December 22 - Hebrews 7-10: Jesus Made Our Intimate Presence with God Possible

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 7-10

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus provided the religious sacrifice which ended all religious sacrifices, thus ending the rule of religion and starting His Rule.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Melchizadek, the priest of unknown lineage, who gave Abraham a blessing in return for 10% of his spoil, models Jesus' Priesthood. Jesus' Sacrifice set things right for everyone. He now resides alongside God.
Jesus' new Plan is written on everyone's hearts. We know God firsthand. With Jesus there is no longer ritual separation. Everyone dies once but only Jesus' Death set everything right.
Therefore, confidently approach God. Push each other to set things right during times of worship. God's Judgment is no walk in the park if we give up on Him.
Keep trusting God as you did at first.

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

Jesus is our High Priest based on merit, not lineage.

There is no nepotism with God. Jesus is our High Priest because He lived a blameless life. Jesus is our High Priest because He was willing to become the sacrifice offered to set things right. No animal sacrifice is needed with Jesus. He is the sacrifice. Because of Jesus' willingness to sacrifice His perfect Life He has become our High Priest.

God's Plan is written on our hearts.

The Law of Moses required passing from generation to generation because it was a works-based religion: sacrifices, festivals, "clean" vs. "unclean" items, etc. Jesus' Law is not based on actions; it's based on the heart. Everyone knows they should set things right. The problem is that we decide to suppress that Truth to the point that it no longer guides us. So we need people to help guide us back to God, to remove the barriers between us and God. We do not need people to tell us God's Plan.

We can come right into the Presence of God!

The Tabernacle and Temple were erected so Israel would know there was something between them and God—as they requested. Now we need no barriers between us and God. Jesus serves as the translator between us. It should lead us to realize God cares so much that He invites us into an intimate relationship with Him.

Jesus became the one Sacrifice for our mistakes so we would stop focusing on them.

The problem with sacrifices was that they constantly reminded Israel that they did not keep the Law of Moses. Because they were reminded so often it caused them to continue to break the Law. This was the major weakness with the Law of Moses. Jesus' Sacrifice became the sacrifice for our mistakes. We no longer need to focus on what we have done in the past. They are gone. We are free!
Some may question that idea and suggest that we should be reminded of what we did wrong so we will not forget and repeat our errors. I think the writer of Hebrews would suggest that we will never fully mature until we are willing to stop shaming ourselves for what we did in the past. The author wants us to move past dead works and into Life with Jesus. We can only do that once we realize Jesus has fulfilled them all and sets us free to live in Him.

Our meetings are meant to be opportunities for us to push each other to love and good works, not prevent each other from dead works.

As a member of a church—especially as a member of the churches of Christ—I had Hebrews 10:25 pounded into my skull. We should not, under any circumstance (except sickness) miss worship services. If we did we were sliding towards unfaithfulness and could sin. I read a book (I don't remember the title) where the author boasted that the only time he had ever missed Sunday worship was the day he graduated from basic training and was physically prevented from going. Even then he felt bad because he knew he should have been worshiping somewhere. It wasn't until university that I started reading this passage in its context and read Hebrews 10:24. Through that verse I realized the purpose of meeting together is not to go through our rituals (dead works). The purpose of meeting together is to help each other love and do living works. When I realized we were meant to challenge each other I changed my entire view on worship. I no longer felt like missing meant I was backsliding into turning my back on God. I realized that missing meant I was turning my back on the other people who needed me to bring my ideas and experiences of loving and doing good works to help them find new ways to love and do good works. What I have realized, however, is that we almost never do this. We are so focused on dead works—stopping what leads to death, convincing people to be baptized, and warning sinners of the coming Resurrection and Judgment—that we almost never talk about how we set things right in the past week. Push everyone you know to love and to do good things for others. Stop splicing Greek words to figure out if something is a sin or not. Invent new ways to set things right through innovation teams at your church.

Do you boldly come into God's Presence?

December 5 - 2 Corinthians 5-9: Ambassadors for Christ Even in Times of Persecution

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 5-9

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

We are Ambassadors for Christ helping prepare others for the Resurrection.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Someday we will have God-made bodies. We work to prepare people for that day.
One Man died to set everyone's relationships with God right. We represent Christ by calling people into a reconciled relationship.
People watch what we do in bad times. Don't partner with people who reject God. Be God's Temple—holy inside and out.
I am glad my letter helped with your purity. You impressed Titus.
The Macedonian Christians want to help poor Christians. We hope you will follow suit. Be ready with the contribution. Remember, blessings breed blessings. It helps physically and spiritually with gratitude all around.

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

We are Ambassadors for Jesus—the one who set all of our relationships with God right.

God sent Jesus to be the sacrifice which would set all of our relationships right. As God's Chosen People, we are His ambassadors to the world, calling them to set their relationships with God right. Being God's Ambassadors is not a new job for God's Chosen People. God wanted Israel to be lighthouses to the nations from the time He called Abraham. The reason is simple—one day, everyone will face God and answer for their actions. We help prepare people for that day. If we want bodies that will never decay we must prepare to be with the one who makes them.

The way we reach our goal as God's Chosen People is to live holy lives even in bad times.

Paul wants the Christians in Corinth to realize people in the world look at God's Chosen People when bad things happen to them. To be honest, this is the time when they learn how we really act. Anyone can be for God when it's beneficial. Only true Disciples of Jesus stay with Him when times get rough. Holy living requires staying with God even when it doesn't pay.

Don't partner with people in the darkness—even when it may help prevent persecution.

It is interesting that this comes directly after Paul tells them that the world wants to see what God's Chosen People will do in times of persecution. It is very tempting to work out a deal for peace. Paul says we do not need a peace deal because God lives among us. Don't partner with people who are not committed to God setting all things right. They will corrupt you.

Paul's previous letter (assuming its 1 Corinthians) worked—the church changed.

The church in Corinth had a lot of problems. As I wrote earlier, they had more issues than Time magazine. It was very difficult reading through the book because I could see myself and the church—local and worldwide—within each of his critiques. Today's reading gives us wonderful news—the letter worked! The Corinthians took Paul's challenges and made changes to their lives. Change can happen if we trust God and His Chosen Messengers!

When God's Chosen People help poor Christians they help far more than physical issues.

It is today's reading which explains why I wished more people spoke of helping the poor individually instead of through donations to institutions or by taxes and government programs. When God's Chosen People give to others, they know God is their Provider and give thanks to Him. The person giving learns how to be God-like. Gratitude comes from both directions—the givers because God blessed them with enough to live and give and the receivers because God supplied what they needed. This is why Paul ends with extravagant praise: "No language can praise it enough!" (9:15, The Message).

Are you an Ambassador for Christ?

November 12 - Matthew 27; Mark 15: Jesus' Sacrifice to Set All Things Right

Today’s Reading: Matthew 27; Mark 15

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Sacrifice that permitted every person's relationship with God to be set right hangs in front of a crowd of God's Chosen People who mock Him ruthlessly.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The high priests and religious leaders led Jesus to Pilate.
Judas hanged himself out of remorse.
Jesus kept silent through many accusations.
The Jews wanted a murderer to receive mercy but Jesus to receive death. Pilate handed Him over for execution.
The Roman soldiers mocked and nailed Jesus to the Cross.
People mocked Jesus' fate.
When Jesus breathed His last, a great earthquake tore the Temple's curtain in half and brought many people from the dead.
The Roman captain believed that Jesus was the Son of God.
Joseph, from Arimathea, buried Jesus.
The Pharisees sealed and guarded the tomb.

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

The Jews officially and irrevocably rejected God as their Lord.

From the Exodus, the Jews had a rocky relationship with God. Today we read the culmination of 1500 years of their relationship. There were highs; there were lows. God stayed faithful to His Chosen People all the while. They, on the other hand, struggled to stay wholly for God. At this moment, the climax of the story, Israel has arrested her King, given mercy to a murderer to prevent His release, and now stands before Him and mocks His Authority and Power. This rejection would have world-wide ramifications—which we will read in the days ahead.

Pilate was greatly impressed by Jesus' restraint.

Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus was noncommittal. Many people presented false testimony against Jesus. He answered none of them. Pilate was greatly impressed because Jesus did not get down and wrestle with them rhetorically. He allowed His silence to speak for itself. When faced with obviously-false accusations, do not argue. Silence shows innocence more than desperate attempts to defend yourself.

God tore down Temple-based religion.

When Jesus died, the curtain in the Temple that separated the Holiest of Holies from the rest of the world was ripped—from top to bottom. The Temple was erected because the Israelites did not want God to speak to them directly. God, through Isaiah, told Israel that He would open the Temple to the world. Jesus told the Apostles they would be able to speak directly to God. I will never forget how my professor elaborated on this passage (assuming the "top to bottom" was not random chance), "God ripped the veil from the top to the bottom. In essence He was saying, 'No longer will you need someone to go between us. You can now come to me directly.'" We have direct access to God. We do not need a group of "holy people" to present our needs before Him.

The greatest act of rebellion by Israel became the source of salvation for the world.

Without Israel rejecting and executing Jesus, the world would not have the close, personal relationship with God as they have. We should not feel anger or animosity toward them for what they did to Jesus. Paul will spend much of his ministry trying to get that point across.

Oh, God, You have set all things right with Your creation!

November 6 - Mark 13: Jesus Forecasts the Destruction of the Temple.

Today’s Reading: Mark 13

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

This is not the first time God foreshadowed the destruction of the Temple.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

His Disciples praised the Temple's structure. Jesus countered, "Soon it will be rubble.
"Many people will claim to be Me. Don't panic. People fight. Earthquakes and famines happen. These are not signs.
"The signs are when everyone is at your throat—families torn apart. The Holy Spirit will help you in court. Trust and you will not be sorry.
"Be ready to run—you will need every second. These days will be unlike any.
"No one knows when the Son will come from the stars. Be good servants and always watch. It will be so obvious, no one could doubt."

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

Jesus warned that the Temple would be destroyed.

The first time God warned that the Temple would be destroyed the Jews almost killed Jeremiah. But it happened. Once again, God will relieve His Chosen People of the Temple in His Honor. This time, however, God does not need to move back in because He came as Jesus and lived among them. He will open the doors of the Temple and welcome anyone in. God does not care for physical buildings or organizations. God wants hearts.

History is filled with wars, earthquakes, and famines.

They are not signs of Jesus' coming. Wars happen because humans are sometimes unwilling to listen to each other. Earthquakes and famines are normal occurrences which should not cause Christians to expect Jesus' return. The second-coming of Jesus will be so grand that no one could refute it. Wars, earthquakes, and famines are normal parts of life.

God would not leave the Apostles empty-handed (or empty-headed) when they went into court.

Jesus knew they would be thrown into jail because the people hated Him. God wanted to help them spread His Message that He will set all things right. So He would help them in their time of defense. God does not leave His Chosen People without a guide to help us spread His Good News.

Are you looking for a sign or watching for the Coming?

