The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Isaiah

  • Philip

    “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”

    Acts 8:35

    Philip went to Samaria to share the Gospel Message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Many of the people believed in Jesus. Philip listened to God when He spoke to him – for when God sent him away from the many people who were being saved into a desert land, Philip went. While Philip was there, he met one man who was searching for the truth about Jesus. This man needed someone to teach him, and God sent Philip to be that one who could show him how to know Jesus.

    An Ethiopian eunuch had been to Jerusalem. He was on his way home, reading the writings of Isaiah. (Isaiah is the Major Prophet in the Old Testament which includes the most prophecies of Jesus.) The Spirit told Philip to join that chariot (see Acts 8:27-29). When Philip ran to meet that chariot, he heard the man reading from Isaiah, which told of the Messiah (Jesus) who was to come. Philip asked the Ethiopian if he understood what he was reading. “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:31). Philip immediately recognized that this man was open to hearing the message of Jesus. “32. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:32-33). This Scripture is from Isaiah 53:7-8. The eunuch asked of whom this was speaking. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). Philip preached Jesus right out of Isaiah chapter 53. Preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Philip told the Ethiopian Eunuch about Jesus. One can only imagine the message that Philip shared! The death and resurrection of Jesus was still recent enough that many people were still talking about the event, not fully understanding what had transpired. But Philip preached Jesus from the Old Testament Scriptures, revealing what had taken place.

    What was the Ethiopian Eunuch’s response to this “good news?” “… And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). This man understood that Jesus had died for sin, was buried, and lived again. By the Scriptures in Isaiah and Philip’s preaching, this Ethiopian Eunuch believed in his heart that, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” How had this happened? “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Because Philip was faithful to share the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, the Ethiopian Eunuch found Jesus and believed upon Him – and was saved.

    The Ethiopian Eunuch wanted to be baptized to identify his life with Jesus (see Romans 6:3-6). “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). Read the interesting thing that happened next. “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Philip disappeared, but the Ethiopian Eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

    Read what God had revealed to David, which he then recorded in the Psalms. “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” (Psalm 68:31). God knew that one day an Ethiopian Eunuch would go to Jerusalem to worship – searching for God (see Acts 8:27). (Also read Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 for God to hear a stranger calling to God.) God sent Philip to tell that Ethiopian Eunuch how to be saved. This should be an encouraging thing to understand that if someone is searching for God, God will send someone to show that person how to find Him. Just like God sent Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch. Read what is specifically written for each Christian: “13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14). Preacher means “apostles and teachers to preach, publish, or announce religious truth; the gospel with its privileges and obligations.” Every Christian can teach someone else the truth about Jesus. These verses in Romans were quoted from the Old Testament book of Isaiah (Isaiah 52:7). Notice that these verses are found in the chapter right before Isaiah 53 that tells about Jesus’ suffering death – the very chapter that the Ethiopian Eunuch had been reading! And God sent him one, Philip, so that that man could be saved.

    Believers are supposed to tell others about Jesus. Do you think that Ethiopian Eunuch who had been searching for Jesus, finally finding Him, told others how to meet Jesus? Imagine the people he was able to teach about Jesus once he returned home! Christians must understand the necessity of telling others about Jesus, so that that someone can tell can tell someone else. That is how the Gospel message has always been shared – from one person to another.

    Do you know of someone special that you can tell about Jesus.

  • Man of Sorrows

    “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. ”

    1 Timothy 1:16

    This amazing hymn was written many years ago. However, the truths revealed were recorded much longer ago.

    “Man of Sorrows! What a Name”

    1. “Man of Sorrows!” what a name
      For the Son of God, who came
      Ruined sinners to reclaim.
      Hallelujah! What a Savior!
    2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
      In my place condemned He stood;
      Sealed my pardon with His blood.
      Hallelujah! What a Savior!
    3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
      Spotless Lamb of God was He;
      “Full atonement!” can it be?
      Hallelujah! What a Savior!
    4. Lifted up was He to die;
      “It is finished!” was His cry;
      Now in Heav’n exalted high.
      Hallelujah! What a Savior!
    5. When He comes, our glorious King,
      All His ransomed home to bring,
      Then anew His song we’ll sing:
      Hallelujah! What a Savior!

