Thurs.’s Devo - The Grape Harvest

Read: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14 God had commissioned certain prophets to pray day and night until they saw God’s desired result for Jerusalem. God wanted Jerusalem to be the pride of the earth. His promise was to never hand them over to their enemies again. God told Isaiah to go out through gates and prepare a highway for his people to return on. God did this through John the Baptist but this is talking about the end days. They were to pronounce that the Lord was coming. He would be the one whose robes had been stained with blood - this is the second coming of Christ. He speaks of grapes because grapes were harvested in the fall and in the fall feasts we have the return of Christ and the Rapture. He trampled the grapes in the Tribulation but next comes the Feast of Tabernacles. Isaiah took Israel through her history and told of all the times God had lovingly cared for her and done miracles for her. He had mercy and compassion on Israel and was now coming to save them for the last time. In this time, the angels will separate the redeemed from the cursed. The redeemed will get a new name but the cursed will be destroyed. God will create new heavens and a new earth which will be one of happiness and joy. There will be those who live through the tribulation and they will live as long as trees. Only the unrighteous who make it will die prematurely. People will enjoy all of their inheritance and the fruit of their labors. Their prayers will be immediately answered and there will be peace on the earth. Even the animals will be tame and harmless. Paul was writing the Philippians from prison. Since he couldn’t come to visit, he was sending Timothy and Epaphroditus to them. Epaphroditus had been one of their own flock who had come with a contribution from their church to Paul. Epaphroditus had gotten sick and had to stay with Paul for a while but was not well enough to go home. Paul warned them of the doctrine of the Judaizers who preached you had to be circumcised to be saved. Satan loves to bring hoops for us to jump through and stipulations to grace. God’s grace is the free gift. Romans 5:15-16. Lord, may we walk in your free gift of grace and mercy without condemnation. May we be aware of the enemies tactics and not be deceived. Your gift of salvation is free and abundant.