GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 473 May 15, 2013
STUDY GOD'S WORD
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth,"
2nd Timothy 2:15.
Back yonder, in my early days, I was taught to memorize the Word of God. Man, has it paid off for today. I not only remember those earlier verses but, I'm learning to memorize new ones, as well. It's a great thing because the word of never fails. And, more than ever, we still need to "rightly divide God's Word." Currently, my yearly reading time is in Isaiah, the Prophet. And, I thought, 'What better Letter can I sent out than one about Scripture?' While, Isaiah's 'The Vision of the Valley," ought to be memorized; or, at least STUDIED CAREFULLLY, this Son of Amoz will show us some great teaching on God's future, too.
I agree that the book concerns itself with Israel (Remember, Israel is 'God's Clock'). And, Isaiah tells His people, in the very first chapter, to study and see what's going to take place in the last days. But, Israel was hard hearted. It caused Isaiah to state: "The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib, but Israel does not know, My people has not considered" (Isa. 1:3).
Over and over, God still promised the nation that: "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord, Though you sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; Though red like crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isa. 1:18). Can you quote that verse? Go ahead and try. But, as I was reading and looking for meaning of Israel's future, my heart kept going to the resurrection; where the Jew will be desired, like never before. "For seven women will take hold of one man in that day..." (Isa. 4:1). We see Jesus in chapter 4:2. "...the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious..."
Then, Isaiah reports a tremendous vision concerning Israel. "The people who walk in great darkness shall see a great light" (Isa. 9:2). Because, Isaiah goes on: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given..." (9:6). Everyone has to know that Christ came to Save Israel; but, because of Her rebellion, Jesus was not able to do so.
Finally, Chapter 11 points out that: "...there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of His roots" (V 1). Isaiah tells that God's Spirit shall rest upon the shoulder of Jesus. Yet, the nation rejected their Savior. Not me and, I hope, not you. Let's study God's word by reading it; memorizing it and sharing it. Then, you and I will clearly praise the LORD for His gift of Jesus.