Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Learn not to challenge Yahweh

July 31, 2020

We know that Sennacherib will not conquer Judah, but in 2 Chronicles 32 Assyria attempts to invade Jerusalem. Refer to 2 Kings 18. The words spoken against Yahweh are the reason for the failure of Judah’s enemy. We are told that a messenger of the Lord annihilated these forces. This impressed others and Hezekiah had regained popularity. Even this godly King was not perfect. Neither are we. As he did, we must realize our sin and repent to gain forgiveness. His errors lead to the later destruction of his country. His son Manasseh succeeded him.

We return to 2 Chronicles 33 to read about King Manasseh. The story is basically the same except this version mentions he sacrificed children in the fire, not just a son. We also learn how he was removed from his office by being captured by the Assyrians and taken to Babylon. He repented and asked for Jehovah’s help which he received and was returned to Jerusalem. He had a second chance. This makes a significant difference in the story.

When Amon becomes King of Judah, he does not follow his father’s later example but the earlier actions. “Train up a child as he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Manasseh failed Amon, by not worshiping the Lord when his son was younger. Parents listen to this lesson.

Hezekiah’s illness

July 30, 2020

We read yesterday in Isaiah that the Prophet told the King to prepare for his end. 2 Kings 20 tells us about Hezekiah’s illness and this same incident. The shadow on the sun dial is the indicator of Jehovah’s fulfillment of this promise of healing. If Hezekiah had allowed himself to die, would the conquest of Jerusalem by Babylon have been delayed or possibly never happened? While the King revealed too much to the future enemy, it likely did not alter history in a significant manner.

Twelve-year-old Manasseh becomes King in 2 Kings chapter 21. Manasseh is one of the evil kings of Judah unlike his father Hezekiah. Baal, Asherah, the stars, and other idols were worshiped by him. He even sacrificed his own son in fire. He desecrated Yahweh’s Temple. His sins are the reason that Jerusalem and Judah will be defeated and carried away.

His son Amon succeeds him and is not any better than dear old Dad. He was assassinated by his own officials. The people executed his murderers and place his son Josiah on the throne.

Personal salvation, not corporate

July 29, 2020

Jehovah would perform these miracles for Israel and the surrounding nations feared them. Isaiah 64 reminds us that there was no other god. How can we be saved when we continue to disobey the Lord? Our best is like a bunch of dirty rags. Verse eight calls us the clay and Jehovah the potter.

Yahweh tells us in Isaiah 65 about those that rejected Him. He let them know that He was available to them. His instructions would have benefited them. They chose not to follow the Lord. I am one of those who eat the flesh of pigs. I must admit I like bacon, ham, pork chops, and ribs. I try not to claim holiness that I do not have on my own. We will receive the payment for what we have done.

Some say that Jehovah’s justice is not individual. It is based on our being in a certain group. Jew or gentile, black or white, American, or foreign are a few of these designations. Verses eight and nine tell that those that accept Jesus will be rescued, while those who refuse will suffer for their own decisions. There is a choice to be made. It is yours. The new name you can have is Christian which means you strive to be a little Christ. It is not like the names I began with. If you want it, He will give it to you. It cannot be earned or given at birth.

We can look forward to a new heaven and earth. It will be a place where there will be no sorrow, crying, or mourning. Destruction and harm will be avoided. We are not there yet. Some of us will never reach that promised land, because we have not followed Jehovah and His Son, Jesus, the Messiah (Christ).

There is no place that we can build a house for the Lord, that He did not make is voice in Isaiah 66. This chapter concludes the book. We will look at the other books of prophecy and the stories that tell of the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. Giving to God had become lip service. The worshipers did not follow Jehovah’s law.

Once again Isaiah prophesies that Israel will be restored with the remnant. Those that have disobeyed will suffer, but the faithful will be rewarded.

The armor of God

July 28, 2020

Jehovah knows how to express His desire to save both Israel and us and He tells us in Isaiah 59. He speaks of empty arguments and lies and likens those who do them to vipers and spiders. They are not close to justice, righteousness, or light.

