Journal Through the Bible: Week 68 Saturday

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II Kings chapter 25

Does God issue any commands?

• We will be told later in the book of Jeremiah that the people were commanded not to go to Egypt, but in this passage we are told that they did anyway when the governor given to them by Nebuchadnezzar was assassinated.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak in this chapter.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Like the young sons of King Zedekiah were slain in their innocence before the eyes of their father, so was Jesus slain in His innocence before the eyes of His Father.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The very poorest of the mourning people were left in the city to make it produce anything for the king. The very poorest, meekest mourners will inherit the earth and it will produce for the King. (See Matthew 5.)

Journal Through the Bible: Week 68 Friday

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Habakkuk chapter 3

This is the prayer that Habakkuk prayed after having his two questions answered by God. It was probably set to music as a psalm since this chapter ends with instructions for it to be played upon stringed instruments.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. (vv.17-19)

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the Holy One that came from Teman and Mount Paran. It is His glory that is described since He and the Father are One.
• Jesus is the everlasting.
• Jesus was the judge that brought to an end the existence of the earth's inhabitants in the flood.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• After the days of trouble comes a time when those who trust God will walk upon high places.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 68 Thursday

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Habakkuk chapter 2

Habakkuk receives the answer to his second question while standing in the watchtower.

God sends the answer to the second question while sitting in His holy temple.


Does God issue any commands?

• In reply to Habakkuk's second question concerning the God's use of a nation more wicked than Judah to punish it, God told Habakkuk to write the vision plainly upon tables so that all who read it can be warned to flee from the wrath to come.
• God told all the earth to keep silence before Him.

Does God make any promises?

• Judgment was coming.
• The just shall live by faith.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• In God's answer to Habakkuk He makes it clear that the sins of Judah were just as grievous as the sins of the Babylonians in the sight of God. He is no respecter of persons. All have sinned. All have their own idols. All need a savior. That would be Jesus. 

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• We are currently warning people to flee from the wrath to come. We are to make it as plain as we can so that others will read it and heed the warning. But there is wrath to come! Just as God told Habakkuk that the time was appointed, the future time of judgment is also appointed. 
• The earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD.
• The just shall live by faith until their faith is made sight.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 68 Wednesday

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Habakkuk chapter 1

Evidently Habakkuk was a professional prophet, perhaps the type that the kings consulted before going into battle, because the book identifies him as a prophet without giving a clear time for his vision. It is obvious that he received visions, though, because the things that he saw terrified him!

This first two chapters are written in a question and answer format. Habakkuk asks God questions and God replies. Chapter 1 contains Question 1, Answer 1, and Question 2. Answer 2 is in chapter 2.


Does God issue any commands?

• In regard to Habakkuk's first question about how long He would allow wickedness, God told Habakkuk to keep watching because he would soon receive the answer to his question, but he would not like it!

Does God make any promises?

• In order to punish the wicked and to put a stop to it among God's people He would send the Chaldeans through the land as conquerors. But even while being used of God to punish His wicked people the Chaldeans themselves would offend God by attributing their success to their idol.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Habakkuk said that God cannot look upon evil. This is why the Father turned His back on the Son when Jesus was bearing our sins on the cross. ("My God! My God! Why hast thou forsaken me?")
• Habakkuk wanted to know why God allowed the wicked to devour those more righteous than themselves. This happened also to Jesus. The Righteous One was taken by wicked men and killed.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• It tells of God's plan for future judgment. Right now wickedness is all around and the righteous ask, "How long?" The answer is that one day God will put an end to wickedness and will bring judgment upon the earth just as He sent judgment upon the Jews in Habakkuk's time. 

Journal Through the Bible: Week 68 Tuesday

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II Kings chapter 24

Does God issue any commands?

• Nebuchadnezzar came against Judah at the command of the LORD because of the sin of Manasseh and the way he made the country to sin.

Does God make any promises?

• Babylon came against Judah just as God promised. Bands of marauders from other nations assaulted her just as predicted also by His prophets.
• Egypt was subdued by Babylon also which was just as God said would happen.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The choicest of God's people were taken captive because of sin. Jesus is the choicest and He was taken captive for sin that did not belong to Him.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• None that I identified.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 68 Monday

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Zephaniah chapter 3

Does God issue any commands?

• Zion is told to sing as she contemplates her future glory.

Does God make any promises?

