Today’s Reading: Isa 44:1–45:13, Luke 17:11–18:8, Job 10:1–10

Today’s Theme: Faith in the incomparable God

No one can be compared to God, no one else is in His class or on His level. No one can take the “God Test” and pass. We also learn that we should have persistent faith in God and should avoid distorted pictures of God.

Isaiah 44:1–45:13

The God Test!

Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. (Isaiah 44:7, ESV)

God lays down the challenge for all eternity, He alone is God and worthy of worship. God lays down a test to all men, the idols men create and demons who all want to make a claim on being a god or on the same level as God. The challenge is this “tell the future with accuracy”.

The only one who can see the end from the beginning and actively brings His word to pass is God. It is a unique attribute that cannot be copied, we see God declaring His uniqueness over against the false gods throughout today’s Old Testament passages in Isaiah 44:8, 24-26, 28 and Isaiah 45:1, 3-7, 9, 11.

God demonstrates this unique ability with remarkable accuracy by calling Cyrus by name and in so doing declaring His sovereignty even over pagan kings to use them for His purposes and to bring glory to His name.

Rejoice in the proof of prophecy we have in the Bible which confirms the Bible as the word of God and our God as the only God who remains in sovereign control of His creation and has saved us by His great power.

Luke 17:11–18:8

Persistent Faith in God

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:7–8, ESV)

Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to encourage us to have persistent faith when we pray to God. We need to know that God will answer our prayers, granting us the justice we seek because we are his elect children.

This ties in with the previous chapter where Jesus explains the signs of the arrival of the kingdom which included His incarnation on the earth and events like the helping of the lepers. He goes on to explain the signs of the coming kingdom (future).

It all ties in, in the sense that Jesus does not want us to focus on the calendar trying to predict when He will return to bring the kingdom of God in its fullness, instead we should put our trust and faith in God and be persistent in that faith because when He returns that is what He is looking for.

Jesus is not retuning for His people who must have an understanding of eschatology (the study of the last days), no, He is returning for a people who in the middle of the last days put their trust in Him. As Paul said we are already in the last days so let’s put our faith, trust and focus on our incomparable God.

Job 10:1–10

A skewed picture

Does it seem good to you to oppress, to despise the work of your hands and favor the designs of the wicked? (Job 10:3, ESV)

Job has a skewed picture of God in this passage. The sheer pressure of his current situation is affecting his thoughts and causing him to accuse God of oppressing and despising him.

We need to hold onto our faith in God despite our circumstances and know that God does not change. We can appeal to Him like the widow in today’s parable and He will answer our prayers and deliver us.

From 17th until 23rd August the Daily Bible Reading notes will take a shorter summarised format for the summer break.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 17 and Luke 18

Today’s Reading: Isa 42:10–43:28, Luke 16:1–17:10, Job 9:25–35

Today’s Theme: Look to see

We need to look in order to truly see. If we do not open our eyes and look, how can we see? We need to hear the word and should give thanks to Jesus our mediator.

Isaiah 42:10–43:28

Look to See

Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see! (Isaiah 42:18, ESV)

Today’s Old Testament passage is so full of rich truth but we will only be focusing on one point.

Yesterday we looked at the prophecy of the servant of the Lord, who would bring deliverance to Israel and the world, this is Jesus. We read about Him again today in the early part of our passage but now the servant being spoken about is Israel as a nation.

God calls them to attention and it sounds like a contradictory statement, asking the deaf to hear and the blind to see.

This is the point, we may hear and see many things but miss the message God is giving us because we are not actually paying attention. We need to consciously decide to look, to linger and think about what we are looking at and have our ears open to listen to God’s message.

Look in order to really see and listen in order to really hear.

Much of the rest of today’s passage is speaking about God’s faithfulness and love towards Israel and their restoration which we are seeing in our own day. Let’s pray that they would look and see right past religion and tradition to see the God who loves them and the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Luke 16:1–17:10

Hear the word

And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ” (Luke 16:30–31, ESV)

This parable makes clear to us the reality of the afterlife and the suffering of hell. The sinful nature of the rich man in hell has not changed and reveals itself in the simple words “No”.

Abraham had told the man that his brothers had the words of Moses and the prophets and that through these words they could escape hell. The man refuses the simple submission to the word of God as the solution, he proposes the fantastical idea of someone rising from the dead with tales of woe.