    ~ Words and tune by Philip P. Bliss, published 1875

    The following verses in Isaiah 53 were foretelling of Jesus, the Saviour, who was to come:

    “2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”

    Read how Paul declared what Jesus did for him; one who was a sinner saved by grace. “12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:12-17).

    Have you recognized the Man of Sorrows who gave His life to save yours?

    Have you declared, “Hallelujah! What a Savior!”

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • The Cry of the Righteous

    “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

    Psalm 34:15

    There are three men that are mentioned as righteous in the Bible: Noah, Daniel, and Job. “Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 14:14). I would like you to consider Daniel, a man about whom we find nothing bad written.

    Do you remember when the men in King Darius’ court were searching to find “occasion against Daniel” but could not (see Daniel 6:4)? The only area in which they thought they could find something was between Daniel and the Law of his God (see Daniel 6:5). In other words, they were grasping at straws to find anything to use against him. They ended up deceiving the king to make a law (a royal statute) that would implicate Daniel. If you remember, God saved Daniel’s life by sending an angel to close the mouths of the lions (see Daniel 6:6-24).

    This same Daniel understood by the reading of “the books” (specifically of Jeremiah), that God would allow His people to return to the land of Israel after seventy years of captivity in the land of Babylon ended (see Daniel 9:2). Daniel believed God’s Word. Consider also, that by the reading of “the books”, he may have read the book of Isaiah that declared the leader who would allow the Israelites to return to their land. “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid” (Isaiah 44:28). This Cyrus was mentioned, by name, many years before he was even born.

    What would you do if you recognized that God had done exactly what He said He was going to do (allowed the Israelites to be taken captive into Babylon for seventy years)? What would you do if you read more of God’s Word, understanding what God still planned to do? Read what we are to understand: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

    Daniel began to pray (with fasting) to the Lord. He began by acknowledging who God is (see Daniel 9:4). Read some of his prayer. “5. We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: 6. Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land” (Daniel 9:5-6). One should recognize that he first admitted, “We have sinned”. He acknowledged that God’s people had not listened to the prophets who had warned them of this coming judgment from God. Daniel prayed on behalf of himself and all of the Israelites.

    Daniel acknowledged something very important. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee” (Daniel 9:7). Righteousness belongs to God, for only He is truly righteous. Daniel’s prayer is recorded in Daniel 9:5-19. Daniel understood that he was a sinner, just like every other person. He recognized that he, too, needed to repent before God. It would be good for all Christians to acknowledge this as well.

    Have you considered the importance of Daniel praying? After reading God’s Word (“the books”), he understood God had fulfilled the promise of the captivity of His people. In this prayer, Daniel is revealing his faith that God will fulfill His promise of allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland. However, by this prayer we can understand that Daniel acknowledged the sin of the people was the reasoning for the discipline of the captivity in Babylon. And Daniel was asking God to forgive them, in case the people had not adequately asked God for forgiveness. 

    An amazing thing happened while Daniel was praying. Gabriel, an angel from God, went to Daniel and gave him some of the most specific and amazing prophecy for all to know. Some has been fulfilled, and some will be fulfilled in the near future (see Daniel 9:20-27).

    What can we learn from Daniel in this instance? As we recognize God fulfilling promises found in His Word, we also understand there are things that God has not fulfilled – as of yet. Christians should pray. It is important for a Christian to remember: God is righteous, and even Christians are sinners. We are to acknowledge when we “have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy (God’s) judgments”. We then repent and return to God, forsaking the sin, and make sure we are living a life that is pleasing to God. It is then we will be able to recognize as God working in the world as He fulfills His Word in these days.