November 3 - Mark 11; John 12: Jesus would be Lifted Up to Shine Light to the World

Today’s Reading: Mark 11; John 12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

When Jesus is lifted to give light to the world, they can set things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Mary, Lazarus' sister, anointed Jesus' Feet with oil. This infuriated Judas, who was embezzling money and preparing to betray Jesus.
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey to a fanfare.
Jesus threw merchants out of the Temple.
The Apostles could do great things if they embraced the God-life.
Jesus trapped His opponents when they questioned His Authority.
The Time to fulfill His Purpose had come. "I must be lifted up to draw everyone to Me. Believe in the Light."
Many leaders believed but in secret to keep their positions.
Jesus taught, "If you do not believe, My Words will judge you."

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

Jesus told His Apostles to pray for everything in faith.

As I mentioned earlier, I am not very good with prayer. This passage is difficult for me to do because in this section Jesus tells His Apostles that if they pray with the outcome expected that God would do it.

That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. (Mark 11:24, The Message)

God's Chosen People should pray for everything because we should submit everything to God.

Judas, though an Apostle hand-picked by Jesus, was not dedicated to setting things right.

Jesus prayed all night before choosing the 12, yet one of them betrayed Him. The reason was not limited to the need for Jesus to be crucified. Judas was not dedicated to setting things right because he allowed his heart to serve money, not God. He used the poor as a club to guilt-trip people into giving to his purse, which he liberally took a piece of. Beware people who complain that you are not giving them enough under the guise of helping the poor. Their motives may not be good—although we should not become paranoid that all charities or social programs are corrupt.

Unless we die, we cannot gain Eternal Life.

"[A]nyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal " (John 12:25). We must give up on our lives and allow God to direct them. Until then we cannot set all things right.

If Jesus is raised, many people see the Light and set things right.

Jesus came to be the greatest example of God setting things right. This would be done by sacrificing himself. By telling the crowd that He must be lifted up He told them how He would die. Since Jesus is the Light, putting Him high shines light on the largest area. Jesus wants His Disciples to be Children of Light—shining God's Light into dark places. If God's Chosen People lift the Light, All People will have a chance to set things right.

There will be no subjective judging by God. Either you set things right or you did not.

Jesus told the crowds that He would not judge everyone. Instead, His Words would judge everyone. We will not have a chance to sweet-talk our way out of punishment. Nor will we need to prove our case. Either we set things right or we did not. It makes obeying Jesus a lot less mysterious. Listen to Jesus' Words. They will show you how to set things right.

Do you lift Jesus for the world to see His Light?

November 1 - Matthew 20-21: Jesus Uses a Vineyard to Teach the Expansion of the "God's Chosen People" Label

Today’s Reading: Matthew 20-21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would soon take the His exclusive "Chosen People" tag from Israel and give it to others.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel would not receive more blessings because she was called first.
James and John's mother asked that her sons be given the highest places of honor at Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection. "I do not give places of honor. The first will be last."
Blind men called Jesus' healing name.
Many people honored Jesus while entering Jerusalem—fulfilling prophecy.
Jesus outraged religious leaders in the Temple.
Jesus condemned a fig tree for not bearing fruit.
Jesus played political chess with the religious leaders.
"Unrighteous" people who changed would enter God's Kingdom before Israelites. God would hand the Kingdom to new people.

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

The three parables of the vineyard told Israel they would be replaced since they were not doing their job.

God called Israel to be lighthouses to the nations. Instead, Israel acted like everyone else and eventually placed idols in the Temple in Honor of God. Jesus gave three parables which would anger Israel because they removed their exclusivity on being "God's Chosen People". They told God they would obey Him, failed to follow through, killed His Chosen Prophets, killed His Son, and complained that they were given the exact-same wage as a person who set things right later in life. That isn't a good track record.
As God's Chosen People today, we need to make sure we understand these parables. We must follow through on our promises to obey God. We must not reject His Chosen Messengers. We must not complain when others receive the same blessing as we do though they came to know Him late in life. These are difficult things to do—though you probably already knew that. Many places in the world see an explosion of people setting things right who are not part of an "organized" religion when God's Chosen People fail to act. We should not feel threatened or angered by this. We should realize that God gives blessings to anyone who sets things right and punishes His Chosen People who reject His Message.

The blind men were healed because they did not listen to the crowd but cried out to God anyway.

May we find more and more people willing to cry out to God even though the people around them are telling them to stop. (No, I'm not talking about the guy on the street with the bullhorn telling people how their sins are going to land them in Hell for eternity. He should stop. Now.)

Jesus is preparing for His Crucifixion.

We started the long trek toward the crucifixion a few days ago. As Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, His Followers greeted Him as they should—a benevolent King who asks for voluntary worship, not forced obeisance. I believe this episode gave Him hope as He moved toward the end.

The Temple was a house of prayer, not a house of merchandise.

We have read a similar story in John, so I will not go into detail here. However, I wanted to remind us that a space that has been dedicated to God should stay dedicated to God. It should be used to set relationships right.

Are you willing to cry out to God even when the crowds tell you not to?

October 6 - John 2-4: Jesus Tells the Whole Story

Today’s Reading: John 2-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The two people with the most faith were not part of God's Chosen People.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus provided a glimpse into His Glory while attending a wedding.
Jesus forced bankers and merchants to stop transactions in the Temple and prophesied that He would rebuild it in three days.
Jesus told Nicodemus that only those reborn physically and spiritually could see God's Way.
God sent Jesus to save the world, not condemn it.
John the Baptizer said Jesus' success did not diminish his work. He would fade into the background.
Outside Sychar, Jesus had a conversation with a woman who then called her neighbors to listen. Many believed.
A Roman official begged Jesus to heal his son.

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

Not all of Jesus' acts were meant to call attention to Himself.

