WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17Sample

THE GOD OF ALL NATIONS

In this brief reading in Isaiah today, we will see a prophetic sign-act when the Assyrian military commander under Sargon II attacked the Philistine city of Ashdod in 711 B.C. God directed the prophet to go naked for 3 years to warn his audience in Judah. Going naked was meant to symbolize what will happen to captives who will be defeated in war (v.4). “Naked” can mean one has no clothes on at all or is almost totally naked (Gen. 2:25; Job 1:21; John 21:7). A sign-act can communicate a difficult message that some people might otherwise ignore, but the sign can teach the central point of the message in an interesting, attention-getting, shocking, or somewhat mysterious way. God did not want His people to trust in Egypt, but in Him, the one true God who is in control of all the nations. Our only secure hope is the same.

As we read Acts 8 today, we will see a truly amazing story. F.F. Bruce said, “As the old Israel had its Diaspora among the Gentiles, so must the new people of God be dispersed.” (see New International Commentary) After the martyrdom of Stephen and fueled by Saul’s wrath, much of the church was scattered out of Jerusalem to other cities and regions. We will see Philip being used by the Holy Spirit in Samaria and beyond to spread the gospel. It’s as if Acts 1:8 is coming true! God would not just be for the Jews, but all nations. All people groups! Our mission is not over yet, Cornerstone!

Primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder