Three & One

Isaiah is exhausted, feeling as though his strength was spent and his work was worthless. God encourages Isaiah from another perspective with another prophecy. And, even Paul the apostle warns against weariness.

4-189 - Isaiah 46-48 and 2 Thessalonians 2

He who formed Israel says, “Fear not.” over and over and over again. Idolatry is outlined as futile, foolish and kind of embarrassing. Israel is not forgotten. Judah will be restored. Cyrus is called by name. And Paul writes his second letter to the Thessalonians.

God comforts His people and reassures them that HE is for them, HE will help them and HE will strengthen them. Reminding them and warning them about the futility of idols. And, the Apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the return of the Lord Jesus.

The Rabshakeh returns with lies and intimidation. Hezekiah seeks the Lord. The Lord answers in power with one angel and the Assyrians are defeated. Hezekiah prays a dangerous and destructive prayer. And, Paul gives direction on life and hope for the next.

God fast forwards to look at the destruction of these heavens and this earth. Then backs up to look at the destruction of Edom and the return of the remnant. We are also reintroduced to the Rabshakeh. And, Paul continues to communicate his affection for the Thessalonians.

The Assyrians have conquered the North. The Assyrians are threatening to conquer the south. Jerusalem and Judah are tempted to turn to Egypt instead of the Lord. God is waiting and wanting to help. And, Paul pours out his heart for the Thessalonians.

God desires to feed and strengthen His people with the Word of God, line upon line, precept upon precept. But, arrogance and apathy interrupted God’s people from receiving His word and so they suffered the consequences. And, we begin the book of 1 Thessalonians.

Isaiah praises God for judgement and for salvation, singing a song of praise. Can God be glorified in the destruction of a wicked city, or even a wicked country? Isaiah seems to think so. And Paul give his final instructions and encouragements to the Colossians.

A prophecy against Jerusalem. A prophecy against Tyre. A prophecy against the whole Earth. And, Paul teaches us how our identity determines our actions, as wives, as husbands, as children, as Fathers, as employees and as employers.

A proclamation against Egypt, presently. A prophecy for Egypt’s future when the Savior comes. An interesting sign against Egypt and Ethiopia. The fall of Babylon proclaimed. Prophecies against Edom and Arabia. And, Paul contrasts religion with relationship.

A message about Moab. A prophecy and proclamation against Damascus. A prophecy and proclamation against Ethiopia. And, Paul writes to the Colossians concerning being reconciled by Christ and responding to Christ in faith.

A Proclamation against Babylon. Mercy on Jacob. The fall of Lucifer. Babylon destroyed. Assyria destroyed. Philistia destroyed. Proclamation against Moab. And Paul encourages the Philippians to find peace in prayer, praise and practice.

Arrogant Assyria will be judged. The remnant of Israel will return. Out of the roots of Jesse, One will reign. Salvation will come from God and we will sing a hymn of praise. And here, now, we forget what’s behind and press on to what’s ahead.

Immanuel is given as a sign from God. An exhortation against conspiracy causing anxiety. Pronouncements of possible salvation and inevitable judgement. And, we are encouraged to have the mind of Christ.

The Day of the Lord, The Branch of the Lord, a song, a lament and a judgement from the hand of God. An invitation to be an ambassador for God. And, Paul writes how prison helped others to preach.

Isaiah sees the wickedness of Judah, the wickedness of Jerusalem, the future judgement on Judah, the future judgment on Jerusalem and God’s invitation to salvation, even in the midst. And, Paul tells us to put on ALL the armor of the Lord.

Solomon and the Shulamite seem to enjoy mixing their metaphors, in love, as the Song of Songs comes to a close. And, Paul teaches us to walk in love, to walk in light, to walk in wisdom and to walk in mutual submission.

Wedding preparations are made. The Shulamite and Solomon are about to be husband and wife, as each express their love, appreciation, passion and attraction for each other. And, Paul encourages us to walk worthy of our calling.