The feast at Cana was not a moment when Jesus called many people to follow Him. He helped a bridegroom and his family from embarrassment without even taking the credit. Later he healed the son of a Roman ruler without being in the same city. By the time the man knew Jesus had done it, Jesus was far away. An interesting thing happened, though. His disciples believed in Him at Cana. The Roman ruler and his entire household believed in Jesus in Capernaum. Neither followed Jesus because they wanted more miracles. When we set things right without calling attention to ourselves we may wind up setting more things right than if we had publicized our actions.

Jesus became angry that the Temple was used for something other than setting relationships right.

The Temple was built as a place to meet God and others. The Jews used it as a place to sell animals and loan money to the poor. Jesus wanted to retake the Temple and make it wholly for God again. Buildings wholly dedicated to God should stay wholly dedicated to helping people be wholly for God.
Church buildings can be a double-edged sword. They can be a great, holy meeting place. They can also be a temptation to house non-God-centered business. Treat a religious building with care—if it is wholly for God, make it holy. If you do not need a dedicated place to worship God, don't build a building.

Jesus did not trust His Life to just anyone.

Jesus knew the hearts of the people who came to Him. He knew some would profess faith but would not change their heart. Be careful who you trust your life to—they may not want to set things right.

Only those reborn physically and spiritually will see God because they are the only ones who will understand His Way.

So many people love John 3:16, and rightfully so. But it comes after Jesus has told Nicodemus what it takes to truly understand John 3:16: rebirth. We must be changed spiritually and physically to understand God's Way. And here is an important point: it's not a religious act. If it had been a religious act, Nicodemus would have understood it. It is much larger than a religious act. It is a complete transformation of body and spirit. That is the only way a person can understand what God is doing in the world. This is also the reason why a person who does not believe has already been under a death sentence—they refuse to look at the evidence and understand the Truth about God.
For this reason we should not be surprised when people who are not reborn cannot understand why we have faith or act the way we do (this includes "religious" people who are not reborn). They cannot understand because they lack the transformed eyes to see. Our goal is not to make them see, it is to help transform their body and spirit to see God at work.

Where we worship no longer matters because God cares for the heart of worship, not its location.

Jerusalem became the location of worship to God because the Temple in Honor of God resided there. Even with the Temple in Jerusalem, the location of worship did not determine whether a person was acceptable or not. The heart was the determining factor. When Israel cheated on God with foreign gods, their sacrifices at the Temple were not wanted. God wanted their wills to change. Where we worship is a moot point because now God rests among us (we'll read that later). What is still true is that God cares for our heart when we worship.

The Samaritan woman became the sower Jesus mentioned.

Jesus told the woman her life's story. She, in turn, told others to listen to Him. Her reward came when everyone told her, "We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!" (4:42, The Message). Think about it—a woman who was the wrong type of person, had a bad past, and a bad present was the first to bring an entire city to Jesus. Her city asked Jesus to stay, not because they wanted physical healing but because they wanted to know more from the Savior of the world. When you tell others what Jesus has done for you, they will see He is their Savior, too.

Are you fed by setting things right?

September 29 - Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126: God's Chosen People Live Safe in Their Land; Battle for Holiness

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading has the names of the families living in Jerusalem. Scan down to 12:27 if you are short on time.

Finishing both Nehemiah and Psalms brings us to 38 books and only one day more in the Old Testament!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Nehemiah and Ezra work together to make sure Israel does not go against the Law.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Many families resettled in and around Jerusalem. Its walls were dedicated. The singers and guards were supported through donations.
Israel separated from foreigners when they read God prohibited Ammonites and Moabites from the congregation.
Nehemiah cleaned out Tobiah's rented storeroom in the Temple, made sure the Levites and singers were given daily food rations, stopped Jews from breaking the Sabbath while threatening merchants camping at the gates on the Sabbath, and made Jews swear not to marry foreigners in the future since Solomon's wives caused him to sin.
Nehemiah asked God to remember his dedication to setting things right.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 126

The returned exiles cannot believe they are the ones who are happy once gain. They ask God to keep blessing them to lighten their hearts.

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

God's Chosen People once again lived secure in God's Chosen City.

God's promise through Jeremiah had come true. Judah returned and lived safe within their walls. What a difference in today's psalm and Psalm 137! God wants to set our relationship right and return our place in life.

Nehemiah fought a battle with Israel over their holiness.

Ezra and Nehemiah were holy—they want to obey God fully. Israel had more difficulty obeying God. Nehemiah had to advocate for the Levites, encourage Israel not to marry foreigners, and convince Israel not to work on the Sabbath. Even though Israel had come home, they were not fully willing to obey God.

Do you wish to be remembered for your zeal in obeying God?

September 19 - Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137: Israel Endures Harassment to Rebuild the Temple in Honor of God

Today’s Reading: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Israel's enemies wanted to stop the Temple's construction. Instead, they condemned themselves.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel's enemies heard they were rebuilding the Temple. They harassed the builders 15 years. They wrote accusation letters to Artaxerxes about Judah's rebellious past and warned that the Temple was a ruse to rebel again. Construction was stopped.
Tattenai, the governor, asked Darius to find the order for construction. The decree from Cyrus was found. It warned that if anyone tried to stop Israel, they would be executed. Darius enacted the order fully.
The Temple in Honor of God was rededicated with a large feast. Everyone observed the Passover—exiles and locals alike. They enjoyed a sea of joy.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 137

While the exiles mourn the loss of Zion their captors demand happy songs. How could they sing happy songs at a time like this? They will always remember Jerusalem. They cry for God to repay the Babylonians for what they have done!

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

Israel had to endure harassment 15 years.

When their first plan of sabotage was foiled, Israel's enemies settled in on the sure-fire way of working against Israel while not being punished—discouragement. This went on for 15 years. This type of psychological warfare may not stop the victim from trying, but it severely weakens their resolve to do something difficult. It is easy, cheap, and less risky than physical warfare. God's Chosen People must endure discouragement from people who do not care to set things right.
One of the hardest obstacles for Christians to overcome is discouragement. We struggle with our own doubts while having to listen to harassment by people who don't understand our faith, our trust, and our willingness to obey God. While some Christians are too quick to claim they are being persecuted, we must admit there are some who do not want to see Christians succeed. Some may have had negative experiences with Christians before. Others may have no reason other than wanting to see Christianity look bad. No matter what type of discouragement comes our way, we, too, should have faith that God will set things right and continue in our obedience.

Half-truths can only win if no one is willing to seek for the whole truth.

Israel's enemies sent a letter to the Persian king Artaxerxes detailing Judah's rebellions. They were historically accurate but telling only half the truth. They either did not know or knowingly omitted Cyrus' decree. The interesting part is that it took Israel at least two years to remind king Darius of Cyrus' decree. They almost allowed the harassment and half-truths to keep the Temple in Honor of God from being rebuilt.
Those who tell half-truths hope no one is willing to do research to question their assertions. We hear half-truths often. It may be difficult to go against them, but we must be willing to demand the whole truth to set things right.
At the same time, half-truths come in handy when they make ourselves look good; however, we cannot succumb to the low road. Beware half-truths and half-truth-tellers. They do not set things right.

God "plunged them into a sea of joy" (6:22, The Message).

At last, God has rebuilt the Temple to His Honor. Israel is now safe in its borders again (though not self-governing). The Levites and priests became ritually clean and everyone observed the Passover together, although the time for God to accept anyone into the Temple is still ahead. Non-Chosen People observing the Passover is nothing new, but a great thing to see—especially after 70 years of no one observing the Passover.

Psalm 137 is an emotional response to a great loss.

Psalm 137 may be the most difficult psalm to read because they cry:

God, remember those Edomites,
   and remember the ruin of Jerusalem,
That day they yelled out,
   “Wreck it, smash it to bits!”
And you, Babylonians—ravagers!
   A reward to whoever gets back at you
   for all you’ve done to us;
Yes, a reward to the one who grabs your babies
   and smashes their heads on the rocks! (vv. 7-9, The Message)

As I wrote earlier, we are not used to such emotional responses. Some take these sections to discredit the entire Bible. What I hope we get from this psalm is a sense that these people were real and were not dispassionate robots doing God's Will. God does not censure emotional responses. Neither should we.

How can we encourage you today?

September 18 - Ezra 1-3: Cyrus Send the Exiles to Rebuild the Temple in Honor of God

Today’s Reading: Ezra 1-3

The Message

English Standard Version

Ezra 2 gives the genealogy of the returning exiles. Scan through this chapter if you are behind or have little time today.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Daniel's positive influence on the king of Persia may have lead to the return of the exiles to Jerusalem.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

King Cyrus commissioned a return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple in Honor of God. He encouraged the exiles to give to the cause. Judah's, Benjamin's, and Levi's descendents went. Cyrus returned everything Nebuchadnezzar stole from the Temple.
Thousands of Judeans returned to their towns. A few families could not prove their lineage and were barred from priestly work.
Seven months later, Jeshua and Zerubbabel built the Altar to the God of Israel and began offering sacrifices on it. Seven months later, they laid the Temple's foundation. David's music rang in Jerusalem again—to loud shouts and cries of joy.

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

King Cyrus wanted to help Israel rebuild the Temple.

Jeremiah told Judah that God would return the furnishings of the Temple. God also told Judah that Cyrus would be the king to do it. God used Cyrus, a non-Chosen Person, to set things right for God's Chosen People. God will use anyone willing to set things right.

God protected the returned exiles.

When Jeshua and Zerubbabel began offering sacrifices on the Altar in Honor of the God of Israel they were worried their neighbors would attack. They were right to be worried, too. However, God protected them from Gog and anyone else who wanted to steal what they had. God will protect His Chosen People.

David's music was heard in Jerusalem for the first time in generations.

Jerusalem had been silent for 70 years. Before that the Temple had been used to house a plethora of gods. Only the oldest people remembered even seeing the building. In our readings, we have not heard a positive story about Jerusalem for 45 days. Finally, we have a group of people who are willing to serve God again. Their shouts of joy and weeping for joy were so loud no one could tell the difference because God had given them grace to return and praise Him again.

Praise God for His Mercy and Grace to allow us to praise Him!

September 16 - Daniel 7-9: God Wins in the End

Today’s Reading: Daniel 7-9

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God shows Daniel the future using grand visions with animals.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God told Daniel through a vision that although four countries would rule over them, God's saints would receive an everlasting kingdom. The kingdoms would fight Israel but God would win in the end.
Two years later Daniel had another vision of Greece defeating Media and Persia. Greece would fight Israel, but God would win in the end.
Daniel prayed to God, "We deserve shame. May Your Mercy and Grace deliver us. You will give us salvation only because Your Name is great."
Gabriel answered Daniel, "God will set your relationship right but first Israel must have its evil removed."

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

Daniel's visions tell of the immediate future.

Similar to Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and Ezekiel's visions, Daniel's visions were meant to deliver a message for his day. The visions foreshadowed the regime changes that would soon occur. Each small part of the vision would correspond to a distinguishing characteristic of each king to come. In the second vision, Daniel sees the rise and fall of Alexander the Great's kingdom. Both the four kings and Alexander the Great would fight God's Chosen People. God's purpose for Daniel's visions was to prepare His Chosen People for persecution.

God would win in the end.

