August 4 - Nahum: No One Gets Past God's Judgment

Today’s Reading: Nahum

The Message

English Standard Version

Nahum brings us to 23 books read.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God doesn't mess around with Nineveh. They will listen or be destroyed.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God's message to Nineveh through Nahum:
God is serious—don't mess with Him. His enemies will not get away with their mistakes. Don't try to get past Him, it won't work.
Nineveh, you den of lies, you may be riding high but soon your enemies will dance on your grave.
Get ready—Israel's back! No one can overcome them. Israel will pull the plug on Nineveh.
"I am your Enemy," God bellows. "The whole world will see just how filthy you really are."
Remember how the great powers of the past were destroyed? Your punishment will be just like that.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God must return to Nineveh with a message of doom.

You may remember the first time God sent a messenger to Nineveh. That time they repented quickly and were saved. This time, however, we do not know what happened. Let's hope it was the same result.

Sooner or later, everyone pays for what they do.

Unfortunately for Nineveh, God does not allow nations to get by with lying and worshiping other gods forever. They must change or be destroyed. Now it is Nineveh's turn to feel God's wrath. God's punishment may seem slow, but it will eventually come to anyone who does not set things right. Don't even try to slip one mistake past Him.

There is only rest in God.

God's message through Nahum is clear—there may be tropical paradises but there is only rest through Him. What a rest we have in Him, though. He will not leave anyone behind, out, or forget to bless them. Seek God, He will give you rest.

Are you trying to get away with your mistakes? Go to God! He will give you rest.

August 3 - 2 Chronicles 32-33: Hezekiah Holds Ranks, Manasseh Repents of Mistakes

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33

The Message

English Standard Version

The first half of today's reading repeats Isaiah 35-36 and 37-39. The second half repeats the story of Hezekiah's son and grandson which we read yesterday. Do not skip this section! There are a few gems which will be very helpful in understanding the comments below. However, since yesterday's and today's readings are the almost the same I will skip the summary go straight into the comments.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Manasseh, who was equally as bad as his grandfather, was allowed to live because he repented.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Hezekiah encouraged his people to trust in God and it helped morale within the city.

I love the way Eugene Peterson translated this section,

Hezekiah rallied the people, saying, “Be strong! Take courage! Don’t be intimidated by the king of Assyria and his troops—there are more on our side than on their side. He only has a bunch of mere men; we have our GOD to help us and fight for us!”
Morale surged. Hezekiah’s words put steel in their spines. (32:6-8, The Message)

Think about it. Jerusalem is surrounded by 100,000+ Assyrian soldiers telling them to surrender and enjoy a better life in captivity than they have in freedom. They cannot travel anywhere. Sooner or later they will run out of food and become desperate. But Hezekiah doesn't allow their dire circumstances blind them to God's ultimate Goodness and Power. They are encouraged to trust in God. Leaders should focus on helping their followers see how God is going to make the situation right. Because Hezekiah strengthened his people, they trusted in God.

God took Manasseh's punishment away.

The story of Manasseh is similar to the Israelite king Ahab. God punished Ahab greatly because he caused Israel to worship other gods. However, Ahab repented of his mistake and God delayed his punishment. Manasseh, too, repented of his mistakes, turned to God, and was returned to Jerusalem to finish his reign. If God can take away the punishment of a terrible, no-good, very bad king, He can take away the guilt of your past. How awesome is our god!

Are you inspiring your followers to trust in God, no matter what comes before them?

August 2 - 2 Kings 20-21: Hezekiah's Righteous End, Manasseh and Amon's Unrighteous Ends

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 20-21

The Message

English Standard Version

The first half of today's reading repeats Isaiah 38-39. The second half is the story of Hezekiah's son and grandson. Since today's and tomorrow's readings are the same I will summarize and comment on the son's and grandson's lives today and tomorrow I will link to the previous posts and comment on the few additions to the story. There will be no summary.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Even after all Hezekiah did for Judah to put it back in God's good graces, his son and grandson caused them to become worse than the Canaanites.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Manasseh reigned 55 years. He rebuilt the shrines and erected altars to foreign gods in Judah as his grandfather Ahaz did. One was built in the Temple in Honor of God, violating Moses' instructions and greatly angering God.
God's message, "Because you sinned more than the original Canaanites, I will bring a catastrophe on you. You will go into captivity. I will no longer put up with this."
Manasseh turned Judah into a nation of murderers and sinners.
Amon, Manasseh's son, reigned 2 years. He was equally wicked as his father. His servants assassinated him. Josiah became king.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

No matter how good a generation can be, everything can be undone in the next generation.

Hezekiah was a good king. He removed the shrines, rebuilt the Temple in Honor of God, and relied on God for help and salvation. His son, on the other hand, became more wicked than the Canaanites before him—sacrificing his son to another god! Righteous living is not inherited. It must be passed down.

What are you doing to ensure the next generation knows how to set things right with God and in the world?

August 1 - Isaiah 64-66: God Accepts Authentic Worship from the World

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 64-66

The Message

English Standard Version

We made it! We're finished with Isaiah and have read 22 books overall. Keep going!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

When Israel calls for God to save them God calls them to change.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God responds, "You want me only on your terms. You want your idols and your sins. Your punishment for your sin is on its way.
"Those who set things right are willing to have me on My Terms. They will inhabit newly-blessed Jerusalem. Peace will rule this land.
"I want worship from a dedicated heart not from memory.
"Rejoice, Jerusalem! Nations will see My Glory. I'll send My Chosen People to the world to spread the Good News of My Reign. Then, the assembly of God's Chosen People from all over the world will see the carcasses of the rebellious."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God will accept us only on His terms.

Chapter 64 begins with Israel begging God for His return. Instead, they get God's charges against them. They want God only if they can keep their idols and their way of life. God does not work that way. God will accept you only if you dedicate yourself exclusively to Him.

God wants worship from a dedicated heart, not worship coming from the recital of memorized passages.

Don't get me wrong, memorization is not the problem in Israel. The problem is that the acts of worship have become cultural identity festivals instead of spiritual acts. They lived in an Age of Memorization where the words of Torah were worth more than the meaning of Torah. Israel's focus on getting the acts right instead of changing their hearts left God with no choice but reject their worship. God would even accept their worship even if they were not the super-star lighthouses to the nation. All he wanted was for them to worship and feel something. He wanted an Age of Authentic Worship of God.
I cannot read this section without thinking of the countless devotionals, worship services, etc. I attended where I felt nothing. There was no connection with God. There was no connection with others. I was there to punch my attendance card, collect my social points, and continue with my life. Some may suggest I am the one to blame and they are partially true. However, we should honestly ask do our congregations encourage worship from the heart, emotions and logic interwoven into a patchwork of "spirit and truth", or want to make sure we do everything the "right" way? If our numbers are indicative of the answer, we need large changes—and not musical instruments, praise bands/teams, modern songs, trendy ministers, or even meeting in non-traditional spaces. Rachel Held Evans wrote an excellent article recently expressing both why many young people leave churches and why older church leaders don't get it. I would add to her thoughts God's message through Isaiah, "Your offerings for worship / no different … from honoring a no-god idol" (66:3, The Message). If we heed Isaiah's message, we, too, can "bring [the exiled Chosen People] back and offer them in living worship to God" (66:20).

God will return Israel, but only those who set things right and were willing to become the feet who delivered good news to the world.

Not all of Israel would be destroyed. That would be out of God's mind completely. God is capable of punishing a neighborhood with only two bad apples and leaving the rest undisturbed. He would restore Jerusalem higher than it had ever been. They would become the bearers of good news who would be called beautiful. Members of families all over the world would assemble in Jerusalem because of God's Glory.
What does this mean for us today? If you have followed through our readings of Isaiah, God has a lot to say about us if we let Him. Today's reading is no different. If we are willing to make hard decisions which may alienate some of the older members stuck in the Age of Memorization we may begin to reach people longing for the Age of Authentic Worship of God. I truly believe the only regrets we will have is waiting so long to change.

Is your church in the Age of Memorization or the Age of Authentic Worship of God?

July 31 - Isaiah 59-63: Israel's Mistakes Prevents Communication with God

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 59-63

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You have finished reading through seven months! Only five to go!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God wants to reach Israel. What prevents Him is their inability to see His Way.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel's mistakes keep them apart from God. No peace is on this road. God will bring justice on Israel—no escape.
Isaiah's exclaims, "Jerusalem, wake up. God brings light through a Son. Things will become what they should be in God's Land."
Isaiah's mission is to speak God's Good News that He is setting all things right. God will put righteousness and praise on display for everyone to see. No one will scoff at her, the Bride of God.
God continued to bless Israel long after Abraham died. But now, in the midst of punishment, it seems God forgot them.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Our sin and mistakes prevent God from hearing us and helping us.

Isaiah's message here is troubling. When we feel God never listens to us or never helps us we want to immediately question His Love for us and His Ability to help us. Surely a god like God could never be limited. However, the problem is not in God but in us. God can always hear, but when we take over for God we barely talk to Him. God can always help, but when we take over for God we barely ask for or receive His Help. God is not too limited to hear or help. He is limited because He respects our boundaries, especially when we decide not to ask Him to help.

Isaiah's message is good news.

Isaiah's entire message does not sound like good news. Yet all of it is meant to be good news. The good news is not God will overlook our mistakes so we can continue not setting things right. Good news is we messed things up but God will set it all right again, if we allow Him to do it.

God is famous for His Mercy and Compassion.

Israel cannot feel God's love and compassion because they have forsaken God. When they call out to God they ask for His world-famous love and mercy. They do not recognize the god who punishes. They know the god who brings His Chosen People into a land flowing with milk and honey. God's fame is not punishment. God's fame is mercy, compassion, and salvation.

Are you limiting God's ability to hear and help you?

July 30 - Isaiah 54-58: God Opens His House to the World

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 54-58

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would no longer distinguish between Abraham's physical descendents and others. Anyone could become His Chosen Person.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"Sing," God decrees, "for the Redeemer is Israel's god.
"Your exile, like the Flood, means no more attacks.
"Listen to David's Promise. Be my witness to the nations. My Word always fulfills its purpose.
"Everyone who sets things right is equal. My House will be a house of prayer for everyone."
Israel doesn't notice good people exiled. "Some Chosen People you've turned out to be," God replies. "I was angry but decided to heal Israel.
"Tell everyone they are too busy being religious. You fast but do not set things right! Stop doing unfair things. Then you will be blessed."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God will never take away His Promise.

Like the Flood, when God promised He would never punish the world all at once, God decided He would no longer punish His entire nation of Chosen People all at once. The surrounding nations equated that with God abandoning His Chosen People and therefore breaching the Promise. Israel happened to be the beneficiaries of God's want to be respected by their neighbors. God will never punish all of His Chosen People all at once or take away His Promise.

All nations would join God's Chosen People to worship God as equals.

God begins to expand the definition of His Chosen People. From around the world worshipers would flock to Jerusalem because of their god. Each would observe God's Sabbath correctly. Each would pray in God's House, previously reserved only for those who were clean and not deformed among Israel's community. God's message through Isaiah represents a radical shift in what Israel thought God wanted. In essence it does—but not for the typical reason. God only wants those who set things right to enter His Prayer-House. He tried by calling an ethnic group. That did not work. Now He expands it to the entire world.

Israel's fasting was ignored because they did not take a break from hurting others.

God is very clear—religious observance is not "separate and apart" from the way the observers live.

The bottom line on your "fast days" is profit.
   You drive your employees much too hard.
You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.
   You fast, but you swing a mean fist. (58:3-4, The Message)

We cannot expect God to set things right between us when we refuse to set things right between ourselves. Instead, God tells us what He wants.

This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
   to break the chains of injustice,
   get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
   free the oppressed,
   cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
   sharing your food with the hungry,
   inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
   putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
   being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
   and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
   The GOD of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, GOD will answer.
   You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, "Here I am." (58:6-9)

Search for God while you still can!

July 29 - Isaiah 49-53: God's Reconciling Servant

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 49-53

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God woos Isaiah by sending a Servant to take their punishment.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Listen, God called Israel to globalize salvation.
God comforts His exiles, "You are my children and I will never abandon you. Did I divorce you? No way!"
"You who want to set things right, consider Abraham, your ancestor. My Promises never fail."
God, save us!
"Why are you afraid of mortals?"
Wake up from your hangover, Jerusalem!
"I will restore My Chosen People to restore My Reputation."
How beautiful are those who bring good news!
Look at God's Servant. He isn't much to look at, but He carries our punishment in silence. He will be the final sacrifice for sin.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God will return Israel when the time is right.

God has not "divorced" or "sold" Israel. They were taken away into captivity because they would not be God's lighthouses. Therefore, God would bring them back with hopes that they would return to their stated purpose and make God's salvation global. God will not punish His Chosen People forever. Why would they be returned? Because of the Promise.
What does this mean for Christians today? No matter how bad it may seem, we will be returned if we repent and set things right with God. We may not be the center of the culture or returned in the exact way we were before, but God will bring us back when we are ready to make God's salvation global.

We should not fear mere mortals.

What can mortals do to God? Absolutely nothing! So why fear them? The only thing fear can do is separate us from God. Do not fear people. Respect God and He will set things right.

Israel would be restored to defend God's Reputation.

God's reasoning for restoring Israel was not because they had earned His love and respect again. It wasn't because they repented and turned back to Him. The reason God brought Israel back into Canaan is because the nations began questioning His Power. God's Reputation is not punishment. God's Reputation is Salvation. This reasoning is similar to Moses during one of Israel's many rebellions against the God who took them out of Egypt. Do not think our salvation comes because of our righteousness. It comes because of God's.

God would bring Salvation through the least-likeliest person—a servant who did not command attention.

Who would believe such a far-fetched idea of a servant coming and bearing the sins of His People? You would expect a god to come down in great fanfare, create a large feast where he or she pronounced all sin removed. Not our god. He was considered disfigured, undesirable, and mocked. But God took that scourge and made Him the most important person to setting things right. His Reward came because He had complete faith in God and died on behalf of those who did not like Him. Jesus came to take away our punishment and guilt!

Are your feet beautiful?