Devotional Time with God

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace is one of those concepts in the Bible that I’ve been struggling with.  How can God send Jesus to die without asking anything in return?  The grace of God, by His love to me, is freely given.  Freely given to set me free from the bondage of sin.  He doesn’t want anything in return.  It’s free! I just have to believe that I’ve received it so I may be saved.  He doesn’t require good works.  He doesn’t attach any strings.  Just have faith in Him and I shall experience the grace of God.  It’s that simple.  What a glorious concept!  It’s incomprehensible, mind boggling, and makes me feel small compared to God’s potential.  It’s the way it should be because I’m nothing without God.  I have no significance without God.  My pride and sin will be no more, thanks to Jesus who came to this earth and took my sins away.  Indeed, Jesus has given me everything for nothing.

The study of the book of Isaiah begins with Chapter 1.

1. Isaiah described his message as a “vision” or prophecy, a sight/word from God. It concerns Judah and Jerusalem. He was concerned about their moral condition.
2. During his time, it was reigned by King Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, approximately 739-690 BC.
3. God called the heaven and earth as witnesses against Israel.
4. God brought charges to Israel for being rebellious children who don’t know their Father.
5. The nation was described as sinful and corrupt. It turned away from God.
6. God described the nation suffering wounds and sores, but still wanted more.
7. Jerusalem is besieged and the country side overthrown by strangers (The Asyrians).
8. God had left some survivors (remnant), otherwise it would have become like Sodom and Gomorrah.
9. God could not longer endure their “religious” activities: the hypocrisies and the meaningless offerings.
10. God would not answer their prayers, for their hands were full of blood.
11. The people must stop sinning and wash themselves clean from wrong doing. As well as do good, seek justice, reprove the oppressor, defend the fatherless and widow.
12. God still offer salvation even after the most wicked acts.
13. God offers blessings for those who obey, and dire consequences for those who are rebellious.
14. The corrupt condition of Jerusalem: was once a place for the faithful became a sinful place. Once full of justice became a place for murderers. A polluted city, corrupt officials, heartless, and not caring about its people.
15. God promised justice to the wicked and refuge for the righteous. He will purify Zion by getting rid of His enemies and restore Jerusalem back to a righteous and faithful city.
16. Those who forsake the Lord would be destroyed. God would make the people be ashamed of the idols (trees and gardens). They would be consumed like dry vegetation.

You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen. You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.

Isaiah 1:29-31