Messianic prophecy begins in verse sixteen. Verse seventeen is like the whole armor of God that Paul wrote of. People in the west will respect the Lord and those in the east will revere Him. The redeemer will come to Israel. His spirit will be with them and their children forever.

Israel will regain the glory it once held according to Isaiah 60. The light of the Lord will come from Zion and spread through the entire world. Agriculture, traffic, trade, and worship will continue in the land, when it is restored by Yahweh. The nation that will not serve Him will perish. He will be the Savior. These will be accomplished quickly.

The Lord’s Spirit is on Israel in Isaiah 61. They will proclaim freedom and release for the prisoners and the year of the Lord and God’s vengeance on the evil ones. God’s vengeance and favor will be distributed according to our previous actions. Oaks of righteousness are planted by Jehovah. The oak tree is strong and withstands the wind and rain. Their righteousness comes from Jesus, just as ours does.

The first born in Israel was promised a double portion of the inheritance. The Israelites will receive the double portion. The new covenant will last forever. All nations will praise them.

Israel is called the Lord’s delight is in her and married in Isaiah 62. Just as Jesus taught His followers that they would become His bride, Israel will be the wife of Jehovah. This is prophetic scripture that speaks of the Savior, a renewed Jerusalem, and people who are holy. There are a lot of similarities to the Lord’s teaching in the New Testament.

Yahweh will have a Day of Vengeance as is written in Isaiah 63. Edom is listed. The example used is that of one treading the grapes to make wine. No one is there to help Him in His judgment. He had to accomplish salvation on His own. Their rebellion continues, much as Israel’s has. We are talking of the same God that led them through the Red Sea, guided them through the dessert, and through the Jordan River into the promised land.

Thirst for the Lord

July 27, 2020

Encouragement to barren women is given in Isaiah 54. Jehovah says He will be her husband. He is also the redeemer. After the destruction of Israel, He has promised not to punish the Israelites this way again. They will be established in righteousness. Any new attacks are not from God. Just as we should not blame our distress on Him.

Thirst is equated to spiritual need and desire in Isaiah 55. Food is related to our search for God. Yahweh will make a covenant with each of us as He has with David and the Israelites. His thoughts are not our thoughts. He outdistances us as the stars outdistance the Earth.

If you want to know what Jehovah expects of us, Isaiah 56 gives it to us straight. Maintain justice, do what is right, don’t desecrate the Sabbath, and keep your hands from evil are the first ones given. Verse seven is where Jesus quoted, “my house will be called a house of prayer. . .” when he cleared the Temple of those seeking to profit by worship of the Lord.

One of my complaints about our society today is that many people are into alcohol and don’t seem to be able to relax and have good times without some form of drunkenness. The chapter ends in verse twelve with “Come, each one cries, let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.”

We ended the last chapter with a look at what the wicked will receive. In Isaiah 57 we begin with a look at the righteous. No one seems to care about them, but they will be spared evil, and find rest in death.

The sacrifice of children is mentioned in verse five. We are too civilized, to do that in our culture. Let’s look at abortion, crime, poverty, abuse, and admit that these are the ways we sacrifice our children. The Israelites had fallen into the trap our nation has by focusing on sexual impropriety.

Yahweh contrasts Himself to the wicked People of Judah and Israel. While He will give peace to the innocent and humble, He will continue to allow the evil to suffer the consequences of their sin.

Do you ask God to help you make decisions or bless certain areas of your life? In Isaiah 58 Jehovah tells Israel and Judah that they have no right to ask anything of Him, because they refuse to obey Him. Do we do the same when we ask the Lord to answer our prayers and neglect justice, oppression, hunger, nakedness, and shelter? We do some. How much is enough?

Verse ten says that we should spend ourselves on the hungry. Not just a little is enough. We are enough. Our best efforts are needed, not just lip service as the Israelites were guilty of. Yes, our salvation is free to us. It cost Christ His life. Yahweh died to save us. How can we say no to Him?

Before you were born

July 26, 2020

Do you believe that Jehovah had a plan in mind for your life before you were born? In Isaiah 49 the prophet speaks of this in his life. Sometimes we may be like him and feel that our labor for him is in vain. We need to place ourselves in God’s hands like Isaiah did.