• God promised a time after the earth is consumed with fire when all people of all nations will speak one language, will call upon His name, and will serve Him.
• In the days of unity upon the New Earth Jerusalem will no longer be ashamed because she will not be haughty or full of prideful people.
• People who have been afflicted and poor will live in Jerusalem and they shall trust in God's name.
• The Jews will live in safety.
• God promised to gather all His people together in Jerusalem and take away their affliction and reproach.
• God promised that Israel's captivity would be turned back and He would make them a name again.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the King of Israel and He will live in Jerusalem.
• Jesus will rejoice over Israel with love and joy over her with singing. He will gather together those who were burdened and undo all of their affliction.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• All the earth will be devoured with the fire of God's jealousy.
• Then all the people will speak one language and everyone will call upon the name of the LORD. 
• The people will no longer sin and the King will live in Jerusalem among them.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 67 Saturday

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Zephaniah chapter 2

God pronounced judgment upon people groups to the west, east, south, and north of Judah.

Does God issue any commands?

• Nations are called to repentance. The meek were told to seek the LORD so that perhaps they would not be consumed in the day of His anger.

Does God make any promises?

• The cities of the Philistines: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron would be destroyed.
• Moab and Ammon (places inhabited by the descendants of Lot) would be desolate and become places of nettles and salt pits because of the way they treated the Israelites.
• The Ethiopians also would be slain by the sword.
• God would stretch out His hand against Assyria and make the capital city of Nineveh desolate. Wild birds and beasts would live within the wreckage. Those who pass by will shake their heads as they remember her boasts.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• As the second member of the Trinity, Jesus would render judgment to the nations.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Jesus will one day judge all nations just as He did in the days of ancient Judah.

TAKE TIME: May 26-31 Reading Schedule

Introduction: . A young man named Jeremiah, the son of a priest, was a prophet in Judah when his nation was experiencing its final years. He began receiving word from the LORD during the reign of the righteous Josiah.

 Assignment:

• Monday - Jeremiah chapter 1
• Tuesday - Jeremiah chapter 2
• Wednesday - Jeremiah chapter 3
• Thursday - Jeremiah chapter 4
• Friday - Jeremiah chapter 5
• Saturday - Jeremiah chapter 6

Memory Verse

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD: and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.  Jeremiah 3:17

Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for being omniscient. He knows what is going to happen even before it happens!
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

Jeremiah began to hear from the LORD during the 13th year of Josiah's reign and he continued to receive his prophecies even five months after the first captives of Jerusalem had been taken away. Remember that Josiah was the king who instituted reforms and revival in Judah and who was told by God that he would not witness the destruction from Babylon. This means that Jeremiah prophesied for several years before the calamity. He prophesied in the time of revival and he prophesied in the time of trouble. That's because the message does not change no matter what the times! We have a message to tell also. We need to spread the word to everyone we know to repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We might appear to be just as insubordinate as Jeremiah, but God does not fret over political situations.

Read Through the Bible in 2014: May 26-31 Schedule

5/26/2014	I Samuel 22-24	Acts 21, 22
5/27/2014	I Samuel 25, 26	Acts 23, 24
5/28/2014	I Samuel 27-29	Acts 25
5/29/2014	I Samuel 30, 31	Acts 26
5/30/2014	II Samuel 1-3	Ephesians 1
5/31/2014	II Samuel 4, 5	Ephesians 2, 3

Journal Through the Bible: Week 67 Friday

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Zephaniah chapter 1

Zephaniah was a prophet of royal blood. Although not of the ruling line, he was the second-great-grandson (or great, great grandson as the non-genealogically inclined usually say) of King Hezekiah. In verse 1 Hezekiah is rendered "Hizkiah." Therefore, Zephaniah was distantly related to Josiah, the king who was reigning at the time that God spoke to Zephaniah.

His message was that judgment is coming! The great day of the LORD is near!

Does God issue any commands?

• God told Zephaniah to hold his peace. (Perhaps Zephaniah felt the need to protest against what God was saying to him.)

Does God make any promises?

• God told Zephaniah of His plan to destroy or move everything off the land because of the people's idolatry. Evidently Josiah could institute outward reform but he could not reform their hearts!
• Judgment would come even to the king's children.
• There would be noisy crying and howling from the fish gate and in other places.
• God would search out men hiding in darkness saying that God would not do anything one way or the other. Those men's riches would be a bounty for the invaders. They would not live in the houses they built or eat from the vineyards they planted.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Silver and gold are not enough to deliver someone from destruction. Only Jesus can deliver from the day of God's wrath.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Zephaniah's warning is pertinent to us today. Judgment is coming! The great day of the LORD is near!

Journal Through the Bible: Week 67 Thursday

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II Kings chapter 23

Spiritual revival broke out in Judah beginning with the king himself!

