Ezekiel, Day 4 Readings

The Lord Is Israel's Shepherd and Coming Renewal 

Today's first reading is a longer exploration of the description of God as a shepherd of Israel.  It goes into greater depth than the famous 23rd Psalm.  First, it compares God's care to the Jewish leaders who were bad shepherds, known for their selfishness and faithlessness.  Now, like a shepherd, God will go out and seek His sheep (the Jews) who are scattered in exile and bring them to a place of safety and comfort.  It is a prophecy of both the reasons for suffering in exile and the reasons for hope.

Read Ezekiel 34:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides the ultimate rationale for why the Jews will have another chance to live freely.  In many ways, the sinfulness of the Jews has embarrassed God in the eyes of the world.  In order to restore respect, God had to punish these people for failing to actually treat God as God.  Before they can be allowed to live freely, they must learn to be faithful.  God will have to forgive their previous sins and give them hearts capable of following God's laws.  After that, and only after that, they can return to inhabit God's promised land.

Read Ezekiel 36:16-38  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezekiel 29-39 today.

Ezekiel, Day 3 Readings

A Just God Offers Hope, But Also Some Hard Truth 

Today's first reading is a promise of hope buried in a prophecy of punishment.  It reinforces that God is just, punishing those who disobey God's laws.  However, God will judge people based on their current actions and regard for God's teaching.  If they have previously sinned, but reform, they will not be punished.  Even more, despite the actions of their ancestors, if they do what is right, God will treat them well (which is a cause for hope for the exiles, who are suffering because of the sins of their ancestors).

Read Ezekiel 18:1-32  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides a list of Israel's repeated rejections of God through the generations.  Evidently, a group of Jewish leaders came to Ezekiel demanding answers for God allowing them to be defeated by the Babylonians.  However, God clearly views these leaders as completely unfaithful.  In response to their questions, God offers a list of times that the Jewish people have ignored God's teachings in favor of worshiping the false gods of other nations.  Interestingly, God says this faithlessness dates all the way to slavery in Egypt and the exodus from Egypt in the wilderness.  And the faithlessness of God's people happens again and again, leading to the punishment of defeat and exile.

Read Ezekiel 20:1-44  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezekiel 20-28 today.

Sermon - "Accepting Punishment" (Lamentations)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about Lamentations, the reflection about the pain of exile that is included among the Hebrew prophets.  Though the placement is odd -- in some ways, Lamentations feels similar to the wisdom literature -- it probably is due to its focus on the exile in Babylon (a central issue for several of the prophets).

With evocative language, Lamentations explores the deep emotional pain that those in exile felt.  However, it also exhibits a deep promise that God has a purpose for the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity in Babylon.  There is a painful admission that the consequences -- which feel like punishments from God -- were necessary for the long-term good of God's people.  Perhaps defeat and exile was the only way that God could correct the mistakes they were making.

Lament is something that we frequently do, worrying about the negative consequences of decisions we have made in our lives -- about things we've done or not done.  Sometimes the lessons we learn are hard ones, especially when our actions seem to lead to uncomfortable situations.  Sometimes, though, hard situations are simply the result of changes beyond our control.  When we identify negative consequences caused (at least in part) by our decisions, it is important to learn from them -- with God's help -- so we don't make the same mistakes again.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and closing benediction.

Ezekiel, Day 2 Readings

Ezekiel Sees a Wheel and God's Exit from Jerusalem 

Today's reading is a dramatic vision of a wheel, spinning above Jerusalem, surrounded by angels.  Somehow, this wheel accompanies the presence of God, which leaves the Temple (and the Holy City), symbolizing God's complete disgust with the disobedience that the city -- and its inhabitants -- have come to represent.

God does not only offer a vision of despair, though.  While God's presence is leaving, the vision also contains a promise for God's people in exile.  Though they have been scattered among other nations, God will again unite the Jews and return them to Jerusalem, where they will again live as God's chosen people.

Read Ezekiel 10:1-11:25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezekiel 12-19 today.

