The Resistance - Day 34
Day 34: Thursday, March 16
Read Isaiah 43
Highlight
Isaiah 43 contrasts two things. On the hand we see the incredible grace of God towards his people. On the other hand we see the unthinkable ingratitude of Israel. The people of God are offering him sins instead of sacrifices. And because of this, God has decided to deliver his people over to “utter destruction.” The word in Hebrew is herem, and it is the same word that is applied to the destruction of both Jericho and Sodom. The idea is a complete giving over of something to God, often by totally destroying that thing. Jericho’s sin was so extreme that the Israelites were told to not take any loot or materials for themselves - the entire city was herem. Israel has fallen so far that God will be treating them as if they have no relationship with him at all.
How does this gel with the grace and redemption of God that is also being talked about?Fundamentally, to appreciate the mercy and grace of God we must first appreciate that our sin has earned us herem - complete, total destruction. The mercy of God (not giving us what we do deserve - herem destruction) and the grace of God (giving us what we don’t deserve - his presence and power and love) don’t make sense unless we understand the depths of our sin. God has promised that he will leave a remnant and bring them back by his mighty hand and wrapped in his loving arms (see Day 1 of the reading plan). But to appreciate the magnitude of his grace we must first appreciate the depravity of our sin.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Isaiah 43
Highlight
Isaiah 43 contrasts two things. On the hand we see the incredible grace of God towards his people. On the other hand we see the unthinkable ingratitude of Israel. The people of God are offering him sins instead of sacrifices. And because of this, God has decided to deliver his people over to “utter destruction.” The word in Hebrew is herem, and it is the same word that is applied to the destruction of both Jericho and Sodom. The idea is a complete giving over of something to God, often by totally destroying that thing. Jericho’s sin was so extreme that the Israelites were told to not take any loot or materials for themselves - the entire city was herem. Israel has fallen so far that God will be treating them as if they have no relationship with him at all.
How does this gel with the grace and redemption of God that is also being talked about?Fundamentally, to appreciate the mercy and grace of God we must first appreciate that our sin has earned us herem - complete, total destruction. The mercy of God (not giving us what we do deserve - herem destruction) and the grace of God (giving us what we don’t deserve - his presence and power and love) don’t make sense unless we understand the depths of our sin. God has promised that he will leave a remnant and bring them back by his mighty hand and wrapped in his loving arms (see Day 1 of the reading plan). But to appreciate the magnitude of his grace we must first appreciate the depravity of our sin.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance