TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Isaiah 37:1-38:22
Galatians 6:1-18
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 23:24
Isaiah 37:1 — We read earlier in Kings and Chronicles that Hezekiah finally, after losing 46 cities and strip mining the temple for the gold, entered the temple to pray.
Isaiah 37:2 — Interesting that Eliakim and Shebna are working together. Isaiah 22:20 says that Eliakim was more devout and replaced Shebna from his position. Also, interesting that instead of Isaiah speaking, Isaiah is spoken to.
Isaiah 37:6 — “Fear not” is found 48 times in the Old Testament. “Be not afraid” is found 19 times.
Isaiah 37:14 — God had delivered once through disinformation (Isaiah 37:7) but allowed the threat to return – this time Hezekiah went to God first!
Isaiah 37:16 — What makes the God of Israel different from other gods (Isaiah 37:12)? This God is the Creator of heaven and earth! No other god has created anything – much less heaven and earth! In fact, they were no gods (Isaiah 37:19).
Isaiah 37:33 — He shall not shoot an arrow? Nor come with shields? Let’s look at the Lachish Reliefs (now in the British Museum). This miracle would be done not for the faithfulness of Hezekiah (took him 46 losses to turn to the LORD), but for the LORD’s own name’s sake!
Isaiah 38:5 — The LORD who took life in Isaiah 37:36, now gives life (Isaiah 38:5).
Hezekiah shares his testimony: “My life was miserable (‘great bitterness’), but God so loved me that I should not perish, because He has forgiven me!” As the Psalmist says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” (Psalm 32:1)
Hezekiah was a good king (Isaiah 38:3), but his goodness could not save him for Hezekiah was still a sinner (Isaiah 38:17). But God forgives those who call upon His name – The LORD is ready to save (Isaiah 38:20)!
Galatians 6:1 — At the Christian school I work at, this was one of the verses I challenged our staff with at in-service. We have a responsibility not just for ourselves but for our fellow brethren as well. Restore the fallen. Bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2). It’s not enough to say, “I’m ok – but the Joneses are struggling.” Love one another!
Galatians 6:6 — It is appropriate and good to share financially with those who have shared with you spiritually.
Galatians 6:7 — From our friend Patch the Pirate – “You Reap What You Sow!“
Galatians 6:9 — The Christian School teacher’s life verse! Pray for those who are serving in the high stress fields!
Galatians 6:13-14 — Paul exposes motives. Those teaching obedience to the Law really don’t care about the Law, only about getting a following. Paul didn’t care about a following but in being faithful!
Psalm 65:7 — Who stills the noise of the seas (Psalm 89:9, Psalm 107:29)? The God of our Salvation (Psalm 93:4)! Interesting that this predated God’s calming of the seas after Jonah (Jonah 1:15), and the LORD’s calming of the sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:26). Yet the disciples didn’t connect His action to His deity (Matthew 8:27).
Proverbs 23:24 — Is the joy of a father found in the hours spent at the office or in the raising of a wise and godly son? Steve Jobs was an interesting example. A brilliant inventor, but by most accounts, he was a bad father. While he was alive his fame for invention grew, but now his tales of parenting are edging out his reputation.
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