TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 40:25-31; Isaiah 40
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. - Isaiah 40:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
Americans don't get enough rest. Millions, especially middle-aged adults, get less than the recommended seven to eight hours per night. An estimated 50-70 million people suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia, and the consequences can be huge. “Sleep debt” can lead, for example, to car accidents, irritability, inability to concentrate at work or school, a weakened immune system, and even chronic depression. Why the lack of sleep? Researchers believe it's a consequence of longer working hours and more access to and stimulation from media such as television and the Internet. Maybe this is why God's invitation for us to rest in Him sounds so appealing (40:28-31)!

This second part of Isaiah often looks beyond messages of conquest and exile to ones dealing with the future return, the distant future of the Messiah, and the still more-distant future of His Millennial Kingdom. Given that many Israelites didn't even think God's judgment would come, what must it have been like for the original audience to hear Isaiah's prophecies of hope?

Today's reading begins with God saying, “Comfort, comfort my people” (40:1-2). Then “Elijah” speaks, preparing the way for the Lord (40:3-5). All four Gospels agree in interpreting these verses as being fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist (e.g., Matt. 3:3). So this picture of God coming to His people was ultimately fulfilled in the Incarnation. God Himself came to be with us. Jesus Christ was God's Final Word or revelation to us. He was and is the coming glorious King!

On this basis, Isaiah exhorted his listeners to renewed faith. God is worthy of our absolute trust because His promises are sure. He's a tender Shepherd who cares for His people. His wisdom is far above our understanding. His power is evident in the creation. He knows the stars by name. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You, too, can claim God's promise of strength for the weary: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom . . . [T]hose who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (40:28-31).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 42:1-7; Isaiah 41-42
“I myself will help you,“ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 41:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The alternate shorter reading for today is the first of the four well-known Servant Songs of Isaiah. From our perspective in time, we know that the Messiah or Redeemer of whom Isaiah prophesied was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He was the ultimate Servant, specially chosen for the mission that reshaped world history forever. This is not theological speculation—we have it on the authority of the New Testament. As we've mentioned, Isaiah is the Old Testament book most quoted there, and the Servant Songs are quoted in direct and unmistakable reference to Christ. Matthew, for instance, quotes today's reading as being fulfilled in Jesus (Matt. 12:15-21).

Prophecy has layers. While Christ is the ultimate Servant, there are other meanings and foreshadowings. In today's reading, God's servant is also Cyrus, the Persian king who would defeat Babylon in 539 B.C. (he's named later in 44:28). His “service” will be to carry out part of God's plan for history, even though he was a pagan unbeliever and unaware of His plan. Another layer is that just as Cyrus will be God's servant individually, so the Israelites are God's servant collectively (41:8-10). It is not that they are intrinsically worthy or superior; what sets them apart is simply that they have been chosen by God. The same God who orchestrates history raises up springs for the thirsty. . . and in place of Him Isaiah's listeners had chosen to worship sticks of wood! Their ears were open but they heard nothing (42:20).

The Servant embodies God's redemptive plan and will lead Israel to what it is meant to be. God's plan is about more than one ethnic group, though, since one thing the Servant will do is bring light to the Gentiles. He will also bring healing, freedom, and justice to all nations. These achievements won't come easily, which is one reason why the praise that follows pictures God as a Divine Warrior (42:10-17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God is pictured in today's reading as a Helper (41:13-14; cf. Heb. 13:6). A fitting application, then, would be to imitate God by doing an act of service or helping someone. Perhaps you know a mom who could use a babysitting break, an elderly person who would like a visit and some quality conversation, or a person recovering from illness who could use a hot meal brought to their home. Faith sees these kinds of needs and rejoices in doing something to meet them (cf. James 2:15-16).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 43:1-7; Isaiah 43:1-44:5
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. - Isaiah 43:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
On November 10, 1941, Dr. Ludwig Fischer (the German district governor of Warsaw, Poland) issued a proclamation declaring that anyone who gave any assistance to Jews—including lodging, food, or transportation—would be punished by death. Despite this decree, some people still assisted Jews in escaping from the horrendous Warsaw Ghetto and the deportation to death camps like Auschwitz. The Yad Vashem museum in Jerusalem honors some 5,000 Poles as “righteous Gentiles” for risking their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Our God also chooses to save. All we sinners were condemned to die as surely as the Jews during the war and those who assisted them, until God decided to redeem us. Today's passage focuses on what it means to be chosen for saving mercy, what it means to be the people of God and to belong to Him. For starters, this is not a relationship between equals. He's the Creator, we're the creatures. All the rights lie on His side. Israel had no right to “talk back.” Rather, they were to be a revelation and evidence of His Godhood (43:12). If they'd forgotten the covenant, they could look back to the Exodus and the mighty way God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt.

Another feature of God's relationship with Israel is His unconditional love. He's the One who called, redeemed, and promised to be with them always. He remained faithful and merciful despite their idolatry. Though He was about to send punishment, He vowed to protect them from complete destruction. Even more, He would later judge the Babylonians. Although the Israelites of Isaiah's day didn't worship or honor the Lord, or believe and respond to His prophet's message, still He promised the salvation of a remnant and justice on their enemies. His forgiveness has its own purposes (43:25), and His love is the true glory of chosenness (44:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As believers, we rejoice that God chose to save us. Without His mercy and grace, we'd still be on our way to an eternity without Him. Yet our justification in Christ is just the first step in His plan of salvation. Day by day, we need to resist temptation and confess our sin when we fall—this is part of the ongoing process of sanctification. Not confessing our sin creates barriers between us and God. Confession, on the other hand, results in His cleansing and forgiveness (43:25; 1 John 1:9)!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 44:6-8; Isaiah 44:6-46:13
I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. - Isaiah 44:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Stradivarius violins are known as the best violins in the world. Famous musicians love to play them. These violins can be strong and powerful, soft and expressive, energetic and brilliant. Said one performer: “It's like a great race car. There's more power than you need and it responds to the slightest touch.” Antonio Stradivari was a master artisan who lived in northern Italy about 300 years ago. Many people have tried to imitate his unique way of crafting stringed instruments, but none have succeeded. That's one reason why “Strad” violins today are often worth millions of dollars.

Many would say that Stradivarius violins come close to musical perfection. Perfection is a rare commodity. In today's reading, Isaiah exalts God as perfect in every way. He alone is worthy of our worship. No one is like Him. He is the first and the last. His attributes include every kind of goodness and power imaginable: He is the King, the Redeemer, the Almighty. He has complete knowledge of the past, present, and future. He is the Savior, the Rock, the Creator of all. He is unfailingly righteous, truthful, and loving.

Israel, however, followed other gods. What was the so-called “competition”? Isaiah unleashed the full force of his sarcasm. The “gods” Israel preferred were sticks of wood. Through sheer chance, they had ended up on a craftsman's bench rather than as kindling for a fire. As it was, these idols were made by human hands. How, we can imagine him shouting derisively, did you come to trust in such knick-knacks to save you?

God's words are guaranteed to come true. He said conquest and exile were coming. He said there would later be a return. He said Cyrus would be summoned by name. He said that one day His kingdom will come in power and every knee will bow. And He has invited, “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth” (45:22-23; cf. Phil. 2:10-11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's verse in particular highlights the perfection and trustworthiness of God. He is the first and the last. Everything begins with Him; everything ends with Him. He lacks nothing; He always keeps His promises. His justice is sure, His wisdom is perfect, and His love never fails. In your devotions today, take some extra time to meditate on the Lord's attributes. Which ones have been emphasized in Isaiah? Which ones have been more relevant to your recent personal experience? Praise Him for all He is and does!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 48:12-19; Isaiah 47-48
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river. - Isaiah 48:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Early in history, people came together on the plain of Shinar. In their pride they decided: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.” To save them from their own self-centeredness and folly, the Lord confused their languages in order to make their boastful project logistically impossible. If they couldn't talk to one another, they couldn't get the job done (Genesis 11).

Sooner or later, God always strikes down the proud. We know from yesterday's reading that the idols of Babylon wouldn't be able to resist God's decree, and now as further assurance of His care and justice, chapter 47 gives a poetic description of the future fall of Babylon. She who had been a queen among nations would become a slave. How proud were the Babylonians? They believed their empire would last forever. They thought they were invincible and could get away with any kind of wickedness. Worst of all, they said, “I am, and there is none besides me” (47:7-10)—a claim that is true of God alone.

“Listen up, Israel!” Isaiah was saying (48). “Don't be stupid! Why are you trusting idols to save you? Not even Babylon's idols will save them. Give worship where worship is due. God will not allow His glory to be wrongfully given elsewhere.” He continued to recite God's credentials in an attempt to get the people to respond in faith. He urged them to remember His care throughout history! If only they would listen—they could flourish in peace and righteousness. (Today's verse is the original context of the popular chorus, “Peace Like a River”—a warning and exhortation about lost blessings.)

Feeling superior is the wrong response for us. Honestly, are not our hearts close kin with the Israelites' hearts? We need to pray that God will replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh (Ezek. 36:26).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's reading, the future fall of Babylon is prophesied as a present exhortation to Israel. The nation was reminded that God is in control and of all the miracles He had worked on their behalf in the past. How about you? Are you mired in present circumstances? Do you need to remind yourself of God's faithfulness in your past? If you keep a spiritual journal, write out a testimony of one such event or episode. Pray for opportunities to testify of how God has worked in your life in order to encourage others and praise His name.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 49
See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples. - Isaiah 49:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Handel's Messiah is his best-known musical composition. Though now associated with Christmas, this masterpiece was originally intended for performance at Easter. The scriptural lyrics were selected by Charles Jennens, an Oxford-educated literary scholar and friend of Handel's. After Handel composed the music, the oratorio premiered in Dublin as a benefit for men in debtor's prison. When it was played a year later in London, King George II was in attendance, and when he rose for the Hallelujah Chorus he began a tradition that endures to this day.

Messiah tells the same story as the Servant Songs of Isaiah, the story of a Savior who suffered and died for the sins of the world. The alternate shorter reading for today is the second Servant Song. The emphasis here is on the special call and mission of the Servant. The scope of His mission is the entire world. Just Israel was not enough—the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth (v. 6). Distant nations are summoned to hear this prophecy, for it applies to “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9).

What will the Servant do? “He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,” a phrase that indicates both revelation and rulership (v. 2; cf. Rev. 1:16). He is the One in whom God will display His glory; that is, in Him the promises to Israel will be fulfilled and in Him God's plan of redemption will climax (v. 3). Even though He'll be “despised and abhorred,” God will raise Him up; kings will bow down before Him (v. 7).

Although the Servant's mission won't be limited to Israel, the nation will be restored, and the rest of chapter 49 dwells on this. God could no more abandon Israel than a mother could forget her child (v. 15). The captives will be freed and restored to their covenant land and relationship, for “those who hope in [the Lord] will not be disappointed” (v. 23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This second Servant Song deals with the call and mission of the Servant. What is your own calling and mission? God's call can't be found through a vocational aptitude test, but neither will it come as a message written in the sky. Calling and mission flow from spiritual walk and character, our community with other believers, and also from our ongoing obedience to what we already know. If you're not sure what God's call in your life might look like, ask other trusted Christians to join you in prayer that God will lead you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows. - Isaiah 53:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his epistles, the apostle Paul spoke of a “mystery revealed.” To the Romans he wrote about “the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known” (Rom 16:25-26). He explained to the Ephesians: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:6; cf. Col. 1:26-27). To the Colossians he put it more simply—“the mystery of God, namely, Christ” (Col. 2:2).

At the heart of the mystery of the gospel lies the mystery of a suffering Redeemer, the paradox of a servant King. And nowhere is this mystery and paradox put more powerfully than in the fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. This poem can be divided into five stanzas of three verses each. The first stanza introduces the Servant or Messiah. To some extent, He's what we would expect—a wise and exalted figure. But in other ways He's a surprise—disfigured and marred. And He's going to “sprinkle” or redeem many nations, not just Israel. An unexpected mystery is being prophesied and revealed here.

The second stanza focuses on the unexpectedness of His being. The Messiah is supposed to be a king, but here He's “a man of sorrows.” The third stanza deals with the unexpectedness of His mission. He's supposed to rescue and conquer, bringing justice and peace, but here He's “pierced for our transgressions.” He's supposed to be received with praise and acclaim, but here He's misunderstood and wounded.

The fourth stanza goes on to describe the unexpectedness of His fate. He's supposed to be crowned as a king, but here He's “led like a lamb to the slaughter” and “assigned a grave with the wicked,” a victim of injustice. The fifth stanza summarizes the purpose of all this: Salvation. The Messiah's redemptive suffering is God's will, and so His death won't be the end. “He will see the light of life” again—that is, He'll be resurrected!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our prayer is that the prophetic vision and words of Isaiah are thrilling your heart this month. If so, share this joy with others! You could plan a special praise and worship time for your family or small group with hymns and choruses based on texts from Isaiah. You could also choose songs that focus on attributes of God exalted in Isaiah. Even though it's not Easter or Christmas, it's still a great time to get together and listen to a recording of Handel's Messiah as well, paying special attention to the texts from Isaiah.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows. - Isaiah 53:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his epistles, the apostle Paul spoke of a “mystery revealed.” To the Romans he wrote about “the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known” (Rom 16:25-26). He explained to the Ephesians: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:6; cf. Col. 1:26-27). To the Colossians he put it more simply—“the mystery of God, namely, Christ” (Col. 2:2).

At the heart of the mystery of the gospel lies the mystery of a suffering Redeemer, the paradox of a servant King. And nowhere is this mystery and paradox put more powerfully than in the fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. This poem can be divided into five stanzas of three verses each. The first stanza introduces the Servant or Messiah. To some extent, He's what we would expect—a wise and exalted figure. But in other ways He's a surprise—disfigured and marred. And He's going to “sprinkle” or redeem many nations, not just Israel. An unexpected mystery is being prophesied and revealed here.

The second stanza focuses on the unexpectedness of His being. The Messiah is supposed to be a king, but here He's “a man of sorrows.” The third stanza deals with the unexpectedness of His mission. He's supposed to rescue and conquer, bringing justice and peace, but here He's “pierced for our transgressions.” He's supposed to be received with praise and acclaim, but here He's misunderstood and wounded.

The fourth stanza goes on to describe the unexpectedness of His fate. He's supposed to be crowned as a king, but here He's “led like a lamb to the slaughter” and “assigned a grave with the wicked,” a victim of injustice. The fifth stanza summarizes the purpose of all this: Salvation. The Messiah's redemptive suffering is God's will, and so His death won't be the end. “He will see the light of life” again—that is, He'll be resurrected!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our prayer is that the prophetic vision and words of Isaiah are thrilling your heart this month. If so, share this joy with others! You could plan a special praise and worship time for your family or small group with hymns and choruses based on texts from Isaiah. You could also choose songs that focus on attributes of God exalted in Isaiah. Even though it's not Easter or Christmas, it's still a great time to get together and listen to a recording of Handel's Messiah as well, paying special attention to the texts from Isaiah.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 55:1-13; 54:1-56:8
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. - Isaiah 55:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Hudson Taylor arrived in Shanghai, China in 1854, the city was under attack from rebels. Chinese regarded Westerners as “foreign devils” and did not allow them into the interior of the country. Taylor had failed to finish medical training, knew no Chinese, and was the first missionary in a new nondenominational society. Undeterred, he studied the language and culture and defied the government by taking the gospel inland. He also adopted Chinese dress and customs so that more people would listen to his message. Before he died, Hudson Taylor had succeeded in spreading the gospel into many unreached areas of China!

“God so loved the world” (John 3:16)—throughout Scripture and history we see God's global plan of salvation at work. As a result of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, He extends an invitation (55:1-5) to all who are spiritually hungry to eat the Bread of Life and to all who are spiritually thirsty to drink the Living Water, and through them to be satisfied. They're a free gift. They're supremely satisfying, the “richest of fare.” They bring eternal life and show God's everlasting covenant love.

And so the Servant's mission brings us back again to God's covenant relationship with His people: “Your Maker is your husband” (54:5). The punishment of conquest and exile is temporary, whereas His covenant love is eternal (54:10). He's merciful and forgiving, a caring shepherd who gives His people joy and peace. He's also the divine Sovereign whose word means it's as good as done (55:6-13).

