The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

FINAL WARNINGS

Isaiah’s prophecy closes with the promise that God’s Word will go out to the ends of the earth (v. 19). As a result, the kingdom of God will be filled with both the people of Israel and with those from the Gentile nations. Though in the past these idolatrous nations have attacked God and his people, they will one day come to worship and glorify their true King.

But there will also be those who do not come, those who do not receive God’s Word in repentance and faith. Isaiah’s prophecy closes with a vision of judgment, looking upon a scene filled with the corpses of rebels (v. 24). Jesus quoted this verse in picturing a grisly image of hell (Mk 9:48). These two descriptions define two alternatives for those who hear the message. They can either trust in the Lord and claim the salvation that comes through his servant Jesus and live, or they can continue in rebellion and die. The stark reality of these two alternatives shows people not only the greatness of the salvation that can only come through Jesus, but also the urgency with which believers must join Isaiah in proclaiming the message of God.

Jesus, thank you for gifting us with free will. Please send your Holy Spirit ahead of me to prepare hearts, and then please send me to proclaim your good news. Amen.