Ezekiel, Day 1 Readings

The Calling and Sending of Ezekiel 

Today's first reading is the brief prologue of Ezekiel, the prophet who gave instruction and hope to the people where were exiled in Babylon.  Ezekiel is a trained priest who becomes the main spokesman for God during this period.

Read Ezekiel 1:1-3  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers the more specific details of Ezekiel's purpose, to share a message of punishment and hope.  Part of the vision of Ezekiel's calling is a scroll, which the prophet eats in order to gain the word of the Lord.  Then Ezekiel is told that he will carry God's teaching first to those remaining in Jerusalem, then to the exiles in Babylon.  However, he is warned that those left in Jerusalem have stopped listening to God, so they will not listen to the prophet.  Still, though, Ezekiel is to share God's teaching with them.

Read Ezekiel 2:1-3:15  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezekiel 1-11 today.

Ezekiel, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 26 - Ezekiel 

Ezekiel was a priest chosen by God to be a prophet during the time when Jews were exiled in Babylon.  At the beginning of the exile, some Jews remained in Jerusalem; however, after another rebellion, the Babylonians returned and completely destroyed the city and the Temple.

This historical fact is important because there are two main audiences for the prophecies of Ezekiel: first, those remaining in and around Jerusalem and, second, those in exile.  To the first group, Ezekiel has increasingly awful news.  Due to generations of faithlessness, especially the worship of idols, God has completely lost faith with the people in Jerusalem.  In fact, God's presence has left the city, which means that it will be defenseless against a future attack.

However, God still believes that there are a few who can learn to be faithful.  So, to the second group, Ezekiel offers prophecies of punishment and hope.  Those in exile need to understand why God is unhappy and why they deserve this punishment.  However, they also need to understand that God's people will again live freely in the Holy Land.  Like seeds, God will take faithful people from exile and "plant" them in Jerusalem, where they will grow in numbers and restore Israel.

Some of Ezekiel's prophecies are highlighted by dramatic visions -- of angels, wheels in the sky, and bones that rise from graves and become living human beings again.  The final vision (which lasts for the final 9 chapters of Ezekiel) is of the new Temple that will be built in the restored Jerusalem.  It also contains a powerful promise -- God's presence will dwell in the rebuilt Temple.

Lamentations, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Lamentations you might have missed.
 Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Lamentations tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Lamentations, Day 5 Readings

A Final Plea for Mercy  

Today's reading offers a final cry of desperation.  The people are suffering greatly, virtually enslaved by the Babylonians, with little money, little food, and no freedom.  In every way, the people understand their punishment and its cause -- how the actions of the people over generations made God angry and how the people need to return to God and God's ways.  However, despite the great hope of the middle section of Lamentations (in chapter 3), there is anxiety that God's displeasure may be permanent.  Somewhat sheepishly, at the lament's end, they ask God for restoration, but fear God's rejection.

Read Lamentations 5:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Lamentations 5 today.

Sermon - "The Days Are Surely Coming" (Jeremiah)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about Jeremiah, the prophet who had the unpleasant task of explaining God's seeming harsh treatment of the Jews.  In particular, Jeremiah related that the defeat of the Jews and exile into Babylon was an unavoidable punishment from God for idolatry.

Jeremiah can be tough to listen to, as he must have been when he was sharing these prophecies during his lifetime.  In fact, he evidently was threatened by people who tired of his "gloom and doom" -- once even abandoned in a cistern and left for dead.  Underneath his persistent words of punishment and destruction, though, is a consistent hope from God that there will be better days for God's chosen people in the future.

Unfortunately, this better future would not come easily.  The bad behavior and poor decisions made by the Jews, especially their worship of false gods, was not easy to change.  Their divided loyalties betrayed a lack of faith in the true God and probably a complete misunderstanding of the nature of faith.  The Jews thought that as long as they continued the worship rituals in the Temple on the appointed days, God would be satisfied.  This behavior has gotten so bad that the only way for God to change it was to remove the Jews from the holy land and from the Temple, give them time to rediscover true faith, and then start again with a later group of them.

