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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 23 May 2023:
Isaiah 16:5 – …then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.
God expects rulers to be instruments of justice and righteousness for all people, not instruments of greed and oppression.
“The prophet has constantly kept before his mind the image of an ideal king. The ideal was partially fulfilled in Hezekiah, yet only partially; the prophet was sure One was coming who would fulfil it in its utmost meaning, and he steadfastly kept his eye on the bright day when God’s throne should be established among the nations, and His sceptre should be extended over all. God does not exist merely to destroy, nor does He rule only in order that He may humble and crush; His purpose is one of equity, righteousness, blessing, cultivation.” (J. Parker, D. D.)
Isaiah 16:12 – And when Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself on the high place, when he comes to his sanctuary to pray, he will not prevail.
Sin hinders prayers. Many people who are very active in the church still treat sin casually. This is unacceptable to God. Worship that is acceptable to God is obedience motivated by genuine love, with confidence, appreciation, and reliance on His grace. God is not deceived by outward appearances as people are, and He knows the truth of the worshipper’s heart. “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29) “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16) “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)
Isaiah 16:14 – But now the Lord has spoken, saying, “In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all his great multitude, and those who remain will be very few and feeble.”
God pronounced a judgment that would not occur for three years but was inevitable. Current prosperity is not necessarily an absence of judgment but merely the calm before the storm. God holds everyone accountable in His own way and in His own timing. Do not fret when the wicked seem to prosper – God is in control.
1 Corinthians 14:1 — Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
Often those who are quickest to boast of their spiritual gifts are the most unloving. Love is the measure of the person.
1 Corinthians 14:6 – Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
Our spiritual gifts are meant to benefit others more than ourselves.
1 Corinthians 14:37 — If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
Many of God’s commands seem foolish to people. Many have developed clever arguments to refute God’s commands based on current cultural standards. You will have to choose what you will believe and upon what you will act. “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, 16)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 23 May 2023: Today, pray that the Lord would make your greatest spiritual gift love. Seek above all other attributes to be truly loving, to the point where you truly duly love your enemies from the depths of your heart because of the love of Christ which naturally flows out of your from your intimate relationship with Him.
- John 7:38 – “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 