GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 26

Theme                  : Israel Sings a Song

After Jesus establishes His Messianic Kingdom, the Jews will praise God for their salvation through Jesus. They will acknowledge God is faithful. He is an everlasting rock for those who trust in Him. In the Messianic Kingdom, Jesus will enlarge the border of Israel to fulfill His promise to Abraham (Gen. 15:18-20). The OT believers, including Abraham, will be resurrected and join Jesus to rule the world (v. 19). God will fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their chosen descendants to possess the promised land forever. But before the Messianic Kingdom can commence, God will first bring judgement on their oppressors but God will pass by the Jews (v. 20), just as God passed by them in Egypt. Their sins will be covered by Jesus; therefore they will be graciously passed by.

Praying the Scripture

1. God is the God of the living, not the dead. In the Messianic Kingdom, God will fulfill all His promises to Abraham and his seed. We, Christians, will also be in this glorious kingdom through faith because we have been grafted into this blessing through our faith in Jesus (Rom. 11:17). Give thanks for God’s amazing salvation. He has graciously included you in His glorious Kingdom. Pray that you will live for God out of thankfulness, not out of pride, personal gain, or guilt.

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 25

Theme                  : God will Abolish Death Forever

This chapter describes what the world will be like when Jesus sets up His Messianic Kingdom. When He establishes His kingdom on earth, He will level the pompous pride of wicked cities, but He will be a refuge for the poor (i.e. humble and lowly) and the distressed who are persecuted, oppressed by wickedness of the world. In the second phase/stage of the Messianic Kingdom, in the new heavens and new earth, God will abolish death and sin forever in the Messianic Kingdom (Rev. 20:14). He will wipe all our tears away. This agrees with Revelation 21:4. Again, it is prophesized that Moab (modern Jordan) will be judged. It is a clear and repeated theme in the OT for God to judge Israel’s surrounding nations, like Moab, in the end times.

Praying the Scripture

1. Just as a woman must go through birth pains in order to give birth to a wonderful new life, so the world must experience the pain of God’s judgment before it gives birth to a new world (Mark 13:8; Matt. 18:7). Every believer should have a strong longing for Jesus’ return and with Him, a glorious new world order. Pray that the imminent return of Jesus is seriously real to you and that you will live in reverent fear and joy to see this glorious new world.

用经文祷告

1. 如妇女必须经历产痛才能迎接一个新生命似的，世界也要经历神审判的痛苦才能看到一个新世界（可13:8；太18:7）。每一位信徒当强烈期待耶稣的归来，渴望与祂同在，盼望荣耀新世界的制度。祷告你会非常认真地看待耶稣即将到来这件事，能在虔诚的敬畏和喜乐中度日，盼这个荣耀的新世界。

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 24

Theme                  : Judgement on the Whole Earth

Punishment on Mankind (1-20). This chapter is about end times judgement on the whole earth. It agrees with God’s promised judgement on the earth in Revelation (Rev. 9:15). The whole earth will be devastated and many will be killed because of their sins. We see that even after God punishes them, they still will not repent but will continue to curse God (Rev. 9:20).

Punishment on Angels (21-23). God promises to punish the fallen angels, including satan. They are responsible also for the corruption of the world. God will lock up satan and his angels in a prison for many days and then punish them after many days. Many days is referring to the Millennial Kingdom, when satan will be bounded for one thousand years (Rev. 20:2) and then he will be released for a short time and be punished in the lake of fire and Sulphur (Rev. 20:7-10).

Praying the Scripture

1. We must remember that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32). We should not take pleasure either. We should be like Isaiah, who was sadden by these judgements (v. 16). When God killed everyone on earth with the flood, except for Noah and his family, He had no pleasure in it. The sins of the people were grieving each other and also God, so God put an end to it. The purpose for judging the whole world is to end their sinful actions, to punish them, and also to restore the whole world. After God judges the evil angels and evil mankind, He will reconcile all things, restore all through to Himself through Jesus (Col. 1:20; Eph. 1:10). There will be no more abortion, human sacrifice, terrorism, sex trafficking and other grievous sins on earth. All will worship God through Jesus, to the praise of His glorious name!

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 23

Theme                  : Oracle on Tyre and Sidon

Tyre and Sidon were Phoenician port cities that were well known in the ancient times. They were powerful and rich through commerce, similar to Singapore and Venice. Their wealth caused them to be extremely materialistic and prideful. Therefore, God promises to judge them and humble them. These cities were attacked numerous times. Tyre was completely leveled by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.

Praying the Scripture

1. Wealth and money can be very dangerous to one’s soul if one is enslaved by it. 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” In order to overcome this sinful tendency, one must not forget that we can only be satisfied through a relationship with God (1 Tim. 6:17). Any substitution is a leaking cistern or cup. Also, we must share our wealth and be rich in good works. This is true life and joy because this is God’s character and way, which is perfectly demonstrated through Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Pray that you will be like Christ and truly agree that Jesus’ characteristics are truly great and worthy of our worship and imitation.

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 22

Theme                  : Oracle Concerning Jerusalem

Rebuke for Celebration (1-14). Israel celebrated a miraculous victory over their enemies. This occasion is probably referring to the miraculous victory over the Assyrians in Isaiah 36-37 because Shebna and Eliakim are also mentioned there. God rebukes the Jews because they should have been mourning over their sins. They nearly died because of God’s judgement on their sins. They should not rejoice but should repent and find everlasting salvation in God’s mercy.

Rebuke for Lack of Servant Leadership (15-25). Shebna, second in command of Judah, tried to immortalize himself by building a grand tomb for himself. For this arrogance, God will judge him. He will not be immortalized, but will died in a foreign country in shame. God punishes the sinful leader in order to correct the people also. Pride trickles down from the top.

Praying the Scripture

1. Proverb 27:2 states, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” Matthew 23:12 states, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Pray that you will be truly humble by not praising yourself and by thinking of others as more important than yourself (Phil. 2:3).

2. If you have not repented of your sins, do not rejoice, but mourn and cry out to God for mercy and to change your heart. Do not celebrate until God changes your heart. Ecclesiastes 7:3, “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.”

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 21

Theme                  : Concerning Babylon, Dumah and Arabia

Fall of Babylon (1-10). God prophesies the defeat of Babylon by Elam and Media, which allied with Persia to defeat Babylon. This is exactly what happened in history. Fallen, fallen is Babylon alludes to the end times Babylon in Revelation 18:2, which is a source of wickedness in the world. It is also mentioned in Zechariah 5:11.

Fall of Dumah and Arabia (11-17). Dumah is part of Arabia. God also predicts the defeat of these two regions.

Praying the Scripture

1. Through these judgements we know that God will justly deal with all evil doers in the world. He will eventually enter into judgement with all people and render a fair verdict. Our God will vindicate His justice. In life, when we have issues, we can seek justice through acceptable legal means such police or the courts, but if there is no civil justice, then we can leave it to God who will vindicate in the end. Do not take revenge through personal means, such as an eye for an eye. That principle is not for individuals but for the civil government. Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Pray that God will help you to trust in His providence and justice, and never become bitter or vengeful.

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 20

Theme                  : Sign of Defeat

In order to prophesy the imminent defeat of Egypt and Cush by the Assyrians, God told Isaiah to take off his sandals and loose the sackcloth from his waist as a sign of nakedness, even though he was not walking around literally naked. This is a warning for Israel not to trust in foreign alliances for protection, but only trust in God. If they make alliances with foreigners they will suffer and also copy their idolatry.

Praying the Scripture

1. In times of trouble, we should not be like the Israelites who did not trust God, but trusted in man. When we are in trouble, we must depend on God the most. We should immediately pray to God for help, not immediately look for people to help. There is nothing wrong with seeking counsel or help from other believers; it is wise and biblical to do so, but we should depend on God the most who can use people around us to guide us. Pray that your habit is to go to God first, then backup your prayers with your effort. God will bless your dependence on Him.

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 19

Theme                  : Judgement and Salvation for Egypt

Destruction of the Land (1-15). God prophesies that in the end times, Egypt will be attacked and ruled by the antichrist, a hard master (v. 4). This agrees with Daniel 11:42. The antichrist will subdue three kingdoms, one being Egypt, before all the ten kings will give their authority to the antichrist (Daniel 7:24, Rev. 17:12-13). In the end times, the waters of the sea and the rivers will dry up. There will be desolation. This agrees with Revelation 8:10 and other judgements.

Salvation of the Land (16-25). In the end times, there will be some cities in Egypt that will believe in God. Interestingly, Egypt currently has a large population of Coptic Christians, about 9-15 million, or 5%-10% of the population. This prophecy could be about them. In any case, God will strike the nation but then heal it. And stunningly, Egypt will be part of God’s people like the Jews.

Praying the Scripture

1. As we read about all the pronouncement of judgment and salvation on Israel’s surrounding nations, we need to be reminded that the end times is near. Especially with all the events in Middle East. Israel may be the strongest military in the world with the help of USA, but there will be a time when Israel will not be able to rely on itself or the West, especially if there will a major economic collapse in the West as many prominent economists and investors are forecasting. We do not know whether an economic collapse will happen or not; or how soon, but we know Jesus is coming back soon because of all the events in the Middle East, especially with the rise of radical Islam that seeks to revive an Islamic Caliphate. It will be glorious when Jesus bursts forth from the sky and forever restore this world. May you prepare for it by focusing on your eternal relationship with God, other believers and evangelizing unbelievers whom you seek to have an eternal relationship.

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 18

Theme                  : Judgement and Salvation for Cush

Cush is located in modern day Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. At the right time, God will prune Cush, meaning judge Cush, and then bring them to Himself. They will worship God and take tributes to God in the end times.

Praying the Scripture

1. When God intervenes world history through the return of Jesus, it will be at the perfect time, not too late and not too early. It is sad to read so many judgements on these surrounding nations of Israel, but at the same time it is hopeful to see all these nations repent and worship Jesus in the end. May we learn from these judgments by not sinning against God and have to learn our lessons the hard way. Pray that you will learn the easy way.

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 17

Theme                  : Judgement and Salvation for Damascus

Damascus is present day Syria. God promises to judge Syria in the end times because Syria will loot Israel (v. 14) but God will defend Israel. In that day, there will be no need for fortresses in Ephraim (northern kingdom Israel) because there will be world peace and no more war or terrorism (v.3). Also, the people of Syria will no longer worship idols but only God Himself. They will be God’s people just like Israel.

Praying the Scripture

1. It is stunning that God has not only resurrected the nation of Israel in 1948, but also the locations of Israel’s current enemies, including Gaza, are the same as 3,000 years ago when Isaiah was written. This is so that God’s end times prophesies will be fulfilled. God’s prophesies are amazing! Again, the judgements in the end times will be horrific because of their horrific sins, but it is God’s way of reconciling the world to Himself. Pray that you will trust in God and know that this is the best way to restore this broken world, for God is all wise. Pray that Christ will return soon and end all the grieving on earth because of terrorism and human trafficking. Long for His Messianic Kingdom and live for it.