Isaiah 3-4

It is bad when the leaders of God's people are leading in the wrong direction.  Yet this is the case through much of this book.

"My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths" (3:12)

Yet throughout this magnificent book there are these bursts of Messianic hope!  The last paragraph of your reading to today is fantastic...don't quit until you've read it!

Read it here.

Isaiah 1-2

We are going to skip WAY ahead and read through the prophet Isaiah.  This prophet ministered for a long time, through several kings and a lot of political and spiritual turmoil.  He lived from about 740-701 B.C. - which places him more than 200 years after the days of King David.

As you read the opening pages, note the poetic imagery and vivid language.  This is more than a book of history - it is a rich story of God calling out to His people and their varied responses to His call.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 24

The end of David's reign.  This chapter ends with more death and destruction.  Israel's greatest king is still a far cry from being the Perfect King that the world was (and is) waiting for.

Just imagine, Christ-follower, what the coming Kingdom will be like when there is perfect peace and justice and love and compassion ... under the watchful care of the true High King.

Come Lord Jesus!

Read it here.

2 Samuel 22-23

"You rescue an afflicted people, 

but Your eyes are set against the proud--You humble them"

Wow - David knew this well!  Don't miss the radical dependence on God that David evidences - and his truly humble heart!  Let's learn these lessons through David that we might not have to learn them first hand!

Read it here.

2 Samuel 20-21

Again we are reminded that when we sin, the fingers of destruction continue to reach far and wide.  No one sins in isolation.  As you read of the ongoing effects of sin, ask God to give you a clean heart and to protect others from the impact of your own sin.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 18-19

"My son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!"

Is there a more gripping and pain-filled cry in all of the Scriptures?

Read it here.

2 Samuel 15-17

Insurrection.  And it is led by David's own son.  Though David's sin started this whole string of events, he is now going to remain in a humble posture before the Lord and entrust himself to God's providence.

Continue to put yourself in this unimaginable scene.  What are the lessons God has for you as you see the destructive path of sin and its residual consequences?

Read it here.