SWHW Bible Reading Plan: May 2021Sample

Top Takeaway From Caroline Foster:

Isaiah 56-59 is about hope in Christ the Redeemer, the glory of His coming Kingdom, and of principles followed by those who hope to enter that new Zion—penitence, faithfulness, justice, mercy, wisdom, and integrity.

Isaiah 56 opens by going into the principles of the righteous.

Principles of the Righteous:   

• Not profaning the Sabbath (Isaiah 56:1-2; 58:13-14).   
• No discrimination against eunuchs, foreigners, etc (Isaiah 56:3-8).   
• No corruption among community leaders (Isaiah 56:9-12).   
• No sorcery and prostitution (Isaiah 57:1-10).   
• No idolatry (Isaiah 57:11-13).   
• Contrition and humility (Isaiah 57:14-21).   
• Genuine religion, not hypocrisy (Isaiah 58:1-5)   
• Breaking the yoke of oppression and poverty (Isaiah 58:6-12). 

While the storyline of Isaiah 56-59 is the prophet confronting Judah’s unfaithfulness, it also continually reminds us of the faithfulness of the Lord and His forgiveness despite our sin. The LORD would bring condemnation upon the sin of His people. 

Isaiah stated that while the LORD was mighty and willing to save His people, Judah failed to humble herself and receive His salvation; instead, “Their feet run after evil, and they rush to shed innocent blood.  Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and wretchedness are in their paths.  They have not known the path of peace, and there is no justice in their ways” (Isaiah 59:7-8a). Sound familiar?

Main takeaways on salvation:   

• God’s hand can save; your hands are defiled (Isaiah 59:1-8).   
• All have sinned and turned aside (Isaiah 59:9-14).   
• The Lord’s own arm brought salvation through Christ (Isaiah 59:15-21).

This chapter is ultimately a reminder to us as believers that while God is always pursuing us and wants the best for us, our sin and choices can and will keep us from walking in intimacy with God. 

If we continue to choose evil, we will face the outcome and circumstances of doing life apart from God. That doesn’t mean that we are ever for a second unable to experience the grace of God, BUT that does mean that repercussions will come.

This world offers a lot of things, but don’t let it fool you into believing it will fill you. Satan’s number one goal is to make you think it will.

Your marriage, your children, your employees, your business, your ministry… it’s all Satan’s target. “This isn’t a war against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word that is our life map. Thank You for brave men like the prophet Isaiah who spoke truth and were a vessel for you. I pray over the women reading this devotional today. I have no idea what they are walking through, but You do. I pray that You would give them wisdom and conviction where necessary. Make us more like You today, Jesus. We love You.  Amen.