anitasanecdotes

In Isaiah 31 and 32 God is dealing with the fact that God’s people have trusted in other gods and in other nations to protect them and help them rather than turning to their God first. Other gods and nations cannot help them when punishment is delivered.

They are encouraged to turn their trust to the Lord and avoid receiving the punishment for their lack of faith. They are warned that until they turn to God they will endure much suffering. But when they turn in faith God will bless them with good rulers, fruitful harvests and ample flocks. As it says, “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.”

Too often we try to go it on our own or trust in others before turning to God for help. God wants us to come to Him first. We will be able to weather the storms much better and quicker if we get God involved early in our trial times. God doesn’t need to see how far we get on our own. He knows we will not be able to handle things alone. God provides others as an encouragement but not as the protectors or providers…that is God’s position completely.

When you are struggling; turn to God first. When you have sinned; come to God immediately. Don’t try to make things right by yourself. Only God can truly make things right again. Trust God.

Psalm 105 is a praise psalm that recounts God’s faithfulness to God’s people from the time of Abraham through Moses. It celebrates God’s power to deliver us from those who would cause us harm and reminds us that god is always there. We should serve and obey God alone.

Isaiah 29 and 30 continue to speak of God’s punishment toward the nations that rise against the people of God. God causes their seers to become confused so they will not be warned of His coming wrath. God will show mercy on His people and reestablish them to their land. They will respond by destroying the idols they had worshipped and will worship the Lord.

There are two lines that stand out in these chapters. The first is: “The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote;  ¹⁴ so I will again do amazing things with this people, shocking and amazing. The wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the discernment of the discerning shall be hidden.” Why do you come to church? Is it because your parents made you as a child? Is it because you want to see your friends? Is it just a habit? Or is it because you have a relationship with the Holy One, you want to be in His presence, you want to worship Him? God knows the motivations behind our actions. He knows if we truly acknowledge Him and will bless us accordingly.

The second line is: “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” Have you ever thought that God is waiting to show you mercy and love? We need only turn to His to receive it.

Hebrews 1 was written to the Jews to show them how Christ has fulfilled the law and the prophets. Since we have read through the history books and law books of the Old Testament we should gain great insight from this book. It begins by saying that just as God has spoken through the prophets (Moses who gave the law was considered to be the greatest of the prophets) so, also, has God spoken through his Son, Jesus.

The writer established that Jesus is God a reflection of God’s glory, the exact imprint of God’s very being. His word sustains all things. He is now seated with God.

Apparently there were those who believed that Jesus was just an angel sent by God. The writer refutes that belief using comparisons with Old Testament scripture.

Isaiah 27 and 28 speak of the return of the remnant to Judah. Its guilt has been cleared. Isaiah, though, warns those who have led the people astray and have not followed the way of the Lord…to them will come punishment and judgment. They must turn from their ways and follow Him. They must recognize that God is greater than His creation. He is powerful enough to bring the wicked down.

            Philemon has only one chapter. It is a short letter from Paul to his friend and others who maintain a church in their home. The primary purpose of the letter is to speak on behalf of Philemon’s slave Onesimus. He was sent away apparently because of some wrongdoing. He ended up with Paul and they became close friends. Now, Paul is returning Onesimus to Philemon and asking that he no longer treat him as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul is not only speaking on Onesimus’ behalf but offers to pay for any wrong that was done to Philemon.

This is what Jesus has done for us. He speaks on our behalf to God when we deserve to be sent away. He has paid for whatever wrongs we have committed. He restores our relationship with God the Father not as creator and creature but as father and child. Because He has done this God accepts us. He deserves our gratitude and praise.

In Isaiah 25 and 26 God has accomplished the restoration of Israel and Judah. God has punished the nations that would harm them. They sing out praises to God for His justice and righteousness. Isaiah tells the people that this time of oppression will pass and God will establish His reign on earth.

Psalm 104 is a song of praise to the greatness of God. God is sovereign over all the earth. He is in charge of everything. He provides His creature’s needs and keeps all things in order. The Lord deserves our praise.

Isaiah 23 and 24 includes an oracle concerning Tyre. Many of these oracles refer to places that are representative of those who do not follow the Lord. They are known for the great evil their prosperity and power has caused. Some of them have been direct opponents of Israel and Judah while others just represent places that will receive judgment. These judgments are similar to the ones expressed in the book of Revelation in the New Testament.

In this case, Tyre will be oppressed for the lifetime of one king then her goods will be dedicated to the Lord.

God is going to rain down His judgment upon the entire earth. Its inhabitants have sinned and will be punished. There will no longer be celebrations and joy. God will manifest His glory on Mount Zion.

