TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 110:1-7
The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. - Psalm 110:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
There aren’t any humans that perfectly illustrate the person and ministry of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. But the relationship between God the Father and His Son the Messiah in Psalm 110, reminds us of Philip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great.

Philip was a great ruler in his own right. He led his Macedonian armies against the Greek cities and conquered most of them. He also had great plans and dreams of conquest for Alexander. Philip hired Aristotle to tutor Alexander, and taught his son that he was descended from the great hero Hercules. Alexander became one of the greatest generals and conquerors in history, defeating the mighty Persian empire.

God the Father has great plans of conquest and rule for His Son, and nothing will prevent them from being carried out in Christ’s millennial kingdom. This psalm tells us of the Father (LORD or Yahweh) installing David’s Lord, the Messiah, at the Father’s right hand in the place of authority until the moment comes for His glorious return.

At that time the Father will bring His enemies into total subjection and place the scepter of absolute rule in the Son’s hand. We’ve seen this picture of Messiah holding His scepter several times this month. It was a common image in the Old Testament.

Once again, we are dealing with a Messianic psalm that describes Messiah’s all-conquering reign over the earth. Verses 2-3 refer to the troops who will gladly follow the Lord into battle, as fresh as the dawn and under the direction of their divine leader, who will also experience constant refreshing from God (v. 6).

There is no doubt that David’s images can be applied to Messiah. Jesus used Psalm 110:1 to teach that He was not only David’s descendant (son), but also his Lord (Mk. 12:35-37). And unlike any king before or since, Messiah has also been designated by God the Father as an eternal priest.

What a portrait of Messiah! He is our King, our merciful high priest, and the warrior who defeats His enemies, and ours.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus is seated at His Father’s right hand, until the kingdoms of this world come under His judgment.

But the writer of Hebrews says Jesus is exercising His ministry as a priest right now (Heb. 4:14-16). He identified with us by taking human flesh in His first coming. He understands firsthand our temptations and weaknesses. Your perfect and compassionate high priest is listening to you today. Bring to Him your deepest need.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7
To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. - Isaiah 9:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Today’s reading may take you back to the Christmas season. Isaiah 9:6 is one of the great Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah’s first coming as the child in Bethlehem.

But this same verse ends with an entirely different picture. Here the Messiah is not viewed as a baby but as a King. In other words, the last phrase of Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy of Messiah in His kingdom.

But these two events, Jesus’ birth and His return, are already separated by more than 2ꯠ years. And no one knows when Christ will come back to claim His kingdom. So how could Isaiah speak of Messiah’s two advents in one sentence?

One explanation draws a parallel between prophecy and two mountain peaks in the distance. Both peaks are clearly visible to you, but they are lined up in such a way that they appear to be close together rather than far apart. There is actually a long valley separating the two peaks, but you can’t see the valley from your vantage point.

That’s the way many of the Old Testament prophets saw the future in terms of God’s plan. Isaiah saw the two great peaks of Messiah’s two advents, but God chose not to reveal to him the huge gap of time that separates them. We’re part of that gap, because the time period we are talking about is often known as the church age.

Paul said the fact that Jews and Gentiles would be united in one new body was a mystery (Eph. 3:3-6), a truth not previously revealed before it was given to Paul.

Neither Isaiah nor any other Old Testament prophet knew all the details of the prophetic plan they were recording. This explains why Isaiah 9 contains elements of Christ’s first and second comings together in one narrative.

In addition to Jesus’ birth, Isaiah prophesied the impact of His ministry in bringing light to people in darkness. The prophet also pinpointed Galilee as the place where Messiah’s ministry would be concentrated (v. 2, cf. Matt. 4:15-16).

But the joy, liberation, and peace prophesied by Isaiah remind us of Christ’s return in glory. Isaiah saw the peaks, the high points. We are privileged to have a more complete revelation in God’s Word.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Think about the trustworthiness of God’s revelation to us.

Prophets like Isaiah faithfully recorded the message they were given by the Holy Spirit. They relayed God’s message accurately as it was given to them, even when they didn’t understand it or wondered how their prophecies would be fulfilled. Now we have the Bible, God’s Word we can trust completely. Take time to thank God for His wonderful Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 11:1-9
The earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. - Isaiah 11:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
George Frideric Handel wrote his famous oratorio Messiah under adverse conditions. His eyesight was failing, and he was under the threat of going to debtor’s prison because of unpaid bills. But despite these pressures, Handel wrote his work in three weeks, compelled by an overwhelming sense of joy. He said he felt as if his heart would burst with joy over the music he was hearing in his mind.

The inspiration Handel felt as he wrote the Messiah helps to explain its impact on listeners and performers. It’s hard to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” without imagining what it will be like when Jesus Christ returns to reign “for ever and ever.”

The prophet Isaiah peels back the corner of Christ’s millennial kingdom to give us a glimpse into the future. Many of the images in today’s reading are embraced even by those people who believe that world peace can be achieved by negotiations.

But the Bible never offers peace without the Prince of Peace. A world at peace will not just magically appear someday. Earth’s golden age will only arrive when this world comes under the direct reign of the Messiah, the “Branch” from the line of Jesse (David’s father).

The requirements for this King (vv. 2-5) cannot be met by any ordinary ruler, either in history or yet to come. Only Jesus Christ can claim the perfect fullness of the Holy Spirit as described by the prophet. Jesus alone is capable of judging righteously in every case, because He is perfect in righteousness. And no other ruler has the power to bring about worldwide judgment against evil.

Paul tells us that all of creation is groaning under the curse of sin, waiting eagerly for the day when God’s judgment will be lifted (Rom. 8:19-22). Isaiah reveals what will happen when creation is transferred from the dominion of Satan to its rightful owner and ruler.

The scenes portrayed here are almost beyond the imagination. In the second half of the chapter Isaiah turns his attention from the natural world to the nations. That will be our study tomorrow.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christ rules today as Lord and King in the lives of His people.

Since we have the King, we also enjoy His blessings. One example is the Holy Spirit’s ministry, as outlined in Isaiah 11:2. The Spirit who indwells us brings all the wisdom, counsel, power, and knowledge of God into our lives. Our response is to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). Come to the Lord with an open heart today and ask for the increase of the Holy Spirit’s revelation and power in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 9:10-16
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah. - Isaiah 11:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Since the government of the former Soviet Union lifted its severe restrictions on Jewish emigration in the 1980s, hundreds of thousands of Jews have poured into Israel from Russia and other Soviet republics. Officials say that in 1999 alone, more than 60ꯠ Jews came to Israel from other nations. This figure includes the last members of the Jewish remnant in the nation of Ethiopia, who were airlifted to Israel last year in a dramatic rescue effort. This return is being called a “second exodus” by many of those involved in helping Jews around the world immigrate to Israel.

Whether this current wave of Jewish emigration signals a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy remains to be seen. But it is unprecedented in history since the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and the dispersion of God’s chosen people.

Isaiah clearly prophesied that the Jewish people would return to the land of Israel in preparation for Messiah’s coming to establish His kingdom. And the prophet did compare this great future return to Israel’s Exodus from Egypt under Moses (v. 16).

Scripture says that God will eventually regather Israel in fulfillment of His covenant promises. The Abrahamic covenant guaranteed that the land would belong to Israel (Gen. 15:18-21; 17:7-8), and God’s covenant with David promised that a king from his line would forever rule on Israel’s throne (2 Sam. 7:16).

Jesus fulfilled many of God’s promises during His incarnation-–He will fulfill all of tham at His second coming. God will fulfill all His promises to the Church and to Israel (Rom. 9-11), and we can be confident that what He does will completely surpass any human expectation.