The unavoidable problem, it seems, was the self-delusion of the people.  They thought they had it all together, and that they had all the answers, but they were wrong.  And their self-deception was so complete, God was not able to painlessly correct it.  Instead, the correction would be very painful indeed.  Sometimes, perhaps, we Christians should ask ourselves -- seriously ask ourselves -- if we are similarly deluding ourselves about our faith in God.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and closing benediction.

Lamentations, Day 4 Readings

Complete Destruction  

Today's reading offers a painful description of the utter destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.  Even the streets have been torn up, and there is widespread hunger for the people (especially women and children) who remain in the city.  It is a testament to God's righteous anger, completely destroying the city.  Further, the leadership were killed or taken into exile, which is a fitting punishment because these were the key people who led the entire nation astray.

Read Lamentations 4:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Lamentations 4 today.

Lamentations, Day 3 Readings

Hope in God's Eventual Forgiveness  

Today's reading offers a glimmer of hope amid the tears of exile.  After admitting that God's punishment is just, there is an admission that God's love is steadfast and unending.  The people pray to God through their tears of anguish and suffering, and God hears their pleas.  Eventually will have compassion and return favor on the chosen people, the Jews, and they will not be in exile, but free.  Of course, this will only happen if the Jews learn from the mistakes and conform their lives to God's expectations.

Read Lamentations 3:1-66  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Lamentations 3 today.

Lamentations, Day 2 Readings

Punished as Promised  

Today's reading continues the lament over the defeat of God's people in Jerusalem.  The tears continue to fall, especially for the destruction and the deaths of many -- one of the most poignant images is of the children asking questions about the lack of food.  Still, this complete defeat was simply God delivering on a promise, made long ago, to punish the people for having abandoned God's teaching and following the bad leadership of false priests and false prophets.

Read Lamentations 2:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Lamentations 2 today.

Lamentations, Day 1 Readings

Lament for a Defeat Allowed by God  

Today's reading introduces us to the book of Lamentations, a poem that explores the deep spiritual pain experienced by the Jews at their defeat and exile by Babylon.  At the beginning, it imagines the capture of Jerusalem from the point of view of the city, whose streets are now empty, as the main leaders of the city have been killed, taken into captivity, or scattered.

There are lots of interesting implications in the opening verses.  Lamentations is either written during the brief period between the first capture of Jerusalem and its final destruction, or it is an imagining of the holy city by those in exile in Babylon who do not know -- or do not wish to believe -- that God's holy city has been destroyed.  More important than this, though, is the clear understanding that the destruction and exile has been allowed by God as a righteous punishment for the past mistakes of God's chosen people.

Read Lamentations 1:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Lamentations 1 today.

Lamentations, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 25 - Lamentations 

Lamentations is a great cry of despair amid the pain and destruction of the capture of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish leadership to Babylon.  The book offers a poetic description of the suffering of God's people in defeat, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of the people in the aftermath.

Unlike the other books of the prophets, it is not attributed to any specific prophet (like Isaiah or Jeremiah).  However, the book is very prophetic as it seeks a clear answer to the central question posed by the Babylonian military victory: Why have God's chosen people been utterly defeated?  The answer is simple: God has righteously punished the Jews for their unfaithfulness.  For a time, God even refuses to listen to their cries for mercy.   However, eventually, God will restore the covenant with the chosen people.  (Unlike Isaiah, it is not entirely clear what the restoration will look like.  Here, it is not assumed that the people will reclaim Jerusalem.)

At times heartbreaking, with only glimmers of hope, Lamentations offers an emotional portrait of the Jews during the 70 years of the exile.  In very practical ways, they feel completely abandoned by God and the laughingstock of other nations.  However, during this time they also seem to rediscover their faith and their total reliance on God.

