Date: Monday, July 21, 2014
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 1-4
Message Title: One Nation, One King

The Book of Isaiah is the twenty-third book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains sixty-six chapters. The author of the book is Isaiah and it was written to Judah and all believers. The timeline of these events took place approximately 766 BC to 679 BC. The purpose of the book was to teach correction and reproof to all believers. What we are to learn from the book is that rebellion leads to destruction, but repentance leads to restoration. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - Isaiah 1:18.

The Book of Isaiah is actually a mirror of the entire Bible. The Bible has 66 books, Isaiah has 66 chapters. The Old Testament has 39 books covering the history and sin of Israel, the first 39 chapters of Isiah cover the same. The New Testament has 27 books describing the ministry of Jesus Christ, including the new heaven and earth, the last 27 chapters of Isaiah describe the same. The book of Isaiah begins with God in deep mourning over the sinful and corrupted state of His nation, He pleads with them to change their ways and return to Him.

“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 1:16-20.

Every time I read this book it reminds me of the dreadful state of my own nation, it is as if God is telling us exactly the same thing. God will judge every nation that turns their back on Him, but God only chooses those who believe in, accept, and receive Jesus Christ for His inheritance. He alone is the only one who can make our scarlet sins white as snow. “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” - Ephesians 1:9-12.

All throughout the Old Testament we learn of Israel falling in and out of sin, getting themselves into trouble, seeking God's help only to get worse the next time. God will forgive us a million times if we are truly trying, he knows our hearts and what we are really doing, but He will not be mocked, He is gracious and merciful, and gives all a chance to repent several times before He places judgment upon them. God gives Isaiah a glimpse of Christ, who will judge every one of us.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.” - Isaiah 2:2,3,10,11.

One day, in the blink of an eye, Jesus will be here, and every nation will be judged, those who are a part of Christ will join Him and become one nation under Christ. This is the only time there will be peace on earth, as Jesus will be our one and only King. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:10-12.

There is only one person who can save us from judgment, that is Jesus Christ. When we receive Him as our Savior we are under His watch and protection, even if we are in the midst of a nation no longer under God. While we will never be cast into the lake of fire, we are accountable for our actions until God takes us to heaven or Jesus comes to get us. People who worship God in vain suffer deeply until they repent, but those who remain faithful to Him will have much more to enjoy we join Him in His Kingdom. “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:2,3,5. Praise God!

Today's Prayer: God, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to make the atonement for our sins a permanent one. We no longer have to seek atonement continuously because we are redeemed by applying the precious blood of Your Son upon our souls. Our redemption does not give us a free pass to live in corruption and not suffer for it. Lord, lead us and guide us, help us to seek Your truths and live by them so we can be One Nation Blessed Under God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? Visit: God's Price
Like Us On Facebook: I'm Following Jesus
©2014 I'm Following Jesus