At the conclusion of each vision, the same event happens—God defeats the beast(s). Since God's Chosen People would have difficult times ahead, God wanted to make sure they knew He would defeat their enemies. The four beasts and the ram would not get the final say against Israel. No matter the persecution, God will win in the end.

Daniel thanks God for His Grace and Mercy removing Israel's sin and punishment.

When Daniel realizes Israel would be returned in 70 years (as Jeremiah informed the exiles), he also realizes Israel has not become holy. They do not deserve to be returned to their land. God would return them, though, because God wants to set all things right with those with whom His Relationship is strained. He is willing to set our relationship right repeatedly hoping we will acknowledge His Mercy and Grace and set things right in our relationships with others. How awesome is our god! Our forgiveness is not dependent on our actions but on our acceptance of God's mercy and passing it on.

Do you trust that God will win in the end?

September 11 - Ezekiel 44-45: God Separates the Holy from the Common

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 44-45

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would only accept worship from people circumcised both physically and in the heart.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

We came to a gate. "God went through this gate. It must remain locked. The Prince may only sit and eat with God."
God's Glory filled the Temple. "Pay attention to My instructions for the Sanctuary. Israel broke my trust by bringing people uncircumcised in heart or body in to My Sanctuary.
"Only the family of Zadok can offer sacrifices to Me. They were the only family that did not abandon Me.
"The priests are to model the difference between unclean and clean. Tell the princes to stop taking advantage of My People. Honesty must reign.
"Observe the festivals."

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

Israel broke trust with God by bringing people who were not dedicated to Him setting all things right in to the Temple.

God makes it plain to Ezekiel that His Sanctuary is not for just anyone to come inside. His sanctuary is only for those who are willing to set things right. Physical circumcision does not necessarily mean a person wants to set things right but all of God's Chosen People must be circumcised. If they are not, they lose the tangible sign of the covenant and can forget who they are—as did the Israelites. Therefore, God reiterates that His Policy is only circumcised people—in heart and body—can be in His Presence.
What does this mean for Christians today? We do not have a "Sanctuary" as the Temple (we will read that in the coming months), but we do have people closely associated with churches (groups of Chosen People dedicated to God setting all things right). I would suggest that we should encourage people who lead worship to be "circumcised" in heart and body before coming. The body part is not as big of an issue anymore. Being "circumcised in heart" is what churches struggle with today.

God wants a clean break between "holy" and "non-holy".

God wanted only certain priests whose family never worshiped other gods to offer sacrifices. The priests were to wear separate clothes when they were doing "holy" acts. Alcohol was prohibited in "holy" areas and at "holy" times. They could only marry "unspoiled" women. All of these were meant to show Israel the difference "between the holy and the common, to show them how to discern between unclean and clean" (44:23, The Message). God wishes to be separated from "common" things. It was a sign that God's Chosen People should be different than the nations around by being wholly for Him.
What does this mean for us today? We should keep separate things that are dedicated to God and things that are not. We should not mix alcohol and worship. We should try to keep times to worship God separate from all other things we do. However, this does not mean we should separate church from life. When we do that, we are susceptible to dualism and making the church seem unnecessary.

Are you circumcised in heart and body?

September 10 - Ezekiel 42-43: God Shows Ezekiel the Meaning of the Temple

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 42-43

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's and yesterday's readings chronicle Ezekiel's vision of the Temple in Honor of God-2.0. If you are behind, scan the first chapter and read the second.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God wants Israel to see how the Temple should be so they will change their lives and obey Him again.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The man lead me back outside into the courtyard. Last we measured the wall separating the holy from the not-holy.
At the east gate I saw the Glory of God! A voice inside the Temple spoke to me, "Ezekiel, this is where I will live with Israel forever. No one will ever set up shrines to no-gods in here as they once did.
"Ezekiel, remind Israel of the past so they can learn from their mistakes. Challenge them to live by both its design and its intent."
God showed me the altar and gave instructions on how to offer sacrifices.

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

God shows Ezekiel the Temple as it should be to help give Israel a goal.

Israel had not worshiped God properly in over 400 years. They eventually brought their other gods into the Temple. God shows Ezekiel how He wants Israel to rebuild the Temple. This goal for their worship center would be a goal similar to the Law of Moses was for their life. We work best when we have a goal we are working for.

God wanted Israel to obey the letter and intent of the Temple.

God's use of the Temple was meant for Israel to have a physical representation of His Presence with them. His Presence would help them understand they were lighthouses to the world. When they saw other gods they would reject them and worship God alone. They would set things right and the nations would give up their no-gods and obey God. The focus of the Temple was not on the physical design alone. God wants us to understand both the design and intent of His Law.

Do you want to obey the intent of God's Law?

September 9 - Ezekiel 40-41: God Shows Ezekiel the Temple 2.0

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 40-41

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's and tomorrow's readings chronicle Ezekiel's vision of the Temple in Honor of God-2.0. Tomorrow we will understand the meaning behind the in-depth notes of these two chapters (plus one tomorrow). Remember, you are not going to be tested over the details in these chapters. If you are behind, scan today's reading.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jerusalem has been demolished for 25 years and completely burned 14 years. Ezekiel may not remember what the Temple looked like.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Twenty-five years after God removed us from our land (14 years after Jerusalem was completely destroyed) God gave me a vision. In this vision I travelled back into Israel's land and saw a city. Inside the city was a man with a measuring stick who asked me to pay close attention to what I saw and to tell Israel everything I saw.
We began outside the Temple complex then moved inside. I took copious notes. Then he brought me into the Temple itself to measure and observe. I saw the table that stood before God in the Holy Place.

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

Ezekiel has never seen the Temple as it should have been.

