Tag: Isaiah 56:6-7
Prayer is a priority!
Scripture reading for September 26th: 1st Timothy 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Timothy 2:1-6 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men– the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.”
Paul urged Timothy to make prayer a priority. Jesus taught that God’s house should be a house of prayer for all people. Paul expanded on Christ’s instructions to urge prayer especially for kings and those in authority. God places people in positions of authority with the purpose of punishing the evil-doers and protecting and commending the righteous. When authority does it’s rightful job, believers can live quiet lives and promote the gospel without hindrances from law-breakers and those opposed to God. Jesus Christ is our High Priest who has interceded for all men on the Cross and now prays for them exalted to God’s right hand!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers are men and women of prayer who prioritize prayer for people in authority in the home, church and government. “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship Him. . . .these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:6-7)
A House of Prayer for all Nations!
Scripture reading for February 24th: Mark 11
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 11:15-17 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’?” But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'”
Jesus was beginning His last week ministering on earth as a man. He went to the temple the first evening and just observed what was going on and then quietly left. (Mark 11:11) The next day Jesus returned to the temple and began to drive out the money-changers and those who bought and sold sacrifices. He upset their tables and their “apple cart!” His problem was with the purpose of the temple: God designated it a place of prayer for all nations! (See 1st Kings 8:23-61) The activities of buying and selling were hindering people in their sincere approach to God! God desired to give all people joy in His house of prayer as they received answers and forgiveness through drawing near to Him. (Isaiah 56:6-8) Jesus used this cleaning of the temple again to emphasize and teach His desire for all nations to commune with Him and the Father.
Observations for over-comers: Jesus is zealous for His house and has designated it a “house of prayer for all nations.” His Church must joyfully allow the Spirit freedom to direct them in prayer for the nations! “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord and to worship Him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to My covenant–these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer.” (Isaiah 57:6-7)