Israel will play a key role in the Messiah’s kingdom. The Scripture indicates that many Jewish people will believe in Christ when He reveals Himself as Messiah (Rom. 11:25-27), and will come under the blessings of the new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34). The Gentile nations will also share in the joys of Messiah’s kingdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Believers in Jesus Christ don’t have to wait to enjoy the benefits of His peace.

Redemption in Christ brings us peace with God when the sin that separated us from Him is removed. The Holy Spirit’s ministry brings us the peace of God, the assurance of His presence in any circumstance. God also wants us to be at peace with each other. If you are at odds with another Christian, ask God for the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. - Isaiah 42:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Charles Colson is known around the world as the founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Colson’s first book, Born Again, tells the dramatic story of his conversion after being sentenced to prison for his role in the Watergate scandal during Richard Nixon’s administration. As a brand-new Christian facing prison, Colson was ministered to by Senator Harold Hughes, a believer who offered to serve Colson’s sentence if the judge would let him go. The judge refused, but Colson was deeply impacted by the example of servant leadership he saw in Hughes.

The terms servant and leader are opposites in the world’s lexicon. Charles Colson had never seen loving sacrifice during his years in the inner circles of political power. Maybe that’s because the concept of servant leadership did not originate on earth. It came straight from heaven in the person of Jesus the Messiah, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mk. 10:45).

Earlier we talked about the way Old Testament prophets sometimes spoke of Messiah’s first and second comings in the same breath, since they did not always see the gap between these two events. Isaiah 42 is another example of this. It’s the first of what are often called the prophet’s “Servant Songs.” These are passages that depict the life and ministry of the Messiah, God’s holy servant, and they are incredibly rich. We’ll look at each one over the next week.

We can see the traits of servant humility that characterized the Messiah during His life on earth. Jesus did not create an uproar or make a scene, so to speak. He restored the most broken of lives. He was the very fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel, and He brought light to the Gentiles.

And above all, Jesus came to be the servant of all. No wonder Matthew quoted from Isaiah 42 in referring to the Lord (Matt. 12:18-21).

But Isaiah also mentioned an important element of Christ’s second coming--the establishment of universal justice. The Messiah came the first time as the unassuming servant. He will return, however, as the King of Kings who will reward His own servants for their faithfulness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s interesting that the symbol for Prison Fellowship is the bruised reed of Isaiah 42:3, which is the ministry’s theme verse. This passage is a wonderful reminder that Jesus Christ can mend broken lives. All of us are broken to some degree. Where do you feel the weakest and most inadequate in your life and service for Christ? That’s the place where He desires to show you His power. He can exchange your weakness for His strength today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 49:1-7
Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down. - Isaiah 49:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
D. L. Moody told of the time when William Carey, the great missionary, was at a party attended by the governor-general of India. Also present were military officers, who viewed Carey with contempt. One of the officers said, “I believe that Carey was a shoemaker, wasn’t he, before he took up the profession of a missionary?”

Carey spoke up with typical humility. “Oh, no, I was only a cobbler. I could mend shoes, and wasn’t ashamed of it.” Moody saw in Carey’s attitude a reflection of Christ. Later Moody wrote, “The one prominent virtue of Christ was His humility.... In His entire submission and dependence on His Father, this virtue--consummated in His death on the cross--shines out.”

Jesus the Messiah demonstrated this beautiful humility as He set aside the glory and privileges of being in heaven with God the Father to become God’s Servant on earth. Jesus is the Servant-King, who came the first time to give His life as a ransom for sinners and will return a second time to claim His throne.

Isaiah foretold the Servant role of Messiah in a series of prophecies often called the “Servant Songs.” Today’s prophecy is especially intriguing because in it, the Servant Himself speaks about His unique ministry and relationship to the Lord God.

We can read these verses with an insight Isaiah didn’t possess, because we see their fulfillment in the events of Jesus’ life.

Sometime in eternity past God the Father designated His Son to be Israel’s Messiah and Savior. The Father then sent the Son into the world with the “sharpened sword” of His Word (v. 2) to redeem Israel.

