Tag: Isaiah 31-35
Don’t bet on the horses!
Scripture reading for July 27th: Isaiah 31-35
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the Lord. Yet He too is wise and can bring disaster, He does not take back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked, against those who help evildoers. But the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out His hand, he who helps will stumble, he who is helped will fall; both will perish together.” Isaiah 31:1-3
Our city, state and nation are obsessed with gambling. Our state governor and elected officials are constantly trying to find a way to institute more revenue through gambling. The state horse racing industry is lobbying hard to add gambling casinos to the racetracks in hopes of snaring more money and preying on those with gambling addictions. I have been in Kentucky for twelve years, and this issue has come up every year. Oh that the words of God recorded in the prophet Isaiah’s writing would be heard!
Now I know that Isaiah wasn’t writing about gambling or horse racing! He was writing to God’s people who had a tendency to trust in man rather than in the Lord. It was a problem in Isaiah’s day and is still a problem today. Trusting in man and horse-power is folly. Man and horses are flesh. The flesh profits us nothing; it is the Spirit that will bring life and peace. (Romans 8:6-8) Isaiah went on to tell the people the real key to all they needed. If they would just fear the Lord, they would have all the treasures of security, righteousness, justice, wisdom and knowledge. (Isaiah 33:5-6)
If you want a real tip for a winning ticket for life, don’t bet on the horses! Fear the Lord and humbly trust in Him and He will bless you with all your heart desires and far more!
“The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:5-6
The King in His Beauty!
Scripture reading for July 27th: Isaiah 31-35
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
Isaiah’s warning of judgment is followed by encouragement to those who looked to their King, God Himself, as their source of deliverance and protection. True peace comes from right living, daily choices to live life under God’s law and authority. This peace is a fruit that grows with daily obedience. When a person knows that they are righteous in God’s sight, they can have the quietness and confidence as a permanent state in their lives. They need not worry about death or judgment, or fear God’s fiery wrath. (Isaiah 33:14)
Some of the actions of the righteous are spelled out for the Israelites. “He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil. . .” (Isaiah 33:15) Righteousness is not just a religious state, but comes from a life that is under God’s authority. Choices are made to do what God directs, not what is popular or expedient. Money and manipulation don’t dominate the thinking and actions of those who walk with God.
There are rewards for the righteous in this life and in the life to come. Isaiah tells the righteous that God will protect them and provide for their bread and water. He will take care of them in the fiery troubles! But more than that daily care, they have a special privilege. “Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and view a land that stretches afar. . . Look upon Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; . . .There the Lord will be our Mighty One.” (Isaiah 33:17,20-21)
Jesus Christ has become our righteousness today. (2nd Corinthians 5:21) He is the King who came and bought our freedom from the power and penalty of sin. When we repent and rest in Him, we can have quietness and confidence forever! God will protect us and provide for all our needs while on our pilgrimage on earth. One day we will behold the King, Jesus Christ, in all His beauty! He will set up His throne in Jerusalem and rule the earth in peace for a thousand years! Praise the Lord!
Don’t bet on the horses!
Scripture reading for July 27th: Isaiah 31-35
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the Lord. Yet He too is wise and can bring disaster, He does not take back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked, against those who help evildoers. But the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out His hand, he who helps will stumble, he who is helped will fall; both will perish together.” Isaiah 31:1-3
Our city, state and nation are obsessed with gambling. Our state governor and elected officials are constantly trying to find a way to institute more revenue through gambling. The state horse racing industry is lobbying hard to add gambling casinos to the racetracks in hopes of snaring more money and preying on those with gambling addictions. I have been in Kentucky for eight years, and this issue has come up every year. Oh that the words of God recorded in the prophet Isaiah’s writing would be heard!
Now I know that Isaiah wasn’t writing about gambling. He wasn’t writing about horse racing either. He was writing to God’s people who had a tendency to trust in man and man’s ways rather than in the Lord and His ways. It was a problem in Isaiah’s day and is still a problem today. Trusting in man and horse-power is folly. Man and horses are flesh. The flesh profits us nothing; it is the Spirit that will bring life and peace. (Romans 8:6-8) Isaiah went on to tell the people what the real key to all that they needed was. If they would just fear the Lord, they would have all the treasures of security, righteousness, justice, wisdom and knowledge. (Isaiah 33:5-6)
If you want a real tip for a winning ticket for life, don’t bet on the horses! Fear the Lord and humbly trust in Him and He will bless you with all your heart desires and far more!
“The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:5-6