After the unexpected Messiah accomplished His unexpected mission, He will also fulfill the more expected purpose of coming in power. This prophetic timeline involves two separate Comings, in between which we're living. A new Jerusalem is still in the future, a city dominated by justice, righteousness, and intimacy with God. Even now, we're to be pursuing kingdom values until the King returns (56:1-8).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Scripture memory helps us hold the rich truths of God's Word more closely in our minds and hearts. Today, choose one of the four Servant Songs of Isaiah, found in Isaiah 42:1-7; 49:1-7; 50:4-9; and 52:13-53:12. As you work on committing this passage to memory, ask the Holy Spirit to work through the Word and help you meditate on the person and work of the Servant, our Lord and Savior, and the fulfillment of these sublime prophecies.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 58:6-9; Isaiah 56:9-58:14
I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite . . . in spirit. - Isaiah 57:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sandra Corbett penned the words to a powerful modern worship chorus: “I worship You, Almighty God; / There is none like You. / I worship You, O Prince of Peace; / That is what I want to do. / I give you praise for You are my righteousness. / I worship You, Almighty God; / There is none like You.”

Worship is the focus of today's reading. Through all Isaiah prophesied, including the Servant Songs, he was calling Israel back to genuine worship of the one true God. He condemned false worshipers (56:9-57:13), including many of the nation's leaders, who had earned their descriptions as blind watchmen and selfish shepherds. They had led the people into covenant unfaithfulness by worshiping idols, including adopting the detestable pagan practices of sexual immorality and child sacrifice as part of “worship.” Their faith was misplaced, and God would expose and judge their rebelliousness.

True worshipers, by contrast, are righteous and humble and walk closely with God (57:14-58:14). He alone is worthy of worship and a strong refuge for His people. He dwells with the contrite and lowly in spirit, a fact that amounts to an invitation to the Israelites to humble themselves and repent of their sin. God's anger was just, but they could take comfort in seeing His larger purposes of healing, restoration, and comfort.

If they were not sure where to begin in turning from their idolatry, chapter 58 is a guide on how to repent. Facing up to the reality of sin is the first step, but the Israelites were acting as if everything were in good shape (58:1-3). They needed to realize that doing the forms of worship while at the same time living unworshipfully was and is useless. God sees the heart, and that is the measure of a true worshiper.

For such people: “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs . . . You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (58:11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's shorter alternate reading alludes to the nature and purpose of true fasting. Especially if you are unfamiliar with this biblical practice, it might be helpful to study what Scripture has to say about it. Here are some questions to think about: What are the biblical goals and guidelines for fasting? What are some dangers to avoid in fasting? When is fasting worship and when is it not? Additional passages to check out include Matthew 4:1-11 and 6:16-18, as well as Acts 13:1-3.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 61:1-11; Isaiah 59-61
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. - Isaiah 60:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Slavery still exists in some parts of the world—Niger, for example. One human rights group estimates the number of slaves there at 43,000. In 2003, the country amended its law to penalize slaveowners with prison time. One chieftain offered to free his 7,000 slaves rather than face punishment. But the government felt embarrassed to admit that slavery actually existed, so it declared that it didn't, cancelled the manumission ceremony, and the slaves weren't freed after all.

Throughout his book, Isaiah proclaimed that repentance and God's forgiveness would set Israel free from sin. He knew the nation wouldn't listen during his lifetime, so he looked forward in time to a better day. Though then the nation followed “gods” as insubstantial as cobwebs (59:6), there would come a glorious day when sin would be acknowledged, the Lord would balance the scales of justice, and righteousness and integrity would once again characterize His people. That day would be like dawn breaking into the darkness (60:1-3). Some of this was fulfilled in Israel's return from exile in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, including the rebuilding of Jerusalem. But other descriptions are still in the future, such as the reign of peace and prosperity and God being the “everlasting light” of His people (60:20).

