Scripture Union Daily Guide 26 October 2023 | Devotional

274

Today’s Topic: Judgment upon Babylon

Opening Prayer: I open my heart to meditate on your word, teach me your ways oh Lord.

Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?

Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 26 October 2023

This chapter begins a section that ends at Isaiah 23, where Isaiah prophesies against the nations, beginning with Babylon. Even though Babylon was below the Assyrian Empire in status at the time of this prophecy, Isaiah foresaw its graphic destruction (vs.9-12), the degradation of its nobility (vs.17-19), and the desolation of its land (vs.20-22). A literal city on the Euphrates River and the capital of the empire that cruelly conquered Judah (586 B.C.), Babylon, is associated with organized idolatry, blasphemy, and the persecution of God’s people. Genesis 11:1-10 validates that it was at Babylon where mankind formally organized the rebellion against God.

How do you understand the phrase “the day of the Lord” (vs.6,9)? Notice the reference to cosmic disturbances expected to precede and surround the day (v.10; see also Isaiah 34:4, Joel 2:10-11 and Revelation 6:12-14). The prophetic identification of Babylon with the Gentile world (v.11), ripe for ultimate judgment, is consistent through the Scriptures. How does reference to ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ highlight the nature and finality of Babylon’s judgment? The significant lesson from today’s reading is God’s recognition of national evils, iniquity and wickedness, the arrogant pomp and proud ruthlessness (v.11) displayed by those world powers. God’s determined judgment of utter destructions awaits each of them.

Practice/Word Application
Thought: We are serving the God of the universe and not a local deity.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
Pray for the nations of the world, that they may all be brought to full obedience of Jesus Christ.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 14:14

One Year Bible Reading Plan
Psalms 78‐80; Proverbs 1

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 26TH OCTOBER 2023

PRAYER FOCUS: STAFF’S FAMILIES
Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also bring it to pass. 1 Thess. 5:24

THANK GOD FOR:
►The grace that has been available for the families of our staff in SU
►Keeping them in peace, considering the schedule of their spouses.
►The support and encouragement they give to them.
►How the Lord has been helping them to cope especially with transfers.

PRAY FOR:
►Them to be good example of believers
►Children who are not yet saved, that they will encounter Christ.
►Provision to meet every need.
Tomorrow is National day of Prayer and Fasting.
Pray and plan to participate.