Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch.56-60, Ch. 61 GNT

Podcast Introduction

This is Prophecy Friday. We’ll read Isaiah 56-61. And the episode title is “Time To Wake up.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Unsplash+

Comments on Isaiah 56 and 57

In our reading today, the first eight verses chapter 56 explain that God wants to welcome all people, not just the Jews into His house. And then the last verses of the chapter chastise Israel's leaders...those who should be closest to God and able to lead people to Him. Verse 10 says: "The leaders who are to guard the people are blind; they don’t know what they are doing. All of them are like quiet dogs that don’t know how to bark. They lie down and dream and love to sleep."

Remember that last sentence. We're going to come back to it. Here it is again: "They lie down and dream and love to sleep."

Chapter 57's first 13 verses chastises the people of Israel. Since their religious leaders were asleep, is it any surprise that they were so far from God? And yet, He calls them to account, because their behavior was abhorrent to Him. In the final verses, 14-21, God promises that He will not always be angry with them, and He will in fact guide them and comfort them. He says in verse 19, "I will give peace, real peace, to those far and near, and I will heal them.”

What reason does God give for this? Verse 16 tells us, "I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry,

because then human life would grow weak. Human beings, whom I created, would die."

Despite our sin, God does not want us to die. That's what His plan of salvation is all about. That is why Jesus gave up the glories of Heaven to be born in a stable, and lived a sinless life, was crucified on a Roman cross and was resurrected on the third day. Because unless He did this, "Human beings, whom I created, would die." 

God loves us, beloved. He has made a way for you and me to be forgiven, despite our many failures, if we will just accept His gift.

When I read chapter 56, I was reminded of a song by Keith Green called Asleep In The Light. The first part of the song is very much like chapters 56 and 57 where God is chastising the leaders and the people. But the end of the song is a reminder of how it can be if we turn to him. 

We need to wake up, beloved. I want to be ready when Jesus comes for me.

How about you?

Links from James Cooper

Mince Pies

Christmas Crackers

Swedish Christmas Customs

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Transcript

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Isaiah 56-61: Time to Wake Up (LSFAB S13E069)

[TEASER - 0:00]All of them are like quiet dogs that don't know how to bark.

[INTRO S13E069 - 0:11]Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, and podcasting since 2004, I'm your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is a daily podcast and together we're reading the entire Bible in a year. The website is lifespringmedia.com. How's your day going? We're in the busy Christmas season and I hope you're finding or making some time to relax and reflect on what all the hubbub is really all about, the birth of the Messiah, the Savior, who gave up the glories of heaven to embark on the most important mission in all of eternity.

This is Prophecy Friday. We'll read Isaiah 56 through 61. And I'm calling the episode "Time to Wake Up."

We'll have Christmas question number nine today and the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, curious as always, has a question about James Cooper's favorite Christmas traditions. Of course, our Christmas expert James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for her.

And on yesterday's show,