Isaiah 3:10-26

"Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him. 12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths." 13 The Lord stands up to plead, and stands to judge the people. 14 The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders of His people and His princes: "For you have eaten up the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the faces of the poor?" Says the Lord God of hosts. 16 Moreover the Lord says: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will uncover their secret parts." 18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery: the jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; 19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; 20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; the perfume boxes, the charms, 21 and the rings; the nose jewels, 22 the festal apparel, and the mantles; the outer garments, the purses, 23 and the mirrors; the fine linen, the turbans, and the robes. 24 And so it shall be: instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-set hair, baldness; instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit on the ground.

In chapter 3 of Isaiah the prophet goes on to prophecy the desolations that were coming upon Judah and Jerusalem for theirs sins.  In this rebuke God is threatening to deprive them of all support, to leave them to fall into confusion and disorder, and to deny them the blessings of good leadership.  Next, we read how the daughters of Zion will be stripped of all their ornaments.  The chapter will conclude with the loss of men in war and the gates of Judah and Jerusalem destroyed. 

What stands out to me this morning are the sins that provoked God to deal with His people the way He did.  For example: #1 Their defiance of God (v.8); #2 Their lack of respect and excessive boldness (v.9); #3 Their abuse of power (vs. 12-15); #4 The pride of the daughters of Zion (v.16).  In other words the people would be proud of their sins, parading them out in the open.  But the truth is sin is self-destructive.  In today's world, sinful living often appears glamorous, exciting, and fun.  But sin is wrong regardless of how society perceives it, and, in the long run, sin will make us miserable and destroy us. God tries to protect us by warning us about the harm we will cause ourselves by sinning. Those who are proud of their sins will receive the punishment from God they deserve. Having rejected God's path to life, the only alternative is the path to destruction.

The last thing I would like to bring out is that in the middle of this gloomy chapter, God gives hope?eventually the righteous will receive God's reward and the wicked will receive their punishment. God will bring about justice in the end, and he will reward those who have been faithful.  The Prophet Isaiah make it clear, "Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.  Those that are righteous are those who are in right standing with God.  Those who are in right standing with God are those who have a healthy "fear of God".  I leave you with a very important admonition from the Apostle Paul:

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them.  I will be their God, and they shall be My people." 17 Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." 18 "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 6:14- 7:1).

I pray that we would not avoid reading chapters like Isaiah 3.  We need to see the mercy of God even in Judgment.  Every chapter of the Bible has potential to transform our lives.  Keep growing in the grace and knowledge of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Experiencing His JOY,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 4:1-6

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, "We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach." 2 In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped. 3 And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy-everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, 5 then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering. 6 And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.

The first verse of this chapter seems to fit better with the preceding chapter, which declares such a scarcity of men, through the destruction of the war, that there should be seven women to one man.  Most of the men of Jerusalem would have died in the process of defending the city (3:25). The next five verses describe the great blessings on the remnant that shall escape the judgments from the previous chapter.  Most would agree that the prophecy is declaring the Christ, who is described by His names, the brand of the Lord, and the fruit of the earth (however, some believe it refers to Judah).  Also the characteristics like beautiful, glorious, excellent, and comely also describe the Messiah that would come.  The chapter concludes with a prophetic word that there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain. 

What stands out to me this morning is how the remnants distinctive mark will be their holiness, not wealth or prestige.  This holiness comes from a sincere desire to obey God and from wholehearted devotion to Him.  There is good news - evil will not always continue as it does now. The time will come when God will put an end to all evil, and His faithful followers will share in his glorious reign.  And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy-everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem.

I close with some scriptures that speak of God's desire for us to experience His holiness. 

2 Cor. 7:1 (KJV) 

    Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Ephes. 4:24 (KJV) 

    And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Hebrews 12:10 (KJV) 

    For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) 

    Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

I pray that would experience all that is found in the tabernacle of God: "shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain."(v.6)

In His Service,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 5:15-24

People shall be brought down, each man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled. 16 But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness. 17 Then the lambs shall feed in their pasture, and in the waste places of the fat ones strangers shall eat. 18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as if with a cart rope; 19 That say, "Let Him make speed and hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it." 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man! 24 Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom will ascend like dust; because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

In chapter 5 of Isaiah the prophet, in God's name, shows the people of God their transgressions and sins.  The chapter begins, by way of a beautiful parable, in which the tender care of God is shown, but then immediately dropped, and the prophet, in plain terms, reproves and threatens them for their wickedness.  Next, follows a number of "woes" and then the consequences for their actions. The chapter will conclude with a prophecy from Isaiah that God will whistle to the Assyrian army.  The Lord would control this army of judgment, for He would give them their signal to invade. 

What stands out to me this morning is how the people suffered because they rejected God's law.  Verse 24 makes this very clear when the Prophet Isaiah declares: "because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.  This is very serious when God describes the people as wicked men who have no respect for the Word of God and because of it He will devour them like grass in a prairie fire. God will deal with His people in judgment, causing the hills to shake and the streets to be littered with carcasses.

It is sad to see so many people today searching for meaning in life while spurning God's Word. We can avoid the error of Israel and Judah by making prayer, reading the Bible, giving and Christian fellowship the highest priorities in our lives.  God's judgment our sure, but the good news is we can avoid ultimate destructive judgment by loving His Word.  I am reminded of His promises in the following verses:

Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) 

    And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Ephes. 5:6 (KJV) 

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col. 3:6 (KJV) 

    For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

1 Thes. 1:10 (KJV) 

    And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thes. 5:9 (KJV) 

    For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

I pray that you would continue to learn how to wait on the LORD.  He has everything you have need of today and everyday.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 6:1-13

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" 4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone!  Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged." 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." 9 And He said, "Go, and tell this people: keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive. 10 "Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed." 11 Then I said, "Lord, how long?" and He answered: "Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, the houses are without a man, the land is utterly desolate, 12 The Lord has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. 13 But yet a tenth will be in it, and will return and be for consuming, as a terebinth tree or as an oak, whose stump remains when it is cut down. So the holy seed shall be its stump."

Chapter 6 of Isaiah contains a vision of the glory and majesty of Christ, the mission and commission of the prophet, and the destruction of the Jews.  In this chapter we have five main sections: #1 the historical setting; #2 Isaiah's stunning vision in which he saw the glory of God; #3 Isaiah's insight into himself that he was "undone"; #4 his call; #5 his commission. This by the way was a very painful commission in which Isaiah had to prophecy to a religious and arrogant people who keep on hearing but do not understand.  In other words, the more the prophet would proclaim the word of God, the less response he would get from the people.  The chapter concludes with a promise that God will spare a tenth (remnant), but even this remnant will have to pass through deep tribulation.  This holy seed is like the living stump of a great tree that survives after the rest of the tree has been destroyed.

What stands out to me today is when Isaiah his vision of the Lord sitting on a throne he realized that he was unclean before God, with no hope of measuring up to God's standard of holiness. When Isaiah's lips were touched with a live burning coal he was told that his sins were forgiven. It wasn't the coal that cleansed him, but God. In response Isaiah submitted himself entirely to God's service. No matter how difficult his task would be, he said, "Here am I. Send me!" This painful cleansing process was necessary before Isaiah could fulfill the task to which God was calling him.

The truth is before we accept God's call to speak for Him to those around us, we must be cleansed as Isaiah was, confessing our sins and submitting to God's control. Letting God purify us may be painful, but we must be purified so that we can truly represent God, who is pure and holy.  Just as Isaiah became aware of his own powerlessness and inadequacy to do anything of lasting value without God, so we must have the same type of vision.

I pray that you would remember your calling.  I pray that you too would know the touch of the Lord, just as Isaiah the prophet.  May you respond as Isaiah, when he said, ""Here am I! Send me."

2 Tim. 1:9 (KJV) 

    Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Living and Serving in Faith,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 7: 23-25

It shall happen in that day, that wherever there could be a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, it will be for briers and thorns. 24 With arrows and bows men will come there, because all the land will become briers and thorns. 25 And to any hill which could be dug with the hoe, you will not go there for fear of briers and thorns; but it will become a range for oxen and a place for sheep to roam.

Chapter 7 of Isaiah is an occasional sermon, in which the prophet sings both of mercy and judgment to those that did not perceive or understand the signs of the times.  He piped unto them, but they danced not, mourned unto them, but they wept not.  This chapter also contains a prophecy of the preservation of the kingdom of Judah, from its enemies; a confirmation of it by a sign; and a prediction of various calamities that should come upon God's enemies.  The chapter concludes with the want of men to till the land, because it would be covered with thorns and briers; and because of wild beasts, the few men in it would be obligated to defend themselves with bows and arrows.

What stands out to me today, is how Judah's rich farmland would be trampled until it became pasture land fit only oxen and sheep to roam.  No longer would it be a place of agricultural abundance, a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), but a land with only curds, briers, and thorns.  The reason for this judgment goes back to Isaiah 5:24 ".because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."

Remember the book of Job.  It was 24 hours and everything changed for Job.  Calamities are like that, everything can change in seconds.  Our God is a suddenly God.  He can move swiftly and quickly.  Let me remind you of three verses found in Revelation 22.

Rev. 22:7 (KJV) 

    Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rev. 22:12 (KJV) 

    And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Rev. 22:20 (KJV) 

    He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Again, I pray that we would have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying.  We must not reject the law of the Lord of hosts, nor despise the word of the Holy One of Israel.  Judgment will come swiftly and painfully on those who know longer live in righteousness, self-control, and the fear of God.

I pray that we would live with no regrets.  Preach righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come.  And most of all live what you preach.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 8:11-22

For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 "Do not say, A conspiracy, concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. 13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. 14 He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, be snared and taken." 16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him. 18 Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me!  We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22 Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.

Chapter 8 of Isaiah contains a confirmation of the sudden destruction of the kingdoms of Syria and Israel, and the great disturbance that should be given to the kingdom of Judah by the king of Assyria, and that both were for their sins.   However, we also see how rich provision is made of comfort for those that feared God in those dark times, referring especially to the days of the Messiah.  More specifically in this chapter we have a prophecy of the destruction of the confederate kingdoms of Syria and Israel by the king of Assyria (vs. 1-4).   Next we have the desolations that should be made by that proud victorious prince in the land of Israel and Judah (vs. 5-8).   Next, the great encouragement  is given to the people of God in the midst of those distractions; they are assured,  #1 That the enemies shall not gain their point against them (vs. 9-10).  #2 That if they kept up the fear of God, and kept down the fear of man, they should find God their refuge (vs. 11-14), and while others stumbled, and fell into despair, they should be enabled to wait on God, and should see themselves reserved for better times (vs. 15-18).  The chapter concludes with a necessary caution to all, at their peril, not to consult with familiar spirits, for they would thereby throw themselves into despair, but to keep close to the word of God (vs. 19-22).

What stands out to me this morning is how Isaiah decided to wait for the Lord, though God was "hiding his face from the house of Jacob." The truth is many of the prophecies God gave through the prophets would not come true for 700 years; others still haven't been fulfilled.  And yet the prophet said "I will hope in him".  KJV words it this way, "I will look for Him".   The Hebrew words is qavah, (kaw-vaw'); It is a primitive root; meaning to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figurtaive) to expect :- gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).

The question can be asked, "Are you willing to accept the Lord's timing?"  Will you continue to hope even if you don't see it with the natural eye?  This is what the Apostle Paul recorded about hope:

Romans 8:24-25 (KJV) 

    For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Hebrews 6:11 (KJV) 

    And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

One thing is for sure in these last days, if our hope is not eternal, then we will experience great sorrow and defeat by what is about to come to pass.  The principles in the book of Isaiah are still alive and well today.  Because God is a jealous God, His judgment will come upon the earth to destroy the pride and arrogance of man that rejects the law of the Lord of hosts, and despises the word of the Holy One of Israel. 

The hope for the believer can be found in (2 Peter 3)

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Knowing the day of the Lord will come,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 9:1-7

Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles.  2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

In chapter 9 of Isaiah the prophet is declaring to the righteous, it will be well for them, but Woe to the wicked, it will be destruction for them.  This declaration is in accord with the direction Isaiah was given in Isaiah 3:10-11.  More specifically, God promises to those that adhere to the law and to the testimony, to act graciously, by revealing the Messiah.  He is represented under the figure of the light, the joy fulfiller, Child who is born, Son who is given, Government upon His shoulder, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the increase of His Government and peace there will be no end, establishing judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The chapter will conclude with the most awful calamities that were ready to fall upon the Israelites on account of their rebellion.

What stands out to me this morning is how this passage of scriptures fulfills the promise of the coming Messiah.  This child who would become their deliverer is Jesus who was born in Bethlehem. Matthew quotes these verses in describing Christ's ministry (Matthew 4:15-16). The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali represent the northern kingdom as a whole. These were also the territories where Jesus grew up and often ministered; this is why they would see "a great light."  The apostle John also referred to Jesus as the "light" (John 1:9). Jesus referred to Himself as "the light of the world" (John 8:12).

In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light that would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death.  He is both "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God." We can rejoice today because this message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.  We must respond:

Romans 10:13 (KJV) 

    For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

A personal invitation makes a person feel wanted and welcome. We are "called to be holy." God personally invites us to be citizens of his eternal kingdom. But Jesus Christ, God's Son, is the only one who can bring us into this glorious kingdom because He is the only one who removes our sins. We are also called to be sanctified.  To be sanctified means that we are chosen or set apart by Christ for His service. We accept God's invitation by accepting his Son, Jesus Christ, and by trusting in the work he did on the cross to forgive our sins.

1 Cor. 1:2 (KJV) 

    Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

I pray that you would daily call upon the name of the LORD.  Learning to walk and talk with the Savior everyday so that you fulfill the purposes of God for your life. 

Calling upon His name,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 10:1-4

"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed 2 To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless. 3 What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory? 4 Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, and they shall fall among the slain." For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.

Chapter 10 of Isaiah begins with a declaration of punishment and judgment, first on the leaders of the Jewish nation, and then upon the Assyrians, who carried out God's judgment upon His people.  Because of the pride of the Assyrians heart, and the haughtiness of their looks, and the boasting of their strength and wisdom, and of their robberies and plunders, punishment is said to come from the Lord.  Next, God's people are exhorted not to be afraid of the Assyrian, though chastised by Him, through the Assyrians, because in a little while the anger of the Lord would cease in His destruction, which is likened to the manner of the Egyptians at the Red sea, and as the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb; whereby they would be free from His burden and yoke, because of the anointed King that should reign.  The chapter ends with great encouragement given to them not to fear this threatening storm, but to hope that, though for the present all the country was put into a great distress by it, yet it would end well, in the destruction of this Assyrian enemy.

