Daily Encouragement

July 18, 2010 - Mercy Amid Judgment

Meditation on Isaiah 16

Moab was one of nation judged fiercely by God because of their pride. But they were urged to seek refuge in Zion. (v. 1) God is merciful. He would establish the Messiah in the tabernacle of David. This Messiah would have mercy for the gentiles. (v. 5) Moab will have a remnant. (v. 14)

This passage brings out once again the hope of salvation for all in spite of God's judgment against wickedness in this world. The only hope can only be found in the merciful Messiah who is from the house of David. This is the constant theme in Isaiah. We must humbly seek refuge in Jesus Christ who is the Son of David. Otherwise we will face the judgment of God just like Moab.

Would you turn to Jesus now and seek his salvation from sins?

July 19, 2010 - He Strikes And Heals

Meditation on Isaiah 19

During President Carter's administration, he brought the President of Egypt and Israel together so those two countries were able to sign a peace treaty which had led to the relative peaceful existence between them. I believe that was the beginning that led to the fulfillment of the prophecy in this chapter. The acceptance of Israel by the Egyptian would eventually lead to the acceptance of the LORD of Israel. I do know that there are Egyptians who are wonderful Christians today. In fact, there are Egyptian churches here in Orange County.

Just as God had judged other countries, God had judged the sins of Egypt. However Isaiah prophesied this: "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." (v. 22 NKJV) Isaiah also predicted that there will be a highway stretching from Egypt to Assyria through Israel. The three nations will together be blessings for other nations. (v. 23-25)

Though God will afflict the Gentile nations, He still has mercy for them with the hope that they will turn back to God. Then He will heal them. Will you turn to Him today?

July 20, 2010 - The Sin That Cannot Be Atoned

Meditation on Isaiah 22

Isaiah prophesied that Jerusalem would face terrible warfare and destruction. The people in it would be captured. Water will be scarce. Officials would be changed. No one could be secure in it. Yet in this time of sorrow, they did not repent. Instead of turning to the Lord in mourning and put on sackcloth, they put on feast to enjoy themselves. The citizens in Jerusalem turned to entertainment and self indulgence in the midst of hopelessness. Facing "no exit" in life, they wanted to eat and drink and be merry, rather than seeking God in confessing of their sins with sorrow.

For this reason, God, the LORD of host said,".... Surely for this iniquity, there will be no atonement for you, even to your death...." (v. 14 NKJV) The non pardonable sin is the fact that there is no expression of repentance. God's mercy cannot extend to those who refuse to look to Him but keep on sinning and burying themselves in the work of the fleshly desire.

May the sinners fear the judgment of God and look up to Him in the light of the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

July 21, 2010 - Peace Of Mind

Meditation on Isaiah 26

This song of praise can be divided into three sections: the singing (v. 1-7), the prayer (v. 8-18), and the prophecy (v. 19-21). Verse three gives us the formula of peace that has been enjoyed by Bible readers throughout the ages. It says, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You." (NKJV)

Individual peace comes from each person's state of mind. When we trust in God and focus upon Him, we will have peace. We can get rid of anxiety by focusing on prayers, supplication and thanksgiving, the apostle Paul counseled, and the superior peace of God will guard our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) When our mind stay on Jesus and consider Him who endured hostility from sinners against Himself, we will not be discouraged and weary also. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

May the perfect peace from God abide with you today. And you will praise Him who saves you at all circumstances.

July 22, 2010 - A Trustworthy Stone

Meditation on Isaiah 28

One of the major problems of Judah was their habitual lie. They lied to God and to one another. Falsehood was the essence and covering for their sins. (v. 15) On the one hand they pretended to worship God and made offerings, on the other hand they followed the idolatry practice of their neighbors. Their hypocrisy had made themselves to trust no one and made God judge them with terror.

But God was merciful to His people. He assured them His trustworthiness. He would lay a foundation stone in Zion to rebuild them. This stone would be reliable and strong. He would be the standard of justice and righteousness. He would be the Messiah who saved and established His people.

Isaiah said that God would deal with His people in different ways from the old way just liked the farmers would plant different crops according to different conditions of the weather and ground. (v. 23-29) God was foretelling the arrival of the New Testament: Jesus has become the stone that the builders had rejected. He is the corner stone of the church. (Luke 20:17)

Have you trusted in this corner stone that is the foundation of the church yet? He is always trustworthy!

July 23, 2010 - The Coming King

Meditation on Isaiah 32

The leadership of the nation of Judah had deep problem during the time of Isaiah. The king and the officials of the court spoke words of falsehood and acted cruelly toward their people, especially the poor and needy. The country was in ruin due to invasion and God's judgment of the polluted land of idolatry. The farm was not producing. The cattle were scarce.

But during time of devastation, God stilled offered them hope if they would turn back to Him. Isaiah clearly introduced the theme of the coming King. They will have a King who will rule them with righteousness and justice. (v. 1) The Holy Spirit would come upon the administration of the new King who will bring prosperity and joy back to the people (v. 15). The land will be productive again and the people will dwell in the land peacefully with plenty of growth and cattle.

We know from the New Testament that this coming King is not only for Israel but also for all who trust in Him whose name is Jesus. He has come two thousand years ago to prepare the heart of his people and save us from sins and rebellion and falsehood. And Jesus will come again to rule the entire world with peace and righteousness. Would you let Him rule over your heart by asking Him to come into your life now Then you will be prepared to usher in the coming King.

July 24, 2010 - How To Pray During Persecution

Meditation on Isaiah 37

Hezekiah was a good king and a man of prayers. His prayers for His country here and his own health later (Isaiah 38) were answered by God in a marvelous way. In this chapter it was recorded that his nation of Judah was attacked by the king of Assyria, Sennacherib. The Assyrian great army had surrounded Jerusalem the capital. Sennacherib had repeatedly insulted the God of Israel and claimed that God could not protect Hezekiah and his people. He wrote a letter to demand the surrender of Hezekiah.

Hezekiah and his officials expressed their deep distress before the LORD and they requested prophet Isaiah to pray for them also. Hezekiah himself went into the temple to pray. His prayer emphasized that God was the only God of all nations and He was the creator of all things in the universe. He asked God to pay attention to the insults of Sennacherib. He acknowledged that Sennacherib's conquest of other nations and their gods was due to the fact that the other gods were just idols and man made. Finally he asked God to demonstrate that He alone was God by delivering his people and city. This prayer was responded by God through Isaiah immediately. That evening the angel of God had killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib went home and was assassinated by his own sons during his worship to his own god! (v. 14-38)

Hezekiah's prayer ought to be a model for us to pray when we face persecution in life. Follow his pattern and pray for God's demonstration of His Sovereignty. You will see God's power to defend for you and yours for His glory.