Swhw Bible Reading Plan: AprilSample

Top Takeaway from Sarah Martin:

In today’s reading, we see Isaiah prophesying the coming invasions from enemy countries upon Israel. We also see God’s hand in judgment upon His chosen, too. Idol worship and forsaking the One True God is not something you mess around with!

As we read the entire book of the Bible and especially this prophetic book of Isaiah, we must take “me” out of our Scripture reading. It’s more glorious that way!

There’s a bigger narrative happening in the love story of Creator God to His treasured, created ones.

Redemption. Reconciliation. Restoration.

Yes, the kindness of God brings us to personal repentance and saves us from our personal sickness of sin. Yes. His love for “me” is abundant. Pain is real. Suffering is real on the personal level and He’s all about the restoration of your heart, soul, mind…with eternal perspective.

...and...

The Lord is going after with righteous anger and wrath the global, universal enemy of our soul. That bigger picture of redemption and restoration of His creation back to the original design…a world that fully reflects His beauty, goodness, kindness, might, power, creativity, and GLORY.

Jesus is the rescue plan. Look at the bold declarations of the coming King centuries before the prophecy was fulfilled:

“For to us a child is born,

     to us a son is given,

     and the government will be on his shoulders.

 And he will be called

     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the greatness of his government and peace

     there will be no end.

 He will reign on David’s throne

     and over his kingdom,

 establishing and upholding it

     with justice and righteousness

     from that time on and forever.

 The zeal of the Lord Almighty

     will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Because of the cross, because of the blood Jesus shed, because He rose from the grave to defeat sin and death, our understanding of this bigger picture of righteous vs. evil is imperative in the hour we find ourselves in.

 We must see with spiritual eyes, asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and wake up our prayer, praise, and worship as weapons against the very real and present darkness. We just can’t get tripped up these days, y’all.

God’s creation needs to stop begging the Lord by saying, “Tell me more about me.”

Instead, we should be saying, “Lord, I want to know more and more and more of who YOU ARE.” That defines any question of identity so we are able to move forward in life with true purpose: to take part in the bigger picture worship of the One and Only.

And honestly, this is a way better plan anyway. I come to the end of myself pretty quickly and I get bored with myself really fast. Maybe you do, too?

Lord, I come before You today asking You to show me Your glory. Help me to see and know new depths of Your power and mercy, Your love and forgiveness, Your kindness and righteousness. I want to sit in Your holiness and make Your name known above my own. Forgive me when I make it about me. It’s all about You, Jesus. Amen!