Today, in Sunday School we finished up a 'whirlwind tour' of Isaiah. An overview of sorts.
But I do not feel cheated. It was good to see the 'overview' quickly. Such richness in this book that I overlooked before! What a beautiful work (could anything God-breathed be anything different, though?)
detailing God's work in history. God's chosen, His great love for them, their rebellion, His great judgement and wrath, His sovereignty over all the nations, raising them up and using them for His purposes, and His great judgement on them also. His wonderful mercy. The promise of a Savior.....a suffering servant that will conquer the earth. Pictures of both Heaven and Hell.
My favorite verse this day: Is. 66:2b....."But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite ins spirit and trembles at my word."
He goes on to speak of religious rituals that do not please him. His people were faithful to keep the rituals, but their hearts weren't in it....indeed were far from worshiping the one, true and living God.
Father, by your grace, teach me to be humble and contrite.
The sermon was from Ephesians 4:11-16. Speaking the truth to one another. Building one another up. Maturing. Being Christlike. I was both encouraged and convicted. How much of what I say should not be said? (you who know me please don't answer!). May the Spirit even more prick my heart and warn me when I am speaking hurtfully, unnecessarily, or in any way out of line.
The afternoon was spend studying parts of Hebrews 9 and 10 for a Bible Study this week. The writer of Hebrews is proving that Christ is a better sacrifice than the old levitical system, which was but a type, or shadow of the once for all sacrifice that Christ would become for us.
Tonight we looked at John 18 1-11 the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. This great King.....who had ultimate control over the situation, submitted willingly to the will of the Father, to accomplish victory over sin and death, and to be the once and for all, perfect sacrifice for the sins of many, taking on Himself God's wrath for my sin.
The loudest point to me: Why did not those who watched Him heal Malchus' ear, or were knocked to the ground by the simple power of His name.....I AM, not fall at His feet to worship Him at that moment? Because He offended them. He is an affront to our sinful nature to want to be in control. They didn't wantto submit to His authority.
Very encouraging, however to hear again that He lost none of His own. He had prayed for them, and encouraged them just before these events took place. And even as He was being taken for His final moments.....He cared for them by commanding that they be let go.
I know that I will never be lost, because He intercedes for me. What an encouragement to carry on!
I am so thankful for the Sabbath Day. Thankful for the faithful teaching and preaching of His Word to us. I love to be in the house of God on Sundays to hear the Word taught, preached, sung, prayed and spoken. I am refreshed, and strengthened for a week in the world.
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