    Do you read God’s Word wanting to understand the plan He has in these days?

  • Who is He?

    “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

    Isaiah 9:6

    It is Christmas time again. Time for decorations, gifts, Christmas parties, visits to family, and so many other events that we consider Christmas celebrations. However, often times we forget what it is we are really to celebrate during the Christmas season.

    Most acknowledge that it is the birth of Jesus that we are to remember. Many even read the “Christmas Story” with family or friends. But have you ever taken the time to truly understand just who Jesus is?

    We remember the prophets of old told of One who would come. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). We even sing Christmas songs reminding us of this message. In that foretelling we are to understand, it is “The mighty God” who was to come. And He did. First, remember what the angel told Joseph in a dream in regards to Mary. “21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23). Next, remember what the angel told Mary. “31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). Both of these declared that Isaiah’s prophecy would be fulfilled in Jesus.

    After Jesus was born, we have record that the angels declared His birth to the shepherds who were watching their flocks by night (see Luke 2:1-20). They went to see the One who was “born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11b). After seeing Jesus, they went and told everyone they saw. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18).

    Later, we read that wise men came from the east, followed a star, and asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a). How did they respond when they found Him? “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

    We find many answers in the Bible as to who Jesus is. In describing Jesus, read the following verses:

    • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
    • “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).
    •  “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
    • “Jesus saith unto him [Thomas], I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
    • “11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:11-12).

    However, when specifically asked by Jesus, read what Peter understood. “15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16).

    When one really wants to know Jesus, the heart is touched. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

    The shepherds understood Jesus was a Saviour, Christ the Lord.

    The wise men understood Jesus was to be King of the Jews, and they worshipped Him.

    Thomas learned Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through Jesus.

    Many Jews did not receive Jesus, but those who believed upon Jesus became sons of God.

    Peter understood that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

    But, most importantly, who is Jesus to you, today?

    Have you believed, by faith, that Jesus is the Son of the Living God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Lesson 3: Isaiah 40-66: Grace and Salvation

    Key Verse

    I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

    —Romans 11:11

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse for this lesson. We learned in our last lesson that God’s people, as a whole, failed miserably at keeping God’s Law. Because of that, there would be judgment. However, in this lesson, we will find that because they failed to be the people God intended for them to be (“they stumbled”), which allowed a time where God opened the gift of salvation to the Gentile people. Understand that this was to show the Israelite people what God had intended for them – so that they would become jealous of Christians today! We will learn in our lesson today just what it was that the Israelite people missed.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that even though Israel failed in being a light to the world, this became an opportunity for Gentiles to become Christians. Christians must be the light to the world to show them Jesus!

    Lesson Summary: Remember what we have learned so far: Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of Uzziah (Azariah, a good king), Jotham (a good king), and during the days of King Ahaz (a very bad king). He also strongly influenced King Hezekiah, a very good king.

    In our last lesson, we saw the reality of a world apart from God, all those who do not obey God’s Law. There were ten burdens of destruction upon the nations, and six woes upon Jerusalem and Judah. Nevertheless, even with the words of destruction, there was a hope of restoration for God’s people. 

    In this lesson, we understand that there is a hope of Grace and Salvation pictured in the book of Isaiah. We discovered that the first thirty-nine books deal mainly with the judgments of God and the history of His people (remember this is the theme of the Old Testament). In this lesson, we will look at the last twenty-seven chapters understanding they deal with the grace of God as it is extended through His Messiah, and the promise of restoration (much like the theme of the New Testament). Not only this, but we understand that because Israel would never fully commit to God, God set them aside for a period of time. However, during that period of time, God opened the door for the Gentile people (an extension of grace) to have an opportunity to believe in Jesus (Salvation) – if only they would believe. Isaiah chapters 40-66 can easily be divided into three sections. Interestingly enough, right in the middle of the second section is Isaiah chapter 53. This chapter deals with the Messiah, Jesus. It is a vivid description of Jesus’ atoning death on the cross.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 3 Student Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson.

