The Bible in Miniature

September 30

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 19 - 21

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 21:6 – “For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman: let him declare what he seeth:”

The Book of Isaiah has often been called the Bible in miniature. It displays a remarkable similarity to the Bible in its whole. Consider:

*Isaiah has 66 chapters, the Bible has 66 books.

*Isaiah has two sections – chapters 1 – 39 and 40 – 66. The Bible has the Old Testament with 39 chapters, and the New Testament with 27.

*Isaiah 1 – 39 emphasizes God’s righteousness, holiness and justice. The first 39 books of the Old Testament emphasis are on God’s righteousness, holiness and justice.

*Isaiah 40 – 66 is on God’s glory, compassion and grace. The New Testament is on God’s glory, compassion and grace.

Prayer: Father, let me seek other similarities between Isaiah and the Bible today. Amen.

The Burden

September 29

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 16 - 18

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 17:1 – “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”

Often in the book of Isaiah we see the phrase – “The burden of….” The Hebrew word used, maśśâ', comes from a root that means to lift up or to bear. The concept is that the message that the prophet had to deliver was a heavy weight. We hear so much today about the love of God that we often forget that He is also Holy, and because of His Holiness, often He must judge people and nations.

Yes, God is a God of love, however, He does judge and display His anger at that which is unholy or sinful. The prophet is tasked with the message to warn what will happen. Do we read God’s Word and heed the message He gives?

Prayer: Great Judge of all, I come humbly before You today, search me and show me where I fall short. Amen.

Like the Most High

September 28

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 13 - 15

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 14:12 – “How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!”

This passage (verses 12 – 15) are much debated as to whether they refer to Satan or not. It is right in the middle of a prophecy against Babylon and the defeat of its king. Considering that often a prophetic passage would cover two or more events – both could be correct.

Consider the possibility that this refers to Lucifer (Satan), and we see the basis for all sin in it. Pride. Five times he says, “I will.” And, in fact, the last time he states, “I will make myself like the Most High.” Sounds like the offer he made to Eve in the Garden – to be “like” God.

Today, let us be wary of the promises that the flesh, the world, and the Devil make to us – they are deadly in final analysis.

Prayer: Precious Savior, keep my mind and trust focused only on You. Amen.

Jehovah tsebâ'âh

September 27

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 10 - 12

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 10:16 – “Therefore will the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory there shall be kindled a burning like the burning of fire.”

Jehovah tsebâ'âh. God of hosts. The Hebrew word denotes and army. It comes from a root word that means to fight or to serve. Angels are called “hosts” because they serve God. The whole of Heaven serves God and is referred to as “hosts.”

In the New Testament, Paul in Romans 9:29, and James in James 5:4 refer to “the Lord of Sabaoth” to describe the awesome might of God. As believers, we can count on the mighty God, Jehovah tsebâ'âh, to fight the battles against the Evil One in our day and time.

Trust Him. Hold on to Him. Lean on Him. Let Him be our General and Guide.

Prayer: Jehovah tsebâ'âh, I come to You, I trust You, I rely on You, I hold out for You. I seek You to deliver me from the Evil. Amen.

He is here!

September 26

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 7 - 9

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

A familiar verse today. It is a part of Handel’s great Messiah, heard every Christmas. It tells us that Immanuel is coming. It describes part of what He will be like.

Immanuel did come. He came in a lowly stable and feeding trough, and many missed His arrival. They should have believed, but they didn’t. Many today should believe, but they don’t. Immanuel is here, and yet so many miss Him.

It is our task to make sure that we don’t miss Him, and that we get the message out to those needing to see Him – He has arrived, and His name is Jesus.

Prayer: Immanuel, we praise You and seek to make You known to those around us. Amen.