Daily Guide 24 November 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
Today’s Topic: False Religion will not last!
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me understanding and illumination as I ponder on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 29:1-24
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 24 November 2023
Having prophesied against Israel, the prophet now turns to Judah, the capital of which is Jerusalem. The prophet uses the Hebrew word ‘Ariel’ for Jerusalem, as a centre of worship. It indicates a place where sacrifices are burnt in the temple of the Most High God. While it should be a place where God is worshipped in spirit and truth, people do so wrongly, without understanding or thought. Isaiah warned the whole city of Jerusalem, including false priests and prophets as well as the corrupt rulers- who seem to excel in drunkenness and hypocritical religion.
While wearing various garbs of religion, notice God’s assessment of their ‘worship’ (v.13). Such false religion based on ‘mere human rules’ is the reason our Lord declared woe on the religious leaders of his day (Matthew 23:13ff). Wrong teaching always results in wrong lifestyle. Hence, the whole city and nation drifted away from God even though they maintained a form of religion. Therefore, God pronounces judgment on all who take counsel that is not from Him and on all whose works are darkness (vs.14-16). But notice and meditate on the fate of those who repent and turn to God (vs.17-19, 22-24).
Many of us live in contexts where people are very religious. We must be warned to walk our talk (see 2 Timothy 3:5). False and hypocritical worship is as displeasing to God as outright adultery.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Confess any hypocrisy in your life and ask the Lord for His forgiveness.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Jeremiah 33:6
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Corinthians 8, 9; Proverbs 16.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 24TH NOVEMBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: THE CHURCH
God is our Refuge and Strength. Psalm 46
THANK GOD FOR:
► Chant and use this psalm to pray for the church today
