Tagged | Leave a comment

a firm and steady heart

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000022Psalm 112

This wisdom psalm contrasts two hearts.  The heart of the wicked desires selfish things, and those desires will perish with it.  If he sees a righteous man honored, he gets angry.  Why?

The heart of the righteous fears God, and delights in his commandments.  His heart is firm and steady.  He generally has all the wealth and riches he needs, but when bad news comes, he is not afraid of it, because his trust is not in his riches, but in his LORD.

The differences in the two hearts is revealed when fortunes are reversed, when things do not happen as planned.  Watch and learn.

LORD, give us a firm and steady heart, then whatever else we get will be enough.

Posted in commitment, contentment, dependence upon God, faithfulness, obedience, trust | Tagged | Leave a comment

off limits?

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000021Isaiah 23

Tyre had built itself up as a major economic hub of the world at its time.  It had prostituted itself to the surrounding nations to such an extent that everyone depended on its trade.  It was unthinkable that this great provider of wealth would be attacked and laid waste.  But the LORD predicted that it would happen, and it did.  It was a reminder to the world that no nation was beyond judgment.  It still is.  Disaster looms upon even the great nations upon whom all the others depend for their wealth. 

Forgive us LORD, if we ever dare to presume that we are off limits.

Posted in discernment, humility, Isaiah, judgment | Tagged | 1 Comment

fearing and following

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000019Psalm 111

Fearing the LORD leads to studying his works, as revealed in his word.  Practicing his righteousness, in fear of his power, leads to a good understanding.  In this world of constant strife and debate, how can we know that we are anywhere near the truth?  We can stay true to God, and he will lead us there. 

LORD, we fear you, and we seek to follow you. 

Posted in commitment, discernment, discipleship, fear, obedience | Tagged | Leave a comment

complacency

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000016Isaiah 22

After devoting several chapters to predictions about the fate of surrounding nations, now Isaiah turns to Jerusalem.  His complaint is that the city gave in too quickly to its new status as servant of the surrounding superpowers.  There was too little mourning over the loss, and too much acceptance, too little fasting and too much feasting.  Shebna is an example of this, and the LORD will make an example of him.  He will be replaced – his sure position will be given to another.

LORD, protect us from complacency.

Posted in discernment, discipleship, Isaiah, judgment, loyalty | Tagged | Leave a comment

the day of his wrath

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1003Psalm 110

This psalm shows the future Messianic king being accepted freely by his people, in holy garments.  It shows the power of that king, as he executes judgment upon the nations, filling them with corpses, over the wide earth.  The psalm is one of the most widely quoted in the New Testament.  David believed that the Messiah would not simply rescue his people and take them to heaven.  He believed that the Messiah would conquer the world for himself.  The New Testament authors shared that belief.  Do you?

LORD, give us the courage to believe what you have said about yourself in scripture.

Posted in David, destruction in hell, Jesus Christ, plan of God | Tagged | Leave a comment