The fact is one did rise from the dead, Jesus, and yet men remain unrepentant. The problem is what we noted before, they have ears but do not listen and eyes but do not see.

We pray today that sinners would not look for stories of people who have apparently seen heaven or hell but would instead listen and pay attention to the gospel found in the Bible.

There is a lot more to consider from today’s New Testament reading including being faithful in little, walking in forgiveness, having faith and being dutiful servants.

Job 9:25–35

Jesus the mediator

There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both. (Job 9:33, ESV)

Although some of Job’s context was wrong and his understanding of the character of God was skewed, seeing Him as a heartless, capricious judge when in fact the Old Testament often speaks of His mercy and loving kindness. It is however true that until Jesus came there was no mediator between man and God.

We give God thanks that we do have a mediator, God’s servant, Jesus.

From 17th until 23rd August the Daily Bible Reading notes will take a shorter summarised format for the summer break.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 16 and Luke 17

Today’s Reading: Isa 41:1–42:9, Luke 15:1–32, Job 9:20–24

Today’s Theme: God’s Faithful Servant

Today we observe Jesus as God’s faithful servant, see what it is to be a bad servant and who the devil’s servants are.

Isaiah 41:1–42:9

Jesus, God’s Servant

“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:6–7, ESV)

Earlier in today’s Old Testament reading we heard God telling the people that they should not fear but trust in Him. We then see God judge the false idols and idol worshippers who have no power to help anyone.

Now we see the prophecy of God’s solution in the form of a chosen and faithful servant in whom God delights. He will be meek, humble, determined, focussed, powerful and will bring justice and light to the nations. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus.

Through Jesus the prison doors are opened, the blind receive their sight and light comes to those in darkness. Jesus is the revelation of God, God’s great name, the answer to all the false gods.

Thank God today that Jesus was obedient even to the death on the cross as God’s servant and thus forming a new covenant by which we are now saved.

Luke 15:1–32

The bad servant

but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. (Luke 15:29, ESV)

Learn the double lesson from the parable Jesus taught of the prodigal son. Both sons were in need of repentance, grace and mercy. The first is obvious because his sin was one for the world to see, the second, from the older brother, was far more subtle and harder to see.

The older brother was serving but with the wrong heart and attitude. If we are serving God begrudgingly, always complaining and bellyaching about the woes of service for the Lord, how hard it is and seeking some kind of recognition or reward then we need to refocus our hearts on loving God and serving Him from that place.

Don’t be a bad servant like the older brother, be a good and faithful servant like Jesus.

Also remember, as the rest of the New Testament passage illustrates, that we were all like the lost sheep or coin and God sought us and found us. We should humbly repent and be gracious to others who need the same grace we have been shown.

Job 9:20–24

The devil’s servants

The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; he covers the faces of its judges— if it is not he, who then is it? (Job 9:24, ESV)

This same sentiment, which is of course incorrect, is expressed everywhere today. It goes something like this “if there is a God, why is there so much suffering in the world” or “God is cruel to allow all these things to happen”.

These are popular, non-biblical views of the sovereignty of God. Winding all events down to God’s responsibility and letting evil men and spirits off scot-free.

The fact is the devil has servants in the form of evil spirits and all men under sin are by default slaves to sin and so slaves to the devil. The responsibility for the evil in the world lies squarely at the feet of sin and it’s agents.

Combat this lie today and point people to God’s faithful servant Jesus Christ and the provision that has been made through Him.

From 17th until 23rd August the Daily Bible Reading notes will take a shorter summarised format for the summer break.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 15

Today’s Reading: Isa 39:1–40:31, Luke 14:1–35, Job 9:12–19

Today’s Theme: Heralds for God

Today’s lessons remind us that we are God’s heralds, called to proclaim His message to the ends of the earth. Our message should be salty (explained below) and not the wrong message. Go spread the good news today.

Isaiah 39:1–40:31

Behold your God

Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” (Isaiah 40:9, ESV)

We have been called to proclaim the good news as heralds of our king. We go out and declare His kingship, greatness and goodness through the proclamation of the Gospel.

The word used for herald in this verse literally means messenger of good news, bring good news, to tell, to announce and publish. The sense is “to announce or convey a message of positive information about recent and important events”. It is connected to the word euangelion which is to evangelise.

