Read 1 Chronicles 26
Read Isaiah 27
Our reading in Isaiah can be a bit confusing. All that stuff about Leviathan the serpent of the sea aside (probably not referring to a real creature here, but a personification of the wicked enemy), the end of Isaiah 27 can throw us for a loop too. Is this bad news for Israel or good news? Is he cursing, or promising a blessing?
How do we make sense of it? Well, it is as Paul says in Romans 9:6, "For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel." To be part of the nation of Israel is nothing. To be of Abraham's own bloodline is nothing. What counts to God is the faith of the person. If you have faith, then you are the True Israel, and you are his child. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
So, this Word of God in Isaiah 27 is both a curse and a blessing. To the wicked of the nation who had no regard for the One True God, but participated in the disgusting worship of Ashera and other false gods, God says very terrible and terrifying things. He will have no compassion and will show them no favor. Their rejection of God is their certain doom.
But God also speaks a word of grace and comfort. He speaks of a people who will be fruitful. He speaks about their atonement as they burn to the ground the false altars to false gods. And he talks about a gleaning. That is, the leftover pieces would be gathered up. His faithful remnant would be gathered, whether from Egypt or Assyria, and he would bring them together again to worship on his holy mountain.
We, who are certainly God's faithful people through the grace of Christ alone, can also look forward to this promise. Surely, by nature we have longed for other gods. But Jesus Christ has given his life for us, and (thanks be to God!) by the strength of the Holy Spirit we have come to believe that good news! Leviathan is slain. Evil is conquered. We are God's faithful and fruitful people.
And no matter where we are, whether in the US, or the UK (yes, we have a fellow reader in the UK!), or wherever you might be, we can look forward to some day being gathered all together by our Crucified, Risen, and Returning Savior. What a great and awesome day that will be!
Until then, my friends, God's strength and peace to you as you seek to bear fruit for the Lord!
Ask Yourself:
How do I tend to raise up other gods? Do I trust myself, or pursue riches, or believe the lies of this world?
How could my life be more fruitful for the Lord?
What can I do to share the peace and comfort that I possess through Jesus Christ?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today. Pray that God would use you to be ever more fruitful for him. Pray that he would break the power of idolatry within you. Pray also that he would hasten the day of Christ's return, that we may be gathered with all the saints in eternal joy!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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