When we read Ezekiel's vision we can remember when Solomon built the Temple in Honor of God. It has only been three months since we read this section. For Ezekiel, the Temple has not been used for this purpose his entire life. From the days of Rehoboam (Solomon's son), the Temple in Honor of God was stripped of its majesty and eventually used to worship other gods. God shows Ezekiel what the Temple in Honor of God should look like. Tomorrow we will understand why God gave Ezekiel this vision.

What do you see in all the detail?

August 29 - Ezekiel 9-12: God Separates the Good from the Wicked in Jerusalem

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 9-12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God distinguishes between those wholly for Him and those not.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

During my vision, God had His followers marked. Then executioners killed many unmarked people without compassion, beginning in the Temple.
Next God charged me to challenge the ringleaders of Jerusalem. "These murders will be thrown out! I will return My Chosen People to the land with a new heart where they will obey Me alone, not some other god."
God told me to act like as though I were going off into exile. "Zedekiah will try to escape but will be caught and blinded. A few soldiers will survive to confess their wrongs."
Judah missed the point of my show.

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

God protects those who are ashamed at Jerusalem's deeds.

God brings executioners to Jerusalem and kills many who do not obey Him. He also protects those who cannot stand what goes on in the city. Notice, though, the stipulation was not those who did not take part in the evil, murderous plots. It was limited to those who were "in anguish over the outrageous obscenities being done in the city" (9:4, The Message). God's Chosen People cannot stand idly by while injustice goes on, blithely going about our business. We should challenge injustice where we see it—not outsource it to some other group, i.e. a governing body far away. God's Followers should feel pain when injustice is done.

God allows executions in the Temple.

God's Temple is not a place for peace at any cost. God's Temple is a place where things are set right—forgiveness for the repentant, justice for the innocent, and punishment for the guilty. We cannot think of God as a fluffy, friendly god who wants everything good no matter what happens. God will punish those who do not obey Him, especially those who want to be His Chosen People in name and blessings only.

Do you feel anguish when you see injustice?

August 28 - Ezekiel 5-8: God Indicts Judah for Un(w)holiness

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 5-8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God proves His case against Israel in a rather convincing manner.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God told Ezekiel to show Jerusalem's fate through his hair clippings. "I will become your enemy without pity. Famine will overtake you.
"Mountains, I will destroy your shrines and people. Then they will know I am God. Death will engulf the land. It is the end, your fate happens now.
"Fear will paralyze the countryside. Their once-prized gods will be junked. There will be no peace or an answer to why."
God's second vision showed Ezekiel where God's Chosen People worshiped foreign idols in and around the Temple; therefore, God would no longer listen to their cries for mercy.

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

God has finished warning Jerusalem. Only punishment lies in store for them.

Jerusalem had become utterly corrupt like the nations around. God would show no pity. Death, destruction, and violence would shatter their once-peaceful existence. God alone must be honored among His Chosen People or they will be punished. Jerusalem would feel the harsh hand of God's discipline.

God is fully justified in brutally punishing Jerusalem.

Chapter eight provides an infuriating case against Jerusalem. They have not only built shrines all over the hills and cities, they went into the Temple in Honor of God and built shrines to their sex-and-religion gods! Nothing in their city was wholly for God (holy). Everything in their possession had been tainted with some unknown god. There is only frustration and anger when reading this section. Jerusalem cares little for God, why should they ever expect His unending Love and Protection? It is a wonder God did not destroy the entire lot!

Have you compromised every aspect of your life and left none wholly for God?

August 19 - 2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36: Judah in Exile; Their Land Rests

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36

The Message

English Standard Version

Today we finish two books, 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles! This brings us to 26 books read. Only 13 to go in the Old Testament!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jerusalem was taken over by the Babylonians then ransacked later because Judah never learned from their mistakes.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Egyptians took Jehoahaz into exile after three months.
Jehoiakim unsuccessfully rebelled three years later.
Babylonians took Jehoiachin into exile after three months.
During Zedekiah's reign Nebuzaradan took the Temple's bronze to Babylon. Judeans were murdered indiscriminately—even in the Temple. Then they razed the city. Judah went into exile.
Manasseh's murderous sins doomed Judah. All of Jeremiah's warnings came true. The land at last had its Sabbath rest.
Gedaliah, Babylon's appointed governor, was killed by the royal descendent Ishmael.
Jehoiachin sat at the king's table later in life.
Cyrus, the Persian king, urged God's Chosen People to return.

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

Judah's fall did not happen all at once.

Judah did not go into exile all at once. They had multiple chances to repent and change but instead ignored Jeremiah's warnings.

Babylon's war crimes would eventually catch up to them.

God would not allow Babylon to go scot free from their crimes. These are the crimes Isaiah (twice) and Jeremiah mentioned when they spoke of Babylon's sin. Babylon was called by God to punish Judah for their sin but instead committed worse acts.

The land enjoyed rest.

God told Israel to give the land a year of rest to test Israel's faith. God also warned that if they did not allow the land to rest He would give it to their enemies and then the land would have all of its Sabbaths at once. Israel and Judah never gave the land its rest. So for 70 years the land rested to make up for lost time.

King Cyrus allowed Israel to return.

We will get into this in the next month. Since the Chronicles were written to a post-exilic community, this section helped to bridge the contents of those books to the post-exilic history. It also showed that God's promises would come true. God's Warnings and His Promises come true.

Do you see how God set things right even when Judah went into exile?