    We made footprints and glued them to construction paper (you could also trace the child’s foot onto the paper) along with Isaiah 52:7.

  • Lesson 2: Isaiah 1-39: The Law and Judgment

    Key Verse

    But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

    —Isaiah 64:6

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse. From this verse, understand that we are a sinful people who could never stand before a Holy God. Because of that, there is no hope from within to become a righteous people who could stand before God. In this lesson, we will see what becomes of people, and even nations, who because of sin cannot live. All who rejected God “fade as a leaf” because mankind’s sin “like the wind, have taken us away.”

    Emphasis: God gave the Law to reveal sin. Without that Law, no one would know right from wrong. However, the Law cannot save anyone, for it only brings judgment. Nevertheless, God promised the hope of salvation.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we remembered the call of Isaiah. We then looked at the book as a whole, trying to understand some of the interesting things about the book.

    In this lesson and the next one, we will look at something very interesting about the book of Isaiah. In the Bible, there are 66 books. Isaiah has 66 chapters. The 66 books of the Bible are divided into two main parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament has 39 books. The New Testament has 27 books. The book of Isaiah can also be divided into two main parts. The first 39 chapters deal mainly with the judgments of God and the history of His people (think of the theme of the Old Testament). The last 27 chapters deal with the grace God will extend through His Messiah and the promise of restoration (think of the theme of the New Testament). 

    The Day of the Lord is dealt with many times in the book of Isaiah. We will learn how this day relates to God’s people. Isaiah saw ten burdens on the nations. He also wrote how the Day of the Lord would relate to the world. He then listed the six woes upon Jerusalem. But through all of this, we will learn that in spite of the rejection of God and His Law among His people, God continually delivered them and promised restoration one day. He also reminded them that he would send Jesus. We will once again remember the time God saved Hezekiah from the invasion of Sennacherib. 

    Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of Uzziah (Azariah, a good king), Jotham (a good king), King Ahaz (a very bad king), and King Hezekiah (a very good king).

    This is our second of three lessons looking at the book of Isaiah.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, here is a craft idea to help them remember the lesson:

    We made a nativity scene with stickers to remember that Isaiah prophesied Jesus would be born. We included the verses Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6-7.

  • Isaiah: The Lord Saves Lesson 1

    Key Verse

    Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

    —Acts 8:35

    Key Verse Thought: Have you ever told anyone about Jesus, and what he has done in your life? Is it an important thing to do?  Today we will look at Isaiah.  Not only did he speak God’s Words to the kings of Judah, but he also wrote about Jesus.  We will learn of a time recorded in the Bible that someone was saved by reading the book of Isaiah.  

    Emphasis: Just as Isaiah wrote about Jesus, we are to tell everyone that Jesus came to save the lost. 

    Lesson Summary: The name Isaiah means the Lord saves; or the Lord is Savior. Isaiah was called to be a prophet the year King Uzziah (Azariah) died (Isaiah 6). He saw God upon His throne. God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” and Isaiah answered, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). 

    Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of King Ahaz, a very bad king, who made himself and the nation of Judah servants to their enemy, Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9). Isaiah warned against such alliances in Isaiah chapters seven through nine. He also strongly influenced King Hezekiah, a very good king, (see Isaiah 36-37) encouraging him to hold out against the Assyrian threat, and God supernaturally won the battle for them. He prophesied about 40 years (or more), and lived into the reign of Manasseh, one of the worst kings that ruled Judah. Tradition says that Manasseh had Isaiah “sawn asunder” (see Hebrews 11:37). He was a prophet to Judah before they were carried into captivity into Babylon and he warned them of that pending captivity. He saw Israel, the Northern Kingdom, carried away into captivity by Assyria.