What stands out to me this morning is this phrase: "Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees".  I believe this is a strong warning to our politicians, judges, government, and church leadership.  It is very clear that God is more concerned with righteousness than He is in our gaining possessions.  Matter of fact it is a love for possessions that leads a nation into all kinds of evil (I Tim. 6:10).  In our upcoming presidential elections, many our more concerned with which presidential candidate will put more money in their pocket than they are with which candidate will stand up for righteousness.  The simple truth found in Isaiah 10 is that God will judge the nations who forget HIM and HE will not allow arrogance and haughtiness to last forever.  One thing is for sure, God will judge crooked politicians and judges who make unjust laws. Those who oppress others will be oppressed themselves. It is not enough to live in a land founded on justice; each individual must deal justly with the poor and the powerless.  We must pray for our leaders that they would turn to God before it is too late.   

Remember this, we are all accountable to God for what we say and do.  I leave you with this commission found in Malachi 6:8

    "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? "

Learning to walk humbly,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 11:1-16

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist. 6 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious." 11 It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. 12 He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 13 Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim. 14 But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; together they shall plunder the people of the East; they shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; and the people of Ammon shall obey them. 15 The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; with His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, and strike it in the seven streams, and make men cross over dryshod. 16 There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who will be left from Assyria, as it was for Israel in the day that he came up from the land of Egypt.

Chapter 11 of Isaiah is known to be a prophecy of the Messiah.  In this chapter you find His rise out of the house of David (v. 1); His qualifications for His great undertaking (vs. 2-3); the justice and equity of His government (vs. 3-5); the peace of His kingdom (vs. 6-9); the Gentiles will be attracted to His presence (v. 10); the remnant of the Jews will be united with the Messiah's kingdom (vs. 11-16).  Simply put, this chapter is a prophetic picture of the glory of the future kingdom. This is the kingdom announced by John Baptist as "at hand." It was then rejected, but will be set up when David's Son returns in glory (Luke 1:31); (Luke 1:32); (Acts 15:15); (Acts 15:16).

What stands out to me this morning is how Judah (the royal line of David) would be like a tree chopped down to a stump. But from that stump a new shoot would grow?the Messiah. He would be greater than the original tree and would bear much fruit. A Rod from the stem of Jesse (see 1 Sam. 16:10) represents the new and greater David. As David inaugurated a kingdom of righteousness and peace, the new David, the "rod" or "root" from David's line (53:2), will establish an even greater kingdom. The words Rod and Branch are messianic terms. They are figurative words for the great descendant of the household of David, the Seed of the Woman promised in Genesis 3:15, Jesus Christ Himself (see Matthew 1:17). The Messiah is the fulfillment of God's promise that a descendant of David would rule forever (2 Samuel 7:16). 

It is also interesting to note that because the captivity of Babylon was a figure of the spiritual captivity under sin, Isaiah shows that our true deliverance must come by Christ: for as David came out of Jesse, a man without dignity, so Christ would come of a poor carpenter's house as out of a dry ground (see Isaiah 53:2).

There is much we can learn from Israel's history.  One thing that is loud and clear from the book of Isaiah is that Judah had become corrupt and was surrounded by hostile, foreign powers. The nation desperately needed a revival of righteousness, justice, and faithfulness. They needed to turn from selfishness and show justice to the poor and the oppressed. Do you see history repeating itself in America?  We need to pray that God would give us the revival that we so desperately need: Before it is too late!

Holding onto the Promises,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 12:1-6

And in that day you will say: "O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me,

Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation." 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say: "Praise the Lord, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"

Chapter 12 of Isaiah contains a song of praise and thanksgiving for the redemption and salvation the LORD has provided. The chapter begins with a prophetic word that the anger of the Lord will be turned away from the people of God.  Next we have a graphic description of the people's joy as they have a foretaste of what it will be like when Jesus Christ comes to reign over the earth.  The chapter concludes with the people of God exhorted to Praise, Sing, Cry out, and Shout to the Lord who is the Holy One of Israel.

What stands out to me today are these powerful words strength ... song ... salvation ? We can read these powerful words in Exodus 15:2 and Psalm118:14. The idea of salvation was peculiarly associated with the feast of tabernacles. The cry "Hosanna," "Save, we beseech thee," that accompanied Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that day (the fifteenth of the seventh month) can be compared with Psalm 118:25 & Psalm118:26. The perfect "salvation" which He shall bring to His people at His glorious second appearance at Jerusalem, "He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation."  

The other thing that stands out to me today is how all of these verbs in verses 3-6: Praise, Declare, Sing, Cry, and Shout, are not suggestions but rather the outflow of a grateful heart.  We see that same outflow when the disciples are commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus any more in Acts 4:18-20.  The disciples respond: "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 

I pray that you would have a similar outflow as you come into His presence.  The LORD is so worthy of our Praise.  He is our strength and song.  Continue to Sing HIS praises throughout your day.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 13:9-13

Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine. 11 "I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, a man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth will move out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger.

Chapter 13 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of the destruction of Babylon, literally understood as the destruction of the mystical Babylon, so often spoken of in the book of the Revelation.  Also an account is given of the persons that should be the instruments of it, and of the desolation they should make.  The chapter concludes with a very clear understanding that this destruction will bring about an utter ruin of that once famous city.

What stand out to me today is how Isaiah communicated a message of challenge and hope to God's people, telling them not to rely on other nations but to rely on God alone. And he let them know that their greatest enemies would receive from God the punishment they deserve.  It is interesting to note that long before Babylon became a world power and threatened Judah, Isaiah spoke of its destruction. Babylon was the rallying point of rebellion against God after the flood (Genesis 11). Rev. 17-18 use Babylon as a symbol of God's enemies. At the time of this oracle however, Babylon was still part of the Assyrian empire.  Again, this is why Isaiah is known as a Prophet of God because even before Babylon became a world power, Isaiah prophesied that, though it would shine for a while, Babylon's destruction would be so complete that the land would never again be inhabited. Babylon, in present-day Iraq, still lies in utter ruin, burned under mounds of dirt and sand.

Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it.

I don't know what you think of when you read this verse but I am reminded that God is all powerful and capable of defeating all His enemies.  The good news is that our heavenly Father has not appointed us to wrath.  Listen again to some important verses in the Bible:

Romans 1:18 (KJV) 

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 5:9 (KJV) 

    Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

1 Thes. 5:9 (KJV) 

    For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

I pray that you would continue to hold the truth in righteousness. 

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 14:1-2

For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land. The strangers will be joined with them, and they will cling to the house of Jacob. 2 Then people will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel will possess them for servants and maids in the land of the Lord; they will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors.

Chapter 14 of Isaiah contains prophecies of the restoration of the Jews, of the fall of the king of Babylon, and the destruction of the Assyrian empire.  The chapter begins with a promise that the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land.  We also learn that strangers will be joined with the house of Israel.  Next we have a confirmation of the prophecy of the destruction of Babylon, and then the prophecy of the destruction of the Assyrian army that invaded the land.  The chapter concludes with the success of Hezekiah against the Philistines, and the advantages which his people would gain.

One of the things I am reminded of today is that the book of Isaiah has a prominent theme in that strangers or aliens (non-Israelites) would join the returning Israelites (See also Isaiah 56:6-7; Isaiah 60:10; Isaiah 61:5). God's intention was that through His faithful people all the world would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Through the family of David, the whole world could be saved by Christ. We must not limit God's love to our own people. God loves the whole world.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

I pray that we would know how blessed we are.  May we see the love of God that has been shown us, even when we didn't deserve it.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation" (Romans 5:8-11).

Rejoicing,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 15:1-9

The burden against Moab. because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste and destroyed, because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste and destroyed, 2 He has gone up to the temple and Dibon, to the high places to weep. Moab will wail over Nebo and over Medeba; on all their heads will be baldness, and every beard cut off. 3 In their streets they will clothe themselves with sackcloth; on the tops of their houses and in their streets everyone will wail, weeping bitterly. 4 Heshbon and Elealeh will cry out, their voice shall be heard as far as Jahaz; therefore the armed soldiers of Moab will cry out; his life will be burdensome to him. 5 "My heart will cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee to Zoar, like a three-year-old heifer. for by the Ascent of Luhith they will go up with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim they will raise up a cry of destruction, 6 For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate, for the green grass has withered away; the grass fails, there is nothing green. 7 Therefore the abundance they have gained, and what they have laid up, they will carry away to the Brook of the Willows. 8 For the cry has gone all around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim and its wailing to Beer Elim. 9 For the waters of Dimon will be full of blood; because I will bring more upon Dimon, Lions upon him who escapes from Moab, and on the remnant of the land."

Chapter 15 of Isaiah contains the judgment of Moab - a prophecy of some great desolation that was coming upon that country, which bordered upon the land of Israel, and had often been contentious and vindictive to it, though the Israelites, by the appointment of God, had spared them when they easily could have cut them off with their neighbors. In this chapter we will also see a great lamentation made by the Moabites, and by the prophet himself for them.

What stands out to me today is how Moab had always been Israel's enemy. They oppressed Israel and invaded their land (Judges 3:12-14), fought against Saul (1 Samuel 14:47) and against David (2 Samuel 8:2, 11-12). It was now God's timing for Moab to be punished for treating Israel harshly.  "My heart will cry out for Moab" refers to Isaiah, who felt sympathy for Moab.  The Prophets actions help us to see that his prophecies are not filled with human vengeance but rather motivated by God alone.  The book of James reminds us of a very important principles in God's Kingdom: "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God"(James 1:19-20).

There are times that we may feel that someone deserves punishment or judgment for their actions but we need to be reminded that God needs to guide the wrath if we are going to see true righteousness fulfilled.  The bottom line is we need to ask for God's heart in every situation.  Let me remind you of the words of the Prophet Ezekiel:

Ezekiel 18:23-24 (KJV) 

    Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

    [24] But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Ezekiel 33:11-12 (KJV) 

    Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? [12] Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.

I pray that you would be able to be taught by the Master when He says:

Matthew 5:43-48 (KJV) 

    Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Learning to Love like Jesus,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 16:5-7

In mercy the throne will be established; and One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness." 6 We have heard of the pride of Moab- he is very proud- of his haughtiness and his pride and his wrath; but his lies shall not be so. 7 Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab; everyone shall wail. For the foundations of Kir Hareseth you shall mourn; surely they are stricken.

Chapter 16 of Isaiah is a continuation of the prophecy against Moab; in which the prophet gives good advice.  However Isaiah foresees the haughtiness and neglect of the Moabites and so Isaiah prophecies their ruin, and fixes a time for it. He also advises the Moabites to pay their tribute to the king of Judah, or otherwise they should be turned out of their land, as a bird out of its nest.  The chapter is closed with an assurance of the certain ruin of Moab, and of the time when it should be.

What stands out to me this morning is how when the people of Moab experienced God's wrath, they sought their own idols and gods. Nothing happened, however, because there was no one there to save them. Their idols were empty and vein.  This is really an example of what pride will do to you.  1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) says this: " Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."   In other words God resisted the Moabites because of their pride.  The Hebrew word for "pride" is ga'own, (gaw-ohn)'; It is from the Hebrew 1342 (ga'ah); the same as Hebrew 1346 (ga`avah).  It means arrogancy, excellency (-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling.  When we are resisted by God, we can't help but make pour decisions. 

When we seek our own ways of escape in order to get through our daily troubles, the effect is the same.  Our hope lies in God, the only One who can hear and help. 

I pray that you would experience that hope today.  Remember what is written in the book of Micah 6:8 (KJV)

    "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

 Forever Grateful,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 17:4-11

"In that day it shall come to pass that the glory of Jacob will wane, and the fatness of his flesh grow lean. 5 It shall be as when the harvester gathers the grain, and reaps the heads with his arm; It shall be as he who gathers heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. 6 Yet gleaning grapes will be left in it, like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives at the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in its most fruitful branches," says the Lord God of Israel. 7 In that day a man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel. 8 He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands; he will not respect what his fingers have made, nor the wooden images nor the incense altars. 9 In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel; and there will be desolation. 10 Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold, therefore you will plant pleasant plants and set out foreign seedlings; 11 In the day you will make your plant to grow, and in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; but the harvest will be a heap of ruins in the day of grief and desperate sorrow.

Chapter 17 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of destruction of the strong cities both of Syria and Israel.  The ruin of Damascus, the metropolis of Syria, is threatened and the whole kingdom of Syria, together with Ephraim.  In the midst of judgment mercy is remembered to Israel, and a gracious promise is made for a remnant that would be preserved from the calamities that would come.  The chapter will close with a prophecy of the defeat of the Assyrian army.

What stand's out to me this morning are these sobering words: "Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold ".  God's message to Damascus is that it will be completely destroyed. The Arameans had turned from the God who could save them, depending instead on their idols and their own strength. The people had committed the very sin that God warned them not to: they had forgotten the God who had saved them from slavery. The language recalls the first Exodus; the Lord is called the God of your salvation and the Rock (compare Ex. 15:2; Deut. 32:4).  The truth is no matter how successful they were, God's judgment was sure.

Brother and sisters, if we are not careful, we too can depend on the trappings of success (expensive cars, clothes, homes, and fame) to give us fulfillment. But God says we will reap grief and pain if we have depended on temporal things to give us eternal security. If we don't want the same treatment Damascus received, we must turn from these false allurements and trust in God. 

We can take courage from the scriptures that God is a rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us.  He is a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can't follow us.  He is a shield that comes between us and harm.  He is a horn of salvation, a symbol of might and power.  He is a stronghold high above our enemies. If you need protection today, look to God.

I pray that you would know His strength and protection today.  Take comfort from the book of Psalms:

Psalm 18:2 (KJV) 

    The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 18:46 (KJV) 

    The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Psalm 62:2 (KJV) 

    He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psalm 62:6-7 (KJV) 

    He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. [7] In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trusting in the God of my salvation,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 18:1-7

Woe to the land shadowed with buzzing wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, 2 Which sends ambassadors by sea, even in vessels of reed on the waters, saying, "Go, swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth of skin, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation powerful and treading down, whose land the rivers divide." 3 All inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth: when he lifts up a banner on the mountains, you see it; and when he blows a trumpet, you hear it. 4 For so the Lord said to me, "I will take My rest, and I will look from My dwelling place like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest." 5 For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, He will both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches. 6 They will be left together for the mountain birds of prey and for the beasts of the earth; the birds of prey will summer on them, and all the beasts of the earth will winter on them. 7 In that time a present will be brought to the Lord of hosts from a people tall and smooth of skin, and from a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation powerful and treading down, whose land the rivers divide- to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, to Mount Zion.