Does God issue any commands?

• No, but Josiah set out to implement the commands that God had given Moses in the book of the law. He cleansed the Temple of all idolatrous furnishings and fired all of the idolatrous priests. He destroyed idols by burning them. He destroyed the sodomite houses next to the house of the LORD. He defiled all of the high places where incense had been burnt. He defiled Tophet where people made their children pass through fire as a sacrifice to Molech. He took away the animals that were dedicated to the gods of celestial bodies. He cleansed the Temple of all altars to gods that his grandfather had made. He took down the high places which Solomon had made for his foreign wives. He also cut down the ceremonial groves and made them cemeteries. He also extended his reforms into the territory of the former nation of Israel by destroying the altar and high places made by Jeroboam and the pagan shrines in Samaria. Those that practiced sorcery and were familiar with spirits were also put away.
• After the cleansing of the nation of idols Josiah implemented positive reform by instituting the Passover once more.

Does God make any promises?

• God had promised that the altar at Bethel would be polluted by burning dead men's bones on it and that is just what Josiah did. (See I Kings chapter 13, especially verse 2.)
• God was pleased with how Josiah sought Him with his whole heart but it did not make retribution for the sins of Manasseh. God promised that judgment would still come.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The lesson of Josiah turning to God with his whole heart and delaying the judgment upon the nation shows that man cannot atone for sin. Only God can atone for it! Josiah could not do anything about the wrong that had been done before his rule as king but God could not ignore it either. God never ignores sin unless Someone who is perfect takes the penalty for it. As good as Josiah was, he could not atone for the sins of his predecessors! Only Jesus could do that and He did! Humanly, they were his predecessors, too.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Just as in the time of Josiah, there could be a time of revival in the world where many serve the Lord, at least outwardly. This could be the time of the Millennium,  prior to when Satan raises an army out of those who come through the 1,000 year reign of Jesus on the earth. Then judgment comes and those who are not true to God will be taken captive. This reign of Josiah prior to the Babylonian captivity could therefore be compared to the reign of Jesus in the Millennium prior to the final captivity of Satan and the enemies of God.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 67 Wednesday

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II Kings chapter 22

Josiah must have been a breath of fresh air to the nation of Judah after the abominable reigns of his father and grandfather! When he heard the words of God's laws and the penalties for not obeying them he repented.

Does God issue any commands?

• God commanded the prophetess and those who had consulted her about the curses in the book of the law to tell Josiah that the things would happen as described but not in his day since he had repented and cried to the LORD.

Does God make any promises?

• God promised Josiah that the evil that would befall Judah would happen after his reign. Josiah would not see God's punishment upon Judah.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• As Jesus taught, and as Jesus is, God is a just God that must exact punishment when His law is broken. However, God is, just as Jesus taught, merciful and slow to anger. God responded to the repentance of Josiah and judgment was delayed throughout his lifetime. But justice must be served, not ignored. So it is concerning us! As sinners we have broken God's law and God demands justice. Jesus paid the penalty that must be met when the law is broken: the wages of sin which is death. Even now, because of the intercessory work of Jesus God's wrath is delayed upon those who will not repent! But no one should be fooled into thinking that judgment is not coming because it is. It is only because the just God is merciful that there is still time to repent.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• As in the days of Josiah, we read about the judgment of God that is surely coming and wonder when it will occur. And it will occur. God's wrath will be poured out on all who do as we read in Isaiah, provoke God to His face. We are in the time prior to God's judgment upon the world just as Josiah was in the time prior to God's judgment upon Judah.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 67 Tuesday

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II Kings chapter 21

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was just 12 years old when he began to reign but his was the most wicked reign of any of David's dynasty. Just about every abomination possible, including sacrificing his own children in the fire and desecrating the Temple, was performed during the 55 years of his rule. This was followed by his son, Amon's two years of equally evil reign. He was assassinated by his servants.

Does God issue any commands?

• No, but there is documented quite a list of God's commandments that were broken by Manasseh and Amon.

Does God  make any promises?

• Because of the wicked abominations that King Manasseh made available to the people of Judah God promised to bring so much evil upon the nation that they would be astonished. Jerusalem would be wiped as a dish and turned upside down. They would be delivered into the hand of their enemies.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the righteous judge that passed sentence on Judah. Manasseh and Amon were supposed to be types of Christ as the leaders of Israel but they were definitely antitypes of Jesus because they led the people into wickedness instead of into righteousness.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• None that I identified.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 67 Monday

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Isaiah chapter 66

Does God issue any commands?

• Those who love Jerusalem are to rejoice and be glad with her even those that mourn for her now! 