These layers of fulfillment were indicated by Christ in Luke 4:16-21. Jesus quoted the messianic announcement that opens Isaiah 61, but stopped after verse 2a. The Messiah was all about justice, freedom, holiness, and redemption, but these purposes and qualities would be manifested differently in His first advent than in His second. The gospel came with His Incarnation, but the kingdom won't come in power until He returns. That day will see the glorious “wedding” of God and His people, a day of celebration and consummation toward which all of history is moving. On that day we shall all be “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (61:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One recurring theme in Isaiah is how seriously God takes sin. Our culture tends to rationalize and even joke about sin. We can lose our desire to be free from sin when we are making excuses and jokes about it instead of seeking God's perspective. Today, prayerfully consider to what extent popular culture has influenced your attitude toward holiness. Perhaps you need to replace some of your viewing, listening, or reading habits. Resolve to act as the Spirit leads you, so that you are making no allowance for sin to flourish.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 64:1-12; Isaiah 62-64
They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. - Isaiah 62:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Words from Isaiah inspired the famous “Battle Hymn of the Republic”: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, / He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; / He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible, swift sword; / His truth is marching on . . . We can almost hear the trumpet sound, the Lord's return is near; / There are still so many people lost, His message they must hear; / Father, give us one more moment, one more day, just one more year— / With God we're marching on.”

The imagery that opens this song comes from chapter 63, in which God appears as a mighty Warrior to fulfill His promises of justice and judgment on the nations (63:1-6). This doesn't sound like the meek and gentle “doormat” stereotypes of God that some have constructed—it's important for us to remember that when sinners drink the cup of God's wrath, they're getting what they deserve. God's grace and mercy are real and powerful, but it is also true that His holy nature cannot tolerate sin.

Also in today's reading, the kingdom of God's future glory is exuberantly described. Jerusalem will be a reborn city with a “new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow” (62:2). Her righteousness will shine forth to all nations for the glory of God, and she “will be a crown of splendor in [his] hand” (62:3). Once again we find joyous wedding imagery, with the Lord as the groom and His people as the bride (62:4-5). No matter what lies ahead—and Isaiah knew it was conquest and exile—the covenant relationship will prevail in the end. The ultimate reality is truly wondrous: “O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (64:8 ).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Though we might not be physically carried away into exile, we all go through periods of life that feel like conquest. It's important to remember during these times that God is not defeated and His purposes cannot be thwarted. We have His promise of a glorious future. If you find yourself struggling through a difficult time, read Revelation 21-22 and rejoice that the trials of this life are not the end of the story. Our God reigns, and He is preparing a place for us for eternity!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 65-66
Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. - Isaiah 65:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
The theme throughout our Today in the Word devotions in 2007 is “We've Come This Far By Faith.” The prophecies of Isaiah have given us a panoramic picture of the story of faith and of God's salvation plan for history. This includes His compassionate judgment on Israel's faithlessness, the special commissioning of His Servant to bring redemption, and the breathtaking glory of His coming kingdom. Our journey through Isaiah's prophecies has included judgment and mercy, idolatry and worship, despair and hope. What can we take away from today's final reading? Joy in the destination of faith's journey!

We're headed for a new heavens and a new earth. Things that characterize life in this fallen world will be no more, including pain, grief, infant mortality, the trials of old age, economic hardship, and violence. Instead, God's kingdom will be a place of peace, safety, prosperity, eternal life, and close fellowship with Him (65:17-25).

But the truth is that the destination of faith's journey is not so much a place as a Person, God Himself. When Paul spoke of pressing on toward the prize, he had in mind Christ Himself (Phil. 3:12-14). In the same way, Isaiah exalted the Lord as the unsurpassed sovereign Creator of all, who, while being a scourging fire to His foes, is at the same time a tender mother to His children (66:13). As God's people, we need to respond in humility, reverence, and absolute faith. What God has promised, will certainly take place—it's a done deal. In the meantime, we follow in the footsteps of our Savior and make His glory known among the nations.

God's covenant relationship with His people is first and foremost about His unfailing love. Though people may be obstinate and disobedient, a remnant will be saved, and through them, a Servant Messiah has brought and will bring hope and healing to the nations.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we conclude our “whirlwind tour” of Isaiah, spend some extra time reviewing the themes and doctrines in this important book and thinking about your favorite verse or passage. You might want to memorize it, or put it on a notecard to review regularly. Most important, pray that your study will help you know and love God more deeply as you see His character revealed in the book of Isaiah.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 21:1-7
He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. - Revelation 21:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Athletic history records some leaps from worst to first. For example, the Minnesota Twins finished last in their division in 1990, yet came back to win the World Series in 1991, illustrating the maxim, “It is not how you begin, it is how you finish.”

