https://esv.literalword.com/?q=isa+47%3B+galatians+6
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 21 June 2023:
Isaiah 47:6 – I was angry with my people; I profaned my heritage; I gave them into your hand; you showed them no mercy; on the aged you made your yoke exceedingly heavy.
God used Babylon to discipline Israel. God still uses world events for His purposes. Ultimately, He is working to refine His kingdom people as He glorifies Himself.
Isaiah 47:7-10 – You said, “I shall be mistress forever,” so that you did not lay these things to heart or remember their end.”
The word “gebereth” in this verse can be translated as lady, queen, or mistress. The ESV version translates the word here as mistress, which seems fitting here as the word is used in current culture, though I think the intent in this verse refers to prideful haughtiness. A mistress seeks the benefits and pleasures (blessings) of a relationship without the commitment, fidelity, and selflessness of covenant or ‘marriage’ or union. Many Christians seek the blessings of God without true union with God. Many want a Savior but not a Lord and Savior. The Bible describes a Christian’s relationship with God as a spiritual marriage, and the marriage between husband and wife is intended, in part, to be a physical representation of our marriage with Christ. Some want to be ‘married’ with Christ while keeping a relationship with the world on the side – this the Bible describes as spiritual adultery and whoredom. Do you view your sin as adulterous? In a human marriage, adultery is grounds for divorce, though divorce is not required. Do you understand the grace you have received from God who does not leave or forsake His unfaithful one?
Isaiah 47:8. 9 – Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me; I shall not sit as a widow or know the loss of children”: These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day.
Power and wealth acquired apart from godliness are fleeting. In their apparent success, the wicked deceive themselves into thinking they have achieved superior wisdom and self-created security – this is an illusion that will be proven false. Have you not seen this proven time and time in again in the lives of the pridefully rich and famous?
Isaiah 47:10, 11 – You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me”; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing.
The world’s wisdom and knowledge deceive people to trust in themselves rather than God.
Side note: Notice that God treated Babylon the way Babylon treated the Jews.
Galatians 6:1 – Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
God wants us to work to restore sinners in gentleness.
Galatians 6:1-4 — Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.
Many Christians quote “Bear one another’s burdens” out of context, referring to ministering to a person’s physical needs, but it is really about responding to offenses or the sins of others. It involves bearing the burden of the offense without responding in personal defense, not countering boastfully but forgiving and “taking up your cross” in the situation, remembering that you too are a mere sinner and not subsequently sinning in your anger by failing to be soft, knowledgeable, gentle, timely, gracious, thoughtful, refreshing, instructional, yet humble.
“When God places people in your life who are in need, He is aware of what they lack, and He knows He has given you the resources to meet those needs. You know God does nothing by accident. When a need surfaces around you, immediately go to the Father and say, ‘You put me here for a reason. You knew this was going to happen. What did You intend to do through me that would help this person become closer to You?’
Recognizing a need in someone’s life can be one of the greatest invitations from God you will ever experience. It’s easy to become frustrated by the problems of others. They can overwhelm you as you become aware of need after need. Rather than looking at each new problem as one more drain on your time, energy, or finances, ask God why He placed you in this situation. Allow God to help you see beyond the obvious needs of others to the things He wants to accomplish in their lives. Don’t miss God’s activity because you’re reluctant to carry the load of others.
Is God blessing you materially? It may be He is developing a ‘supply depot’ in your life through which He can provide for others. Has God granted you a strong, healthy family life? It may be that He requires such a home to minister to the hurting families all around you. Has God released you from sinful habits? Has God’s peace comforted you in a time of great sorrow? Has God miraculously provided for your needs? It may be that He has been purposefully building things into your life so that you can now be the kind of person who will carry the burdens of others.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
Galatians 6:7 — Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
The Principle of the Farm: A man reaps what he sows. You cannot rush a crop. You cannot wake up one morning and say, “I need to grow corn in a week.” It takes time, daily discipline, hard work, and perseverance to grow a crop as it does to achieve all the things that matter most in life. Spiritual maturity, wisdom, knowledge, physical fitness, strong relationships, financial security, talents, etc, all take time and daily, consistent discipline ( as in disciple) to develop. After the seeds are planted, you have to be willing to water dirt with no apparent results for some time until eventually you start to see a small sprout; but even then, it is hard to tell what you are growing — you have to keep working. Also, if you love flowers, you have to hate weeds. You must protect what you are growing from that which corrupts — this too takes effort; it is not a passive defense but an active one. One thing is certain, at harvest time, the product of your labors, good or bad, will be revealed. What are you cultivating? What disciplines to you practice consistently well in order to produce a harvest in your life that will glorify and honor God?
The Chinese have a saying, “The best time to grow a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time to grow a tree is today.” Every day is a fresh start. Make the most of every opportunity. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Do not be motivated by pride or fear but rather love. Do not compare yourself with others or judge others compared to you — keep your eyes affixed on Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit. Seek first the Kingdom, and be joyful in all things, even the trials which are strengthening your character. Also, take the time to help the farmer next to you. Having lived two years in Nebraska, I learned something about the farm culture — people are not only patient, but they are also very friendly and cooperative, having learned to depend on each other during hard times. We need each other’s support.
Galatians 6:9-10 — And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Doing good can be wearisome. Don’t give up. People in the church can be some of the hardest people to love and be patient with.
Galatians 6:10 – So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
To whom does God command us to do good?
Galatians 6:12 – It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
People often make great religious sacrifices and place great demands on others for all the wrong reasons.
Galatians 6:14, 17 — But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world…. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The reality of the cross should kill worldly pressures in your life. Who can stress you out when Christ has declared you worthy, victorious, righteous, and unconditionally loved?
Galatians 6:15 – For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Religious activity is nothing, a heart for God and others is everything.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 21 June 2023: Endeavor to do good to EVERYONE today, particularly to those who clearly don’t deserve it – that is called grace, a reflection of the grace that you have receive through Jesus. The grace you give others reveals your level of appreciation for the grace you have received. What could someone possibly do to you that would come close to being comparable to the offenses from which we have all been forgiven by our perfectly Holy God? (Galatians 6:10-17)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 