Chapter 18 of Isaiah is one of the most obscure prophecies in the whole Book. The subject of it, the design of it, the people to whom it is addressed, the history to which it belongs, the person who sends the messengers, and the nation to whom the messengers are sent, they are all obscure and debatable.  Whatever country it is that is meant here by "the land shadowing with wings," here is a woe denounced against it, for God has, upon his people's account, a quarrel with it.  We understand in this chapter that they threaten God's people.  We also understand that all the neighbors are hereupon called to take notice what will be the issue.  Next, though God seems unconcerned in the distress of His people for a time, he will at length appear against their enemies and will be faithful to cut them off.  The chapter concludes with an understanding that this will proclaim the name of the Lord of host.

What I walk away will today is that nothing will eventually stand in God's way.  I am reminded that for a season God allows wickedness to go unpunished.  For example we have the parable of the wheat and tears: Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares? 28 He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Do you want us then to go and gather them up? 29 But he said, No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." " (Matthew 13:24-30).

Jesus will go on to explain this parable in Matthew 13:37-43

He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. ³⁹ The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. ⁴⁰ Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, ⁴² and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

I pray that you would be encouraged that God has set appointed time for everything.  Continue to praise the LORD no matter what you see around you.  Remember it's the will of God for you to give thanks in everything.

Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will Be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 19:18-25

In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the Lord of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction. 19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. 20 And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. 21 Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. 22 And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. 23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria-a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance."

Chapter 19 of Isaiah contains prophecies of various calamities that will come upon the Egypt.  The judgments that would fall upon Egypt greatly weaken them and brought them low.  Next, we have the conversion of many because of the Savior and a Mighty One, who would hear their cry and come with deliverance.  The chapter concludes with a message of profound peace between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel, and their blessed condition under the work of God's hands. 

What stands out to me today is how after Egypt's calamities, it would turn from idols and worship the one true God. Even more amazing is Isaiah's prophecy that the two chief oppressors of Israel, Egypt and Assyria, would unite in worship. This is a beautiful picture of God's mercy.  We read that when Egypt calls to God for help, he will send a savior to deliver them. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is available to all who call upon him. We too can pray and receive his saving power (John 1:12).

Egypt is but one Gentile nation who will bow before the Lord. Philippians 2:10-11 says every knee will bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. So we shouldn't be surprised that Egyptians and Assyrians are part of the "every." Each of us is part of that "every" too. We may bow now in devotion, or later in submission.  I pray that it would be now so that we would receive the grace that is needed to live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age.

Keep loving Jesus my friend, and remember, we love Him because He first loved us.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 20:1-6

In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it, 2 at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, "Go, and remove the sackcloth from your body, and take your sandals off your feet." And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. 3 Then the Lord said, "Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia, 4 so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. 5 Then they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and Egypt their glory. 6 And the inhabitant of this territory will say in that day, Surely such is our expectation, wherever we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and how shall we escape? "

Chapter 20 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of the destruction of the Egyptians and Ethiopians by the Assyrians.  This had already been prophesied two preceding chapters, but now the time and sign of it is given.  The prophet Isaiah is called upon to walk naked and barefoot, this sign would be the explanation for the captivity and humility of Egypt and Ethiopia.  The chapter concludes with the despair that the people will experience for their hopeless trust and dependency upon the Assyrians for deliverance.

What stands out to me this morning is how we are able to see to significant messages in this passage.  The first thing we learn is that God's command to Isaiah was to walk about naked for three years, a humiliating experience. God was using Isaiah to demonstrate the humiliation that Egypt and Cush would experience at the hands of Assyria. But the second message was really for Judah: Don't put your trust in foreign governments, or you will experience this kind of shame and humiliation from your captors.  This is a sobering reminder to us all that we cannot trust in military might, economic strength, or intellectual abilities of any nation for our deliverance.  All will be exposed in God's timing so that we see who really is the TRUST WORTHY ONE. 

Let me remind you of the scriptures on who to trust:

Psalm 31:6 (KJV) 

    I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord.

Psalm 118:8-9 (KJV) 

    It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. [9] It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 125:1 (KJV) 

    A Song of degrees.

    They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) 

    Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 29:25 (KJV) 

    The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

Have you ever known people who were drawn to every new fad or idea?  Such people can be inconsistent and therefore unreliable. The secret to consistency is to trust in God, because he never changes. He cannot be shaken by the changes in our world, and His ways will endure forever. The fads and ideas of our world, and our world itself, will not.

I pray that you would find the joy of trusting in the LORD.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 21:1-10

The burden against the Wilderness of the Sea. As whirlwinds in the South pass through, so it comes from the desert, from a terrible land. 2 A distressing vision is declared to me; the treacherous dealer deals treacherously, and the plunderer plunders. Go up, O Elam! Besiege, O Media! All its sighing I have made to cease. 3 Therefore my loins are filled with pain; pangs have taken hold of me, like the pangs of a woman in labor. I was distressed when I heard it; I was dismayed when I saw it. 4 My heart wavered, fearfulness frightened me; the night for which I longed He turned into fear for me. 5 Prepare the table, set a watchman in the tower, eat and drink. Arise, you princes, anoint the shield! 6 For thus has the Lord said to me: "Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he sees." 7 And he saw a chariot with a pair of horsemen, a chariot of donkeys, and a chariot of camels, and he listened earnestly with great care. 8 Then he cried, "A lion, my Lord! I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime; I have sat at my post every night. 9 And look, here comes a chariot of men with a pair of horsemen!" Then he answered and said, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground." 10 Oh, my threshing and the grain of my floor! That which I have heard from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, I have declared to you.

In this chapter Isaiah prophesies of the sad times to come, as well as the heavy burdens that would come upon Babylon, here called "the desert of the sea." It is prophesied that Babylon would be destroyed by the Medes and Persians with a terrible destruction.  Next we have a short application of the prophecy to the Jews, partly in the person of God, and partly in his own.  Next is a obscure prophecy in regards to Dumah or Idumea.  The chapter ends with a prophecy concerning the Arabians that would be fulfilled in a very short time after its delivery.

What I would like to bring out today is that Babylon was not only a great and powerful city; it was also filled with horrible sin (idolatry, witchcraft, and temple prostitution).

Babylon was the name of both an evil city and an immoral empire, a world center for idol worship. Babylon ransacked Jerusalem and carried the people of Judah into captivity (see 2 Kings 24 and 2 Chron. 36). Just as Babylon was the Jews' worst enemy, the Roman empire was the worst enemy of the early Christians. John, who probably did not dare speak against Rome openly, applied the name Babylon to this enemy of God's people (Rome)?and, by extension, to all God's enemies of all times.  Babylon was, and remains, a symbol of all that stands against God. Despite all its glory and power, Babylon would be destroyed, along with all its idols. They would give no help in time of trouble. 

Rev. 14:8 (KJV) 

    And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

I pray that you would be encouraged in knowing that God will not be mocked. 

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) 

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Keep sowing good seed my friend because God is taking note.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 22:7-14

It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate. 8 He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9 You also saw the damage to the city of David, that it was great; and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses you broke down to fortify the wall. 11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool.  But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. 12 And in that day the Lord God of hosts called for weeping and for mourning, for baldness and for girding with sackcloth. 13 But instead, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!" 14 Then it was revealed in my hearing by the Lord of hosts, "Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, even to your death," says the Lord God of hosts.

Chapter 22 of Isaiah contains two prophecies, one concerning the invasion of Jerusalem by the Assyrian army, under which they served; and the other of the removal of Shebna, an officer in Hezekiah's court, and of the placing of Eliakim in his stead. After the title of the former of these prophecies, the distress of the people, through the invasion, is described, by their getting up to the housetops.  Then we have a contrast between Jerusalem's blind revelry and Isaiah's appalling vision of its selfish rulers having fled the city, leaving it to be plundered.  Next we have Isaiah's detailed vision of the city's fall and the indictment of Jerusalem for its misplaced confidence in its defenses instead of in the Lord.  We also learn of Isaiah's indictment for its response of merrymaking instead of repenting.  This final vision is confirming that this last apostasy sealed Jerusalem's doom (v. 14). The chapter concludes with a prophecy of the removal of Shebna, who is described by his name and office.  His pride is exposed as the cause of his fall and he is threatened not only to be driven from his station, but to be carried captive into another country, suddenly and violently, and with great shame and disgrace.  Also we read how  Eliakim the son of Hilkiah would be put in Shebna's place.

What stands out to me this morning is how the leaders did what they could to prepare for war: they got weapons, inspected the walls, and stored up water in a reservoir. But all their work was pointless because they never asked God for help.  Isaiah had warned his people, but they did not repent; therefore they would experience God's judgment. Because of his care for them, Isaiah was hurt by their punishment and mourned deeply for them. The truth is sometimes the people we care for ignore our attempts to help, so they suffer the very grief we were hoping to spare them. At times like that we grieve like the prophet Isaiah, because of our concern. God expects us to be involved with others, and this may sometimes require us to suffer with them.

Here is a simple truth, like Israel, we too often take steps that, though good in themselves, really won't give us the help we need. We must get the weapons and inspect the walls, but God must guide the work.  In other words do what proverbs admonishes us to do:

Proverbs 3:1-7 (KJV) 

    My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: [2] For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. [3] Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: [4] So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.  [5] Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  [7] Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

I pray that we can learn from Israel's history.  I pray that we would allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth.

¹² "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ¹³ However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵ All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. (John 16:12-15).

Learning to listen,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 23:1-18

The burden against Tyre. Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no harbor; from the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them. 2 Be still, you inhabitants of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whom those who cross the sea have filled. 3 And on great waters the grain of Shihor, the harvest of the River, is her revenue; and she is a marketplace for the nations. 4 Be ashamed, O Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the strength of the sea, saying, "I do not labor, nor bring forth children; neither do I rear young men, nor bring up virgins." 5 When the report reaches Egypt, they also will be in agony at the report of Tyre. 6 Cross over to Tarshish; wail, you inhabitants of the coastland! 7 Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is from ancient days, whose feet carried her far off to dwell? 8 Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are the honorable of the earth? 9 The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. 10 Overflow through your land like the River, O daughter of Tarshish; there is no more strength. 11 He stretched out His hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms; the Lord has given a commandment against Canaan to destroy its strongholds. 12 And He said, "You will rejoice no more, O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, cross over to Cyprus; there also you will have no rest." 13 Behold, the land of the Chaldeans, this people which was not; Assyria founded it for wild beasts of the desert. They set up its towers, they raised up its palaces, and brought it to ruin. 14 Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For your strength is laid waste. 15 Now it shall come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. At the end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot: 16 "Take a harp, go about the city, you forgotten harlot; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that you may be remembered." 17 And it shall be, at the end of seventy years, that the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her hire, and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. 18 Her gain and her pay will be set apart for the Lord; it will not be treasured nor laid up, for her gain will be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for fine clothing.

Chapter 23 of Isaiah is concerning Tyre, an ancient wealthy city, situated upon the sea, and for many ages one of the most celebrated cities for trade and merchandise in those parts of the world.  We seldom find it a dangerous enemy to Israel, but sometimes their faithful ally, as in the reigns of David and Solomon; for trading cities maintain their grandeur, not by the conquest of their neighbors, but by commerce with them.  This chapter gives an account both of the desolation and restoration of Tyre, an ancient city of Phoenicia. Its desolation is described as so complete, that a house was not left in it.  The date and duration of this desolation were seventy years, after which it should be restored, and its merchandise and commerce with all the nations of the earth would be revived again. 

What stands out to me today is how Tyre was one of the most famous cities of the ancient world. A major trading center with a large seaport, Tyre was very wealthy and very evil. Tyre was rebuked by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:22, 27; Jeremiah 47:4), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 26-28), Joel (Joel 3:4-8), Amos (Amos 1:9-10), and Zechariah (Zech. 9:3-4). This is another warning against political alliances with unstable neighbors.  Tyre was willing to compromise as long as was in their benefit.  In other words, economy ruled over morality.  The danger we can clean from this approach is that eventually the compromise will catch up with you and bring destruction in your life.  Compromising is a result of not trusting in God but relying on your own ability.  For Tyre, the reason for destruction is very clear; God would destroy them because he hated their pride. Pride separates people from God, and He will not tolerate it. We must examine our lives and remember that all true accomplishment comes from our Creator. We have no reason for pride in ourselves. 

I pray that you would rely on the power of HIS grace to see you through.  Remember

Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) 

    For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 24:19-23

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; for the majesty of the Lord they shall cry aloud from the sea. 15 Therefore glorify the Lord in the dawning light, the name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea. 16 From the ends of the earth we have heard songs: "Glory to the righteous!" But I said, "I am ruined, ruined! Woe to me! The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously, indeed, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously." 17 Fear and the pit and the snare are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth. 18 And it shall be that he who flees from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit, and he who comes up from the midst of the pit shall be caught in the snare; for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth are shaken. 19 The earth is violently broken, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken exceedingly. 20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall totter like a hut; its transgression shall be heavy upon it, and it will fall, and not rise again. 21 It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones, and on the earth the kings of the earth. 22 They will be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and will be shut up in the prison; after many days they will be punished. 23 Then the moon will be disgraced and the sun ashamed; for the Lord of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before His elders, gloriously.

Chapter 24 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of calamities that should come upon the whole world for their sins.  This chapter is often referred to as "Isaiah's Apocalypse." Isaiah's prophecies were first directed to Judah, then to Israel, then to the surrounding nations, and finally to the whole world.  The devastation is very clear when the prophet states, "The earth is violently broken".  We also learn in the chapter of a visitation of the kings of the earth and how they are punished.  However there is a preservation of a remnant. The chapter will conclude with the appearance of Christ in His glory and majesty as the Lord of hosts reign's on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem.  At that time He will finally and permanently remove wickedness.

What stands out to me today is how Isaiah grieved because of his world's condition. We too should weep over the evil all around us. We need to cry out for righteousness, godliness, and holiness to be established in the lives of the believers.  We understand from Isaiah that the believers who are left behind after God judges Judah will sing to the glory of God's righteousness.  We too need to hold on to God's promises for the future and begin to singing praises to Him both now and when He restores heaven and earth.

Psalm 9:11 (KJV) 

    Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

Psalm 18:49 (KJV) 

    Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Psalm 27:6 (KJV) 

    And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Psalm 47:6 (KJV) 

    Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Psalm 68:4 (KJV) 

    Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.

Psalm 68:32 (KJV) 

    Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

Psalm 75:9 (KJV) 

    But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

Psalm 135:3 (KJV) 

    Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

I pray that you would continue to sing HIS praises!!!!!!

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 25:1-12

O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 2 For You have made a city a ruin, a fortified city a ruin, a palace of foreigners to be a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore the strong people will glorify You; the city of the terrible nations will fear You. 4 For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. 5 You will reduce the noise of aliens, as heat in a dry place; as heat in the shadow of a cloud, the song of the terrible ones will be diminished. 6 And in this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees. 7 And He will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. 9 And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." 10 For on this mountain the hand of the Lord will rest, and Moab shall be trampled down under Him, as straw is trampled down for the refuse heap. 11 And He will spread out His hands in their midst as a swimmer reaches out to swim, and He will bring down their pride together with the trickery of their hands. 12 The fortress of the high fort of your walls He will bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, down to the dust.

Chapter 25 of Isaiah contains thankful praises for what God had done, which the prophet offers up to God.  Next we have precious promises of what God would further do for His people like, "swallow up death forever, and the Lord will wipe away tear from all faces." The People of God will triumph over her enemies. This chapter looks as pleasantly upon the remnant as the former chapter (24) looked dreadfully upon the world.

Two things stand out to me today.  The first is found in verse 4 "For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall."  The poor suffered because ruthless people oppressed them. But God is concerned for the poor and is a refuge for them. Proverbs 14:31 reminds us: "He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor." God has a special concern for the poor. He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible; it is a command that may require a change of attitude (see Leviticus 23:22; Deut. 15:7-8; Psalm 113:5-9; Psalm 146:5-9; Isaiah 58:7; 2 Cor. 9:9; James 2:1-9).  Here is some good news: when we are disadvantaged or oppressed, we can turn to God for comfort and help. Jesus states that the kingdom of God belongs to the poor (Luke 6:20).

The second thing that stands out to me today is found in verse 6 "And in this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces,.".  Here is a marvelous prophecy of "all peoples"?Gentiles and Jews together?at God's Messianic feast, celebrating the overthrow of evil and the joy of eternity with God. It shows that God intended his saving message to go out to the whole world, not just to the Jews. During the feast, God will end death forever (Isaiah 25:7-8). The people who participate in this great feast will be those who have been living by faith. That is why they say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us" (Isaiah 25:9).

I leave you with this simple, yet profound, truth:

¹⁶ "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17).

Take time to give thanks for all HIS wonderful works!!!

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 26:1-13, 19

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. 2 Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in. 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength. 5 For He brings down those who dwell on high, the lofty city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He brings it down to the dust. 6 The foot shall tread it down- the feet of the poor and the steps of the needy." 7 The way of the just is uprightness; O Most Upright, You weigh the path of the just. 8 Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O Lord, we have waited for You; the desire of our soul is for Your name and for the remembrance of You. 9 With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; for when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. 10 Let grace be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord. 11 Lord, when Your hand is lifted up, they will not see. But they will see and be ashamed for their envy of people; yes, the fire of Your enemies shall devour them. 12 Lord, You will establish peace for us, for You have also done all our works in us. 13 O Lord our God, masters besides You have had dominion over us; but by You only we make mention of Your name.. 19 Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

Chapter 26 of Isaiah contains a song of praise for the safety and prosperity of the People of God, and the destruction of their enemies. The land of Judah is represented as a strong city, whose walls and bulwarks are salvation. It is said to have gates which are to be opened to a righteous nation, its inhabitants, being such who trust in the Lord, are promised perfect peace.  Next the saints are exhorted to trust in Him, then follows an account of another city, described as lofty, and its inhabitants as dwelling on high, who are brought down, and trampled on, by the feet of the poor and needy.  The prophet also declares that the wicked would not be brought to repentance and reformation by the goodness of God, nor take notice of His hand, yet they should see and be ashamed, and destroyed at last.  But the righteous nation should be increased, though they should meet with trouble, which would cause them to go to the throne of grace, and there pour out their complaints.  The chapter concludes however with great hope as an answer is returned for the disappointments they had met with, promising a glorious resurrection, and calling upon the people of God to retire to their chambers for protection, until the punishment to be inflicted on the inhabitants of the earth for their sins was over.

What stands out to me this morning is how God is revealing to the prophet Isaiah the future plan.  People will praise God on the day of the Lord when Christ establishes His kingdom.  Isaiah 26 is a psalm of trust, praise, and meditation on the things God has planned and purposed His people.  My favorite verse in this chapter is verse 3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." The truth is we can never avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil. When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable. Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, the people of God are not shaken or defeated by the surrounding chaos. 

As I read Isaiah 26 I am reminded of the words of Paul in Philippians 4:6-9 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

I leave you with one last thought from this chapter.  Isaiah tells us that our bodies shall rise again. According to 1 Cor. 15:50-53, all the dead believers will arise with new imperishable bodies?bodies like the one Jesus had when He was resurrected.  Philippians 3:20-21 reminds us: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Just for your further piece of information, Isaiah 26:19 is not the only Old Testament verse to speak about the resurrection; see also Job 19:26; Psalm 16:10; Daniel 12:2, 13.

I pray that you would experience peace today by keeping your thoughts and trust in God.  His plans are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 27:1-12

In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; and He will slay the reptile that is in the sea. 2 In that day sing to her, "A vineyard of red wine! 3 I, the Lord, keep it, I water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I keep it night and day. 4 Fury is not in Me. Who would set briers and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. 5 Or let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." 6 Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. 7 Has He struck Israel as He struck those who struck him? Or has He been slain according to the slaughter of those who were slain by Him? 8 In measure, by sending it away, you contended with it. He removes it by His rough wind in the day of the east wind. 9 Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be covered; and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: when he makes all the stones of the altar like chalkstones that are beaten to dust, wooden images and incense altars shall not stand. 10 Yet the fortified city will be desolate, the habitation forsaken and left like a wilderness; there the calf will feed, and there it will lie down and consume its branches. 11 When its boughs are withered, they will be broken off; the women come and set them on fire. For it is a people of no understanding; therefore He who made them will not have mercy on them, and He who formed them will show them no favor. 12 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord will thresh, from the channel of the River to the Brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, O you children of Israel. 13 So it shall be in that day: the great trumpet will be blown; they will come, who are about to perish in the land of Assyria, and they who are outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Chapter 27 of Isaiah continues to speak of the great things God would do for the people of God, which should now shortly be accomplished in the deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib and the destruction of the Assyrian army.  The prophet brings out the following points: #1. That proud oppressors should be reckoned with (Isa_27:1).  #2. That care should be taken of the remnant, as of God's vineyard (Isa_27:2, Isa_27:3).  #3. That God would let fall his controversy with the people, upon their return to Him (Isa_27:4, Isa_27:5).  #4. That He would greatly multiply and increase them (Isa_27:6).  #5. That, as to their afflictions, the property of them should be altered (Isa_27:7), they should be mitigated and moderated (Isa_27:8), and sanctified (Isa_27:9).  #6. That though the remnant might be laid waste, and made desolate, for a time (Isa_27:10, Isa_27:11), yet it should be restored, and the scattered members should be gathered together again (Isa_27:12, Isa_27:13). All this is applicable to the grace of the gospel, and God's promises to, and providences concerning, the Christian church, and such as belong to it.

What stands out to me today is verse 2.  This prophecy is a song about the Lord's restoration of His vineyard, Israel.  This is a contrast of the Lord's discipline of Israel (vv. 7) with His annihilation of its oppressors (vv. 10, 11); and a promise that the Lord will re-gather the exiles to Mount Zion (vv. 12, 13).  In verse 2 the vineyard is Israel (see 5:7; 27:6). Red wine contrasts with "wild grapes" (5:2). This was God's intention for His people, He wanted them to produce good fruit.

This reminds me of John 15:4-9 (KJV) 

    Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. [9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

I pray that you would hold on to the promises of God.  Continue to glorify God by bearing fruit.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 28:16-22

Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily. 17 Also I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. 18 Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it. 19 As often as it goes out it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over, and by day and by night; it will be a terror just to understand the report." 20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it. 21 For the Lord will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon- that He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, His unusual act. 22 Now therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts, a destruction determined even upon the whole earth.

Chapter 28 of Isaiah contains threats of divine judgments on the Ephraimites for their pride and drunkenness. But, in the midst of this, here is a gracious promise of God's favor to the remnant of His people. Next they are reproved and threatened for their dulness and lack of hearing the instructions which the prophets gave them in God's name.  Then the rulers of Jerusalem are reproved and threatened for their contempt of God's judgments, and setting them at defiance; and, after a gracious promise of laying in Zion a stone for a foundation (Christ).  Next they are made to know that the vain hopes of escaping the judgments of God with which they flattered themselves would certainly deceive them.  The chapter concludes with a comparison borrowed from the method which the husbandman takes with his ground and grain, according to which they must expect God would proceed with His people, whom He had lately called His threshing and the corn of His floor.

First I would like to give some background: Ephraim represents the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by a line of evil kings. When Israel split into two kingdoms after Solomon's reign, Jerusalem ended up in the southern kingdom. Leaders in the northern kingdom, wishing to stay entirely separate from their relatives to the south, set up idols to keep the people from going to the temple in Jerusalem to worship (see 1 Kings 12). Thus the people in the northern kingdom were led into idolatry. Isaiah gave this message to Israel to warn them, as well as to Judah to encourage them to repent before being punished as the northern kingdom would be only a few years later.

What stands out to me today is how Isaiah speaks of a foundation stone, a cornerstone, which will be laid in Zion. This cornerstone is the Messiah, the foundation on whom we all need to build our lives. I am reminded by other scriptures of this firm foundation:

Psalm 118:22 (KJV) 

    The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Jesus referred to this verse when he spoke of being rejected by his own people (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17). Although He was rejected, Jesus is now the "capstone," the most important part of the church (Acts 4:11; Ephes. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7). The capstone is the center stone in the top of an arch, holding the whole arch together.

1 Peter 2:8 (KJV) 

    And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Jesus Christ is called "the stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." Some will stumble over Christ because they reject him or refuse to believe that He is who He says He is.  Just as Ephraim needed to be judged because of their lack of foundation, in the same way today, people who refuse to believe in Christ have made the greatest mistake of their lives. They have stumbled over the one person who could save them and give meaning to their lives, and they have fallen into God's hands for judgment.

I pray that you would experience what Paul wrote to Ephesians:

2:19-22 (KJV) 

    Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 29:13-16

Therefore the Lord said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, 14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden." 15 Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, "Who sees us?" and, "Who knows us?" 16 Surely you have things turned around! shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, "He did not make me"? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?

Chapter 29 of Isaiah contains a prophecy concerning the great distress that would come upon the city of Jerusalem, but that their enemies, who distressed them, should be defeated.  Next we have a reproof to those who would fall into a "spirit of deep sleep" and regardless of the warnings of the prophet they will not hear.  Then we have those that were formal and hypocritical in their religious practices.  The third woe oracle, directed against Israel's unbelieving counselors, consists of an accusation that the counselors had turned the religious world upside down by seeking to manipulate God rather than submitting to Him (vs. 15, 16), and the promise that God would turn the counselor's social world upside down by deflating the pretentious and elevating the lowly (vv. 17). The chapter concludes by a recurrence of the prophets favorite topics, which is the great extension of the Messiah's kingdom in the latter days, and the future restoration of Israel.  These are precious promises of grace and mercy to a distinguished remnant whom God would sanctify, and in whom he would be sanctified, when their enemies and persecutors would be cut off.

What stands out to me today is how the people claimed to be close to God, but they were disobedient and merely went through the motions; therefore, God would bring judgment upon them.  Religion had become routine instead of sincere. Jesus quoted Isaiah's condemnation of Israel's hypocrisy when he spoke to the Pharisees, the religious leaders of his day (Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-7). The truth is we are also capable of hypocrisy. Often we slip into routine patterns when we worship and we neglect to give God our love and devotion.  If we want to be called God's people, we must be obedient and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

I leave you with this exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Colossians:

Col. 3:12-17 (KJV) 

    Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Giving Thanks to God,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 30:1-5

"Woe to the rebellious children," says the Lord, "who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; 2 Who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! 3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh shall be your shame, and trust in the shadow of Egypt shall be your humiliation. 4 For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes. 5 They were all ashamed of a people who could not benefit them, or be help or benefit, but a shame and also a reproach."

Chapter 30 of Isaiah contains the prophecy of the approaching danger of Jerusalem and desolations of Judah by Sennacherib's invasion. The Prophet gives a just reproof to those who, in that distress, trusted the Egyptians for their help.  Next we see a terrible threatening against those who slighted the good advice which God by His prophets gave them for the repose of their minds in that distress, assuring them that whatever became of others the judgment would certainly overtake them (30:8-17).  Then we have a gracious promise to those who trusted in God, that they should not only see through the trouble, but should see happy days after it, times of joy and reformation.  The chapter concludes with a prophecy of the total rout and ruin of the Assyrian army, which should be an occasion of great joy and an introduction to those happy times (30:27-33).

What stands out to me today is how the people of Judah sought advice from everyone but God.  God has been saying to Judah, "Your salvation lies in returning to Me and resting on Me. Your strength lies in quiet trust in Me rather than looking to Egypt." But Judah said, "No, for we will fly against the enemy." To which God answers, "You will fly all right, but in retreat and in panic! You will be chased by undermanned forces till you are like a single, scrawny pole on a hill." The truth is when we are driven by fear, we tend to search everywhere for comfort, advice, and relief, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubles. Instead, we should consult God.

Remember, however, though He gives emergency help in a crisis, He prefers to be our Guide throughout our lives. By reading His Word and actively seeking to do His will, we can maintain our bond with Him who provides stability no matter what the crisis may be.

The Disciples struggled in their day with the political agendas and hostile environment, and Jesus taught them to pray:

Luke 11:3 (KJV) 

    Give us day by day our daily bread.

Do you see how God's provision is daily and not all at once?  We cannot store it up and then cut off communication with God. And we dare not be self-satisfied. If you are running low on strength, ask yourself?how long have I been away from the Source?