Does God make any promises?

• God promised to return their own delusions and fears upon the wicked because they would not answer Him when He called them.
• God promised that those who tremble at His word shall rejoice when their Lord appears and those that abused them will be ashamed. God will recompense.
• Those who love Jerusalem will share in her abundant blessings. God will extend peace to her like a river. God will comfort His children in Jerusalem.
• God will come with fire and with his chariots like a whirlwind to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. Many will be slain. (verses 15-16)
• God would send His people to the far corners of the world to declare His glory among the Gentiles.
• The nations would return the remnant of Israel to their land.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the warrior-judge who comes with fire and sword.
• Jesus is the God that sent His people to the far corners of the world to declare His glory among the Gentiles. We call it the Great Commission and it is found in Matthew 28.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The earth will bring forth her children in one day. God will bring her to the birth and enable it to happen.
• The redeemed who love Jerusalem will share in rich blessings. And there will be peace there.
• All nations and tongues will come to see the glory of the Lord.
• The new heavens, the new earth, and the seed and name of Israel will remain forever.
• All believers will worship God in the set seasons and sabbaths. They will witness the destruction of the wicked.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Saturday

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Isaiah chapter 65

God answered Isaiah and the things He had to say are painful to read. Do you know how it feels to be insulted to your face? That's exactly what happened to God:

A people that provokes me to anger continually to my face . . .

Those individuals did not face a great future. But those that love God could look forward in great anticipation to what God has in store for them!

Does God issue any commands?

• No, God did not command anyone to do anything. He just mentions that there are those who constantly and purposely break the commands that God gave earlier.

Does God make any promises?

• The blasphemous works would return unto the people who did them but He would not destroy the whole country.
• God would bring forth a seed out of Jacob and out of Judah to inherit His mountains to share with His elect as an inheritance.
• Those that forsake the LORD will go to the sword because they would not listen when God called but chose to do evil before Him instead.
• God's servants will be fed, have their thirsts satisfied, and will rejoice but the evil will be hungry, thirsty, and ashamed.
• God promised new heavens and a new earth where a new Jerusalem will rejoice forever. He promised to live there with His people!

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the seed out of Jacob and Judah that inherits all of God's mountains. He will share it with the elect and as servants of God they shall live there.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• God's elect, joint-heirs with Jesus, will inherit the earth and dwell there forever. Sharon will be a fold of flocks and the valley of Achor will be a place for the herds to lie down.
• This passage describes the joy of the redeemed who will one day have all of their needs met and the wicked who will have weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. (verses 13-14)
• God's servants will be called by another name. The name of the wicked will be a curse.
• The former things will pass away.  (verse 16)
• God will create new heavens and a new earth so that no one will remember the former any more because they will be so glad and will rejoice forever in what God creates for the redeemed. He will create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy!
• God Himself will rejoice in Jerusalem (!) and joy in His people. There will no longer be any crying heard in her. 
• There is coming a time when every person born will live a long life before going into eternity. They will build houses and plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. They will not need to fear foreign occupation or bankruptcy. The elect will long enjoy the work of their hands. (This must be the Millennial time since there is still human death.) These are the children of the elect.
• The wolf and the lamb will lie down together. The lion will eat straw. Animals will no longer hurt or destroy.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Friday

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Isaiah 63:1-64:12

Isaiah received a vision of the King armed for battle. It caused him to praise God, pray for his nation, and repent of personal and national sins.

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer, thy name is from everlasting. (63:16)

Does God issue any commands?

• No

Does God make any promises?

• Through Isaiah's vision of the last days, vengeance is promised.
• Through Isaiah's prayer, restoration through a remnant is promised.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• I think that Jesus is the one that comes from Edom with dyed garments from Bozrah since "who is this?" is answered with "I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." Jesus is the person that speaks in righteousness and is mighty to save. Is this a future prophecy? Perhaps! (63:1)
• Jesus is the one whose apparel is red like someone who has been treading grapes. (63:2) See Revelation 19:11-16
• Jesus is the person who has trodden the winepress alone. No one else was able pay the atonement on the cross. Others died on crosses, but no one else's death satisfied the wrath of God.
• Jesus is the Savior mentioned by Isaiah in his prayer of praise. (63:8)
• Jesus is the person afflicted with Israel whose presence saved them from. He redeemed them and bare them. He carried them in days of old. (63:9)
• Jesus is the one who fought against Israel when they rebelled. (63:10)
• Jesus is the one that sent His Holy Spirit within Moses to lead the people by God's glorious arm, dividing the water before them, led them through the deep, and gave them rest in the wilderness. (63:11-14)
• Jesus exchanges our righteousness which is like filthy rags for his righteousness.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Will Jesus come from Edom when He returns to bind Satan? 63:1 seems to indicate this!
• The day of vengeance is coming. The person and events described are of the battle to take Satan captive before the 1,000 year reign of Christ. (Compare 63:1-6 with Revelation chapter 19.)
• No one has seen or heard all that God has prepared for those who wait for Him. Faith has yet to become sight! 

Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Thursday

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Isaiah 61:1-62:12

Isaiah restates his anointing from God and the purpose for it. It was the same anointing that Jesus the Messiah received. Like Isaiah, His purpose was to set captives free!

Does God issue any commands?

• God anointed Isaiah preach good tidings unto the meek, to tell the captive that he is free! He was sent to bind up the brokenhearted, and to open the prisons so that those who are bound can leave, to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of their God; to comfort all who mourn and to appoint them a place in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, to allow them to be called righteous, plants of the LORD that bring Him glory.

Does God make any promises?

• God promises restoration.
• God promises that His people will be named Priests of the LORD and Ministers of God. These will be nourished by the riches of the Gentiles. Israel shall receive a double portion because of her mistreatment at the hand of others.
• God promises an everlasting covenant.
• God promises garments of salvation and robes of righteousness so that righteousness and praise spring forth before all nations.
• The day is coming when Israel's wealth and food shall no longer be given to her enemies. Those who gather shall eat it and give praise to God.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus was the Anointed of God (as witnessed by the Spirit at His baptism) to preach good tidings to the meek, and He was sent to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those that are bound. It is sin that enslaves us and its ravages causes our hearts to break. Jesus frees us from sin and its results.
• Jesus proclaimed the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God, and to comfort all that mourn, to appoint unto them that mourn a place in Zion, to give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness so that we might be called trees of righteousness and plants of the LORD so that God would be glorified. Jesus preached all of this in His sermons and His miracles validated His claims. He clothes us in His righteousness.
• Jesus clothes us with garments of salvation and covers us with robes of righteousness so that we are adorned as brides and bridegrooms.
• Jesus is the One that will not hold His peace until Zion and Jerusalem have rest.
• Jesus is the Salvation that will come to Zion.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• One day the curse of sin will have no hold on us and we will live as the free people we were meant to be. We will be at liberty and as a result our hearts will no longer be broken.
• The old waste places (this old earth) will be rebuilt (the New Earth) and all former desolation will be repaired and rebuilt. The waste is the result of many generations living upon the earth.
• The Apostle Paul, a Jew, told both Jew and Gentile believers that all who trusted Jesus as their savior are considered part of Israel, the children of Abraham, in the sight of God. Therefore, the everlasting covenant (61:8, 9) that God has with Israel extends to Gentile believers as well.
• Zion and Jerusalem will receive the brightness of the Lord when Jesus sets up His capital there. Then the Gentiles will see the glory of the King and His city. Israel will receive a new name (The New Jerusalem?) from the LORD. No longer will the city be called Forsaken or Desolate but Hephzibah (my delight is in her) and Beulah (married). Note: King Hezekiah's wife's name was Hephzibah. She was the mother of Manasseh. See II Kings 21:1. Isaiah used the analogy of marriage between the king and his queen to describe God's relationship to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ. (62:3-7)
• Those that live in God's capital shall be called the holy people, The redeemed of the LORD, and the city shall be called Sought Out, a city not forsaken.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Wednesday

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Isaiah chapter 60

The message of the Messiah is for everyone, Jew and Gentile. (The book of Romans makes a nice companion reading to this and other of Isaiah's Messianic prophecies. See also Revelation chapters 21 and 22 to compare them with this chapter.)

Does God issue any commands?

• The nation is told to arise and shine because their Light is come!

Does God make any promises?

• Multitudes from all nations will gather together in Israel to worship their King.
• The children of strangers would build the walls and kings would give money for the restoration projects. (This is probably a reference with ongoing implications. The rebuilding under Zerubbabel was begun under King Cyrus and was continued by Nehemiah under Artaxerxes (Ahasuerus). It surely is something that is being continued today with foreign aid.) Therefore the gates of the city would be open constantly so that the Gentiles and their rulers can trade openly with the Jews.
• The nation and kingdom that will not serve Israel will be utterly destroyed.
• The children of those who hated and abused them will come humbly to Zion as servants.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The glory that shines upon the earth and draws the Gentiles to the light is the majesty of Jesus. He is also the Light that shines in the darkness.
• Jesus is the Holy One of Israel.
• Jesus is the LORD, the Savior and the Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
• Jesus is the surrounding wall of Zion called Salvation and He is the gate of the city named Praise.
• Jesus is the LORD who "will hasten it in his (the Father's) time." v. 22