Jeremiah, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Jeremiah you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Jeremiah tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Jeremiah, Day 5 Readings

A Promise That Babylon Will Fall and The Destruction of Jerusalem

Today's first reading is part of a series of prophecies at the end of Jeremiah warning that God's judgment will not fall only on the chosen people.  The other nations will also be punished in due course.  Perhaps the most memorable prophecy is against the Babylonians, who ultimately defeated the Jews and destroyed Jerusalem.  The exiled Jews will be saved and restored, while the powerful Babylonians will be utterly defeated.  In fact, the ruins will cause people to marvel at how far they fell.

Read Jeremiah 50:1-20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is the conclusion of Jeremiah, which details the final capture and destruction of Jerusalem.  The last king, a vassal of the Babylonians named Zedekiah, foolishly rebels.  The armies of Nebuchadnezzar put down the revolt with a complete show of force.  They again capture Jerusalem and completely destroy the city.  They kill all of the king's children, gouge his eyes, and carry him into exile.  Only after the death of Nebuchadnezzar do things look slightly better for the Jewish exiles.  One of the Babylonian king's successors releases a previous Jewish king, Jehoiachin, from jail and recognizes his status as a king.  (This brief ray of hope is the first step to the restoration of the Jewish kingdom.) 

Read Jeremiah 52:1-34  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 48-52 today.

Jeremiah, Day 4 Readings

A Promise of Return and The Price of Prophecy

Today's first reading is, by far, the most optimistic and happiest of the prophecies Jeremiah was given by God.  It promises that the Jews who are in exile in Babylon will one day be allowed to return to the holy land.  The holy city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt and an independent kingdom will be restored.  Indeed, the pains and griefs of exile will eventually be healed and forgotten.

Read Jeremiah 30:1-24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading shares the way that Jeremiah suffered at the hands of those who hated his prophecies.  More than once, people banded against Jeremiah, who frequently offered a word of judgment from God in the days surrounding the defeat of the Jews by the Babylonian armies.  Here, the prophet is tossed into an empty cistern and left to die.  Jeremiah is saved after one of the king's servants hears of his fate and asks the king for permission to act to save Jeremiah's life.  After being lifted from the cistern, Jeremiah again is asked by the king for a prophecy.  The prophet refused to temper his warning, despite his near death experience, and instead promises the king that if he refuses to surrender to the Babylonians the Jerusalem would be destroyed and the king would be carried away captive.

Read Jeremiah 38:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 36-47 today.

Sermon - "Waiting for Renewal" (Isaiah)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about Isaiah, the first (and longest) of the collection of Jewish prophets which make up the final books of the Hebrew Bible.  Isaiah is a collection of prophecies spanning a long and eventful period of Jewish history, spanning from the decline of the kingdom of Judah through the exile in Babylon.

In particular, Isaiah considers the circumstances and causes of the decline of the kingdom and the loss of independence and foretells God's plans beyond the time of exile.  There is a dual theme throughout, that God is punishing the people for their sinful ways -- especially idolatry -- and that God is using this punishment to prepare the people for a peaceful and prosperous future.  And, consistently, Isaiah teaches that God is worried about two main aspects of the Jews' behavior: their righteousness (how they follow God's teaching) and their justice (how they treat others around them).  They have face defeat and destruction because they have not been righteous or just; in exile, God hopes they will learn from this mistake and be ready to live freely in ways that follow God's teaching and treat others rightly and well.

Isaiah receives lots of attention for the promises for the future, especially by Christians who are interested in prophecies about a messiah -- God's anointed one who will lead the Jews in this new, peaceful kingdom.  From this, Christians can learn a lot about the nature and purpose of Jesus, especially as we try to follow his example and live out his teachings.  However, we should not overlook the rest of the prophecies.  Like the ancient Jews, we are in a culture that is religiously adrift -- we need to learn to identify the real problems and seek God's solutions in facing them.  The prophets are an excellent resource for this process in our time.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

Jeremiah, Day 3 Readings

Exile in Babylon and Jeremiah's Letter to Those in Exile

Today's first reading promises the defeat and destruction of several of the region's kingdoms, including Judah.  Even more, after this defeat at the hands of Babylon, the people will become subject to the will of the Babylonian kings for 70 years.  Then, Babylon will fall to another nation, and its people will become subject to the will of the conquerors.  (And, those they captured will be freed, including the Jews.)