We learn from the book of Psalms that David made a vow to praise God each day. David continually praised God through both the good and difficult times of his life. Do you find something to praise God for each day? As you do, you will find your heart elevated from daily distractions to lasting confidence.

Psalm 61:8 (KJV) 

    So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

I leave you with a few scriptures that remind us of our daily call:

Psalm 86:3 (KJV) 

    Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

Proverbs 8:34 (KJV) 

    Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

I pray that we can learn from history and not repeat that same rebellious ways. 

Looking to Him Daily,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 31:1-9

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord! 2 Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster, and will not call back His words, but will arise against the house of evildoers, and against the help of those who work iniquity. 3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out His hand, both he who helps will fall, and he who is helped will fall down; they all will perish together. 4 For thus the Lord has spoken to me: "As a lion roars, and a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, he will not be afraid of their voice nor be disturbed by their noise), so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. 5 Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it." 6 Return to Him against whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. 7 For in that day every man shall throw away his idols of silver and his idols of gold- sin, which your own hands have made for yourselves. 8 "Then Assyria shall fall by a sword not of man, and a sword not of mankind shall devour him. But he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become forced labor. 9 He shall cross over to his stronghold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner," says the Lord, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Chapter 31 of Isaiah contains another "woe" to those that trusted in Egypt for protection rather than the Lord.  Since the Lord is wise, powerful, and unchangeable, and the Egyptians frail and weak; so that the helper and the helped must fall before Him, the prophet announces that all will perish together.  Next, assurance is given of the care God would take on Jerusalem in that time of danger and distress.  Then in verse 6 & 7 we see a call to repentance and reformation.  The chapter concludes like the preceding one, with a prophecy of the fall of Sennacherib and the ruin of the Assyrian army.

What stand's out to me today is the simple principles that we can learn from Israel's history.  For example it was wrong for Judah to look to other nations for military help because: #1 They were trusting in human beings instead of God. Judah sought protection from those who had far less power than God. Both Egypt and Judah would fall as a result of their arrogance. #2 They were serving their own interests instead of God's, and as a result they did not even consult Him. They violated God's stipulation in Deuteronomy 17:16. #3 They did not want to pay the price of looking to God and repenting of their sinful ways.

When we have problems, it is good to seek help, but we must never bypass God or his previous directions to us.  We need to learn how important it is to acknowledge the LORD in ALL our ways.  If not we end up serving idols that will damage our soul. 

The verse that really speaks to me is verse 7 "For in that day every man shall throw away his idols of silver and his idols of gold- sin, which your own hands have made for yourselves."  The Prophet Isaiah makes it known that someday these people would throw their idols away, recognizing that they are nothing but man-made objects. Idols such as money, fame, or success are seductive. Instead of contributing to our spiritual development, they rob us of our time, energy, and devotion that ought to be directed toward God. At first our idols seem exciting and promise to take us places, but in the end we will find that we have become their slaves. We need to recognize their worthlessness now, before they rob us of our freedom.

I pray that you would stay free from worshipping idols. Remember an idol is anything that substitutes for the true faith, anything that robs Christ of his full deity and humanity, any human idea that claims to be more authoritative than the Bible, any loyalty that replaces God at the center of our lives.

1 John 5:21 (KJV) 

    Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 32:15-20

Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. 16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. 17 The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. 18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places, 19 Though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation. 20 Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out freely the feet of the ox and the donkey.

Chapter 32 of Isaiah contains a two fold prophecy that includes the great prosperity that would come under Hezekiah and also the future reformation that Christ will usher in.  Next, we have a prophecy of the great disturbance that would be given to the kingdom in the middle of his reign by the Assyrian invasion.  The chapter concludes with a promise of better times that would be coming toward the latter end of his reign, the work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

What stands out to me today is how Isaiah prophecies that "the Spirit is poured upon us from on high.Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field."  In other words, only when God's Spirit is among us can we achieve true peace and fruitfulness (See Ezekiel 36:22-38; Galatians 5:22-23). We are also reminded in Joel 2:28-29

    And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: [29] And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

And the Apostle Peter speaks these words in the book of Acts 2:14-21

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was released throughout the entire world?to men, women, slaves, Jews, Gentiles. Now everyone can receive the Spirit. This was a revolutionary thought for first-century Jews. 

I believe it is also important to note that not everything mentioned in Joel 2:28-29 was happening that particular morning. The "last days" include all the days between Christ's first and second comings, and is another way of saying "from now on."  The key is that from "now on" you and I can be filled with the Spirit so that we know true peace and fruitfulness despite what is happening around us (v.19). 

I pray that you would submit yourself daily to his leading and draw constantly on His power.

Ephes. 5:18 (KJV) 

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Forever Grateful,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 33:10-24

"Now I will rise," says the Lord; "now I will be exalted, now I will lift Myself up. 11 You shall conceive chaff, you shall bring forth stubble; your breath, as fire, shall devour you. 12 And the people shall be like the burnings of lime; like thorns cut up they shall be burned in the fire. 13 Hear, you who are afar off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge My might." 14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: "who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" 15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil: 16 He will dwell on high; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; bread will be given him, his water will be sure. The Land of the Majestic King 17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty; They will see the land that is very far off. 18 Your heart will meditate on terror: "Where is the scribe? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?" 19 You will not see a fierce people, a people of obscure speech, beyond perception, of a stammering tongue that you cannot understand. 20 Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home, a tabernacle that will not be taken down; not one of its stakes will ever be removed, nor will any of its cords be broken. 21 But there the majestic Lord will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will sail, nor majestic ships pass by 22 (For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us); 23 Your tackle is loosed, they could not strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail. Then the prey of great plunder is divided; the lame take the prey. 24 And the inhabitant will not say, "I am sick"; the people who dwell in it will be forgiven their iniquity.

Chapter 33 of Isaiah contains an account of God's judgments upon the enemies of His people, and of the peaceable, comfortable, and happy state of the People of God in the latter day.  This sixth woe differs from the others in that it is addressed to Assyria, not to Judah. By focusing exclusively on Assyria's defeat and Judah's salvation, the prophecy magnifies Judah's salvation that is found in the exalted King.

What stands out to me today is how this chapter describes how only those who walk righteously and speak what is right can live with God. Isaiah gives examples of how to demonstrate our righteousness and uprightness: we walk and talk righteously, we reject gain from extortion and bribes, refuse to listen to plots of wrong actions, and shut our eyes to evil. In other words if we are fair and honest in our relationships, we will dwell with God, and He will supply our needs.

Here are a few others scriptures that will enforce what Isaiah is saying:

Psalm 1:1

"Blessed is the man w ho walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;"

Psalm 15:1-3

"Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; 3 He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;"

Ephesians 5:1-7

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

I pray that you would always be thankful for the spiritual bread and water that is provided you through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Walking in His Grace,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 34:8-17

Come near, you nations, to hear; and heed, you people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world and all things that come forth from it. 2 For the indignation of the Lord is against all nations, and His fury against all their armies; He has utterly destroyed them, He has given them over to the slaughter. 3 Also their slain shall be thrown out; their stench shall rise from their corpses, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood. 4 All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; all their host shall fall down as the leaf falls from the vine, and as fruit falling from a fig tree. 5 "For My sword shall be bathed in heaven; indeed it shall come down on Edom, and on the people of My curse, for judgment. 6 The sword of the Lord is filled with blood, it is made overflowing with fatness, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. 7 The wild oxen shall come down with them, and the young bulls with the mighty bulls; their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust saturated with fatness." 8 For it is the day of the Lord's vengeance, the year of recompense for the cause of Zion.

In Chapter 34 of Isaiah the prophet earnestly exhorts all nations to attend to the communication which he has received from Lord, as the matter is of the highest importance, and of universal concern. The wrath of God is denounced against all the nations that had provoked to anger the Defender of the cause of Zion.  The chapter contains an utter and universal destruction, as the effect of God's wrath, which is expressed by a dreadful scene of blood, to the melting of the mountains with it, and by the dissolution of the heavens.  More specifically the destruction of Idumea is denounced by the sword of the Lord being on it, and bathed with the blood; both of the common people, and of their princes, signified by various sorts of creatures, of wild beasts and unclean birds, all which is confirmed by the word and Spirit of God.  The chapter concludes with a solemn ratification of this prophecy being fulfilled.

What stands out to me today is this specific call of destruction on Idumea.  We learn through studying Israel's history that Idumea is another name for Edom.  The Edomites shared a common ancestry with Israel. The Israelites were descended from Jacob; the Edomites from Jacob's twin brother, Esau. Edom was always Israel's bitter enemy. The destruction of Edom mentioned here is a picture of the ultimate end of all who oppose God and His people.  In other words this chapter is a prophecy of the destruction of all the antichrist nations of the world. 

The question can be asked, "Why is God angry at the nations of the world?"  The answer is because they have substituted the truth about Him with their own imagination (Romans 1:25). They have scientifically tried to stifle the truth God naturally reveals to all people in order to believe anything that supports their own self-centered life-styles. The truth is God cannot tolerate sin because His nature is morally perfect. He cannot ignore or condone such willful rebellion. God wants to remove the sin and restore the sinner?and He is able to, as long as the sinning nation does not stubbornly distort or reject the truth. But His anger erupts against those who persist in sinning. Let me remind you of some specific verses in the New Testament that talk about the wrath of God:

Romans 1:18 (KJV) 

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rev. 14:10 (KJV) 

    The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Rev. 14:19 (KJV) 

    And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Rev. 15:1 (KJV) 

    And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Rev. 15:7 (KJV) 

    And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

Rev. 16:1 (KJV) 

    And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

I pray that you would be aware of God's holiness today.  May you worship in the beauty of that holiness (Psalm 29).

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you." 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. 7 The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of jackals, where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes. 8 A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Chapter 35 of Isaiah contains a promise of great mercy to be shown to the people of God. 

In this chapter we see that the Gentiles, the weak, and the timid, shall be brought into the promises of God.  We also see that miracles will be experienced both in the souls and on the bodies of men.  Next we read about a highway of holiness that will be established by God for His people.  The chapter concludes with, those whom the Lord will deliver from the captivity of Babylon, experiencing joy, gladness, and singing.

What stands out to me today is how this chapter is a beautiful picture of the final kingdom in which God will establish his justice and destroy all evil. This is the world the redeemed can anticipate after the judgment when creation itself will rejoice in God. Isaiah 34 spoke of great distress when God will judge all people for their actions. Isaiah 35 pictures the days when life will be peaceful at last and everything will be made right. Carmel and Sharon were regions of thick vegetation and fertile soil. They were symbols of productivity and plenty.

I encourage you to continue to pray, "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."  God's plans are good.

Continue to remain faithful to the call.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 6:4-22

Then the Rabshakeh said to them, "Say now to Hezekiah, Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: "What confidence is this in which you trust? 5 I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? 6 Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 7 "But if you say to me, We trust in the Lord our God, is it not He whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and said to Judah and Jerusalem, You shall worship before this altar?" 8 Now therefore, I urge you, give a pledge to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses-if you are able on your part to put riders on them! 9 How then will you repel one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 10 Have I now come up without the Lord against this land to destroy it? The Lord said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it. " 11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people who are on the wall." 12 But the Rabshakeh said, "Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words, and not to the men who sit on the wall, who will eat and drink their own waste with you?" 13 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out with a loud voice in Hebrew, and said, "Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 14 Thus says the king: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you; 15 nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, "The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." 16 Do not listen to Hezekiah; for thus says the king of Assyria: Make peace with me by a present and come out to me; and every one of you eat from his own vine and every one from his own fig tree, and every one of you drink the waters of his own cistern; 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, "The Lord will deliver us." Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered its land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Indeed, have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 20 Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their countries from my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem from my hand? " 21 But they held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, "Do not answer him." 22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Chapter 36 of Isaiah contains the account of the king Assyria's invasion of Judea, and of the railing speech of Rabshakeh his general, to discourage the ministers and subjects of the king of Judah Hezekiah. This chapter will give a blasphemous speech, with which Rabshakeh designed to frighten Hezekiah into a submission, and persuade him to surrender. Next we have his appeal to the people, and his attempt to persuade them to desert Hezekiah, and so force surrender by all.  The chapter concludes with the people of Judah holding their peace and answering not a word. 

What stands out to me today is how the field commander from Assyria claimed that Hezekiah had insulted God by tearing down his altars and making the people worship only in Jerusalem. But the truth is Hezekiah's reform sought to eliminate idol worship so that the people worshiped only the true God. Either the Assyrians didn't know about the religion of the true God, or they wanted to deceive the people into thinking they had angered a powerful god.

The field commander also said that the gods of the other cities he had conquered had not been able to save their people, so how could the God of Jerusalem save them? The Lord was supposedly the God of Samaria (the northern kingdom), and it fell. But the Lord was the God of Samaria in name only because the people were not worshiping Him. That is why prophets foretold the fall of Samaria. But for the Lord's own sake and for the sake of David, the Lord would rescue them from the Assyrian army (Isaiah 37:35).

We need to see that in the same way, Satan tries to confuse or deceive us today. People don't necessarily need to be sinful to be ineffective for God; they need only be confused about what God wants. To avoid Satan's deceit, study God's Word carefully and regularly. When you know what God says, you will not fall for Satan's schemes.

I close with some good news:

1 Cor. 14:33 (KJV) 

    For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Stay close to Jesus,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 37:5-22

So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said to them, "Thus you shall say to your master, Thus says the Lord: "Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land." " 8 Then the Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had departed from Lachish. 9 And the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, "He has come out to make war with you." So when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 10 "Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, "Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." 11 Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered those whom my fathers have destroyed, Gozan and Haran and Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? " 14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15 Then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, saying: 16 "O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. 18 Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, 19 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands-wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. 20 Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, You alone." 21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, "Thus says the Lord God of Israel, Because you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22 this is the word which the Lord has spoken concerning him:

In Chapter 38 of Isaiah we learn how Hezekiah is greatly distressed, and sends to Isaiah to pray for him.  Isaiah returns a comfortable answer and prophecies the destruction of the king of Assyria and his army.  Next, Sennacherib, hearing that his kingdom was invaded by the Ethiopians, sends a terrible letter to Hezekiah, to cause him to surrender. As a result of the letter, Hezekiah goes to the temple, spreads the letter before the Lord, and makes an affecting prayer. Next, Isaiah is sent to him to assure him that his prayer is heard; that Jerusalem shall be delivered; and that the Assyrians shall be destroyed. That very night a messenger of God slays one hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians.  The chapter concludes with Sennacherib returning to Nineveh, where he is slain by his own sons.

