Category: Isaiah: A Personal Devotional Journal

The Holy Spirit Comes: Isaiah Devotional Journal 71

In his book, Isaiah writes of two topics: 1) the coming Messiah and 2) the dismal failure of Israel as a whole to embrace God as their King. Chapter 32 encompasses both of these topics. Because the time markers fail to represent accurately the concrete-literal history of Israel, it is good biblical hermeneutics to interpret the language of this chapter spiritually. Using concrete-literal language, Isaiah prophesies the spiritual demise of one kingdom and the arrival of a new King. The new kingdom will be eternal. … Continue readingThe Holy Spirit Comes: Isaiah Devotional Journal 71

A Messianic Kingdom Part Two: Isaiah Journal 70

“Isaiah 32:1-8 describes the messianic King and his followers. The flow of the Septuagint in Isaiah 32 is smooth. The verses connect well one with another, as they keep the focus upon the King of verse 1. The king, though no longer directly mentioned, interacts with the sick and the weak of later verses. The Masoretic, on the other hand, takes a step into stiff formality. The “king who reigns in righteousness” is almost forgotten in the later verses. Unlike the Septuagint, the Masoretic passage appears to be more about a certain prophesied period of time, rather than a person. The poignant prophesy of the Septuagint dissolves into a mechanical abstraction in the Masoretic.” … Continue readingA Messianic Kingdom Part Two: Isaiah Journal 70

Jesus the Rushing River of Life: Isaiah Devotional Journal 69

Please understand. Jesus incarnate was always God. He never ceased being God. Yet he was also a man. His death remains a mystery, like the Trinity itself. Nevertheless, I know that Jesus thirsted. And I know that his experience on the cross was very dark. And I’m thankful that he did this for me. For me and for you and for everyone who brings their thirst to him. … Continue readingJesus the Rushing River of Life: Isaiah Devotional Journal 69

Septuagint Isaiah 30:20-21: Devotional Journal 66

A very favorite quotation from Isaiah tells a different story in the Septuagint. See Isaiah 30:20-21 from a quite different angle. The plot of Septuagint Isaiah 30:19-26 relates the spiritual journey of new believers. Following lies from birth, a person reaches the …bottom of their pit. Crying out to the Lord for help, he responds. He opens their blind eyes and deaf ears. New believers see their deceivers as such and discern the voice of truth and error. They understand the deceptions of their former way of life …As they continue to follow the Lord’s straight path (his teaching), they progress in the Lord’s way. And he blesses them with spiritual growth and prosperity. … Continue readingSeptuagint Isaiah 30:20-21: Devotional Journal 66

Isaiah 30 Septuagint-Two Kingdoms: Journal 64

God is willing to extend mercy, but he will do so only on his own terms. His terms involve his own exaltation (the cross)… The crux is that salvation only comes through the cross of Christ, whether your name is Israel, Judah, or Gentile. There is no difference (Galatians 3:27). “All Israel” will not be saved until all Israel does it God’s way in Christ. … Continue readingIsaiah 30 Septuagint-Two Kingdoms: Journal 64