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• This chapter speaks of people coming from far and near to gather together to worship the King of Israel as one people and the glory of the LORD will be there with them. Although many people flock to Jerusalem in this day and age, not everyone who goes there is worshiping the Messiah. Jews, Gentiles, and Middle Eastern peoples all worship there, but they do not worship the same God. This then, is a future Millennial Kingdom event.
• The natural treasures (fine trees of Lebanon, etc.) made by the Creator will be used by Him to beautify His sanctuary.
• Zion will be an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.
• Where brass would normally used gold will be used instead. Where iron would normally used silver will be used instead. Where wood would normally be used brass will be used instead. Where stones would normally be used iron will be used instead. (Sounds like the return of the glorious reign of Solomon.)
• The gates of the city of Zion will never be closed.
• There will be no more violence in Zion! The walls will be called Salvation (after their Savior) and the gates will be called Praise. This is because the Salvation (Jesus) is the wall of the sheep fold and it is only through Him that anyone can enter! (Psalm 100:4 - Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.)
• The New Jerusalem has no need of the light of the sun or moon because the LORD shall be an everlasting light and God will be her glory. The days of mourning shall be ended. All the people who live there will be righteous and will inherit the land forever. A little one will become a strong nation!

Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Tuesday

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Isaiah 58:1-59:21

Does God issue any commands?

• God told Isaiah to cry aloud like a trumpet and tell the house of Jacob of their sins.
• God told His people to stop fasting and start working! They were to loose the bands of wickedness, to break every yoke, give bread to the hungry, clothe the naked, bring the poor into their own houses, and not hide from their own flesh.

Does God make any promises?

• If the people would practice true worship and care for the needy then the light would break forth like the morning and health would come speedily. The glory of the LORD would be their protection and would answer their cry. He would guide them continually, satisfy them in drought, help them build all their waste places so that they would be called "The restorer of paths to dwell in."
• If God's people would keep the sabbath as a day to enjoy the LORD and not as a day to do the things they want to do the LORD promised that His people would ride upon the high places of the earth and be fed with the heritage of Jacob.
• God promised that His Word would never depart from those with whom He made a covenant.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus not only fasted and prayed but He took pity upon the poor and sick.
• Jesus is the Restorer of paths to dwell in. He prepares a place for us and He restores our broken lives.
• Jesus is the intercessor, the Arm that brought salvation. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, a helmet of salvation, garments of vengeance, and zeal as a coat.
• Jesus is the one who will repay in fury his adversaries.
• Jesus is the Redeemer that came to Zion and shall come again to Zion and to those who trun from transgression.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• One day there will be no hungry or poor.
• One day everything on the earth will be restored into what the Lord envisioned His creation to be because Jesus is The Restorer of paths to dwell in.
• One day worship will be perfect because we will worship in spirit and in truth. Then the sabbath will be kept. We will delight in the LORD and He will delight in us! He will cause us to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed us with the heritage of our father, Jacob.

TAKE TIME: May 19-24, 2014 Reading Schedule

Introduction: The days of Judah are coming to an end. The assault by Nebuchadnezzar was lethal and it was just as predicted by the prophets sent by God.

 Assignment:

• Monday - Zephaniah chapter 3
• Tuesday - II Kings chapter 24
• Wednesday - Habakkuk chapter 1
• Thursday - Habakkuk chapter 2
• Friday - Habakkuk chapter 3
• Saturday - II Kings chapter 25

Memory Verse

But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.  Habakkuk 2:20

Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for being merciful! He always leaves a remnant of His people.
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

Habakkuk was obviously someone of importance in worship services. (See 3:19 - the last sentence.) And he had the ear of God in the last days of Judah. He watched as his nation turned further away from God and he asked God how long this intolerable situation could continue. He did not like the answer he received, but his trust in God made him say that the just shall live by faith. Once again, those who worship God need to be on their names and pleading with God just as Habakkuk did! Maybe God will send a revival to our nation. But if He doesn't take heart in Habakkuk's example: the just shall live by faith.

Read Through the Bible in 2014: May 19-24 Schedule

5/19/2014	I Samuel 9, 10	Romans 7, 8
5/20/2014	I Samuel 11-13	Romans 9
5/21/2014	I Samuel 14, 15	Romans 10, 11
5/22/2014	I Samuel 16, 17	Romans 12, 13
5/23/2014	I Samuel 18, 19	Romans 14, 15
5/24/2014	I Samuel 20, 21	Romans 16

Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Monday

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Isaiah 56:1-57:21

Does God issue any commands?

