Cyrus - Prophesied Servant

Today's reading is from Isaiah 45, 46, 47, 48

Isaiah prophesied in the late 8th century B.C. (740 - 680). His prophecies covered the destruction of Israel's ten northern tribes as they were taken into captivity by the Assyrians. The Assyrians continued to dominate that area of the world throughout the 7th century.

SO, when Isaiah prophesied there was nothing but Assyria that could be seen as THE world power. Interestingly, Isaiah jumps over the Assyrians and sees the Babylonians as the ones who would destroy Judah (which happened in a period of time from 605 - 586 B.C., and the subsequent deliverance by the Persians under Cyrus in 536 B.C.

Now, I realize not everyone is a history buff, but the significance of the prophesies can't be ignored. Here is Isaiah, God's prophet, sometime in the late 8th, or early 7th century, prophesying the coming of a ruler who would deliver Judah from captivity - to send them back to the land and rebuild Jerusalem - when the country that was going to capture them wasn't even a world power, and there deliverance from that world power wasn't even known.

Prophecy isn't always this future specific; but in this case, it sure is a marvelous testimony to God's purposes being fulfilled - ultimately - no matter who the people.

As you read this passage, realize that all of this isn't to "wow" us with - look what God can do - but rather to cause us to have faith, even in the darkest of times.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Comments

Hands Full of Parcels

"A Man whose hands are full of parcels can't receive a gift." - C. S. Lewis Romans 4:13-16 (ESV) 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all... The last four days have been best described by the word "fatigue". It's not an uncommon word in our vocabulary. Listless, tired, sore. 1300 miles of car travel, being sick, not sleeping well, and eating poorly all add up to the word - fatigue. Someone onc...

The Tabernacle

The readings today are Exodus 36, 37, 38 I wanted to post some pictures of what these various parts of the Tabernacle looked like. It's not the easiest read in the world, but if you persevere through it, you can get a picture of all the different pieces that made up the tabernacle. It is a replica of the various parts of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness: First thing in the chapter listed is the outside of the tabernacle which consisted of curtains tied together and put on cross bars through loops. Next at the beginning of 37 is the table and lampstand: Also, the altar of incense: And, the altar for the burnt offering which was in the courtyard: Finally, the courtyard which made it all come together: Hope that helps with what it might have all looked like. Most importantly, this was their "place" of worship they were building. I hope you have a great day of worship. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The difference between defending and explaining

The news of recent has focused the suffering of Christians in the middle east who have been martyred for their faith in Christ at the hands of Islamic Terrorists. Through the centuries many Christians have lost their lives as a result of their faith. For us, who live in America, there is little chance that we would have this happen here - but it's entirely possibly that terrorism will strike out at Christians sometime. But, for many Christians in the western world - especially here in the U.S. - being a Christians who believes God's word there is a form of persecution that is defined by words like "ostracized", "passed over", "ridiculed", and more. What do we do in the face of opposition to faith? When the Apostle Peter writes to the early believers who are undergoing great pressure, even persecution for their faith in Jesus, he gives them this charge. 1 Peter 3:8-18 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly lov...

Elliott's Muses

Search This Blog