Reading for February 22nd

 Read Isaiah 2.5- 22. In verses 5-11: Seeking commercial prosperity and success, neglected its spiritual foundations. On that day (v. 11) point to an indefinite time of God's judgment and comes to refer to the great judgement and renewal for Judah and all the nations (see Isa 25.9). In verses 12-22: The prophet depicts God's punishment of human pride through the image of bringing down natural features such as tall trees and high mountains (vv. 12-15). Arrogance is the root of idolatry (vv. 19-20), the belief that human beings can control the divine realm. The day of the Lord (v. 11) now points to God's judgment against human violence and disregard of the divine laws. The ships of Tarshish (v. 16) were the famed ships of the maritime nations of the Mediterranean. In Gen 10.4 Tarshish is a great-grandson of Noah, but several biblical references to it as a place point to its fame as a source of trade, especially trade in precious metals. It is often located in the southwestern Spain, but probably more than one site where mining and metal-refining took place bore such a name. Comments or Questions..

Reading for February 21st

 Read Isaiah 2.1- 4. In 2.1-22: Jerusalem: Its destiny and wrongdoing. In verses 1-4: From the time of David's adoption of the city as his capital, Jerusalem had been celebrated as the place to which many nations paid homage and brought tribute (Ps 2.2-11). This memorable prophecy reinterprets this theme, giving divine assurance that the city will become a center from which God's law will be administered among the nations (the city's name is related to the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom" peace, God's purpose for all nations (v. 4), can only come when there is justice. Comments or Questions..

Reading for February 20th

 Read Isaiah 1.21-31. As a royal city, Jerusalem was a center for the administration of justice over which the king resided. the failure to uphold such justice allowed the most serious crimes to go unpunished. God would therefore have to take action, not only against the criminal wrongdoers, but also against those whose indifference encouraged evil deeds. In verse 29: The oaks were simple rustic shrines, devoted to fertility and the gods and goddesses who believed to guarantee life-giving power. Comments or Questions..

Reading for February 19th

 Read Isaiah 1.10-20. Criticism of the Temple rituals and prayers show that without justice and compassion their are meaningless to God, who ignores them. Comments or Questions....

Reading for February 18th

 Read Isaiah 1.1-9. In 1.1-20: The ruin and desolation of Jerusalem and the land of Judah. In verses 1-9: The portrayal of the desolation of the land and the isolated situation of Jerusalem probably refers to the events of 701 BCE in which the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, laid siege to the city (see 36.1-37.38). Such attacks were repeated in later times and hence provide a context for the whole book. The prophet's rebuke shows how the people's own wrong doing brought about their misfortunes. In verse 8: The booth and shelter in vineyard and field were watchmen's huts set up to protect the vines and crops. Comments or Questions..

Reading for February 17th

 Read Ephesians 6.21-24. In 6.21-24: Epistolary closing. In verse 21: Tychicus, 4.7; 2 Tim 4.12; Titus 3.12; Acts 20.4-6. In verse 22: Col 4.8. Comments or Questions.

Reading for February 16th

 Read Ephesians 6.10-20. In 6.10-20: A call to arms and prayer for strength to proclaim truth.  In verse 14: Ephesians 4.25. In verse 17: Helmet of salvation, Isa 59.17. The sword of the Spirit,the word of God, the only offensive weapon. In verses 18-20: On the importance of prayer throughout Ephesians, see 1.15-23; 3.14-21. In verse 20: The ambassador is an envoy sent on behalf of another. Chains suggest dishonor. Yet the writer accepts the title and only asks for boldness. Comments or Questions..