The Shema

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Says, "Hear O Israel: The Lord Our God, The Lord is one. Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." These two verses of God's Word are referred to as The Shema that means Johovah God desires for us to listen carefully and obey. In this case, God wanted His people to love Him with all their heart, soul and strength. This was important to Him and still is important today for Jews and Gentiles.

I believe this week's message is also a Shema message since Wednesday, March 6th starts the 40 day period known as Lent leading to Holy Week. The entire chapter of Isaiah 53 describes Jesus Christ, True Son Of The True God, being crucified for all people - Jews and Gentiles. Verse 5 reads, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

What does it mean "We Are Healed?" As a result of the death and resurrection of Jesus, all areas of our lives are healed not just physical healing. He defeated sin, death and the devil healing all areas of our lives - physical healing, spiritual healing, financial healing and relational healing. "We Are Healed!"

How can we be sure Isaiah 53 is describing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Isaiah 52:13 declares, "See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted." Only the Son Of God was raised and lifted up and highly exalted for His obedience. Philippians 2:8-9 says, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place."

In addition to forgiveness of sins and healing, what other benefits were the result of Jesus' death and resurrection? Salavation Of Our Souls! Hebrews 9:28 says, "So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him." Jesus will appear a second time and will bring to Himself all who have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. (1Thessalonians 4:16-17, John 3:16) Bless His Holy Name!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank    

"There Is No Peace For The Wicked"

In a recent message we referred to our title taken from Isaiah 48:22 which says specifically, "There Is No Peace," says The Lord, "For The Wicked." I sense it is important and necessary to look at what will happen to Israel's enemies in the future. 

Ezekiel 38-39 describes an invasion of Israel from the North led my Russia (Gog), Turkey and Iran. Notice how Jehovah God responds in Ezekiel 38:18, 19, 23, "When Gog attacks the land of Israel my hot anger will be aroused . . . In My zeal and fiery wrath I declare at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel . . . I will summon a sword against Gog." Jehovah God will defeat Israel's enemies. There Will Be No Peace For The Wicked.

Another example! Zechariah 12 describes Jerusalem being attacked by the nations of the earth. Zechariah 12:3, 8, 9 says, "On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves  . . On that day The Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem . . . On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem." There Will Be No Peace For The Wicked.

In Isaiah 51 God exhorts His Chosen People to not be fearful for He is The Lord their God. The following verses show Jehovah God speaking to His people:

"Do No Fear The Reproach Of Men" - Vs. 7

"I, Even I, Am He Who Comforts You" - Vs. 12

"For I Am The Lord Your God . . .The Lord Almighty Is His Name" - Vs.15

"I Covered You With The Shadow Of My Hand" - Vs. 16

Bless His Holy Name!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank

Future Of Israel

This is the first of a number of messages prophesying the future of Israel. Our message today is from Isaiah 51 and the chapter is entitled "Everlasting Salvation For Zion." Isaiah 51:3 says, "The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wasteland like the garden of The Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing."

These verses have actually taken place and will continue into the future. Jehovah God provides comfort for His people when they turn to Him with their prayers and petitions. For example, Israel's enemies fire missiles into Israel on a regular basis. However, there are reports of these projectiles heading to destroy structures in Israel and suddenly they change course landing in an open field. God changed the course to provide protection and comfort for His people. Bless His Holy Name!

Ruins from wars fought in Israel have been rebuilt. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa are now beautiful thriving cities. At one time Israel had large areas of barren desert and today much of that land is lush green farms and gardens. As a result, Israel ships fruits, vegetables and flowers all over the world. For those who have attended a Jewish wedding, they witnessed a joyful and thankful celebration and for those who attended the 70th anniversary of Israel last year also witnessed a joyful celebration. Isaiah 51:3 is happening right before our eyes. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 51:5, 6, 8 says, "My salvation is on the way . . . But My salvation will last forever . . . But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations." Jehovah God says in these three verses His righteousness and salvation is coming and they both will last forever. How will this happen? Ezekiel 36:25-26 says, "I will sprinkle water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you."

As a Jew or Gentile accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah they receive a new heart and new spirit and most importantly they are saved! AMEN!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank    

The God Of Israel - Part 9

This will be the last message in a series showing the greatness and sovereignty of Jehovah God on behalf of His people Israel from book of Isaiah. These messages have primarily been a history lesson. Next week we will start a new series looking at Israel's future also from the book of Isaiah.

Our message this week will have three themes from Isaiah 48:18-22 with Jehovah God saying; "If only you had paid attention to my commands; leave Babylon and the wicked will have no peace."

Isaiah 48:18 says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." A prime example of the Israelites not paying attention to God's commands was their disobediance right after He brought them out of Egypt. They had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This trip should have been much shorter in time. Moses himself could not enter the Promised Land because of disobediance. "If only they had paid attention to His commands." This is a lesson for us today.

The 70 years of exile in Babylon referenced frequently in Isaiah and Jeremiah is another prime example of their not listening to His command. However, Jehovah God did not disown or abandon His people. Isaiah 48:20 says, "Leave Babylon, flee from the Babylonians!" God brought His Covenant People home! Why did He do this? He is a Covenent keeping God! God keeps all the promises of the Mosaic Covenant - past, present and future. Hallelujah!

In closing, Isaiah 48:22 says, "There is no peace," says The Lord, "For the wicked." This has always been a vitally important promise by God for His People Israel. The nation of Israel has had enemies who want to destroy them from the day of its founding. However, Jehovah God has always been there to protect them from enemies larger and stronger. Even today look at the list of Israel's enemies: Hezbollah, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Hamas, The Palestinian Liberation Organization, Anti-Semitism, The BDS Movement, The European Union and The United Nations.

We Need To Pray Isaiah 48:22 & Psalm 122:6 Into Existence Everyday!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Everey Day,

Frank