Refreshing Bible Study

Refreshing Bible Study

Weekly Reading: Isaiah Chapters 18-22

Focal Chapter: 21

My Reward: Isaiah 21:11-12 (ESV), July 29, 2018

Scripture focus for me: Isaiah 21:11-12 (ESV), 11 The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?” 12 The watchman says: “Morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; come back again.”

Why did this scripture engage me: Confession time! I didn’t have anything to catch my attention, so I turned to the experts. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise); Commentary on Isaiah 21:11,12, God's prophets and ministers are as watchmen in the city in a time of peace, to see that all is safe. As watchmen in the camp in time of war, to warn of the motions of the enemy. After a long sleep in sin and security, it is time to rise, to awake out of sleep. We have a great deal of work to do, a long journey to go; it is time to be stirring. After a long dark night is there any hope of the day dawning? What tidings of the night? What happens to-night? We must never be secure. But many make curious inquiries of the watchmen. They would willingly have nice questions solved, or difficult prophecies interpreted; but they do not seek into the state of their own souls, about the way of salvation, and the path of duty. The watchman answers by way of prophecy. There comes first a morning of light, and peace, and opportunity; but afterward comes a night of trouble and calamity. If there be a morning of youth and health, there will come a night of sickness and old age; if a morning of prosperity in the family, in the public, yet we must look for changes. It is our wisdom to improve the present morning, in preparation for the night that is coming after it. Inquire, return, come. We are urged to do it quickly, for there is no time to trifle. Those that return and come to God, will find they have a great deal of work to do, and but little time to do it in.

Change my life: As I awaken each morning (dawn) I will rely on the wisdom of God to fill my store houses with His word, doing good to all through the love of Jesus. Practicing in all faith those things which He guides to do, say and be during the days that I am able. Knowing that the time will come (night) when I will not be able to do, because of the afflictions of old age. It is then that my faith will be sustained from His knowledge which I have built up in my store house through study, prayer and practice.

Prayer of gratitude and purpose: Dear Lord; Help me to fully grasp and appreciate the urgency in getting as much of you in my system as I can get while I can get it. You say ask and I’m asking for more of you in every area of my life. Please allow me to receive that which you have for me during each moment we’re together. Thank you, Father, for loving me. Amen