• Israel is commanded to keep proper justice because God's salvation is near to come and His righteousness will be revealed.
• Believing Gentiles should not think themselves separated from God's people. (56:3)

Does God make any promises?

• Those who keep judgment and proper justice and does not pollute the sabbath will be blessed.
• To the believing Gentiles and eunuchs God makes a covenant and promises a home with Him. They will have an everlasting name.
• The wicked will be destroyed because of their mind-numbing debauchery and the righteous will inherit their possessions. (56:9-12; 57:3-13)
• When the righteous die no one should be discouraged because they have been taken from the evil to come and have found rest. (57:1-2)
• God will heal and restore those who humble themselves. (57:16-19)
• The wicked will have no peace. (57:20-21)

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the judge who brings perfect justice. It is through His sacrifice that the covenant is extended to all people on the earth. Those who accept this covenant of peace will live with Him as described in chapter 56.
• Jesus is the judge of the wicked as described in chapter 57.
• Jesus is the high and lofty One that inhabites eternity, whose name is Holy. (57:15)

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• The promises of a home with God where many live together as family is given to eunuchs and Gentiles in this passage and is reminiscent of the promise made to the barren woman in chapter 54. There is coming a time where people will no longer procreate. It will be a closed society made up of earthly believers who will then live together as the children of God. (56:3-8)
• The righteous shall possess the land and  inherit God's holy mountain. (57:13)

Journal Through the Bible: Week 65 Saturday

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Isaiah chapter 55

Does God issue any commands?

• Anyone that thirsts should come to the waters. Food and milk is available without money. No price is charged. (verse 1)
• Listen, and eat that which is good, as much as your soul delights. (verse 2)
• Come to God and live!
• Seek the LORD while He may be found! Call upon Him while He is near! Let the wicked forsake his way!

Does God make any promises?

• Those who come to God will receive an everlasting covenant as sure as that made with David.
• God will show mercy and abundantly pardon all who return to Him.
• God's Word will not return to Him void. It will accomplish what He pleases.
• Israel shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the water and He provides all the sustenance that we need without cost to us. (verse 1)
• Jesus is the witness to the people, the leader and commander to the people. (verse 4)
• Jesus is the Holy One of Israel. (verse 5)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Nations that Israel didn't know or that didn't know them shall run to them because of Jesus. He will make Jerusalem His capital and all the redeemed of every nation will have access to it.
• Many of the promises given to Israel in this chapter are yet future. All the abundance of verses 12 & 13 are future because the fruitfulness is an everlasting sign.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 65 Friday

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Isaiah chapter 54

Does God issue any commands?

• The barren woman is to sing because her children could be more in number than the woman who has given birth. (This is a spiritual reference. The woman who wins souls gives birth spiritually.) This woman should enlarge her house to make room for the number of children God will give her. (I am thinking now of those I know who run Christian orphanages and homes, including in other countries, for those in distress.)

Does God make any promises?

• The physically barren will not be ashamed because her Maker is her husband, the LORD of hosts, her Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth and He will give her issue.
• Just as God promised Noah that the world would never be destroyed by water again so has He promised Israel that He will never totally forsake them even in His anger. The covenant still stands!
• God promised beauty and peace to Jerusalem. No weapon formed against her shall prosper.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the Husband, the Maker, the LORD of hosts, the Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God if the whole earth.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The person who leads souls to the Lord is counted as having children that he or she will spend time with in eternity. Jesus told His disciples that those who left home and families for the sake of the ministry would have large families in the hereafter. As a matter of fact, He said that those who do His will are His mother, brothers, sisters also. 
• The spiritual offspring of Israel will inherit even the land of the Gentiles. (All who inhabit the New Earth will spiritually be Israelites. See Romans 2:29)
• As Husband, Jesus will reveal to all, including the barren men and women, any spiritual children that they have birthed.
• The mountains will depart and the hills will be removed but God's kindness toward Israel and those who are spiritually of Israel will never depart.
• The city of Jerusalem, afflicted on this earth, will be richly adorned. (verses 11-17) See Revelation 21:9-27

Journal Through the Bible: Week 65 Thursday

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This whole chapter is about Jesus!

Isaiah chapter 53

Does God issue any commands?

Does God make any promises?

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• He is the one that would grow up before God as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground; He had no form of comeliness that any would desire Him.
• He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. We hide our faces from him because He is despised and we esteem Him not.
• He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. We esteem Him as stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
• He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.
• The LORD laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
• He was oppressed and afflicted yet He opened not His mouth. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, He opened not His mouth.
• He was taken from prison and from judgment. He was cut off from the land of the living. For the transgressions of Israel was He stricken.
• He made His grave with the wicked and the rich in his death. He did no violence and there was no deceit in His mouth.
• It pleased the LORD to bruise him and put him to grief to make his soul an offering for sin. He shall see his seed and prolong His days and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
• The LORD saw the travail of Jesus' soul and was satisfied. By his knowledge this righteous servant has and will justify many because He bore their (our!) iniquity.
• God will divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he has poured out his soul unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. He bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

Journal Through the Bible: Week 65 Wednesday

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How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. (verse 7)

Isaiah chapter 52

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God calls Jerusalem and Zion to awaken. (This seems to be a future command.)
• The redeemed are to sing because the LORD has comforted His people.
• Those who bear the vessels of the Lord are to be clean (morally, ceremonially, etc.).

Does God make any promises?

• Jerusalem, the capital city that sold herself, would be redeemed without money.
• God promises that in the future His people shall know His name.
• The watchmen will lift up their voice and sing when God redeems Jerusalem.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• It is Jesus that redeems Jerusalem. He will make her His capital city when she comes down from Heaven adorned as a bride.
• It is Jesus who brings good tidings, publishes peace, brings good tidings of good, and publishes salvation. (verse 7)
• Jesus is God's servant. (verse 13)
• Jesus was the one whose visage was so marred. (verse 14)
• It is Jesus before whom kings will shut their mouths when they see things about which they have never seen.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• This chapter begins with a future prophecy! It must be future in order for the stipulation given! That is, "for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." That hasn't happened yet.
• God will make bear His holy arm (reveal his power) to all nations and the people of the earth will see the salvation of Israel's God.
• Kings of all nations will stand silently before Jesus when they see His power and glory, things about which they never have known.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 65 Tuesday

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And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, ... (verse 16)

Isaiah chapter 51

Does God issue any commands?

• God wants all who follow after righteousness to listen to Him when His prophets speak.
• God tells His people to not be afraid of the reproach of men. (verse 7)
• God calls Jerusalem to awaken! (verse 17)

Does God make any promises?

• God will comfort Zion. The redeemed will come there with singing and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy and sorrow and mourning shall flee away!
• God promised that His salvation and righteousness will never end!
• The reproachful men shall cease. (verse 8)
• God covers the redeemed in the shadow of His hand. (verse 16)
• God will turn the tables upon those who oppress Israel. (verses 22-23)

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The righteous are compared to a hewn rock and clay dug out of a hole. Jesus is called the Rock in scripture and Genesis tells us that we were taken from the dust of the earth and that we are made in His image. It seems a pretty fitting description for anyone who is called a Christian!
• Jesus is the law that proceeded from God. (verse 4)
• Jesus is God's righteousness, His salvation, and His arms. (verse 5)
• Jesus is God and He comforts us. (verse 12)
• Jesus is the LORD, our maker and the creator of the earth. (verse 13)
• Jesus is the LORD of hosts. (verse 15)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Many of the promises in this chapter concerning Israel may have already been fulfilled but they will ultimately and finally be fulfilled in the Millennium and upon the New Earth. Desert places will be made to be like Eden. There will be joy and gladness. Celebratory and praise singing will be constant.
• The heavens will vanish away like smoke and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner, but God's salvation shall be forever and His salvation shall never be abolished. (verse 6)
• The redeemed will come with singing unto Zion. Their joy will be everlasting. there will be no more sorrow or mourning! (verse 11)

TAKE TIME: May 12-17, 2014 Reading Schedule

Introduction: After we end the book of Isaiah we will return to II Kings which gives us our outline and timeline to read about the kingdom of Judah and the kings who ruled her following Hezekiah, the last king under whom Isaiah prophesied. There was time of humility and repentance under the leadership of King Josiah when the writings of Moses, the book of the Law, were discovered in the Temple.

 Assignment:

• Monday - Isaiah chapter 66
• Tuesday - II Kings chapter 21
• Wednesday - II Kings chapter 22
• Thursday -II Kings chapter 23
• Friday - Zephaniah chapter 1
• Saturday - Zephaniah chapter 2

Memory Verse

Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? Isaiah 66:1

Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for being the everlasting Father!
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

The book of the law was discovered in the Temple during the reign of Josiah and a mini-revival broke out in the land! Let us pray that people in our day would rediscover God's Book and that a revival would sweep over our nation once  more!