The Messiah then speaks of His rejection (v. 3) and takes comfort in the fact that His exaltation comes from God (vv. 4-5). And His ministry would be victorious because God decreed that the Servant would also be the Savior of the world.

The Servant’s ministry continued after His rejection. Isaiah prophesied His future exaltation, which the New Testament reveals will occur at Jesus’ second coming (Phil. 2:10-11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Every time we open our Bibles, we need to open our hearts to the searching power of God’s Word.

Hebrews 4:12 says the Word can reach to the depths of our souls in making God’s truth known to us. One way we can prepare ourselves for this encounter with God is to pray for a willing spirit and listening ear as we study. We suggest you write the words “Hebrews 4:12” on a card and use it as a bookmark in your Bible for the rest of the month. The card will be a reminder to begin your daily study with prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 50:4-9
The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious. - Isaiah 50:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper wrote that Jesus Christ’s endurance carried Him through the great struggles He faced on earth. “First in the wilderness, then in Pilate’s judgment hall, and finally upon the cross, [Jesus] was steadfast. He endured. Satan left nothing untried in his efforts to destroy that glorious, holy, divine life. But the holiness of Jesus was neither marred nor even slightly soiled.”

Kuyper’s thoughts underscore the uniqueness of our great Savior, who gave Himself willingly to be God’s Servant. He who was without sin willingly laid down His life to redeem us. Jesus’ absolute sinlessness is what makes His sacrifice for our sins effective.

Once again in Isaiah 50, the Servant speaks for Himself and declares His obedience to God, the extent of His sacrifice, and His confidence that God will uphold Him in His purity.

It is painful to read of the suffering that our sin caused the Lord, even more so when the Servant-Messiah describes in His own words what He would endure. Verse 6 is so specific in its detail that we could easily forget this is prophecy, written at least six hundred years before Christ’s birth.

The Bible teaches that from God’s perspective, Jesus was “the Lamb that was slain” before the world was ever made (Rev. 13:. That’s how much He loved a world that He knew would reject and crucify Him!

It would be amazing enough if Jesus just endured the suffering that came upon Him in the course of carrying out His ministry. But Jesus “offered” Himself as the sacrifice for sin. He chose the cross, moving toward it with deliberate commitment (v. 7; cf. Lk. 9:51) even though, as Kuyper said, Jesus knew that Satan would try everything to destroy Him.

Jesus knew He would not fail, however, because His Father would vindicate Him. The Servant would face His accusers in a series of trials, but they would have nothing to say against Him. Jesus’ holiness was never in question.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Servant’s questions, “Who is my accuser?” and “Who is he that will condemn me?” (vv. 8-9) are echoed by the apostle Paul in Romans 8:31-34.

We are the ones encouraged to ask the questions in Romans. We can do this not because we are without sin, but because Christ paid for our sins on the cross. Think of it. No one can ever bring up any charge against you if your sins are forgiven in Christ. Doesn’t that make you want to thank Him today?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 52:13-15
My servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. - Isaiah 52:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Marcus and Narcissa Whitman became martyrs for the gospel due to a tragic mistake. The young missionary doctor and his wife headed for the American Northwest in 1836 to minister to Native Americans in the Oregon Territory. They worked among the Cayuse tribe until 1847, when an epidemic of measles killed a number of children. The Cayuse mistakenly thought Dr. Whitman had caused the disease, and they murdered both him and his wife.

Many of God’s servants have been martyred by people who were blinded by hatred and lack of understanding. Jesus said we should not be surprised when the world persecutes His disciples, because that’s the way He Himself was treated (Jn. 15:18-21). God’s Servant-Messiah suffered at the hands of sinners in ways we will never completely understand.

The prophet Isaiah saw a glimpse of Christ’s arrest, trial, and suffering. This final section of the “Servant Songs” (52:13--53:12) deals with the Servant’s suffering--except for the last verse, which looks forward to His exaltation. Despite Christ’s terrible suffering, the end of the story will be glorious.

Yesterday we talked about the Servant’s holy character and the total injustice of His mistreatment. This thought is repeated in God’s statement, “My servant will act wisely” (52:13). Jesus always did what His Father wanted Him to do (Jn. 8:29). Our Savior’s perfect obedience, even to the cross (Phil. 2:, is the reason He is “highly exalted” in heaven.

Why were so many people “appalled” or astonished at Jesus? The text suggests that one reason was the terrible physical abuse He underwent during His trials and crucifixion. It’s not hard to imagine the crowds in Jerusalem staring in horror at what their leaders and the Romans did to Jesus.

But there could be more to this astonishment. Isaiah says in verse 15 that kings and nations will be speechless when they finally realize the awful mistake they made by putting to death the only one who can provide cleansing for sin. This will happen when the Servant who had no physical beauty (Isa. 53:2) will be revealed in glorious splendor at His second coming.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today is devoted to expressing our love to the special people in our lives.

It’s also a perfect day to meditate on the amazing love that caused Jesus Christ to trade the glory of heaven for the pain of the cross. It’s even more amazing that He did it for us when we had nothing to offer Him. Love like this deserves our response today. If you have a favorite hymn that expresses your love for the Savior, sing it to Him as a sacrifice of praise.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 53:1-6
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. - Isaiah 53:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
As George Washington made his way to New York for his presidential inauguration, he was honored with grand celebrations everywhere he went. The nation was in love with its Revolutionary War hero and premiere President. But John Adams Washington’s Vice-President, received no such celebration. He told his wife Abigail, “My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.”

Some would say things haven’t changed much since 1789. The office of Vice-President is still unglamorous, and its many responsibilities are rarely recognized publicly. Many of the people who have held it are easily overlooked in history, remembered only as the answers to trivia questions.

Some of the most important Christians are servants who escape recognition and praise. By definition, servants do their work away from the spotlight. They rarely draw attention to themselves, and they don’t stand out in a crowd.

Jesus perfectly fit the profile of a servant in His first advent. He was born in the most humble circumstances without much public attention. Even the nation’s religious leaders, who knew Micah’s prophecy concerning Messiah’s birth (Matt. 2:5-6), didn’t bother to go to Bethlehem to verify the Magi’s report.

Isaiah also prophesied that the Servant would come from such an unlikely place (“dry ground,” v. 2) that people would easily overlook Him. Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth was so obscure that even one of His disciples was shocked by the idea of Messiah being a Nazarene (Jn. 1:46, see the Feb. 20 study).

The Messiah would not be visually stunning or adorned with splendor. It’s true that Jesus often drew large crowds. But the people were drawn mostly by His miracles and the power of His words, and they turned away from Him in His suffering. The prophet’s words were fulfilled in Jesus--but His rejection and suffering had a purpose. Our Lord’s crushing, humiliating death brought us healing from the deadly disease of sin. God laid this suffering on His Servant for our sake, and the Servant bore it willingly!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Imagine sitting in a prison cell, having been found guilty of a crime, when the message comes that someone else has taken the punishment. You are forgiven, and free to go.

That’s what Christ has done for us. He’s set us free from the imprisonment of sin! And we can offer that message of freedom to people who are still carrying the guilt of their sin. Who can you share the good news with this week?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 53:7-12
I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong. - Isaiah 53:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Here’s a footnote to yesterday’s illustration about the inauguration of George Washington. The April 30, 1789 event--the first of its kind--brought this gushing report from a Baltimore newspaper: “Perhaps that day has exhibited what has never happened before in any part of the globe; above three millions of people, scattered over a country of vast extent, of opposite habits and different manners, all fixing their hopes on the same man, and unanimously voting for him only.”

Perhaps that reporter got a little carried away with the excitement of the event. However, his description of Washington’s first inauguration gives us a small sense of what it will be like when the Messiah is inaugurated as King of Kings and Lord of Lords at His second coming.