In Titus 3 Paul extends the household code to include that citizens should be subject to their rulers. He encourages civil behavior toward everyone.

One thing that is important to note in each of the codes Paul has offered is that even in unjust situations we are encouraged to do our best. His reason for this is that we are not doing things for people we are representing Christ. We are obedient to Him and he wants our best. Paul also acknowledges that if we do our best even for those who are hard on us we will be more likely to receive fair treatment. It is often difficult to keep a good attitude when we are being treated unfairly in the work place or at school, but if we give no reason for criticism we will be less likely to receive harsh treatment. In the end the only one we need to please is God and He deserves our best.

On the other hand if we see others being treated unfairly we need to speak up. We need to pick our fights carefully and make sure they are for a good cause.

Isaiah 21 and 22 contain oracles concerning the wilderness of the sea, Dumah, and the valley of visions. They, too, speak of doom against the enemies of Zion. They predict the time when God will return a ruler to Judah from the house of David.

Reading prophecy is difficult. It is not presented in a linear fashion. Unless you are a scholar who spends a tremendous amount of time researching the events presented in the text it is difficult to figure out exactly what is happening. Even scholars can misinterpret prophecies and lead us astray. Suffice it to say that in general terms the prophecies in Isaiah are exhortations to trust and obey God or trouble will come. God is faithful and will set up godly leadership and provide forgiveness for those who turn to Him.

In Titus 2 as in many of these personal, pastoral letters Paul encourages Titus to teach sound doctrine. He is to be the model of good works so that his teachings will have integrity. This chapter contains a kind of household code similar to ones we have read in the past. All are to live lives of self-control, righteousness and godliness.

Isaiah 17 and 18 contain an oracle regarding Damascus and Ethiopia. The harvest will be decimated. The cities will be laid waste. Those who have forgotten the Lord will be punished, but those who plunder Israel will also suffer. Another nation will return gifts to the Lord.

Isaiah 19 and 20 contain an oracleconcerning Egypt. God will cause Egypt to be in turmoil. They will suffer from an internal struggle. Because they become weak another nation will take them. Their gods will not be able to help them.

Some within Egypt’s borders will call on the name of the Lord and He will help them. From Assyria to Egypt the Lord will be blessed.

In Titus 1 Paul has placed Titus in Crete to organize the churches that have been planted there. He is to appoint elders and bishops who will be strong in the Lord. Titus is also to deal with the false teaching that is going around at this time. Those who stir up trouble in the church because of wrong teaching must be confronted and put out of the church. They will only lead it astray.

Isaiah 15 and 16 present an oracle about Moab. Moab will be destroyed. As Israel returns to power it is to have compassion on the outcasts of Moab and take them in. The leaders of Moab, however, will be punished.

Each of these oracles seems to be about a different country that has sought the destruction of Israel. Although God has allowed them each their day of triumph to punish Israel of their sin against Him, God will also punish them for their sin as well.

Psalm 103 speaks of God’s steadfast love and mercy. God may become angry with our sin but is always ready to forgive. With that forgiveness comes healing and life. God knows our frailties and deals with us with compassion. Punishment may come but grace abounds.

Isaiah 13 and 14 begins with an oracle about Babylon. God’s judgment comes in the form of a mighty army that attacks. God is punishing the world of its sin. The Medes will come and bring Babylon down like Sodon and Gomorrah. God will again have compassion on Israel. God will return Israel to their land.

Following God’s punishment the people will be reestablished. They will be able to mock Babylon as it once did them. Babylon will become the possession of others as it took possession of Israel. The people will be exiled as they exiled others.

An oracle about the Philistines also came saying that they will also be defeated. Zion will become a place of refuge.

In 2 Timothy 4 Paul warns of a time when people will turn away from the true gospel and seek out teaching from elsewhere. Timothy will encounter resistance to the right teachings but he should remain strong.

Paul was hurt by someone who rejected the gospel. No one came to his aid But God stood by him and gave him strength to continue preaching the gospel even in the midst of persecution. Paul knows that the Lord will rescue him and bring him to the heavenly kingdom.

We may experience persecution when we proclaim God’s message to this broken world. Paul’s message to us is to keep going even when others turn against you. Be patient, but persistent. Do not look for earthly rewards but seek out the Lord who will give you comfort and deliverance.

Isaiah 10, 11 and 12 continue to speak of the punishment which is wreaked upon the people of Israel and Judah. But a leader will come from the house of Jesse who will have the fear of the Lord. He will bring peace to the land. God will recover the remnant from far off and the people will thank the Lord for his salvation.

2 Timothy 3 speaks of the last days. People will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. The righteous will be persecuted. Timothy is encouraged to be bold in his proclamation even in the midst of hardship. He is to train up the righteous so they may be able to stand the time of trial.