Read Jeremiah 25:1-32  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading presents the text of a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Jews who were taken into exile in Babylon after the capture of Jerusalem.  In it, Jeremiah shares God's instructions that those in exile are to live full lives.  They are to marry and raise children.  They are to be loyal subjects of the Babylonians.  Any advice or instructions to do otherwise can only come from false prophets.  God will take care of those in exile and their children, eventually restoring them to their land.

Read Jeremiah 29:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 25-35 today.

Jeremiah, Day 2 Readings

The Defeat of Judah and the Potter's Wheel 

Today's first reading promises the defeat of the southern kingdom of Judah from an established kingdom.  Due to their sins, they will be punished through military defeat and capture.  Ultimately, the great responsibility of this falls on the leadership: the rulers, the priests, and the prophets who led the people in worshiping false gods and turning away from the true God.  Through their influence, the entire people have lost true faith.

Read Jeremiah 5:7-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides a great image of what God hopes will happen through this catastrophic punishment of the chosen people.  God directs Jeremiah to a potter's house and has him watch the potter shaping clay.  During this, the potter makes a mistake, but he simply reshapes the clay into a usable pot.  Just like this, God tells Jeremiah, I am reshaping Israel into a people that is useful to me.  Only in this way can their evil ways be completely changed into a good and faithful way of life.

Read Jeremiah 18:1-12  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 13-24 today.

Jeremiah, Day 1 Readings

The Call of Jeremiah and the Punishment for Idolotry 

Today's first reading is the beginning of Jeremiah, who was given the task by God to explain why the Jewish kingdom was allowed to be utterly defeated.  From the outset, when Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet, the tone is start.  There are promises of disaster -- an invasion from the north; however this first invasion will be stopped before it captures Jerusalem.  (That defeat will come soon enough.)

Read Jeremiah 1:1-19  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading details the main reason given by God for the punishment that the Jews -- God's chosen people -- will suffer defeat and destruction.  Despite God's goodness in bringing them from slavery to their own land, they turned away from God and worshiped false gods.  They replaced the true God with gods who do not actually exist.  (Throughout Jeremiah, there are regular asides mocking those who would worship wood or stone, meaning statues of these false gods.)

Read Jeremiah 2:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 1-12 today.

Jeremiah, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 24 - Jeremiah 

Jeremiah is the second prophet.  Unlike Isaiah -- so often quoted by Christians for prophecies thought to describe Jesus -- Jeremiah offers much more punishment than hope (though both themes are present).  The hard edge of Jeremiah's prophecies is understandable, though, given their context: they were given in a period of time spanning the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the exile of Jewish leaders into Babylon.

For people wondering why God had turned against the chosen people, Jeremiah offers a clear explanation.  The imminent defeat is punishment for the widespread worship of foreign gods and idols -- so widespread that it seems to have been present among the royal courts, the prophets, and even the Temple priests.  Amid the talk of destruction, though, Jeremiah quietly corrects one misunderstanding -- the defeat of the Jews will be harsh, but it is not meant to destroy them.  Instead, through this punishment, God hopes to remold the chosen people into a nation that once again will worship God alone and be worthy of independence and God's favor.

In fact, it turns out that those who seem totally defeated -- those who are carried off into exile in Babylon -- are will be the remnant saved by God.  In fact, Jeremiah famously writes to the exiles (the prophet evidently remained in Jerusalem after it was first defeated) and instructs them to live full lives in Babylon -- to marry, to have children, and even to obey the Babylonian rulers.  Those who are not carried into exile -- again, a group which evidently includes Jeremiah himself -- will be utterly destroyed by the invading Babylonians.   Only after 70 years will God replant the chosen people, using Jews returning from exile in Babylon.