    Many comparisons can be made from other places in the Bible to the book of Isaiah. We will look at a few of those comparisons along with some interesting things referred to in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is often quoted in the New Testament, and Jesus quoted from the book of Isaiah often. Remember, the Ethiopian Eunuch was reading the book of Isaiah when Philip showed him how to be saved. We can read much about Jesus in the book of Isaiah.

    Isaiah records many specific prophecies concerning the coming Messiah (Jesus) and his suffering death – more than any other book in the Old Testament.

    We will take three lessons to look at the book of Isaiah.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing the lesson with younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with the lesson.

    We made Bible markers to remember the importance of the Gospel message that is even found in the book of Isaiah.

  • A Light to the Gentiles

    “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
    Isaiah 60:3

    We are all familiar with the birth of Jesus that we often refer to as the “Christmas Story.” There had been about four hundred years without a new word from God or His prophets. Suddenly, we learn the angels begin to tell of the birth of Jesus that would soon be. When Jesus was born, the angels declared the birth of the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) to the shepherds who went to see Him. However, have you thought about what happened shortly after Jesus’ birth? 

    Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus had been born, and the shepherds had visited. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Notice the question these wise men asked, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). They went to the obvious place to find a newborn king: the palace (the king’s house) in the capital city, Jerusalem. Remember though, that the reigning king, Herod, was an illegitimate king appointed by the Roman government to rule over the Jewish people. Read how he responded to this news. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). To understand this verse better, you have to know a little about King Herod. He built many great buildings, but he was also known for his great jealousy and cruelty. He had his own wife and two sons put to death. That helps us better understand why when it was declared that a new king had been born, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” No one at the palace knew of a newborn king – but Herod wanted to find out. “4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (Matthew 2:4-6). The religious leaders had found the answer in God’s Word (in Micah 5:2). Notice that the chief priests and scribes were the ones who knew the answer – yet we do not read that any of them even went to look for this Governor, who would rule God’s people.

    When Herod called in the wise man to give them the answer, he sent them to search and find the child. Herod told these wise men to return and tell him where this new king was found so that he too, could go and worship him (see Matthew 2:7-8). When the wise men left, the star went before them until it stood over where the young child was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). But more than that: “11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way” (Matthew 2:11-12). They worshiped the child and presented Him with gifts. The Wise Men also heeded the warning from God and did not return to King Herod to tell him where the new king had been born.  

    God also warned Joseph of the pending danger (see Matthew 2:13-15a). Joseph obeyed God, and Jesus’ life was spared. And remember wicked King Herod? When he finally figured out that the wise men were not returning, he was angry. He had all the children two years old and under killed (see Matthew 2:16). However, what Herod did not know was that God had already moved Jesus to a safer place, protecting Him from wicked King Herod.

    Remember what Isaiah wrote hundreds of years earlier. “1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 6. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 6). Remember that there were about four hundred years of silence from God before Jesus was born (“darkness shall cover the earth”). Then angels appeared declaring Jesus, the Savior of the world, was coming (“his glory shall be seen upon thee”). Remember also that Jesus is the “Light of the world” (see John 8:12). Wise men (“Gentiles”) from the east brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (“they shall bring gold and incense”). It all happened just as God declared it would.

    Have you recognized Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord?

    How to be Saved

  • Seek the Lord While He May be Found

    “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
    Isaiah 55:6-7

    In the Old Testament, God’s people were primarily Israelites (Jews). There were rare exceptions when a Gentile left their people (and their false gods) to become one of God’s people who believed in the one true God (Ruth is an excellent example of this!). However, it was foretold that there would one day be a time when the invitation to join God’s family would become an open invitation to the Gentile people – until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. We live in those days. Moreover, it appears that those days may be coming to a close very soon. See the following verses: “25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26. And so all Israel shall be saved …” (Romans 11:25-26a). When God’s people rejected Jesus as their Messiah, declared vividly when Jesus was crucified, God began to close the door of salvation for the Jewish people “blindness in part is happened to Israel,” opening the door of salvation wide open for the Gentiles. The tables were turned: mainly Gentiles would be saved and few Jews during this time in history. However, soon the door will close for the Gentile nations, and God will open the door of salvation wide for the Jewish people. This is already beginning to happen.  

