Today´s reading:
OT: Isaiah 57:15-21, Isaiah 58-59
NT: Philippians 1
Ps: Psalm 71
Pr: Proverbs 24:9-10
Today´s notable verses:
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)
This is the beauty of Christianity: our piety is revealed not in our observance of rituals or outward shows, but in sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others – in bringing to others the spiritual and physical freedom we have found for ourselves in Christ.
16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.
17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.Isaiah 59:16-17 (NIV)
First, we see here the recognition that none but God Himself could accomplish the redemption of humanity and our reconciliation to righteousness. Not other heavenly beings, and certainly not man himself, but God alone. Second, I must say, I never before today knew that Paul borrowed from Isaiah in his Armor of God passage in Ephesians 6. Yet again, we see the beautiful consistency between Old and New Testament.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
I absolutely love this philosophy! Our ultimate gain is not found until our death, yet while we remain alive we have the unique opportunity to demonstrate and allow the power of God to work in our lives through Christ.
The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.