Isaiah, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Isaiah you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Isaiah tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Isaiah, Day 5 Readings

God Promises Peace and Security

Today's reading is a double promise for the restored kingdom God will establish.  The first half promises a reversal of what has recently happened to God's chosen people -- instead of falling victim to their armies and becoming subjects to their leaders, the foreign armies and governments will bend over backwards to please the Jews.

The second part of the reading is the promise of "good news" -- what in the New Testament will be called gospel.  God will provide relief to the oppressed, freedom to the prisoners, and a kingdom which will offer an unending "year of jubilee" -- where everything is forgiven and all are celebrated as full-fledged members of the kingdom.

Read Isaiah 60:1-61:11  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Isaiah 54-66 today.

Isaiah, Day 4 Readings

God's Mysterious Ways and God's Invitation

Today's first reading is a prophecy for the time of the exile in Babylon.  In it, God promises to do a new thing -- allow the exiles to be freed and then lead them back to restore the kingdom centered in Jerusalem.  In some ways, it is critical of even the faithful (who likely taught about how God's judgment of the Jews was appropriate) by promising to do a completely new thing.  However, it also hearkens back to the salvation God offered the Israelites by guiding them from slavery in Egypt, through the barren desert, to the Promised Land.  As such, it is the perfect reminder that God works in mysterious ways.

Read Isaiah 48:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers an invitation to people to become faithful and become fully accepted as part of God's chosen people.  Likely it was intended to encourage lapsed Jews to reclaim their faith, but it never explicitly restricts the invitation to Jews.  Instead, in ways that will recur in the other prophets and in Jesus' teaching, it extends the invitation to all who thirst and hunger -- come to the divine source of all and be filled.  Anyone who responds to God's word -- God's teaching -- will become a part of God's restored kingdom.

Read Isaiah 55:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Isaiah 40-53 today.

Isaiah, Day 3 Readings

Destruction and Salvation and a Reminder that God is Completely in Control

Today's first reading is a good encapsulation of the main dual theme of Isaiah -- God is promising both destructive judgment and restorative salvation to the Jewish people.  (Other prophets, like Jeremiah, offer a more detailed explanation of how the judgment is a part of the salvation.)  Here, God promises that the main city, Jerusalem, will be assailed and defeated because the people continue to ignore God's teaching.  However, for those few who are truly faithful, there is also the promise that God will more than restore the people -- God's people will be the envy of all the world.

Read Isaiah 29:1-24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers a poetic reminder that God is completely in control of events.  It is meant to be a source of deep comfort to the faithful who are enduring some of the judgments of God -- in the form of oppression by foreign armies and governments.  God created the world; God alone has the ultimate power for what can happen in the world.  God is everlasting and will endure beyond the suffering, and God will share some of this patience and endurance with the faithful -- so that they will one day enjoy the God's blessings fully.

Read Isaiah 40:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Isaiah 27-39 today.

Isaiah, Day 2 Readings

The Coming Messiah and a Promise of Restoration 

Today's first reading is one of the most famous passages of Isaiah, describing a promised king who will come to restore God's law among God's chosen people.  Christians have long ascribed the description to Jesus, which is why Handel used this chapter as the basis for several selections of his oratorio Messiah.  This new king, specifically chosen by God, will restore David's kingdom as a place of faithfulness and righteousness.  Of course, not all of God's people will enjoy this new kingdom because there will be a judgment before the new kingdom can begin.

Read Isaiah 9:1-17  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading paints a picture of this restored kingdom, which will enjoy unprecedented peace -- famously, "the wolf shall lie down with the lamb... and a little child will lead them."  A remnant of God's chosen people will be welcomed into this new kingdom, fully claiming their birthright as God's people, and experiencing God's salvation from dangers of the world.

Read Isaiah 11:1-12:2  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Isaiah 14-26 today.