What stands out to me today is when the situation seemed hopeless, Hezekiah didn't give up. Instead, he asked the prophet Isaiah to pray that God would help his people. Then when he received the letter from Sennacherib, he went up to the house of the Lord, spread it before the Lord, and then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord.  Verse 21 records these words, "Because you have prayed to Me": God's gracious response was a direct answer to the prayer of a godly king. Although God can certainly work His will without our prayers, He has chosen to faithfully answer the prayers of His people.  This should be a fresh reminder to us that no matter how bad our circumstances seem, we should not despair. We must turn to God and cry out for mercy and truth. 

Remember, we are invited to pray:

1 Tim. 2:8 (KJV) 

    I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Keep the Faith,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 38:1-8

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, "Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live. " 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, 3 and said, "Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, 5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. 6 I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city." 7 And this is the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing which He has spoken: 8 Behold, I will bring the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down with the sun on the sundial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward." So the sun returned ten degrees on the dial by which it had gone down.

Chapter 38 of Isaiah contains the account Hezekiah's sickness, and the sentence of death he received from the prophet Isaiah.  Then Hezekiah turned his face toward God and prayed with great earnest.  Next, we find the prophet returned to Hezekiah to let him know God had heard his prayer, assuring Hezekiah that he should recover, live for fifteen more years, and that Jerusalem would be delivered from the king of Assyria.  For all this God was about to give Hezekiah a supernatural sign to confirm his faith, the sun would go back ten degrees.  The chapter concludes with a very tender and beautiful song of thanksgiving, in which Hezekiah declares his gratefulness for his restored life.

What stands out to me this morning is how Isaiah went to Hezekiah, who was extremely ill, and told him of his impending death, and Hezekiah immediately turned to God. God responded to his prayer, allowing Hezekiah to live another 15 years. In other words God changed the course of Hezekiah's life as a result of fervent prayer. God may change the course of our lives too. We should not hesitate to ask God for radical changes if we will be faithful to honor him with those changes.

One last comment: In verse 5 we read how God had heard Hezekiah's "prayer".  The word in Hebrew is t^ephillah, tef-il-law'; It is from the Hebrew 6419 (palai); meaning intercession, supplication; by implication a hymn :- prayer.  In other words, Hezekiah's prayer was fervent and righteous.  I am reminded of the book of James:

James 5:16 (KJV) 

    Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Remember friend, the Christian's most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Because God's power is infinitely greater than ours, it only makes sense to rely on it?especially because God encourages us to do so.

Colossians 4:2

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;"

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 39:1-8

At that time Merodach-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered. 2 And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his treasures-the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory-all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 3 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah, and said to him, "What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?" So Hezekiah said, "They came to me from a far country, from Babylon." 4 And he said, "What have they seen in your house?" So Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them." 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 7 And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. " 8 So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the Lord which you have spoken is good!" For he said, "At least there will be peace and truth in my days."

Chapter 39 of Isaiah contains the story of Hezekiah's fall into sin after his recovery from a serious illness.  The king of Babylon sent messengers to Hezekiah to congratulate him upon his recovery from being sick.  Hezekiah received Merodach-Baladan with great joy, and in the pride of his heart showed him all his treasures.  Next, we read how the prophet came to Hezekiah and prophesied the Babylonian captivity, when all Hezekiah's riches and his children would be carried away to Babylon.  The chapter concludes with Hezekiah's response, "The word of the Lord ... is good!" This reflects his submission and also his own relief that he personally would not live to see the disaster.

What stands out to me today is Hezekiah's wrong focus.  We can clear see his self-satisfied display of his earthly treasures, his lack of discretion, and his inability to discern the motivation of his enemies brought destructive consequences (2 Kings 25; Daniel 1:1-2). However, could it be that Hezekiah's offense was not so much in the display of his military stores and treasures, as in not giving to God the glory both of the miracle and of his recovery, and therefore leading those heathen ambassadors to know Him?  When we read the words in 2 Chronicles 32:31 we gain even more insight to Hezekiah:

"However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."

My prayer for this generation is that they would keep the right focus and that they would be able to exercise self-control, discretion, and wisdom from above.  I leave you with this admonition from James 3:3:13-18

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Desiring to be pure of heart,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 40:21-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. 24 Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them, and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. 25 "To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

First, I would like us to see that the book of Isaiah makes a dramatic shift at this point. The following chapters discuss the majesty of God, who is coming to rule the earth and judge all people. God will reunite Israel and Judah and restore them to glory. Instead of warning the people of impending judgment, Isaiah here comforts them.  Chapter 40 of Isaiah refers to the restoration after the exile.  It contains a message of comfort and good news to the people of God.  The good news is introduced by a voice in the wilderness, which gives assurance that all obstructions will be removed.  We also read how all creatures fail and fade, but the word of God will be established and stand forever.  Next, we have the oracle that proclaims the Lord as the only source of eternal strength and redemption.  The chapter will conclude with a reproof to the people of God for their fears and despondencies, and reminder where our strength comes from.  The people of God through patience and comfort of the scripture, find hope and peace.

What stands out to me today is the way Isaiah proclaims that no person or thing can be compared to God.  They way the prophet declares it, is through a question: "To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One (v. 25). 

Isaiah is describing God's power to create, His provision to sustain, and His presence to help. God is almighty and all-powerful; but even so, he cares for each of us personally. The truth is we try to describe God as best we can with our limited knowledge and language, but we only limit our understanding of Him and His power when we compare Him to what we experience on earth.

Isaiah declares that even the strongest people get tired at times, but God's power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength. When you feel all of life crushing you and cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength.

Take comfort from God's Holy Word:

Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Exodus 15:2 (KJV) 

    The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

2 Samuel 22:33 (KJV) 

    God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

Psalm 19:14 (KJV) 

    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

I pray that as you start each day you would allow God's love to guide what you say and how you think.

In HIS Strength,

Alan J. Schrader

October 11, 2008

Isaiah 41:10-20

"Present your case," says the Lord. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob. 22 "Let them bring forth and show us what will happen; let them show the former things, what they were, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare to us things to come. 23 Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; yes, do good or do evil, that we may be dismayed and see it together. 24 Indeed you are nothing, and your work is nothing; he who chooses you is an abomination. 25 "I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come; from the rising of the sun he shall call on My name; and he shall come against princes as though mortar, as the potter treads clay. 26 Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? And former times, that we may say, He is righteous'? Surely there is no one who shows, surely there is no one who declares, surely there is no one who hears your words. 27 The first time I said to Zion, look, there they are! And I will give to Jerusalem one who brings good tidings. 28 For I looked, and there was no man; I looked among them, but there was no counselor, who, when I asked of them, could answer a word. 29 Indeed they are all worthless; their works are nothing; their molded images are wind and confusion.

Chapter 41 of Isaiah starts out with the prophet Isaiah showing the folly of those that worshipped idols, especially the thought that their idols are able to contest or control God.  Next, the Lord encourages His faithful ones to trust in Him, with an assurance that He would take their part against their enemies, make them victorious over them, and bring about a happy change of their affairs.  The chapter concludes with the Lord putting the nations on trial to show them that He alone is God because only He can predict the future.

What stand out to me today is how Israel was surrounded by many nations whose idols supposedly had special powers, such as raising crops and providing victories in war. These gods, however, failed to deliver. A god with limited or no power at all is not really a god.  Isaiah makes it very clear that the nations of the world were filled with futility because they did not have any true understanding of reality-past, present, or future.

When we are tempted to put our trust in something other than the living God?money, career, family, or even military power?we should stop and ask some serious questions. Will it come through? Will it unfailingly provide what I am looking for?  The truth is God alone delivers. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. He is the only completely trustworthy God. 

I pray that what we write on our currency would be true: "In God we trust".  In these last days only those who are trusting in HIM will experience comfort and peace. 

Remember the simple truth, "whatsoever and man sows that will he reap".  Keep sowing good seed my friend.  Harvest time is coming and what is good will be taken up and used and what is bad (chaff) will be taken up and destroyed. 

Learning to trust in HIM alone,

Alan J. Schrader

October 12, 2008

Isaiah 42:1-9

"Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. 4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law." 5 Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: 6 "I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house. 8 I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them."

Chapter 42 of Isaiah begins with a prophecy concerning the Messiah, under the character of the Servant of the Lord, and His elect, whom He supported, and was well pleased with; whose work is pointed at, and for which He was well qualified with the Spirit without measure.  The Servant of the Lord is described by His humility and meekness, by His tenderness to weak and ignorant persons, and by his courage and resolution.  Then follow His call to His work, and the several parts of it, introduced with setting forth the greatness of God that called Him, as the Creator of the heavens and of the earth.  Next the Gentiles are called upon to praise the Lord, and give glory to Him, partly for the above promises concerning the Messiah and partly for the destruction of His enemies.  The chapter concludes with a prophecy that justifies the exile as punishment because Israel was blind and death to God's mighty acts.  In other words, their unbelief brought them rejection and ruin. 

What stands out to me today is verse 1 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.  This verse is quoted in Matthew 12:18-21 with reference to Christ. The chosen servant reveals a character of gentleness, encouragement, justice, and truth. Sometimes called the Servant Song, these verses are about the Servant-Messiah, not the servant Cyrus (described in Isaiah 41). Israel and the Messiah are both often called servant. Israel, as God's servant, was to help bring the world to a knowledge of God. The Messiah, Jesus, would fulfill this task and show God himself to the world.

Part of Christ's mission on earth was to demonstrate God's righteousness and to be a light for the Gentiles (to all nations). Through Christ, all nations (people) have the opportunity to share in His mission. God calls us to be servants of His Son, demonstrating God's righteousness and bringing His light to this dark world.

I pray that you would stay within your call to be a servant, because when we become self-serving and look for the easy way we end up hurting ourselves in the end.  Be encouraged; when you feel broken and bruised or burned out in your spiritual life and service, God won't step on you or toss you aside as useless, but will gently pick you up. God's loving attributes are desperately needed in the world today. Through God's Spirit, we can show such sensitivity to people around us, reflecting God's goodness and mercy.

Keep serving and remember Jesus calls His servants His Friends!

His Servant,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 43:1-21

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give them up! And to the south, Do not keep them back! Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth- 7 Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." 8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear and say, "It is truth." 10 "You are My witnesses," says the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. 11 I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. 12 I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, and there was no foreign god among you; therefore you are My witnesses," says the Lord, "that I am God. 13 Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?" 14 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon, and bring them all down as fugitives- the Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships. 15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King." 16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters, 17 Who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): 18 "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. 21 This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.

In chapter 43 of Isaiah the Lord comforts His own people, under their afflictions, with many precious promises.  The Lord asserts His deity against the idols of the nations and promises deliverance from Babylon. The Lord claims His interest in His people, not only on the foot of creation, but of redemption and calling, and promises them His presence in the midst of afflictions.  The chapter will conclude with a prediction of the destruction of the Jews by the Romans, for their iniquities.

What stands out to me today is how God says that despite the people's spiritual failure (described in the previous chapter), He will show them mercy, bring them back from captivity, and restore them; He would give them an outpouring of love, not wrath. Then the world would know that God alone had done this.  One thing we can learn from this chapter is that going through rivers of difficulty will either cause you to drown or force you to grow stronger. If you go in your own strength, you are more likely to drown. If you invite the Lord to go with you, He will comfort, protect, and cause you to be His witness.  Verses 10-12 make it very clear that Israel's task was to be a witness, telling the world who God is and what he has done. Believers today share the responsibility of being God's witnesses. People need to #1 know God, #2 believe in God, and #3 understand who "I am" is.  Do people know what God is like through your words and example?

Can you hide a city that is sitting on top of a hill? Its light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. We hide our light by #1 being quiet when we should speak, #2 going along with the crowd, #3 denying the light, #4 letting sin dim our light, #5 not explaining our light to others, or #6 ignoring the needs of others. Be encouraged today to be a messenger of truth?don't shut your light off from the rest of the world. 

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Shining His Light,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 44:21-28

21 "Remember these, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! 22 I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." 23 Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and glorified Himself in Israel. Judah Will Be Restored 24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: "I am the Lord, who makes all things, who stretches out the heavens all alone, who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; 25 Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, and drives diviners mad; who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolishness; 26 Who confirms the word of His servant, and performs the counsel of His messengers; who says to Jerusalem, You shall be inhabited, to the cities of Judah, You shall be built, and I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, Be dry! and I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure, saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," and to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid."

Chapter 44 of Isaiah contains further encouragement for God's people with the assurance of great blessings in store for them at their return from captivity.  The prophet makes it clear that God alone proves Himself to be who He is and exposes all pretenders.  Next we read about the amazing folly of idol-makers and idol-worshippers. Here Isaiah describes how people make their own gods. How absurd to make a god from the same tree that gives firewood.  The chapter will conclude with further assurances that God has great blessings for His people.

What stands out to me today is how God will expose all the idols of the world so that God's people will receive the confirmations needed to establish their faith in the One True God.  God said that we should serve our Creator (Isaiah 17:7; Isaiah 40:28; Isaiah 43:15; Isaiah 45:9). Idolaters do the opposite?serving or worshiping what they have made rather than the One who made them.  Remember, an idol is anything that substitutes for the true faith, anything that robs Christ of His full deity and humanity, any human idea that claims to be more authoritative than the Bible, any loyalty that replaces the Creator at the center of our lives. 

Leviticus 19:4 (KJV) 

    Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 26:1 (KJV) 

    Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God.

1 John 5:21 (KJV) 

    Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Our Creator paid the price to set us free from our sins. By contrast, no idol ever created anybody, and no idol can redeem us from our sins.

Rejoicing in His Confirmation,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 45:1-13

"Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held- to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: 2 I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; 7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things. 8 "Rain down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it. 9 "Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, What are you making? Or shall your handiwork say, He has no hands'? 10 Woe to him who says to his father, What are you begetting? Or to the woman, what have you brought forth? " 11 Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: "Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. 12 I have made the earth, and created man on it. I-My hands-stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts.

Chapter 45 of Isaiah contains prophecies concerning Cyrus, the deliverer of the Jews from captivity, and concerning the grace, righteousness, and salvation of God. An account is given of Cyrus, and of the great things God would do for him, and by him.  Also, encouragement is given to the believing Jews, who trusted in God and continued instant in prayer, assuring them that God would in due time would accomplish this work by the hand of Cyrus.  The chapter concludes with a challenge given to the worshippers of idols and the satisfaction given to the worshippers of the true God, with an eye to the Mediator, who is made of God to us both righteousness and sanctification. And here, as in many other parts of this prophecy, there is much of Christ and the gospel of grace.

