Isaiah 26-29; Psalm 64; 1 Corinthians 4
Isaiah 26-29
Isaiah emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord for true peace and stability: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal" (Isaiah 26:3-4). True peace (shalom) comes only from God, as He is the One who establishes all things: "Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished, You have done for us" (Isaiah 26:12).
Isaiah also warns about the danger of the people and priests neglecting God's law: "But they also have erred through wine and intoxicating drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink" (Isaiah 28:7). He criticizes those who treat God's commands lightly, reducing them to mere rules: "For it is: do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there" (Isaiah 28:10). As a consequence, foreign invaders will bring judgment on Israel: "Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people" (Isaiah 28:11).
The prophet reminds Israel that proper security and salvation can only come from the Messiah, not human alliances: "So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic" (Isaiah 28:16).
Psalm 65
Psalm 65 praises God's greatness and awe-inspiring justice. It praises God for His mighty acts and His worthiness to receive vows: "Praise awaits You, our God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled" (Psalm 65:1). The psalmist reflects on God's majesty, righteousness, and the blessings He bestows on those who trust in Him.
1 Corinthians 4
In addressing the church in Corinth, Paul speaks about the freedom he has in Christ, emphasizing that he is accountable to God, not to human judgment: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:3-4). This highlights a crucial aspect of Christian life: living with integrity before God rather than seeking human approval.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to imitate him as he follows Christ: "Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason, I have sent you Timothy, my son whom I love and faithful to the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church" (1 Corinthians 4:16-17). Paul's life was a model of humility, service, and dedication to Christ, which he invites the Corinthians to follow.
Isaiah emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord for true peace and stability: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal" (Isaiah 26:3-4). True peace (shalom) comes only from God, as He is the One who establishes all things: "Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished, You have done for us" (Isaiah 26:12).
Isaiah also warns about the danger of the people and priests neglecting God's law: "But they also have erred through wine and intoxicating drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink" (Isaiah 28:7). He criticizes those who treat God's commands lightly, reducing them to mere rules: "For it is: do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there" (Isaiah 28:10). As a consequence, foreign invaders will bring judgment on Israel: "Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people" (Isaiah 28:11).
The prophet reminds Israel that proper security and salvation can only come from the Messiah, not human alliances: "So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic" (Isaiah 28:16).
Psalm 65
Psalm 65 praises God's greatness and awe-inspiring justice. It praises God for His mighty acts and His worthiness to receive vows: "Praise awaits You, our God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled" (Psalm 65:1). The psalmist reflects on God's majesty, righteousness, and the blessings He bestows on those who trust in Him.
1 Corinthians 4
In addressing the church in Corinth, Paul speaks about the freedom he has in Christ, emphasizing that he is accountable to God, not to human judgment: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:3-4). This highlights a crucial aspect of Christian life: living with integrity before God rather than seeking human approval.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to imitate him as he follows Christ: "Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason, I have sent you Timothy, my son whom I love and faithful to the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church" (1 Corinthians 4:16-17). Paul's life was a model of humility, service, and dedication to Christ, which he invites the Corinthians to follow.
Posted in Reading Bible Together