This prophecy turns to the Messiah in verse six. He will also be a light to the gentiles. The symbolism in these following verses speak of those things that Jesus accomplished. The Lord has not forgotten any of us. The Jews will return from all parts of the world where they have been scattered.

Slavery is often spoken of in the Bible and in Isaiah 50 God asks to whom we were sold. Our sin has caused us to be owned by someone other than Jehovah. Is it impossible for Him to save us from our sin? The way of salvation begins in verse four and following when the message is taken up by Jesus, the Messiah, again. He was beaten and spit on and mocked. His beard was pulled out. We are the ones that have condemned Him. His death is for our salvation.

Who do you love as much as Jehovah loves Israel in Isaiah 51? When you love someone, you want to restore the broken relationship. His righteousness, salvation, and justice are eternal. Those who have accepted His instruction know this. Satan wants us to forget what we know about Jehovah. He will treat those who reject Him as the wicked people they are.

In Isaiah 52 Jehovah calls for Israel to free itself from the trap they have slipped into. The price of our sin will be paid, but not with money. What is the good news that will be proclaimed in Israel? “Your God reigns!” The suffering servant will be raised and lifted. He was disfigured and did not resemble a human. These are again prophecies of the Christ, the Messiah, Jesus.

We continue with Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 53 and read that Christ had nothing about His appearance that would draw people to Him. If this is true, why is Jesus always handsome and portrayed as a charismatic figure in paintings and drawings by almost every artist who has illustrated Him? He took our pain and suffered for us. Have you ever contemplated this statement and what it means?

His punishment has brought us peace. Peace that we cannot describe. Remember in the book of Judges that it said that everyone did what was right in their eyes. That is what He came to redeem us from. He was the Lamb that was sacrificed for us. We never need another animal to die for us. The cross was the grave of the wicked and Joseph’s tomb was the place of the rich.

“The Lord makes His life an offering for sin.” How could God justify using a human being as a sacrifice like He did animals? Think for a moment who this man was. He was the Lord. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” He also told His disciples “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” God himself took our sin to the cross.

Hezekiah’s faith in Jehovah

July 25, 2020

We return to the story as it was told in 2 Kings 19. Jerusalem is delivered from Assyria after Hezekiah humbles himself before the Lord. Isaiah is a direct participant in this, and we will read his words the next two days. Despite attacks by Cush, he continues to try to antagonize Judah. They rely on Jehovah and do not accept the threats as truth. Can we learn from them to ignore the threats of Satan and believe God will protect us? Here we once again read Isaiah’s prophecy against Assyria. We are told how these predictions come true.

A recurrent theme is used in Psalms 46. Yahweh as our strength, refuge, and help is presented again. Fear is displaced by our faith in our Lord. He is not only a being that rules the Universe, but He is a friend as close as a human brother. Stillness and peace are ours when we recognize Him as our fortress.

We have another tune in Psalms 80 that is not known. Jehovah is called the Shepherd of Israel and it is a four runner of Jesus referring to his people as sheep without a shepherd. God is praised for bringing them out of Egypt. The reference is to a vine planted in Israel. Jesus also spoke of vines and branches. Many of the things he said are drawn from the scriptures known in His day. Verse seventeen also could be viewed as Messianic due to the reference to the son of man.

Serving the Lord includes praising the Lord in Psalms 135. Yahweh is greater than all other gods. He is responsible for everything that happens, not just on our world. But throughout the universe. Miracles and daily events are due to His mercy. What is the name of our God? I am. He always was, is and always will be. Other gods are manmade. He made man.

No god except Yahweh

July 24, 2020

Jehovah promises that He will bless the descendants of Jacob in Isaiah 44. He proclaims that He is the first and the last. There is no other God but Him. There is no other Rock. The foolishness of creating an idol is explained. Refusing to accept Jesus is like this idea from the Old Testament. Those who deny Him, do not understand this. It is our job to show compassion and help them to believe. Yahweh’s forgiveness has been seen in the reestablishment of the nation of Israel.

The Lord gives Isaiah a message to his anointed in chapter 45. Cyrus was chosen to conquer other nations like Babylon. Jehovah supports him in the same way He had treated Israel and Judah before they turned away. Once again, He states that He is the only true God. Don’t question the creator. Egypt will also be subdued by Cyrus.

God predicted all these events many years before. Isaiah also has prophesied the coming of the Lord himself. “Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess,” was used in the New Testament. Deliverance will come from Yahweh to Israel.

Idols are mentioned by their name in Isaiah 46. Jehovah again reminds us that nothing or no one compares to Him. This has been known for centuries and even millennia. Salvation and righteousness are near because the Lord is.

Babylon will fall according to Isaiah 47. Jehovah will take vengeance on them. The pride of the Babylonian King is one of the causes of this retribution. The failure to acknowledge the one true God and reject false gods also added to the situation. The Chaldean or Babylonian astrologers are discussed. Why is this important? Some of their descendants will visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem to see a new king of the Jews.

Now Isaiah speaks to the Jews in chapter 48. Yahweh reminds them of their arrogance. They did not listen to the warnings and the Lord had to bring the discipline that He had predicted. He is testing them for his own purpose, just as He tries us in the fires of temptation. He knows how we will react. We are the ones that have something to learn.

He identifies Himself as the creator of the universe. Babylon did not listen to the commands of God. Had they obeyed the children of Babylon would be known today. Babylon’s fall leads to the return of Judah to Jerusalem.

Straightening the path

July 23, 2020

Israel’s sins have been paid for is declared in Isaiah 40. Verse three is the prophecy about John the Baptist. He was the one that was in the wilderness crying make a way for the Lord. God’s word is eternal and will come to fruition.

He is described as a shepherd who gathers His sheep in His arms. Has anyone taught Jehovah anything? He has and always will know everything. We learn from Him, not the other way around. He is incomparable. He is above all of us and everything on this Earth. This does not mean that He or Heaven is physically over our heads. He has authority and preeminence over us. That is how He is above us.

Look up and you see the stars in the sky. These are part of Yahweh’s creation just as we are. We all need His strength. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Who is the helper of Israel that is spoken of in Isaiah 41? The Lord is the first and the last. It is He that is the helper of Israel and all those who believe in Him. He strengthens us and holds us up with His right hand. Do not be afraid when He asks you to do anything. With Jehovah’s leadership, it can be accomplished.

Choosing the idols is a detestable thing. A conqueror from the north has been chosen to destroy Jerusalem and Judah. The decision has been made.

The servant of the Lord is the one that Jehovah has put His Spirit on according to Isaiah 42. He will establish justice all over the Earth. He is a light to the gentiles and opens the eyes of the blind. This again is prophecy about Jesus who was the Messiah or Christ.

We are all to sing a new song to Jehovah. His glory and praise should be sung. The blind and deaf will be healed. The one who handed them over to this disaster will rescue them. Despite God’s anger, He still gives forgiveness.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you,” says Isaiah 43. The Lord says you are mine. “When you walk through the fire, you are not burned.” This phrase is a forewarning of what will happen to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel. Jehovah will trade other nations for Judah and Israel. Babylon itself will someday be taken captive just as they have others. He blots out our sins for His own sake. Israel and Judah’s transgressions have caused their own destruction.

Isaiah tells the story of Hezekiah

July 22, 2020

Isaiah wrote the story from his point of view in chapter 37. He told Hezekiah to listen to what Jehovah has to say. For the third time we see that Judah will not fall to Assyria. Their domination has ended, and another country will become the strongest.

Isaiah includes the words of Hezekiah in chapter 38 about his illness. He expresses his regret at losing his kingdom so early. He praises God for healing him. His love is the motivation. Parents tell their children how faithful the Lord is. Isaiah recommends a poultice of figs to cure the King’s illness.

Isaiah 39 tells the story of the envoys from Babylon being shown all the wealth of the Temple and the palace. He warns Hezekiah that Babylon will eventually conquer the city and the nation. The King’s response seems a little self-centered. He is glad that the destruction of Jerusalem will not happen until after he is gone.

We have another Psalm of Asaph in Psalms 76. Jehovah is honored in Judah. He is a God of light not darkness. No one can stand against our Lord. This song speaks of the salvation of Judah, not its destruction. All nations should fear His power to defend His people.

Walk With a Servant