Get the appWE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17Sample
THE LORD HAS A SWORD
Today’s reading in Isaiah has a serious message concerning the day God will establish justice by pouring out His wrath against His enemies (34:1-15) But there is also a short affirmation declaring the authenticity of God’s promises in this scroll (34:16-17). Both sections begin with commands that encourage the readers or listeners to action. If the original people of this message really listened to what was going to happen, maybe they would think more about how they were living.
Remember the Hebrew word for hear is shema, meaning to hear or obey. The Hebrew stresses physical activity, whereas our Western culture stresses mental activity. The audience of Isaiah were not just to listen with ears and congratulate the prophet on another well-delivered sermon. They were to change their ways. It is still the same for us in the 21st century. This chapter does not really give a “why” to God judging, but rather “what” He will do. May we not confuse God’s wrath with our uncontrollable emotional outbursts - This is the natural response of a holy God to sin! He has a sword, and judgment is coming…
When we read Acts today, we will continue with Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, where he divulges his citizenship of Tarsus, and later of Rome. The crowd will accuse him of teaching against the Jewish people, the law, and the temple. The speech we read today is his defense against these charges. Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, will include Paul’s conversion a second time here, and a third time in chapter 26. It must be really important!
Someone once told me that our testimony is our greatest tool in the tool chest. Wise words! When all is said and done, each of us in the family of God have a story to tell. Paul was once a persecutor of Christians, even participating in the martyrdom of Stephen. Something pretty dramatic must have happened to reverse his life course. What’s your story? Share it with someone this week!
Primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder
About this Plan
In this 17th installment of Reading with the People of God, we continue following a lectionary rhythm—Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. This plan explores the prophetic voices of Micah, Habakkuk, and Isaiah, who confronted kings and warned of coming judgment while pointing to the hope of the Messiah. Alongside these, we'll read from the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, tracing the life of Christ and the birth of the Church. As we read these powerful passages in parallel, may the Spirit shape us and grow us in Christ together.
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We would like to thank Cornerstone Community Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://ccchowchilla.com
