"The Proclamation of Liberty !"

 

Isaiah 61:1-3 "The SPIRIT of the LORD GOD is upon ME; because the LORD hath anointed ME to preach good tidings unto the meek; HE hath sent ME to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our GOD; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that HE might be glorified."

     Millions around the world today are enslaved by tyrannical despots and long for the freedoms enjoyed, but often taken for granted, by those living in countries where such tyranny is prohibited because of foundational, guaranteed liberties. Yes multitudes, even in our "free America," are unknowingly slaves to sin and headed for a Devil's Hell; however, every believer has a wonderful message to give to those who will listen: the good news of the Gospel. Forgiveness from the penalty of sin and liberty from the bondage of sin are available to all who will believe from the heart that JESUS died for their sins and rose again for their justification (Romans 10:1-17). We have the best news possible -- the one message that not only proclaims but also guarantees liberty for the soul both now and in the future. Have you trusted in this saving truth ? If so, are you proclaiming it to the lost who so desperately need to hear it (1st.Corinthians 2) ?

     Today's text goes back in history to the time of Isaiah, one of GOD's faithful Old Testament servants. This prophecy by Isaiah is obviously a promise of the coming of the MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST. Part of the prophecy already has been fulfilled in CHRIST's first advent when HE was born of a virgin in Bethlehem, an event also prophesied in other Scriptures. Read Luke Chapters 1-3 for details of CHRIST's first coming; then read Acts 1:1-11 for the promise of HIS imminent return. In verse three of our text, note the gracious promises GOD has given concerning that which HE alone can and will bestow upon HIS people in the future. Let every believer join in praise to the LORD for the liberty HE has provided in JESUS CHRIST and proclaim this glorious freedom to all who are still bound in sin. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Sad State of Affairs"

 

Isaiah 3:1-12 "For, behold, the LORD, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the stuff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. And the people shall be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbor; the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable. When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying. Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of HIS glory. The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul ! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked ! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for MY people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O MY People, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths."

     Those who insist upon having their own way rather than GOD's way will pay the price for their pride and rebellion. In our text, Israel was paying just such a price, and things were about to get worse. GOD warned that "babes" would rule over Israel's "mighty men," and HIS judgment would likewise be upon the prophets, warriors, judges, counselors, orators, and "the ancient" (vv.2-4). Israel was suffering oppression by their own neighbors, and juvenile haughtiness and delinquency abounded (v.5). The LORD described the pitiable state of those who should have been abounding by HIS power and provision: "As for MY people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them" (v.12a Pictured above). What a shame ! Yet, how can we fail to see the similar situation that exists today -- with rebellion and lack of respect for authority among many youths coupled with adults who reject the need for moral standards and the reality of absolute truth ? The world has become terribly mixed up. As was true of Israel, the so-called "Christian nations" of our day have turned their backs on the LORD.

     Was there a reason for Israel's sorry situation ? Indeed there was. GOD revealed that "their tongue and their doings are against the LORD" (v.8), and HE went on to warn about the false leaders who caused the people to err (v.12b Pictured above). The people had become so hardened in their sin that they made no effort to even hide it. The prophet Isaiah declared, "Woe unto their soul ! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves" (v.9). We must cautiously heed GOD's warnings while joyfully accepting HIS promises (vv.10-11); to do otherwise is to invite HIS chastening hand and forfeit HIS blessings. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation