For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Is. 13-14
Though so much of these prophecies are way over my head, there are a few things I understand. For one, I can see that they are God’s promise for our salvation from sin – both Jew and Gentile. I have no clue as to all the details, but I suspect that is by design. I suspect that the terrifying and horrific language is also by design. Whether I understand the meaning or not, It does move me to fear being without God. And that may be the point, because the other thing I understand is that all this judgment on and destruction of the wicked is as sure to come as the Medes’ overthrow of Babylon was. Salvation for those with God; destruction for those without. “The LORD of Armies Himself has planned it; therefore, who can stand in its way?” (Is. 14:27a).
Is. 15-16
In the middle of this long prophecy against Moab is a promise of Christ. With the preceding talk of refuge, this comes across as an extension of God’s promise to these descendants of Lot. But then the prophecy flows right back into justice and Moab’s pride. What’s the point of this? No clue. All I know is that God is the God of ALL nations, whether they acknowledge it or not. So, though God used the descendants of Jacob to demonstrate and fulfill His plan, His righteous judgment and promise for redemption apply to all of us.
Is. 17
I love the message in Isaiah 17:7-8. It says that people will look to their Maker instead of all the things they made with their own hands. That is the truth of salvation in Christ. We look only to Him for our redemption. Our own efforts are meaningless.