We call upon all men to behold the greatness and wonder of God. To consider the rewards and payments He will give, to know Him as a shepherd, to acknowledge Him as creator, the God who is eternal and does not grow weary and by His power can strengthen those who wait on Him (serve Him).

The Good News we proclaim is the Gospel that through God’s only Son Jesus Christ, by His life, death and resurrection a way has been made in the wilderness for man to be with God. To be forgiven of their sins and to escape the wrath to come.

Luke 14:1–35

A salty message

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 14:34–35, ESV)

Our Christian distinctiveness must be evident, sharp, clear and without confusion. We must enhance the taste of the world around us and give the taste of the Gospel with its sharp and distinct flavours of justice and grace and not the mushy pea tastelessness of compromise.

As heralds of the king our message must be clear, full bodied and seasoned to be appealing to the taste buds. So our presentation of the gospel matters, if our lives do not match up to the message then our message is not salty but bland and without taste which is useless and unappealing.

We are called to be disciples who count the cost and therefore live the message we speak which gives the message real power and authenticity to those who hear it.

As you meditate on this point today consider the uses of salt which include being a seasoning, a fertiliser and a preservative.

Job 9:12–19

The wrong message

If I summoned him and he answered me, I would not believe that he was listening to my voice. (Job 9:16, ESV)

Job has the wrong picture of God here as an unloving God who is too high to listen to the concerns of a mere man. Scripture and our experience of walking with the Lord tell us the opposite, God cares, listens and responds.

We must ensure the image we portray of God as His heralds is true to scripture and reality. We must not paint God as just angry and unapproachable or as so “loving” that He lets us get away with everything.

The true picture of God can only be found in the Bible and is best expressed through His Son Jesus the Christ.

From 17th until 23rd August the Daily Bible Reading notes will take a shorter summarised format for the summer break.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 14

Today’s Reading: Isa 37:14–38:22, Luke 13:1–35, Job 9:1–11

Today’s Theme: The only God

Today’s lesson is that God alone is God, the choice to repent or perish and the fact that God wins.

Isaiah 37:14–38:22

The only God

So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.” (Isaiah 37:20, ESV)

We boldly declare that God is the only God, there are no other gods, idols are not true gods neither are demons or men. Only God is God.

This is one of the most important developments in the biblical narrative, that there is only one God, Lord, Creator, Redeemer and King worthy of worship.

We remember this today as we pray to God, knowing He alone is God and so can do anything. Hezekiah prays with great wisdom, he appeals to God’s desire to glorify His name in the earth and spread His fame as the one and only God over and above the false gods of men.

God answered this prayer of Hezekiah declaring He had determined to defeat the enemy long ago and sent his angel against the enemies army. Later when Hezekiah prays for God to extend his life, God also responds. God’s ability to answer these prayers makes clear that our God is sovereign over all. This truth should strengthen our faith as we approach God in prayer today.

Luke 13:1–35

Repent or perish

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5, ESV)

Jesus makes clear that the thoughts of those in Israel reflected the same thoughts as expressed in Job and in today’s world. This was the understanding that disaster was connected to sin and judgement.

Jesus does away with this faulty understanding of natural disasters and bad events by summing all men up in the same predicament. We will all face death and the judgement that comes after death so we are all called to repent. We must turn from our sin, or we will perish eternally in Hell. This is not God’s desire for you which is why He calls us to repent.

When we truly repent we will also bear fruits of repentance that God and men can eat from our lives like forgiveness, love, kindness and mercy. We will strive to live for God in holiness and enter the straight gate to eternal life.

It is significant that our women’s conference was held recently and our reading includes the account of the woman with the issue of blood who Satan had bound for many years. Jesus comes and sets her free which is a picture of the freedom we receive in Christ when we repent of our sin.

Job 9:1–11

God wins

If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand times. He is wise in heart and mighty in strength —who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded? – (Job 9:3–4, ESV)

God is the only God, He is sovereign and if God is put on trial He will always win. Don’t fight a losing battle, repent and believe the Gospel, you can not harden yourself against the only God and win.

Thank God that we are made righteous by Christ before God.

From 17th until 23rd August the Daily Bible Reading notes will take a shorter summarised format for the summer break.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 13