Isaiah closes this Servant Song with a brief reference to Christ’s future glory (v. 12). The picture is of a victorious general, taking the spoils of victory from His enemies and dividing them among His own forces.

The people of Israel loved the concept of their Messiah as a conquering warrior and king. Many Israelites in Jesus’ day were longing for Messiah to return and crush the hated Roman army that was occupying Palestine.

What so many of the people missed, though, was the fact that Messiah did appear in their time. But He came as a submissive Servant, giving His life as a ransom for sin. Jesus Himself said it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die before entering His glory (Lk. 24:26).

Isaiah saw the same truth, although he probably didn’t understand all the details of the prophecies he recorded. That makes the accuracy of verses 7-11 even more astonishing. Every major detail of Jesus’ suffering is present: His silence in the face of His accusers, His death (“cut off”) for the sins of others, His burial in a rich man’s tomb (Matt. 27:57-60), and His resurrection (“he will see the light of life,” v. 11).

A Savior like Jesus Christ deserves ultimate glory. Someday, the whole world will see the inauguration of His kingdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Isaiah 52--53 give us an overwhelming picture of the price Jesus had to pay to satisfy God’s judgment against sin. Salvation is God’s “indescribable gift” to us (2 Cor. 9:15).

One of the best ways we can show our gratitude for this gift is by dealing seriously with sin in our lives. The Bible urges us to confess our sins and enjoy God’s cleansing (1 Jn. 1:9). Let’s neither ignore nor tolerate sins that Jesus paid so dearly to forgive.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:16-21
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. - Isaiah 61:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
There wasn’t a person in the synagogue at Nazareth that Sabbath who knew what was going to happen when Jesus appeared (Lk. 4:16). They knew who He was, or so they thought. Judging by the people’s violent reaction to Jesus, there must have been some latent jealousy and hostility toward the Lord in His hometown.

Jesus read from the Scriptures and addressed the worshipers. He was given the scroll of Isaiah, and He unrolled it to Isaiah 61, reading to the midpoint of verse 2 and then handing the scroll back to the synagogue attendant (vv. 17-21).

Jesus concluded His reading with the proclamation of “the year of the LORD’s favor.” When Jesus presented Himself as the Messiah and Savior, he introduced the favor of God into the world.

Jesus was precise in His reading because of the message He had for Israel: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk. 4:21). Jesus’ words impressed the worshipers in Nazareth, but they couldn’t see Him as more than the son of Mary and Joseph. Their growing resentment, and the attempt to kill Jesus (vv. 28-30), became an object lesson of the nation’s disbelief.

Isaiah had prophesied Christ’s rejection at the hands of Israel (Isa. 53:3), but there is no hint of this in chapter 61. In fact, most of the chapter is devoted to the benefits that Messiah’s reign will bring to God’s chosen people.

These Messianic benefits will bring an end to suffering, especially that of Israel during the Tribulation. Those who have believed in Him will trade mourning and despair for joy and praise. Israel will have a definite ministry in the kingdom, as the light to the nations that God had always intended her to be (Isa. 61:5-6).

Together, all believers will appear at the kingdom reception as Christ’s bride (Isa. 61:10). This will be a time of great rejoicing in the reign of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The people of Nazareth weren’t really ready to hear from God, even though they were in the middle of a worship service.

That ought to tell us that spiritual sensitivity is more a matter of the heart than of location. Last Sunday we encouraged you to begin each day’s study by praying for a willing spirit and a listening ear. Today let’s take it a step further. If the Holy Spirit wanted to speak to you about something today, or this weekend, how much competition would He have for your attention?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 23:1-8
This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. - Jeremiah 23:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, were events that helped to reshape Europe and change history. The fall of the Berlin Wall was a defining moment for Germany, ending a painful kind of oppression for the people who were forced to live under communist rule in East Germany since the wall was built in 1961.

Israel’s defining national event was the exodus from Egypt under Moses. The power and majesty God displayed in delivering His people from centuries of slavery became the standard against which the nation’s future was measured. When the Israelites faced a formidable opponent or a vulnerable situation, they reminded themselves of the miraculous way God had brought them out of Egypt into their own land.

