Daily Devotional
Sunday: Be Comforted: Isaiah 40:1-31
“Circumstances” can be defined as “those nasty things you see when you get your eyes off of God.” God is greater than our circumstances! When the remnant in Babylon looked behind them, it was filled with failure. God gives them four hope-filled voices: (1) pardon (Isaiah 40:1-2), (2) providence (Isaiah 40:3-5), promise (Isaiah 40:6-8), (4) peace (Isaiah 40:9-11). The difficulties ahead were overwhelming, but God reminds them He is greater than anything on earth (Isaiah 40:12-20) or in heaven (Isaiah 40:21-26). In response to their fears, God addressed the circumstances within them (Isaiah 40:27-31), offering spiritual renewal. In every way, God was with them, loving, encouraging, and comforting.
Monday: The Lord is Sovereign: Isaiah 41:1-42:9
In Isaiah 41 is an imaginary court case between Yahweh and the idols to determine who is really God. God’s first evidence (Isaiah 41:2-7) are His activities. God’s second evidence is that He is still with His people—they have no need to fear (Isaiah 41:3-20). God will protect and guide His people faithfully. God then lays out His case against the idols (Isaiah 41:21-29). Finally, God introduces His righteous servant, the victorious deliverer (Isaiah 42:1-9).
Tuesday: The Only True God: Isaiah 42:10-44:5
The lengthy reading for today makes it hard to elaborate. God challenges the false gods to prove they exist. Another important highlight is found in Isaiah 43:10-13. Judah is called into a relationship with God whereby they will “know,” “believe,” and “understand,” that the Lord of heaven alone is God. Isaiah 43:10-11 is God’s ultimate statement of identity: “I am he….” God stated to Moses, “I am that I am” (Exodus 3:14). Truly, there is NO other!
Wednesday: The Creator and Redeemer: Isaiah 44:6-45:13
Themes running through today’s reading include (1) God’s absolute uniqueness (Isaiah 44:6-8), further charges against idols (Isaiah 44:9-20), a call to His people to be encouraged (Isaiah 44:21-22), and God’s redemptive plans (Isaiah 44:24-28). Isaiah 45 details God’s commission of King Cyrus, and then culminates with the important theme that God is the sole Creator and Redeemer.
Thursday: God’s Ability to Save: Isaiah 45:14-46:13
What is God’s ultimate purpose in the conflict with the idols of other nations? He doesn’t want to destroy the idol makers. He wants to save them. His judgment comes not to destroy utterly, but to redeem. Those who accept God’s offer and come to Him will be saved. God is the only Savior (illustrated in Isaiah 46:1-7). His appeal to the idol worshippers is that they repent.
Friday: Babylon will Fall: Isaiah 47:1-15
This reading opens with an account of Babylon’s humiliation (Isaiah 47:1-4). She will be forced to leave her throne and sit on the ground. Although beautiful and delicate, she will be forced to do hard, menial labor. She will even be sexually humiliated. In short, Babylon will experience what she has done to others. What has brought them to this? False pride (Isaiah 47:5-11). But God turns their confidence into utter helplessness (Isaiah 47:12-15).
Saturday: God’s Appeal to His People: Isaiah 48:1-22
Based upon the nature of God, from His predictions in the past, which have now come true, to the new things predicted for the future, Judah must realize that God is absolutely sovereign. In Isaiah 48:12-22, God appeals to His people. There is beautiful joy ahead for those who will turn to God.