“How you finish” is the focus for our study this month. Rather than accomplishments in sports, we're examining “faith-full” finishes—people of God who demonstrated faith that overcomes. We want to study the examples in Scripture of faith that perseveres through adversity in order to inherit God's greatest gift.

We get a peek at the reward for finishing a life of faith in our passage today. The glorious picture of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 is not simply a description of what the city looks like—it is a promise of unfettered fellowship. After God banished Adam and Eve from His presence in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:23-24), sin has interfered with the communion between man and God that He intended at creation. Jesus has made a way for us to have a relationship with God, and through His victories, God is restoring His entire creation (v. 5; cf. Rom. 8:19-24). At last, in the New Jerusalem, the essential characteristic of the city will be that “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them” (v. 3).

Those who persevere in faith will gain this ultimate blessing (v. 7). The book of Revelation teaches that the overcomers are those who do not compromise their faith for the world's values (2:14, 20), who depend on God wholeheartedly, not on their own strength (3:17), and who withstand persecution and suffering of all kinds (2:10). Finishing well means having steadfast trust in and obedience to God. To keep the faith is to endure trials with your heart resolute on loving God and your eyes fixed on the image of fellowship with Him described in Revelation 21.

As a bride readies herself for her groom, so we should be preparing ourselves even now through faithful obedience to God to dwell with Him forever.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God dwells in you now by His Spirit, so you may daily enjoy a foretaste of Revelation 21 through communion with God in prayer and His Word. Pray that the Holy Spirit would create in you a longing to dwell with God in the New Jerusalem. Ask Him to fortify your faith to see God as infinitely greater than anything the world offers so that you may overcome temptation and trial. This month, as we study the lives of faithful people in Scripture, consider how you can be faithful in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:1-31
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Pro Football Hall of Fame features an Educational Outreach Program to motivate students to achieve success. Often, Hall of Famers like Bobby Mitchell and Troy Aikman share the stories of their lives with the hope of kindling greatness in others. This program is effective because people are inspired by great athletes, as well as by accomplished inventors, civic leaders, and other notable figures.

The book of Hebrews encourages us with its faith “hall of fame.” After the call to persevere in Hebrews 10:19-39, the writer of Hebrews illustrates the nature of faith by describing people who have answered this call. Verse 1 identifies not only what faith is, but also what faith does. Faith guarantees what believers hope for. Each example then begins with the phrase by faith, indicating that these people acted on the basis of faith. Verse 11 reminds us that God's faithfulness is the foundation of all faith, which is forward-looking and persistent.

Enoch stands among those who have kept the faith (vv. 5-6; cf. Gen. 5:21-24). The story of Enoch highlights two components of true, God-centered faith: the belief that God Is, and the understanding that God responds with blessing to those who desire Him. The idea that God commends people for their faith is woven throughout the chapter (vv. 2, 5, 39). Christians should follow Enoch's example, drawing near to God with faith that pleases Him.

Future-oriented faith is also embodied in Abraham's descendents (vv. 13-16). Their example beckons us to the same pilgrimage with our eyes set not on an earthly homeland, but a heavenly one. In the eyes of the world, people who live by faith and seek treasures in heaven are mocked; their death is often viewed as proof of “foolish” faith. In the eyes of God, however, Abraham's descendents—and we who share in their sojourn—are commended. Faith in God is not in vain, for He is faithful and has already prepared for them and us the heavenly dwelling for which we long.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you live as a foreigner on earth or seek to find greater security as a citizen of the world? Philippians 3:12-4:1 inspires us to focus on Christ's kingdom, living as His ambassadors on earth. One early Christian document from the second century a.d. reads, “If you recognize your heavenly city in which you shall dwell, why do you prepare here . . . expensive displays and buildings and dwellings, which are superfluous? The person who prepares these . . . for this city does not intend to return to his own.”