When Messiah returns, however, the people of Israel will have a new historic event to talk about. The prophet Jeremiah described a new return to the land by exiled Jews that will make the first exodus seem small. God will accomplish this return in preparation for Messiah’s thousand-year reign on the throne of David.

Jeremiah’s message of future restoration had special meaning to his readers in the southern kingdom of Judah, who had been taken from the Holy Land into exile in Babylon. One reason for Judah’s fall was the treachery of its evil shepherds, the leaders whose unfaithfulness to God had invited His judgment.

The prophet told the people that a day was coming when God would bring them back to their land and give them leaders who honored Him. This portion of the prophecy was fulfilled in the nation’s later return from captivity, but Jeremiah’s message wasn’t finished. He looked ahead to the coming of a King who so perfectly fulfills God’s ideal that His name is “The LORD Our Righteousness.”

This King is the “righteous Branch” from David’s line, the Messiah. No one else could meet these qualifications. At His second coming, Jesus will be crowned as the one who ultimately and forever fulfills every one of these Messianic titles. Scripture undeniably states that this will be a time of unsurpassed deliverance, restoration, and peace.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Israel’s history illustrates the impact leaders can have on a country, either for righteousness or for ruin.

We need that reminder in this crucial election year. Although the final election is still almost eight months away, it’s not too early to begin praying that God will exercise His will and power in the choices we make. Pray especially today for the selection of leaders who have a heart for righteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Zechariah 9:9-10; 12:10-14
He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea. - Zechariah 9:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The reformer Martin Luther made these observations about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem the week of His crucifixion: “The riding of our blessed Savior into Jerusalem was a poor, humble kind of procession. Christ, King of heaven and earth, was seen sitting upon a lowly donkey . . . [in] fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. Christ had neither money, nor riches, nor earthly kingdom, for He gave those to kings and princes.”

We’ve spent a lot of time this month studying the tremendous contrasts between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. Sometimes the prophets blended the obscurity and humility of Christ’s first advent with the majesty of His return. Zechariah did this in two verses (9:9-10) that take the Messiah from the back of a donkey to the throne of a worldwide kingdom.

Luther’s comments give us a good picture of the setting for Jesus’ “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11). God had told Israel through Zechariah to look for its King riding a donkey--and John says that later, the disciples realized the events in Jerusalem were a fulfillment of prophecy (Jn. 12:16).

But other than the people along the road, there were no official representatives of Israel present to welcome Jesus. He was bringing salvation to Israel but was rejected and crucified instead. The ultimate blessings of His kingdom, which included the end of war in Israel and world peace (9:10), would await His return.

The Bible teaches that when Christ returns, Israel will finally recognize its Messiah as the One whom their ancestors “pierced” (Zech. 12:10). The prophet then unfolds a remarkable picture of deep, national repentance that will prepare Israel to receive Messiah as its Redeemer and King.

We all know the feeling of remorse we get when we realize we’ve made a terrible mistake. Israel’s remorse over Messiah will be intense, like that of a parent mourning the loss of a precious child. And it will be nationwide, as the day the people of Judah wept when King Josiah was killed at Hadad Rimmon (v. 11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Despite the fact that Jesus faced rejection on His arrival in Jerusalem, God intended His Son’s coming to be a time of great joy for those who would receive Him (Zech. 9:9).

Peter said that belief in Christ for salvation fills a person with “an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Pet. 1:. Every person desires to have that kind of joyfulness, but our joy, unfortunately, can be eroded by daily circumstances if we let it happen. How’s your “joy quotient” today?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:35-51
Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel. - John 1:49
TODAY IN THE WORD
The late J. Oswald Sanders, author of Spiritual Leadership, says one way to identify true spiritual leaders is to ask this question: Is anyone spiritual following them? That is, do other people who are in tune with God recognize the qualities and spiritual character that qualify a person for leadership in the work of Christ?