Isaiah, Day 1 Readings

The Promise of Just Desserts and the Call of Isaiah  

Today's first reading is the beginning of the first -- and in some ways, foremost -- prophet in the Hebrew Bible, Isaiah.  From the outset, God announces great displeasure with the actions of the Jews and how the chosen people continue to turn away from God repeatedly.  What really seems to annoy God is that the people have not completely turned against God; they continue to have worship ceremonies in the Temple.  However, the hypocrisy of the people, publicly sacrificing to God, but not following God's speeches, has finally gone too far and God now promises a judgment.

Read Isaiah 1:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading details Isaiah's call to become a prophet -- the one who will announce God's judgment and promises to the people.  Surrounded by angels, Isaiah has a vision of heaven and hears God asking for someone to be the appointed messenger.  Unlike most other prophets, who are reluctant to accept such a role, Isaiah is excited and says, without hesitation, "Here I am; send me."  This is, as it was in 1 Samuel, the proper answer when God asks a person to serve.

Read Isaiah 6:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Isaiah 1-13 today.

Isaiah, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 23 - Isaiah  

Isaiah is the first of the long concluding section of the Hebrew Bible, which is a collection of 17 prophets.  Overall, they were probably written over a period of 400 years, but they are not in chronological order.  Some are written during the period when the Israelite kingdoms are in decline; others during the Babylonian exile.  (The later part of Daniel likely was written long after the return from exile.)

Isaiah is a particularly challenging case because there seem to be a collection of prophecies here from both the kingdom period and the time of exile.  Historically, Isaiah was a court prophet for several Jewish kings, most notably Hezekiah.  This was a time of decline for Judah, threatened by foreign armies many times.  It also was a time of renewed emphasis on faith and proper understanding of Torah.  The first section (chapters 1-39) seems to date from this period.  There is a sharp shift beginning in chapter 40, which seems to speak directly to a people in exile.  (Some scholars think there is another shift in chapter 56 to the time after the exile.)

Understanding the changing contexts can help to understand some of the images and promises recorded in these prophecies of Isaiah.  However, there is a strong thematic consistency throughout the 66 chapters, regardless of whether the words preserved in Isaiah are the work of one or more prophets.  God's people have turned away from God too long and now God will judge the people on their righteousness according to the law and their sense of justice.  In both cases, the nation as a whole is so guilty that it must be severely punished.

Frequently, the judgment promised is destructive -- foreign armies will defeat the Jewish government and dominate the people.  This judgment is not merely to punish, though.  God hopes that it will purify the people to allow them to reclaim their identity as God's chosen people in a restored kingdom -- one which will be marked by strength, security, and peace, and one that will be established by a special leader chosen by God to reclaim David's throne.  A new generation will inherit the promise God made to Abraham and inhabit a restored Jerusalem.

Bonus Reading, Psalms

A Song of Deliverance  

Today's reading is a plea for deliverance.  It is the song that was on Jesus' lips as he was crucified, beginning, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  It is a long psalm that in some sections admits all of the frustrations and pains of a life where everything seems to be against us.  In other parts, it celebrates God's steadfast love and prays for God's eventual deliverance and salvation.  In the end, all people will become allied with God and God's teaching.

Read Psalm 22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Psalms

Restoring God's People  

Today's reading is a song which pleads for the restoration (again) of God's people to a place of blessing and honor.  It recognizes that God has forgiven the people for their past sins and restored them before; it asks that God do so again.  It asks that God put away anger and extend salvation and restoration to God's faithful people.  (In so many ways, Jesus is the answer to this prayer, especially in those things that we remember on this Maundy Thursday -- washing the feet of the disciples, sharing the Lord's Supper with them, and beginning the final journey to Calvary.)

Read Psalm 85  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Psalms

God's Majesty (and Human Majesty, Too)  

Today's reading is a joyful song about God the creator, who made the earth and all that is on it.  In the midst of this, though, it is a joyful song about the importance of human beings in the creation.  On the one hand, there is a moment of wonder at this in the psalm - "What are human beings that you are mindful of the"?  On the other, it says that God's relationship with and attention to people is based on their relative importance in creation, created "a little lower than the angels."

Read Psalm 8  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]