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Devotional Reading
for:
5/16/2008
Associated
Scripture Readings:
2 Kings 19:29-31
Psalm 74
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| I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant
of mankind may
seek the Lord.
Acts 15:16–17 |
Joe’s pastor explained the history of Israel’s divided kingdom. God promised David that the Messiah would come from his family and rule forever. But it didn’t seem likely.
First the northern tribes broke away. Then the Southern Kingdom of Judah strayed from God and failed to listen to prophets like Isaiah. Believing kings led a return to faithfulness, but idolatrous kings refused to listen to God’s prophets. So Judah was conquered. Only a faithful remnant survived.
God sustained the believing minority “by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4b). This faith centered on the Messiah, the Son of David, who alone would remain faithful to God’s covenant. The Messiah’s faithfulness was counted as belonging (or “imputed”) to all who believed in Him.
“Joined to Him in Baptism, by faith in His Word, through communion in His body and blood, we are part of that remnant that receives all the promises proclaimed by the prophets,” Joe’s pastor declared. Joe started reading Isaiah with new eyes, realizing that the message was intended for him as well as for ancient believers. |
Thank You, Lord,
for leading me to believe that all of the Messiah’s faithfulness, righteousness,
and promises will be counted as mine
through faith. Amen. |
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