Daily Devotional
Sunday: The Destruction of the Earth: Isaiah 24:1-13; Romans 1:18-21
We’ve heard it said that “ignorance is bliss.” But God will judge the entire earth; regardless of gender, rank, or function, the wicked won’t escape what God is bringing on the earth. Isaiah insists that there are laws that God has burned into the human conscience. There are natural standards for human conduct. When these are violated, judgment is the result.
Monday: All Creation is Subject to God: Isaiah 24:14-23
A dramatic contrast appears in Isaiah 24:14-18a. Shouts of joy coming from the ends of the earth from those who have been oppressed by the evil earth-city give way to the wail of the prophet because during the wait for God’s liberation of the earth the present is filled with treachery and terror. Isaiah sees the horrors that must take place before the day of freedom comes. In Isaiah 24:18b-23, Isaiah shows graphically that the entire creation, both heavenly and earthly, is subject to God. His light is infinitely greater that the sun, moon, and stars—His authority absolute. His eternal reign on Mount Zion will be glorious beyond belief!
Tuesday: Grace Extended to All Nations: Isaiah 25:1-12; Exodus 34:6-7
From the silence of the shattered city of Isaiah 24, we now see the joyous feast hosted by the Lord. The theme running through Isaiah 25 is the trustworthiness of God, who invites all nations and people to salvation. He is the lover of men’s souls, and always prefers to save them rather than destroy. There is another sharp contrast to the positive invitation in this passage, a brutal reminder that disobedience and rebellion stir the Almighty’s anger. Self-exaltation always leads to humiliation. Moab is most likely used here to represent all rebellious nations.
Wednesday: Thanking God for Deliverance: Isaiah 26:1-6
Isaiah 26 and Isaiah 27 are both songs extolling the faithfulness of God. Now we see the city of God, not the silent and ruined city of the earth (Isaiah 26:5). The “salvation” of God are the city’s walls. The gates aren’t closed against fear of attack, but now are opened wide for the faithful who choose to live in the righteousness of the Lord’s covenant, based not on their own ability, but by complete dependence on God (Isaiah 26:3).
Thursday: Dependence on God: Isaiah 26:7-19
The next strains of the song direct our attention to the fact that all the blessings God’s people receive come not from their effort, but from God’s own hand. The conflict of human pride is named as that which keeps a man from God’s blessing, but now it has been replaced by true gratitude for God’s mercy.
Friday: God’s Protective Covering: Isaiah 26:20-27:1
Instead of fearing God’s punishment that is coming upon the nations, His people can trust in His divine protection. These verses compare directly to the protection God afforded Noah and his family, and His people in Egypt when the death angel passed over them. God knows those that are His. He will protect them from final harm. (Genesis 6:13-14; Exodus 12:21-24)
Saturday: The Fruitful Vineyard: Isaiah 27:2-13
The song of the fruitful vineyard is a more intimate one than those sung by Isaiah previously. The song praises God for delivering His people and extols His personal relationship with them. The vineyard of Jacob is going to be so fruitful that it will now fill “the world with fruit” (Isaiah 27:6). All the exiles are called home to worship the Lord on the holy mountain (Isaiah 25:6-8).