Old Testament reading: Isaiah 37-39
Isaiah 37-39 concludes the historical narrative begun in chapter 36 concerning Hezekiah and his encounter with Sennacherib, king of Assyria. This account appears almost verbatim in 2 Kings 18-20. Sennacherib sends his representative, the Rabshakeh, to discourage Judah from resisting Assyria’s military advances. His discourse is not unlike many of the misrepresentations made by modern denominationalism today. Consider – the Rabshakeh: misrepresented God’s true religion (Isa 36:7); equated numbers with strength (36:8); lied about being guided by the Lord (36:10); lied about what he had to offer his hearers (36:16-17); made false comparisons concerning the true God of heaven (36:19-22). In Isaiah 37, the Rabshakeh makes a last ditch effort to persuade Hezekiah and Judah to acquiesce, but God sends Isaiah with a message of hope and deliverance. Isaiah 38 contains a statement often used today, but most do not realize its biblical origin – “Set your house in order” (v 1). Finally, in Isaiah 39, Hezekiah is asked a question we all should consider – “What have they seen in your house?” What would people see if they could see in my house? Would they see a place of peace where God is exalted in all that is said, done, and watched (TV and movies)? Where God is concerned, we all live in glass houses!
New Testament reading: Revelation 4-7
In Revelation 4-5 are five exaltations of God and the Lamb: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (4:8); “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power…” (4:11); “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals…” (5:9-10); “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom…” (5:12); “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, forever and ever” (5:13). These are noteworthy, especially in light of the texts which follow. Chapter Six begins the disturbing accounts of the troubles the world will soon face, troubles that might discourage the brethren to the point of giving up. John assures them of the power and authority of God over all things to establish their hearts and minds in preparation for the troubles to come.
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