What stands out to me today is how a Gentile ruler is said to be "anointed." Again, we see in scripture that God is the power over all powers, and He anoints whom He chooses for His special tasks. Cyrus's kingdom spread across 2,000 miles (the largest of any empire then known), including the territories of both the Assyrian and the Babylonian empires. Why did God anoint Cyrus? Because God had a special task for him to do for Israel. "For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me." Cyrus would allow God's city, Jerusalem, to be rebuilt, and he would set the exiles free without expecting anything in return. Few kings of Israel or Judah had done as much for God's people as Cyrus would.

I find comfort in this passage this morning because no matter who leads the country in this years presidential elections (Republican or Democrat), and know matter how unrighteous one acts, I know that God will use him to accomplish His purpose in the earth. 

I close with this wonderful reminder in Psalm 2

Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: 6 "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." 7 "I will declare the decree: the Lord has said to Me, you are My Son, today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel. " 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

In Hope,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 46:1-13

Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages were heavily loaded, a burden to the weary beast. 2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but have themselves gone into captivity. 3 "Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: 4 Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. 5 "To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal and compare Me, that we should be alike? 6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; they prostrate themselves, yes, they worship. 7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it and set it in its place, and it stands; from its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer nor save him out of his trouble. 8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure, 11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. 12 "Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: 13 I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, for Israel My glory.

Chapter 46 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of the taking of Babylon by Cyrus, and of the deliverance of the Jews; who are encouraged to expect a divine protection.  The prophet then goes on to show the folly of idolatry, and the utter inability of idols to save.  Next a description is given of Cyrus, who would be the instrument of the Jews' deliverance from Babylon and then the chapter concludes with an address to the stubborn-hearted and unrighteous Jews, to observe the righteousness and salvation which were brought near and set before them.

What stands out to me today is how God is unique in His knowledge and in His control of the future. It is very clear from this chapter that God's consistent purpose is to carry out what He has planned (Not our plans).  On a number of occasions Isaiah speaks of a future deliverance when we will all live with God in perfect peace, but the truth is God offers not only this future hope but also help for our present needs.  This chapter brings out that His righteousness is near us, and we do not have to wait for His future salvation only.

Take courage from God's word that you are not alone:

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) 

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Matthew 28:20 (KJV) 

    Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2 Thes. 3:16 (KJV) 

    Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

I grew up singing this chorus from an old hymn:

"No never alone, No never alone, He promised never to leave you, never to leave you alone."

Never stop singing,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 47:1-15

"Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called tender and delicate. 2 Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, take off the skirt, uncover the thigh, pass through the rivers. 3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, and I will not arbitrate with a man." 4 As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel. 5 "Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no longer be called the Lady of Kingdoms. 6 I was angry with My people; I have profaned My inheritance, and given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy; on the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily. 7 And you said, I shall be a lady forever, so that you did not take these things to heart, nor remember the latter end of them. 8 "Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who dwell securely, who say in your heart, I am, and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, nor shall I know the loss of children; 9 But these two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness because of the multitude of your sorceries, for the great abundance of your enchantments. 10 "For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, No one sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is no one else besides me. 11 Therefore evil shall come upon you; you shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall upon you; you will not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, which you shall not know. 12 "Stand now with your enchantments and the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth- perhaps you will be able to profit, perhaps you will prevail. 13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; it shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before! 15 Thus shall they be to you with whom you have labored, your merchants from your youth; they shall wander each one to his quarter. No one shall save you.

Chapter 47 of Isaiah is a prophecy of the destruction of Babylon and the Chaldeans. and declares the causes of it.  The reason for the judgment is because of their cruelty to the Jews, their pride, their evil pleasures, their carnal security, their sorceries and enchantments, and trust in their own wisdom.  Isaiah announces that destruction should come suddenly upon them, and they should not be able to put it off.  Next we see that their magic art, and judiciary astrology, which they boasted of, could neither foresee nor withstand their ruin.  It is worth mentioning here that almost all the imagery of this chapter is applied in the book of the Revelation, (in nearly the same words), to the antitype of the illustrious capital of the Chaldean empire, Babylon the Great.

What stands out to me this morning is how Babylon was caught up in their pursuit of power and pleasure.  They believed in their own greatness and claimed to be the only power on earth. Babylon felt completely secure, and Nebuchadnezzar, its king, exalted himself as a "god." But the true God taught Nebuchadnezzar a powerful lesson by taking everything away from him (Daniel 4:28-37). Our society is addicted to pleasure and power, but we need to realize from this chapter that these can quickly pass away.  We need to cry out for America that we would not pursue the way of Babylon.  We need to pray that Hollywood, Sports in America, Wall Street, and our Government would clean up its act before it is too late. 

I pray that you would take time to examine your own life and ask yourself how you can be more responsible with the talents and possessions God has given you. How can you use your life for God's honor rather than your own?  Remember, we are called to stewardship.  Our life belongs to HIM.

I Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 48:12-22

12 "Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last. 13 Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and My right hand has stretched out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand up together. 14 "All of you, assemble yourselves, and hear! Who among them has declared these things? The Lord loves him; He shall do His pleasure on Babylon, and His arm shall be against the Chaldeans. 15 I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way will prosper. 16 "Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit have sent Me." 17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go. 18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants also would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; his name would not have been cut off nor destroyed from before Me." 20 Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, declare, proclaim this, utter it to the end of the earth; say, "The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!" 21 And they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. 22 "There is no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked."

Chapter 48 of Isaiah gives a prophecy concerning the deliverance and salvation of the Jews, however Isaiah charges them with hypocrisy and idolatry.  He assures them that their deliverance would come about purely for the sake of God's own name and nor for any merit of theirs.  Next, the prophet encourages them to depend solely upon God's power and promise for this deliverance.  He shows them that, as it was by their own sin that they brought themselves into captivity, so it would be only by the grace of God that they would obtain the deliverance and enlargement that was promised.  The chapter is concluded with an exhortation to go out of Babylon with joy, publishing wherever they came their redemption, and who would be supplied with all necessaries in their return to their own land; only it should be observed, that there was no peace or happiness for the wicked.

One of the things that stand out to me today is how the people of Judah felt confident because they lived in Jerusalem, the city with God's temple. They depended on their heritage, their city, and their temple?but this was false security because they did not depend on God, nor have a sincere relationship with HIM.  It is so easy to feel secure because you go to church or live in a Christian country.  However, heritage, buildings, or nations cannot give us a relationship with God; we must truly depend on Him personally, with all our hearts and minds.

Many people cry out for comfort, security, and relief, but they haven't taken the first steps to turn away from sin and open the channels to God. They have not repented and trusted in him. If you want true peace, seek God first.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

To "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" means to turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything.  I pray that this would be your focus today.

Seeking First - HIM,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 49:14-26

14 But Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me." 15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me. 17 Your sons shall make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you waste shall go away from you. 18 Lift up your eyes, look around and see; all these gather together and come to you. As I live," says the Lord, "You shall surely clothe yourselves with them all as an ornament, and bind them on you as a bride does. 19 "For your waste and desolate places, and the land of your destruction, will even now be too small for the inhabitants; and those who swallowed you up will be far away. 20 The children you will have, after you have lost the others, will say again in your ears, the place is too small for me; give me a place where I may dwell. 21 Then you will say in your heart, who has begotten these for me, since I have lost my children and am desolate, a captive, and wandering to and fro? and who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; but these, where were they? " 22 Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, and set up My standard for the peoples; they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; 23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers; they shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord, for they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me." 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children. 26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

In chapter 49 of Isaiah the Messiah is introduced, under the type of Isaiah the servant. The Servant calls on the people of the world to heed Him as He recounts His birth, the name that was given to Him before His birth, His authoritative message, and His appointment by God as Servant, a Prince of God (Israel) in whom Jehovah would be glorified. He further shares the trouble of soul He experienced over His rejection by Israel.  This Servant was declaring the full extent of His commission, which is not only to be Savior to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. Next we have the encouragement given to the people of God who are afflicted and then the chapter ends with the ratification of the prophecy of the Jews' release out of Babylon, which was to be the figure and type of all these blessings.

What stands out to me today is how the people of Israel felt that God had forsaken them in Babylon; but Isaiah pointed out that God would never forget them, just as a loving mother would not forget her little child. The Lord says: I will not forget you. The nuance of the verb suggests an even stronger assurance, "As for Me, I am unable to forget you."

I pray that when you experience difficulty and feel that God has forsaken you that are able to draw strength from the scriptures:

Deut. 7:9 (KJV) 

    Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Deut. 31:6 (KJV) 

    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Cor. 10:13 (KJV) 

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Thes. 5:24 (KJV) 

    Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

2 Thes. 3:3 (KJV) 

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) 

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Looking to the Faithful One,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 50:1-11

Thus says the Lord: "Where is the certificate of your mother's divorce, whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, and for your transgressions your mother has been put away. 2 Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; their fish stink because there is no water, and die of thirst. 3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering." 4 "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. 5 The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. 6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. 7 "For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up. 10 "Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. 11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled- this you shall have from My hand:

You shall lie down in torment.

Chapter 50 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of the rejection of the Jews because of their neglect and rebellion. The rejection of the Jews is signified by the divorce of a woman from her husband, and by persons selling their children to their creditors; which are not to be charged upon the Lord, but was charged to their own iniquities.  Next, He (The Messiah) by whom God sends produces his commission (Isa_50:4), alleges his own readiness to submit to all the services and sufferings he was called to in the execution of it and assures himself that God, who sent him, would stand by him and bear him out against all opposition.  The two last verses exhort to faith and trust in God no matter the circumstances; with an announcement of vengeance on those who would trust in their own devices.

What stands out to me this morning is how God did not reject Israel, but Israel rejected God.  God promised to fight for Israel, but Israel sold itself into sin. Israel had caused its own problems. "Was my arm too short?" means "Am I powerless to help?" The people of Israel forgot God and trusted in other countries to help them.  The truth is if we walk by our own light and reject God's, we become self-sufficient, and the result of self-sufficiency is torment. When we place confidence in our own intelligence, appearance, or accomplishments instead of in God, we risk rejection later when these strengths fade.

We need to learn from Israel's history.  God came to Israel at the time of the Exile through the prophets He sent. Later God came to this earth through His Servant and Son, Jesus the Messiah.  What we read in Isaiah 50 is fulfilled in Mathew 27:29-31

29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

In Isaiah chapter 50 the last two verses describe two classes of people. The first are those who walk in dependence on the Lord. They confess their need for guidance. For them God's advice is to trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon their God. Then they will be flooded with insight and revelation.  The second class is those who try to manufacture their own guidance, feeling no need of divine direction. They can walk in the light of their own sparks but the Lord will see to it that they will lie down in torment.

I guess you could say in this regard, God is pro-choice.  Choose life or choose torment!  It is your choice!  As for me, I keep hoping that those I have influence on would choose life, but even more importantly this is what the LORD say's:

2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) 

    The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

I pray that you would be ready to meet Christ at any time, even today; yet plan your course of service as though He may not return for many years. 

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 51:1-16

"Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him." 3 For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 4 "Listen to Me, My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation: for law will proceed from Me, and I will make My justice rest as a light of the peoples. 5 My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait upon Me, and on My arm they will trust. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner; but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished. 7 "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation." 9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, and wounded the serpent? 10 Are You not the One who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over? 11 So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. they shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 12 "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? 13 And you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; you have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, that he should not die in the pit, and that his bread should not fail. 15 But I am the Lord your God, who divided the sea whose waves roared- the Lord of hosts is His name. 16 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, You are My people. "

In chapter 51 of Isaiah we find comfort and encouragement for those that fear God and keep His commandments, even when they walk in darkness and have no light.  Not only do we find this support for the captives in Babylon but we can see that this chapter is a prophetic word for Israel and the church in our day.  Whenever Israel and the church of God is in distress her friends may comfort themselves and one another with these words: #1 That God, who raised his church at first out of nothing, will take care that it shall not perish.  #2 That the righteousness and salvation He designs for His church are sure and very near.  #3 That the persecutors of the church are weak and dying creatures (Isa_51:7, Isa_51:8).  #4 That the same power which did wonders for the church formerly is now engaged and employed for her protection and deliverance (Isa_51:9-11).  #5 That God Himself, the Maker of the world, had undertaken both to deliver His people out of their distress and to comfort them under it, and sent His prophet to assure them of it (Isa_51:12-16).  #6. The churches persecutors and oppressors should shortly experience God's fury. 

What stands out to me today is how the first three paragraphs of this chapter begin with, "Hearken unto me," and they are God's people that are all along called to hearken; for even when comforts are spoken to them sometimes they "hearken not, through anguish of spirit" (Exodus 6:9); therefore they are again and again called to hearken.  The faithful remnant may have felt alone because they were few. But God reminded them of their ancestors, the source of their spiritual heritage?Abraham and Sarah.  Isaiah encouraged those who follow God's laws. He gave them hope when they faced people's reproach or insults because of their faith. This is a fresh reminder for us not to fear when people insult us for our faith because God is with us and truth will prevail. If people make fun of you or dislike you because you believe in God, remember that they are not just against you personally but against God. God will deal with them; you and I need to focus on loving and obeying Him.

I pray that you would know that our God is the same God who made a road in the depths of the sea. His methods may change, but His love and care does not.  Praise God!

Desperate for HIM,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 52:1-15

Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you. 2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise; sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! 3 For thus says the Lord: "You have sold yourselves for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money." 4 For thus says the Lord God: "My people went down at first into Egypt to dwell there; then the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. 5 Now therefore, what have I here," says the Lord, "That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them make them wail," says the Lord, "And My name is blasphemed continually every day. 6 Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks:

Behold, it is I. " 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" 8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. 11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord. 12 For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. 13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.

In chapter 52 of Isaiah an encouragement is given to the Jews in their captivity.  It is a message of hope that God would deliver them in His own way and time (Isa_52:1-6).  Next we read of a great joy and rejoicing that will be both with ministers and people upon that occasion (Isa_52:7-10).  Then the call is given to those that remained in captivity to shift for their own enlargement when liberty was proclaimed (Isa_52:11, Isa_52:12).  The chapter concludes with an account of the Messiah, of His humiliation and exaltation, and of His work and office.  This will be enlarged upon in the next chapter, which could properly begin with these last verses.