    A primary place this is told of is in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah chapters 54-55, we see a picture of the restoration of Israel that would happen one day, and a calling of the Gentile people. “Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee” (Isaiah 55:5). The following verses are a great invitation. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Notice the urgency in calling upon the Lord while He may be found. One cannot delay!

    Why do we need to turn to the Lord for forgiveness? “8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater” (Isaiah 55:8-10). What does this mean?

    When a person understands they are a sinner and that they need a Savior, they hear from someone about the Word of God (telling of Jesus’ atoning death), and that Word goes into the heart of a person much as a seed enters the soil. The watering of God’s Word causes the seed to bud. A person is then saved. It does not make sense to the average person (God’s ways are higher), but when they only believe, God can do His work! See what we understand just happened in that heart. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). When God’s Word is accomplished in the heart, that person is no longer a condemned sinner, but a new creature in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). How does one feel after they have asked Jesus into their heart? “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).  The whole earth will rejoice!

    Have you allowed God’s Word into your heart, believing in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Seek Good and not Evil

    “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.”
    Amos 5:14

    According to Amos 5:14, we are to seek good things in this world, not evil. Many times, God’s people had quit seeking good and were continually doing evil. God often sent a prophet to speak His words to the people; frequently it was when God’s people were in sin and rebellion. The prophets were sent to remind the people to seek God and follow His commands.

    If you think about it, the prophets had a fascinating role in history. Not only did God send His prophets to tell the people to seek God and follow His commands, but they were entrusted with God’s Word to be delivered to the people. Exposing the sins of the people and revealing the need for repentance (turning a humble heart back to God) took much courage. Although it was a difficult task, we see faithful men accomplish what God asked of them. Even when the people refused to listen at the time, we see God working to fulfill His plan. As students of the Bible, we should never be afraid to study the words written in the books of prophecy. Understand that God knew and chose these men. 

    God called Isaiah. God asked whom He could send; who would go? Isaiah answered God’s call to go and tell. He obeyed when God called.

    God knew Jeremiah before he was born. He knew Jeremiah would be a prophet for God (see Jeremiah 1:4-10). He called, prepared, sent, and promised to be with Jeremiah. Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years.

    Ezekiel was called by God to speak to the children who were born in captivity, for many of them would be the ones who would later return to Jerusalem after the seventy years of captivity. He helps us understand the importance of teaching our children about the things of God.

    Daniel proved himself worthy to be use by God when he refused to obey the king and instead chose to obey God’s commands. He and his three friends were not afraid to stand and choose to obey God rather than man. They are mighty examples for us to remain a separate and faithful people, despite adverse circumstances.

    The prophets were called such because they were messengers of God, men whom God called to proclaim “the word of the Lord” to His people, the Israelites. The Gentile nations were usually only mentioned as either a source of conflict with the nation or for being blessed because of Israel. Primarily, the prophets were to expose the sins of the people, revealing the need for repentance and to remind the people to obey God’s laws. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14). The prophets told of two very important events: the first and second coming of Jesus. They gave many insights as to the timing, the place, and even the manner in which He would come. Even when they could not fully understand everything they recorded in God’s Word for us to read today, they were faithful to obey God and His commands.

    Remember that God never gives us anything to do that He won’t help us complete, if we only will trust Him. Because only God knows all, we sometimes have trouble obeying when we don’t understand. As we read, we can understand that the prophets were faithful men who followed God, even when they didn’t completely understand. Sometimes the prophet held only a piece of the future events. These prophets each held different pieces of information given to them by God. Now we can read the entirety, put those pieces together, and see they all point to Jesus.

    Have you put the pieces together to see Jesus?

    Also seen on Lighthouse Gospel Beacon Blog.