Daily Scripture & Questions

Isaiah 5:1-8:22 In chapter five, Judah's sins are condemned.  God graciously provided for his vineyard, but what did it produce?  In chapter six, there is a vision of God in His work among His people.  They have dull hearts and persecution will come, but there is still hope - why (see 6:13)?  Chapters seven and eight tell us about Ahaz, who forsook the true King - the LORD, and sought help from Assyria to deal with his enemies.  What words to Ahaz speak to you about the challenges that you are facing (for example see 7:4, 9; 8:10, 20)?  How does the prophecy in 7:14 tie to Ahaz's situation?  How is it ultimately fulfilled in Jesus (see Matthew 1:23)?

Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions

Read Isaiah 6:1-7. King Uzziah's death marked the end of a long period of peace and prosperity. Why would a vision of God's awesome holiness be important for Isaiah as he ministers in the challenging days to follow? Are you more awed or bored by your vision of God?

Biblical Prayer Focus

Ezra 9:13-14 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?

We are all doing "better than we deserve." Express your gratitude for God's mercies, and ask Him for strength to live in light of these mercies by being faithful to Him and not becoming unequally yoked (see 2 Cor. 6:14).