August 18 - Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74 and 79: Babylon Destroys the Temple and Takes Judah into Exile

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74 and 79

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

These chapters fill in the blanks from the previous chapters.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Zedekiah allowed Jeremiah's enemies to throw him into a cistern. The king rescued Jeremiah to ask for advice, promising not to kill him.
Jeremiah replied, "If you surrender to the king of Babylon you will live."
Nebuchadnezzar's troops broke through the walls. Zedekiah and his men ran. Babylonian troops caught them, killed Zedekiah's family, blinded him, and burned Jerusalem to the ground—including the Temple.
Judah went into exile, except the poor and undesirable. Jeremiah was protected and released. The remnant would live in peace if they were loyal to Babylon.
Many people returned to Judah. God blessed the land.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 74

The exiles cry out to God because their Temple has been desecrated and burned. They ask God how long before the guilty are punished for their crimes. They ask God if He hears what is going on.

Psalm 79

Asaph cries out to God because the Temple and Jerusalem have been destroyed. They ask how long these atrocities will go on. Why has God allowed pagans to punish His Chosen People? God's Reputation is salvation! Why did He let them get away with this? Judah ask for pardon. Then they will return with thanksgiving and tell others what He has done.

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

Judah's leaders (other than those from yesterday) never listened to Jeremiah.

We do not know the timing of Jeremiah's conversation with King Zedekiah and Jerusalem's downfall, so it is difficult to connect the two closely; however, Jeremiah told Judah not to run. Yet when the time came Zedekiah ran and paid for it dearly. Some people will never learn. They will always go against God even if it means punishment.

The Temple in Honor of God was destroyed.

We read about this earlier, so I will not belabor that point here. The inclusion of these two psalms in the Bible is interesting. God has already told Judah exactly why He is destroying the Temple—they won't listen to Him. What is ironic about these psalms is that they cry out as though it was God's weakness that caused the Temple's destruction. So it seems wrong for them to ask why God allowed these things to happen.
After meditating on these words I believe something deeper is going on. The remnant cried out to God after the destruction of the Temple as an emotional response to a great injustice. I believe these psalms are included because God wants us to see that even when we are in the wrong the proper response is to cry to Him for justice. God has previously told Judah that Babylon would be punished as well for their crimes, which we read today. Emotional responses do not rely on logic or reason. They are raw. They are untamed. This is why I rarely take the responses by the mother of a known criminal serious. It is also why the responses the first two or three days after an emotional event should be held against the person later. They may regret it anyway. God does not censure emotional responses. Neither should we.

God protected Jeremiah.

God promised to protect him at the beginning of the book. Jeremiah was the only person protected. Jerusalem had the opportunity to go peacefully and live but declined. God protects those who obey Him.

Do you trust God to protect you—even in the face of your enemies?

August 14 - Jeremiah 26-29: God Weans His Lighthouses from Their Temple

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 26-29

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God gives Judah one more chance to repent.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God, through Jeremiah: "If you change your heart I will remove your punishment. If not, the Temple will be destroyed."
Judah's answer: "God won't destroy the Temple!"
Jeremiah was placed on trial. Ahikam assuaged the crowd.
"Nebuchadnezzar will be your ruler. Accept no alternatives. Go peacefully. The Temple will be rebuilt when it is time."
Hananiah challenged Jeremiah's authority. He died within a year.
Jeremiah encouraged the exiles to make themselves at home in Babylon and to pray for peace. Judah would return in 70 years and not a day less.
Shemaiah challenged Jeremiah's authority. His entire family was punished.

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

God does not want to punish Judah.

God gives Judah another chance to change their hearts. He is willing to remove their punishment if they would only change their ways. God's punishment is never set. He will remove it if His People will only change their hearts and ways back to His Way.

Judah cares more for the Temple than the Truth.

The trial against Jeremiah would shadow what would come in the future. We have seen how Judah cared more for being God's Chosen People than being lighthouses to the nations. Now when Jeremiah predicts God tearing down the Temple, as He warned Solomon on its dedication, the people freak out and want to kill Jeremiah. They want to protect the Temple—that building for that god they somewhat remember from their distant past and still give lip service to every now and then between sex offerings to the other gods who are more fun. But the Temple was their symbol of having God in their midst. They did not want to serve Him but they wanted Him around. Israel just doesn't get it.
To be honest, the comparisons to today's Christianity, especially in the USA, are equally disturbing. How often do we want to make sure we are worshiping correctly in the right place at the right time instead of encouraging, in Amos' words, rivers and oceans of setting things right. It may be too painful to discuss. Sometimes, we just don't get it, either.

Ahikam shows that not everyone in power misses God's Way.

I like Ahikam. He stands up for Jeremiah at the moment Jeremiah needs him the most. Ahikam gets it. He understands their hearts are the problem, not Jeremiah's denunciations. He stood in front of a crowd ready to kill and calmed them down enough to let Jeremiah go free. I hope we can have more and more like him in our leadership.

Jeremiah's enemies were punished.

Not many of Jeremiah's enemies were willing to stand before him and call him out. Sadly for them, neither fare well. They found themselves on the wrong side of God's Way. Wonderful for Jeremiah, God's promise was truthful—God saved Jeremiah from his enemies. God will punish anyone who stands in the way of Him setting all things right.

God's message to exiled Judah was to be lighthouses for Him in Babylon.

Judah was shocked and offended at Jeremiah's counsel to make themselves at home and work for Babylon's welfare. They wanted to pray for deliverance not peace. They wanted their vineyards in Canaan, not new gardens in Babylon. If they had understood God's purpose for His Chosen People all along they would have understood why God would want them to be His Lighthouses in Babylon. They were to be God's Ambassadors of His Goodness and Love. If they took His words to heart, maybe they could stop Babylon's punishment before it began. No matter where God's Chosen People may be they are to be God's lighthouses to the nations.

Are you trying to be a lighthouse for God even as an exile or are you trying to fight to hold on to a temple you care little for?

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!