Devotionary

The Adam 1.0 model failed to live up to its creator’s expectations. He developed a glitch in his software and sinned. So, God introduced Adam 2.0, a totally new model, with the intent of eliminating the problem that plagued the original.

We are to live with a sense of purpose and with a desire to leave a positive impression on those with whom we live and interact in this life. Just as Jesus did when He walked this earth. J

Paul lived in lockstep with His Savior, doing everything he could to model not only His behavior but His perspective on life. Paul wasn’t bragging when he said, “Imitate me,” he was simply inviting others to join him in his imitation of Christ.

Like the moon passing behind the earth and losing its access to the light of the sun, Adam and Eve lost their image-bearing capacity. But God sent another Adam to set things right.

At its most basic, sanctification has to do with the spiritual growth or ongoing maturity of the believer. But there is far more to this word than we might imagine. And we will be unpacking its rich and significant meaning in the weeks ahead.

Judah will finally accomplish the will of God by declaring the glory of God. Psalm 19:1 says that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the day is coming when the new heavens, the new earth, and the newly restored people of God will do the same – forever.

The people of Judah were expected to rejoice in all that God was going to do. He was a faithful God who would follow through on every commitment He had made. They could count on it and rejoice over it. And there was no reason to wait for it. Rejoice!

The people of Judah misunderstood the temple and the sacrificial system, putting far more value in the rituals and rites of their religion than they did in God Himself. And they wrongly believed that as long as the temple stood, they had God's approval.

God will redeem and restore His wayward people and remake the heavens and the earth. He'll even create a new city of Jerusalem, where He and His Son will dwell among men. It will be a place marked by perfect righteousness and complete sinlessness.

God was going to reward a faithful remnant for their courage and tenacity in the face of overwhelming pressure to capitulate and compromise. And another remnant will one day witness their restoration as a nation and the arrival of the New Jerusalem.

God is going to warn the people of Judah that He is about to repay them for their deeds and punish them for their wickedness. But, even then, God will not stop calling, “Here I am!” He will never stop offering Himself as the solution to their problem.

Isaiah describes the city of Jerusalem as a desolation, Mount Zion as a wilderness, and all the pleasant places as ruins. He saw Judah as clay in need of the potter. They were flawed and required reshaping at the hands of the Master.

Isaiah was looking for a show from God. But he had a reason for his request. He wanted the people of Judah to see God for who He was: The all-powerful, holy God of the universe. Maybe if they could see God, they would learn to fear, honor, and obey Him.

Isaiah will recount to God the many examples of His grace and mercy and beg Him to rescue His wayward people yet again. Isaiah wasn’t attempting to jog God’s memory, but he was trying to remind his own people of the faithfulness of their heavenly Father.

Isaiah records the words of Jesus as He declares that His day of redemption has come. He will complete the divine plan for the redemption of His chosen people, the recreation of the world, and the removal of Satan and all those who follow him.