Day 204

“If a man had half as much foresight as he has twice as much hindsight, he’d be a lot better off.” –Robert J. Burdette
         The theme of the week is primarily that of learning from the past, although there is a great deal of looking to the future as well.  As you explore what learning from the past really means, you will need to discover the place for proper perspectives and earnest applications.  It is truly a journey we are on, so may we learn as we go.

Isaiah 40:1-44:5. “Learning Lessons Through Time”

         From chapter 40 of Isaiah on to the end of the book you will read of specific events to take place several centuries into the future.  Isaiah will describe the Babylonian captivity of Judah and then Judah’s release from 70 years of captivity (almost 200 years after Isaiah prophesies).  Isaiah prophesies the fall of the Babylonian empire, and its method.  Isaiah also details the coming and suffering of Jesus Christ (700 years later).
         Isaiah’s message no doubt exhorts the hearers to follow after God and turn from disobedience.  The miracle of looking ahead to what the future holds gives obvious credence to that fact.  Yet so does the ability to look back.  At one point he condemns the idols people honored, and asked, “Can those things tell us what happened long ago or what the future holds? …They are less than nothing and can do nothing at all” (41:22-24).  Humans have more ability than that.  In the next chapter the people are criticized for “not applying the lessons from the past” (v. 23).  Learn from the lessons of time.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?