Jesus Christ could have held Himself above such examination by other people. But throughout His ministry, Jesus invited people to follow Him, listen to what He was saying, and see what He was doing, and then decide if He was the Truth from God or something less. And His worthiness has continued to shine for nearly 2ꯠ years, as His body the church follows Him in faith.

We can see this feature of the Lord’s ministry from the very beginning, in His earliest contacts with the men who would be closest to Him. Jesus welcomed the scrutiny of the two men who followed Him after hearing John the Baptist identify Him as the “Lamb of God.”

One of the men was Andrew, who saw and heard enough in part of one day that he was convinced Jesus was Israel’s Messiah. Andrew said as much to his brother Simon (v. 41)--who came to see for himself. In the process, Simon got a new calling and a new name.

Philip seemed ready to follow Jesus on nothing more than the command, “Follow me” (v. 43). It’s possible, though, that Andrew and Peter had told Philip about their encounter with the Lord and their conviction that He was the Messiah.

Whatever the case, Philip enthusiastically recruited Nathanael. Philip didn’t describe Jesus as the Messiah, but Nathanael knew whom Moses and the prophets had written about (v. 45).

Jesus’ meeting with Nathanael produced another revealing of His identity (v. 49). “Son of God” was not only a reference to Jesus’ deity, but a Messianic title. “King of Israel” was another name for the Messiah.

These disciples had a long way to go in their spiritual growth, but they were sensitive enough to recognize and follow Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Most Christians don’t think of themselves as spiritual leaders.

But all of us have influence with someone in some area of our lives. If another person is looking at you and following your example, you’re a leader! Who are the people God has called you to influence for Him at home, at work, or at church? Pray that God will help you to follow Him faithfully this week so that those who are following you will be on the right track

(1 Cor. 11:1).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 4:1-30
A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. - John 4:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bible teacher Edwin Blum offers this contrast between the woman at the well in today’s reading and Nicodemus (Jn. 3): “He was seeking; she was indifferent. He was a respected ruler; she was an outcast. He was serious; she was flippant. He was a Jew; she was a despised Samaritan. He was (presumably) moral; she was immoral.” But in spite of these differences, both Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman needed Jesus.

We have moved in our study from the Old Testament prophecies about Christ to a series of incidents in the New Testament that reveal His identity. With the disciples, Jesus addressed their need to follow Him in a commitment of life. He would have time later to deal with their questions, misconceptions, and other issues.

But the woman who met Jesus outside a Samaritan town had a very different set of needs. His primary purpose in the conversation that day was to bring this woman and her townspeople to faith (vv. 39-42).

But this conversation took on a strong Messianic element when Jesus confronted the woman with her sin (vv. 17-18). Ironically, she’s the one who turned the discussion to spiritual issues, perhaps to deflect Jesus’ attention from her immoral lifestyle. Her question had to do with Samaritan belief, which rejected all of the Old Testament except the five books of Moses, and centered its worship on Mount Gerizim instead of Jerusalem.

The woman’s question may not have been totally sincere, but Jesus treated it seriously. The time He referred to (vv. 21, 23) was the time of Messiah, the day that had come because Messiah was on the scene. Messiah’s ministry and death would change both the focus and content of true worship.

The Samaritans also believed in a Messiah, but not the line of King David. The woman’s statement indicates that she understood part of what Jesus was saying, and that she looked forward to Messiah. Jesus then flatly declared, “I who speak to you am He.”

This must have jarred the woman to consider the choice before her. Jesus invited her to believe in Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus’ ministry as Messiah did exactly what He told the Samaritan woman it would do: change the entire nature of worship.

Because of Christ, our worship today is Spirit-directed and focused on the internal reality of faith, rather than on external rituals. We are tremendously privileged to live in this time when we enjoy the benefits of Christ’s finished work. To help you appreciate what we have in Christ, take a few extra minutes today to read Hebrews 12:18-24.