What stands out to me today is the HOPE that God promises for His people.  He is the great deliverer!  He always has a plan, and those plans involve rescuing His people.  For the believer we understand that this deliverance and rescue involves both physical (from Babylonian Captivity) and spiritually (from the captivity of sin).  The "servant," as the term is used here, is the Messiah, our Lord Jesus. He would be highly exalted because of His sacrifice, described in Isaiah 52 & 53. This servant, Christ, would be "marred beyond human likeness"; but through his suffering, he would cleanse the nations (see Hebrews 10:14; 1 Peter 1:2).  We can see the prophecy of Isaiah 52 fulfilled when we read Luke 24:46-48

⁴⁶ Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, ⁴⁷ and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ And you are witnesses of these things.

Christ to suffer and to rise: Two parts of God's plan had been fulfilled. Jesus had been crucified and raised from the dead. Old Testament texts that predict these events are Psalm 118:22 and Psalm 22.  What remains to be fulfilled is that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations. 

I pray that you would be part of this great commission.  Take time to reflect on what this "Servant" did for you.  He is your Great deliverer who has rescued you from the captivity of the law of sin (Romans 7).  Proclaiming the good news while there is still time.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 53:1-12

Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. and we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked- but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

In chapter 53 of Isaiah we observe the reproach of Christ's sufferings - the "comeliness" of His appearance, the greatness of His grief, and the rejection of man (vs. 1-3).  Next we observe the rolling away of mans reproach because of this suffering Servant: He did His Father's will (vs. 4, 6, 10), He made atonement for the sin of man (vs. 4-6, 8, 11, 12), it was not for any sin of His own that He suffered (v. 9), He bore His suffering with great patience (v. 7), He would be fruitful in His undertaking, and His suffering would lead to immortal honor (vs. 10-12).  That this chapter speaks of Jesus must be evident to every unprejudiced reader who has ever heard the history of His sufferings and death. The Jews have endeavored to apply it only to their sufferings in captivity; but the denial will not change the truth. 

What stands out to me today is how clear this chapter speaks of the Messiah, Jesus, who would suffer for the sins of all people. Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly ways. But God often works in ways we don't expect. The Messiah's strength is shown by humility, suffering, and mercy.

The two great things which the Spirit of Christ in the Old Testament prophets testified beforehand were the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.  Nowhere in all the Old Testament are these two so plainly and fully prophesied of as here in this chapter, out of which a number of passages are quoted with application to Christ in the New Testament.  For example:

1 Peter 1:10-11

"Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow."

Luke 24:25-27

"Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

As we read in Isaiah 53, this man of sorrows was despised and rejected by those around Him, and He is still despised and rejected by many today. Some reject Christ by standing against him. Others despise Christ and His great gift of forgiveness. I pray that you would not despise Him with your action today.  Rather, be faithful to boast in His great love and mercy.  The Messiah suffered for our sakes, bearing our sins to make us acceptable to God.  Wow!  What a Savior!!!

Forever Grateful,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 54:1-17

"Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman," says the Lord. 2 "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. 3 For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited. 4 "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. 5 For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth. 6 For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a youthful wife when you were refused," says your God. 7 "For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you. 8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you," says the Lord, your Redeemer. 9 "For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. 10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has mercy on you. 11 "O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. 12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. 13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. 14 In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. 15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. 16 "Behold, I have created the blacksmith who blows the coals in the fire, who brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the spoiler to destroy. 17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,"

Says the Lord.

Chapter 54 of Isaiah is a prophecy of the Lord's promises to His people not to forsake them but to give them many offspring.  God's people are like a barren woman who give birth to numerous children and like a forsaken wife who receives an everlasting covenant of peace.  Some suppose this chapter to have been addressed to the Gentiles; some, to the Jewish Church; and some, to the Christian, in its first stage. I believe it would be safe to draw conclusions for each one of these interpretations but the most obvious conclusion of the prophecy will be that which refers it to the future conversion of the Jews, and to the increase and prosperity of that nation.  When reconciled to God after their long rejection, then their glory and security will far surpass what they were formerly in their most favored state.

What stands out to me today is how God's people have been afflicted and tossed with tempest, yet God will restore and beautify her. Her stones will be set with colorful gems, and her foundations will be laid with sapphires. Her pinnacles, gates, and walls will be precious stones (figurative language expressive of extreme beauty).  To me this is such a beautiful picture of the church persevering through affliction and coming out victorious.  Let me remind you of some of the promises in the New Testament:

Matthew 16:18 (KJV) 

    And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 8:1 (KJV) 

    And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

1 Tim. 3:15 (KJV) 

    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Rev. 21:2 (KJV) 

    And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Be encouraged, the "Holy City, the new Jerusalem" is described as the place where God will "wipe every tear from their eyes." Forevermore, there will be no death, pain, sorrow, or crying. What a wonderful truth! No matter what you are going through, it's not the last word?God has written the final chapter, and it is about true fulfillment and eternal joy for those who love him. We do not know as much as we would like, but it is enough to know that eternity with God will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine.

Holding on to the promises,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 55:1-13

"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you- the sure mercies of David. 4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, a leader and commander for the people. 5 Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and the Holy One of Israel; for He has glorified you." 6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. 12 "For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

Chapter 55 of Isaiah contains a prophecy of the comfort of the people of God that lived then, especially of the captives in Babylon, and others of the dispersed of Israel; but unto us was this gospel preached as well as unto them, and now we can see more clearly because of the New Testament. This chapter has a free and gracious invitation to all to come and take the benefit of gospel grace (55:1).  Next we see pressing arguments to enforce this invitation and a promise of the success of this invitation among the Gentiles (55:2-5).   Then in verses 6-9 we have an exhortation to repentance and reformation, with great encouragement given to hope for, "He will abundantly pardon."  The chapter concludes with the ratification of all this, with the certain efficacy of the word of God and a particular instance of the accomplishment of it in the return of the Jews out of their captivity.  This was intended for a sign of the accomplishment of all these other promises.

What stands out to me today is verses 1-6.  We know that food costs money, lasts only a short time, and meets only physical needs. But God offers us free nourishment that feeds our soul. How do we get it? We come (v. 1), listen (2), seek, and call on God (v. 6). We will starve spiritually without this food as surely as we will starve physically without our daily bread. God's salvation is freely offered, but to nourish our souls we must eagerly receive it.  Isaiah tells us to call on the Lord while He is near. God is not planning to move away from us, but we often move far from Him or build walls between ourselves and Him. 

Remember to seek the Lord is to seek His Word:

Amos 5:6 (KJV) 

    Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.

Amos 5:14 (KJV) 

    Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

Acts 17:27 (KJV) 

    That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Seeking,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 56:1-12

Thus says the Lord: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold on it; who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil." 3 Do not let the son of the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord speak, saying, "the Lord has utterly separated me from His people"; nor let the eunuch say, "here I am, a dry tree." 4 For thus says the Lord: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold fast My covenant, 5 Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. 6 "Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants- everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant- 7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." 8 The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, "yet I will gather to him others besides those who are gathered to him." 9 All you beasts of the field, come to devour, all you beasts in the forest. 10 His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory. 12 "Come," one says, "I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant."

Chapter 56 of Isaiah begins with a prophecy of the Lord's salvation that is about to come.  There is an exhortation for the people of God to keep covenant and not defile the Sabbath.  Next we read about the promises given to the sons of the foreigner and the eunuchs: "Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer.The Lord God, who gathers the outcast of Israel, says, "yet I will gather to him others besides those who are gathered to him." The chapter concludes with a call upon some savage people, comparable to wild beasts, to come and devour, the reason of which is the sad corruption of the rulers of God's people, their ignorance, negligence, corruption, and drunkenness.

What stands out to me today is how Isaiah clearly proclaims the radical message that God's blessings are for all people, even foreigners and eunuchs, who were often excluded from worship and not even considered citizens in Israel. Whatever your race, social position, work, or financial situation, God's blessings are as much for you as for anyone else. No one must exclude in any way those God chooses to include. 

One last comment: In verse 10 the "watchmen" were the nation's leaders. The prophet is declaring that the leaders of Israel were blind to every danger. Apathetic about their people's needs, they were more concerned about satisfying their own greed. Leadership's special privileges can cause leaders either to sacrifice for the good of their people or to sacrifice their people for their own greed. 

Keep praying for our country and its leaders.  Leadership that does not look to the LORD (In God we trust) will be as "wild beast" and "greedy dogs".  I am trusting God to raise up watchman in these last days that would be found faithful in serving no matter what message they need to proclaim. 

Hopeful,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 57:14-21

And one shall say, "Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of My people." 15 For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made. 17 For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. 18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners. 19 "I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him." 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."

In chapter 58 of Isaiah the prophet makes his observations upon the deaths of good men, comforting those that were taken away in their integrity and reproving those that did not take notice.  After mentioning the removal of righteous persons as an awful symptom of the approach of Divine judgments the prophet goes on to charge the nation in general with idolatry, and with courting the unprofitable alliance of idolatrous kings.  In opposition to such vain confidence, the prophet proclaims trust in God, with whom those who have a contrite and humble spirit are sure to find acceptance, and from whom they should obtain temporal and spiritual deliverances.  The chapter concludes with the awful condition of the wicked.

What stands out to me this morning is how God relates to those who have a contrite and humble spirit.  He will come to them and #1 Heal him, #2 Lead him, and #3 Restore comforts to him.  The truth is the high and holy God came down to our level to save us because it is impossible for us to go up to his level to save ourselves.  I am reminded of the prayer of Solomon when he said:

2 Chronicles 6:18 (KJV) 

    But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Solomon marveled that the temple could contain the power of God and that God would be willing to live on earth among sinful people. We today marvel that God, through His Son, Jesus, lived among us in human form to reveal His eternal purposes to us. In doing so, God was reaching out to us in love. God wants us to reach out to Him in return in order to know him and to love him with all our hearts. Don't simply marvel at his power; take time to get to know Him.

Psalm 34:18 (KJV) 

    The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Loving His Salvation,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 58:1-14

"Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God. 3 Why have we fasted, they say, and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice? "In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. 4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high. 5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? 6 "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, here I am. "If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. 13 "If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, 14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.

The mouth of the Lord has spoken."

In chapter 58 of Isaiah the prophet gives a severe reproof to the people of God on account of their hypocrisy in practicing and relying on outward ceremonies, such as fasting and bodily humiliation, without true repentance. It then lays down a clear and comprehensive summary of the duties they owed to their fellow creatures.  Large promises of happiness and prosperity are made to those who keep the fast the Lord has required.  The chapter concludes with great temporal and spiritual blessing to those who keep holy the Sabbath day.

What stands out to me today is the realization that fasting can be beneficial spiritually and physically, but at its best fasting helps only the person doing it. God says he wants our service to go beyond our own personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice, and generosity. What we can see from this passage is that true fasting is more than what we don't eat; it is pleasing God by applying his Word to our society.  In other words true worship was more than religious ritual, going to the temple every day, fasting, and listening to Scripture readings. Isaiah is bringing out that these people missed the point of a living, vital relationship with God. He doesn't want us acting pious when we have unforgiveness and sin in our hearts. I is very clear that more important than correct worship and doctrine is genuine compassion for the poor, the helpless, and the oppressed.

We also see from this chapter that keeping the Sabbath honors God, our Creator, who also rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). It also unifies our family and sets priorities for them. Our day of rest refreshes us spiritually and physically?providing time when we can gather together for worship and when we can reflect on God without the stress of our everyday activities.  There is a wonderful promise that comes to those who keep the Sabbath, "I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father." For those who choose to honor the Lord and delight in His ways there is an eternal safety, security, refuge, and provision. 

Learning to delight myself in the Lord,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 59:9-21

Therefore justice is far from us, nor does righteousness overtake us; we look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness! 10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; we stumble at noonday as at twilight; we are as dead men in desolate places. 11 We all growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. 12 For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them: 13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. 14 Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

15 So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him. 17 For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. 18 According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; the coastlands He will fully repay. 19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. 20 "The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob," says the Lord. 21 "As for Me," says the Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants' descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and forevermore."

In chapter 59 of Isaiah we learn of a general rebuke for the wicked life style of the people of God.  It is here charged upon this people that they had themselves stopped the flow of God's favors, and the particular sins are specified which kept good things from them.  Also it is charged upon them that they had themselves brought the judgments of God upon them and what the sins were which provoked God to send those judgments.  After this they are seen confessing their sins, and deploring the unhappy consequences that have come upon them. On this act of humiliation God, ever ready to pardon the penitent, promises that He will have mercy on them; that the Redeemer will come, mighty to save; and that He will deliver His people, subdue His enemies and establish a new and everlasting covenant.  In conclusion we can see from this chapter that sin is appearing exceedingly sinful, and grace is appearing exceedingly gracious. 

What stands out to me today is that because of Israel's willful, persistent rebellion the nation became unable to take action against its sins. Sin fills the vacuum left when God's truth no longer fills our heart.  Sin offends our holy God and separates us from Him. Because God is holy, He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn't matter. Sin cuts people off from Him, forming a wall to isolate God from the people He loves. No wonder this long list of wicked sins makes God angry and forces Him to look the other way. People who die with their life of sin unforgiven separate themselves eternally from God. God wants them to live with Him forever, but He cannot take them into His holy presence unless their sin is removed.

Sin, by its very nature, brings death?that is a fact as certain as the law of gravity. Jesus did not die for His own sins; He had none. Instead, by a transaction that we may never fully understand, He died for the sins of the world. When we commit our lives to Christ and identify ourselves with Him, His death becomes ours. He has paid the penalty for our sins, and His blood has purified us. Just as Christ rose from the grave, we rise to a new life of fellowship with Him.

Romans 6:4 (KJV) 

    Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

There is much we can learn from Isaiah 59 but one thing is for sure and that is when the Holy Spirit dwells within His people, they change. Their former desires no longer entice them; now their number one aim is to please God. We who are Christians today are the heirs of this prophecy; we are able to respond to God's will and distinguish between good and evil because the Holy Spirit dwells within us.

John 14:26 (KJV) 

    But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Philip. 2:13 (KJV) 

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Hebrews 5:14 (KJV) 

    But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Keeping His Word in my mouth,

Alan J. Schrader

Isaiah 60:19-22

"The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. 20 Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended. 21 Also your people shall all be righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified. 22 A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation.  I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time."

Chapter 60 of Isaiah