Daily. Bible. Reading.

It’s the middle of July, and do you know where your Christmas tree is? This week we study two passages which often make appearances during Advent and Christmas.

Monday – Isaiah 7:1-3

For the first, and not the last, Isaiah moves into historical narrative and presents us with the problem. What is the problem? Who are the two kings causing this problem? Who is the king of Judah whose heart trembled in fear? Who do you fear, and why?

Pray to the Lord about two people in your life right now who cause your heart to shake like a tree. 

Tuesday – Isaiah 7:4-9

The Lord sends Isaiah to Ahaz to comfort him. Where does he meet-up with King Ahaz? Who is with the prophet? How would you summarize the message to Ahaz? Look at verse 8 and ponder the timeframe of 65 years – it seems very specific. How has our world changed in 65 years?

Pray about the next 65 years – your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the way you’d like the world to be for them. 

Wednesday – Isaiah 7:10-25

Verse 14 is the one we often think of because Matthew uses it to talk about the virgin birth of Jesus. How is this passage used in Isaiah, though? Can you see the scene there at the Washer’s Field? The shocking thing about the way it develops is that Israel and Syria are superseded by a new threat which Ahaz should be concerned about. Who is that?

Pray for any woman you know who is pregnant, and specifically talk to the Lord about the threats – future threats – which might impact her yet-unborn child. 

Thursday – Isaiah 9:1-5

This is a reflection of good times, and it feels prophetic. Verse 2 is specifically linked to the theme of light and darkness in Isaiah. How do you understand that verse? What joy are the joys Isaiah seems to be talking about for the ‘nation’ in the future?

This passage is most likely primarily about the historical situation of Judah, use the language as a prayer point for our nation today – for joys, about burdens, and for a time of peace. 

Friday – Isaiah 9:6-7

It is almost impossible to read these verses without hearing in your mind soaring music. What images come to your mind when you read these? Do they fill you with hope—and if so, why? How do you see Jesus in these two verses?

Spend time praising the Lord Jesus Christ as the embodiment of all these titles, then pray the church prayer list from this week’s email.