Scripture Union Daily Guide 28 September 2023 | 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: What does the Lord require of you?
Opening Prayer: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Isaiah 1:1-17
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 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 28 September 2023
Introduction to the book of Isaiah
The book of Isaiah is a compilation of prophetic messages Isaiah delivered at different times to people who lived in Jerusalem. The messages spanned the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.
God’s people had fallen into a state of apostacy and had consequently incurred His wrath, He who had done so much for them in the past. God had removed His blessings from them, and they now faced the prospect of destruction by their enemies, the Babylonians.
Isaiah goes to the root of the problem and delivers a message that will provide a way of escape. The message of the book of Isaiah is that God is ever ready to welcome us when we repent of our evil and disobedient ways and return to Him.
The first thirty-nine chapters pronounce judgment on sin. God will not allow any sin to go unpunished unless there is a genuine repentance. The final twenty-seven chapters, on the other hand, declare a message of hope. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Messiah, is highlighted in graphic terms in these final chapters.
The book of Isaiah is as relevant to us today as it was at the time it was written. The entrance of God’s Word indeed brings light to our lives.
God laments over the rebellion of His people. The people of Judah and Jerusalem despised all that God had done for them in the past (vs.1-4). V.3 paints a picture of a sad situation whereby even the dumbest of animals (the ox and the ass) are given more credit in their attitude towards their masters than these people. Pay attention to the specific sins of the people and the consequences, as outlined in vs.5-8.
– they refused to acknowledge their Maker.
– their delight was in a sinful lifestyle.
– they were corrupt.
– they were depraved.
Therefore, their land had been destroyed by strangers. Amazingly, the prophet offers a glimmer of hope. This is in v.9 where we see the grace of God at work in sparing a remnant.
God cannot be bribed. We come to God on His terms, not ours. See vs.11-14. Religious observances that do not involve love and obedience to God are of no use. Look carefully at vs.15-17 and bring out what God requires of you. He expects us to worship Him with a pure heart and clean hands free from all forms of sin.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Father, please forgive me for all the sins I have committed against you (mention them).
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Colossians 1:13
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah 52, 53; Job 16.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 28TH SEPTEMBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: MARRIED SISTERS
Every wise woman builds her home, but the foolish pull it down with her own hand. Proverbs 14:1
THANK GOD FOR:
►Every Christian home, in particular, SU homes
PRAY FOR:
►Grace to patiently build our homes with godly wisdom
►Grace to pursue the knowledge of God
