Daily Devotional
Sunday: The Divine Warrior: Isaiah 63:1-6
No man has had any part in making the atonement; it is entirely the work of the Messiah alone. No created-being could have had anything to do with a sacrifice with an everlasting reward. To do so, that man would have had to be perfect, spotless, and without blemish. Only a divine-being could meet those qualifications. This is the reality of John 3:16-17. We only deserved the wrath of the Divine Warrior; but the Divine Warrior in His infinite love, has shown us His mercy.
Monday: What God Has Done for Israel: Isaiah 63:7-14
Even though anger and wrath were deserved, God saw fit to extend lovingkindness. He poured out mercy and goodness upon the people. He led them out of the bondage. He cared for them in the wilderness and in the valleys. All these things God has done for Israel lead Israel to one conclusion the prophet states well in Isaiah 63:14: that God’s name be glorified.
Tuesday: The Prophet Petitions God: Isaiah 63:15-64:12
The remaining part of Isaiah 63 and also of Isaiah 64 is the prayer of confession and supplication from God’s people. In it, God is acknowledged as their Father. He is the source of their strength, and in fact, He is their entire being. He holds the power in His hands to pour out judgment or extend mercy. The illustration of God as the potter and us as the clay is very vivid. He has the power to mold us, shape us and fashion us in His image. He physically created mankind, and through new life, He spiritually creates us, as well.
Wednesday: When Prayers Go Unanswered: Isaiah 65:1-16
God is always there waiting to welcome us into the fold. It is our sins that hold us back. We resist His grace and His beckoning to us. We strive to provide for our sustenance on our own strength, proudly proclaiming our self-sufficiency and independence. But God is seeking a people who rely on Him and put their trust in Him.
Thursday: Consequences to Man’s Choices: Isaiah 65:17-25
God sees matters in black and white. He sees only two kinds of people: those who forsake Him and those who serve Him. He sees obedience and disobedience, and He rewards accordingly. For those who serve Him, He rewards fruitfulness for their labor. He protects, nurtures, and gives them peace.
Friday: What will be Reaped?: Isaiah 66:1-14
In the days of Isaiah, the people did not have honor and reverence for God. They were going through the motions of worship and yet had no heart for God—there was no intimate relationship. God saw their offerings as “unclean.” God desires our offering to be coming to Him with a heart of worship and He will reward those who diligently seek after Him.
Saturday: Judgment and Hope: Isaiah 66:15-24
Isaiah is full of examples of this simplistic truth: trust the Lord and live or resist the Lord and die. Isaiah calls the people to turn from their sin and serve the One True God. Then he warns them of the consequences if they don’t. The theme of Isaiah is to make your choice: follow the ways of man and receive God’s judgment; or choose the ways of God and receive His mercy and promise of a new, rich, and everlasting life.