Isaiah 58 & 59 | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome, Family! We're spending 2024 with the prophet Isaiah. While we claim no expertise, we're excited to sit with you as we both learn at the feet of Jesus. Each month, we offer a calendar that outlines daily exercises (adapted from Jenn Wilkin's Women of the Word Bible study process) to progress through Isaiah. Download November's calendar to begin with us and witness what we uncovered in our weekly "Wolfe Notes" postings.

Contents:

1. Different Versions Noting and clarifying differences between KJV & NET.
2. Annotation My thoughts, connections, clarifications, and questions.
3. Research On God's armor versus ours.
4. Summary An approximately twenty-word overview of the chapter.
5. Memorize Why I chose to memorize Isaiah 58:10-11.
6. Cross References Of Isaiah 58:10-11.
7. Respond to God's desire for our righteousness.

Different Versions

I read Chapter 58 & 59 in the King James Version (KJV) and the New English Translation (NET). The KJV is a word-for-word translation while the NET is a thought-for-thought.

Major differences I noticed (*My thoughts alone are in italics and designated with an asterisk.):

Isaiah 58:4

• Comparisons:
• KJV: Behold, ye fast (1) for strife and debate, and (2) to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.
• NET: Look, your fasting (1) is accompanied by arguments, brawls, and (2) fistfights. Do not fast as you do today, trying to make your voice heard in heaven.
• Discrepancies: 
1. Fasting "for strife and debate" (KJV)  speaks to the reason for the fast: to overcome conflict. While fasting "accompanied by arguments, brawls, and fistfights" (NET) describes the atmosphere of the fast. 
2. "To smite with the fist of wickedness:" (KJV) makes me think they are asking God to bring evil upon their enemies, while "accompanied by ... fistfights" (NEV) has me imagining them actually punching their enemies.
• Thoughts: Neither a chaotic atmosphere (NET) nor a selfish intent (KJV) for a fast is likely to please God. Both describe an evil tone. The NET appeals more to real-life experiences and the KJV to spiritual motivations.

Isaiah 58:12

• Comparisons:
• KJV: (1) And they that shall be of thee shall build the (2) old waste places: thou shalt raise up the (3) foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, (4) The repairer of the breach, (5) The restorer of paths to dwell in. 
• NET: (1a) Your (2) perpetual ruins (1b) will be rebuilt; you will reestablish the (3) ancient foundations. You will be called, (4) "The one who repairs broken walls, (5) the one who makes the streets inhabitable again.'
• Discrepancies: 
1. "And they that shall be of thee shall build" (KJV) implies that the people you help find Jesus will be working with you to rebuild, which fits with Ephesians 4:12-13 KJV: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ:.  "Your...ruins...will be rebuilt" (NET) infers that God will rebuild for you, which fits with Isaiah 54:11-12 NET: "O afflicted one, driven away, and unconsoled! Look, I am about to set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with lapis lazuli. I will make your pinnacles out of gems, your gates out of beryl, and your outer wall out of beautiful stones.
2. "Old waste places" (KJV) brings to mind the desolation of Isaiah 34:9-10 KJV: And the streams thereof shall be turned to pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever; from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever. "Perpetual ruins" (NET) also connects with Isaiah 34:10, although it was not immediate for me because "ruins" were used here instead of waste.
3. "Foundations of many generations" (KJV) brings to mind Christ the cornerstone of a firm foundation (Isaiah 28:16) upon which is added the stones of our spiritual ancestors (Isaiah 51:1-3). "Ancient foundations" make me think of Isaiah 24:23 where God "reigns before his ancients gloriously".
4. "The repairer of the breach" (KJV) vs "The one who repairs broken walls" (NET). Feels restorative vs. defensive.
5. The restorer of paths to dwell in" vs "The one who makes the streets inhabitable again." KJV brings to mind Psalm 23 (He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.) and leading others to Jesus, while the NET keeps my attention on the restoration of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 59:19

• Comparisons:
• KJV: So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory (1) from the rising of the sun. (2) When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD (3) shall lift up a standard against him.
• NET: In the west, people respect the Lord's reputation; (1) in the east, they recognize his splendor. (2) For he comes like a rushing stream driven on wind sent from the LORD (3 - omitted).
• Discrepancies: 
1. "From the rising of the sun" (KJV) and "in the east" (NET) refer to the same geographical locations but offer differing connotations. The KJV adds a time element and could imply that the people honor God from the time they get up in the morning. 
2. "When the enemy shall come" (KJV) vs. "For he comes" (NET). I interpreted "he" as Jesus when reading the NET, but the KJV clearly implies Satan. The NET goes on to imply that "he", possibly Jesus, was sent by God, while the KJV shifts and says God stands up against "him", defined as the enemy.
3. "Shall lift up a standard against him" in the KJV is omitted in the NET, which makes sense considering their contrasting interpretations of this verse.
• Thoughts: The second part of this verse is more contradictory. The KJV translation offers a smooth transition to the next verse which mentions our Redeemer (KJV) / Protector (NET); the enemy being who we're redeemed or protected from. The NET fits the verse better and doesn't force in an extra clause like the KJV. It makes sense that God's Spirit would drive Jesus in to Redeem / Protect us. However, God has also sent evil spirits, so the KJV's interpretation may not be inaccurate.

Annotation

Notes on my process. *Denotes my thoughts alone. ! Denotes a connection. Researched quick answers are in italics. *R Indicates a topic with more extensive notes under the research heading.

Be Honest with Yourselves (Isaiah 58:1-2)

1. Call out the rebellion and sin amongst my people.
2. You want to learn and follow my ways. 
3. But you don't see the hypocrisy of your actions.
1. *A "Holy on Sunday, sinning on Monday" mentality.

Consider How You Fast (Isaiah 58:3-7)

1. You fast improperly: you desperately try to convince Me to bring evil on others.
2. Is this really what I would ask from you?
3. I want you to fast from wickedness, heavy burdens, oppression, and bondage.
1. ? How does God really want us to fast?
2. ! Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 NET
4. I want you to share what you have and who you are with those who are broken.
1. *Clothe them in robes of righteousness! Revelation 19:8 KJV: And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
2. ! She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20 NET (See our notes.)

Let Your Light Shine (Isaiah 58:8-14)

1. When you fast properly, God's glory will truly shine through you.
1. ! Thou has beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Psalm 139:5 KJV
2. Stop arguing about who is right or wrong. Stop casting blame. Then, God will hear you when you call.
1. ? What is "the burdensome yoke"? Being tied to the law? 
2. Focus on things above not on things here on earth. (Ephesians 6:12 and Matthew 6:19-21.)
3. Pour yourself into helping the lost and broken. Then, your light will shine brightly from the darkness.
4. God will lead, strengthen, and provide for you (*so you never have to worry about not having enough.)
1. ! The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water, He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Psalm 23:1-3 NET
2. ! I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Isaiah 27:3 KJV (See cross references.)
3. ! Let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, 'From within him will flow rivers of living water.' John 7:38 NET
4. ! Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matthew 6:26-27 KJV
5. ! Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive."  Luke 6:38 NET
5. Together, you will rebuild what was shattered and set foundations for the future. You'll be known for it.
6. Follow My ways, honor Me in all you do, say, and think. Treat every day as holy.
1. *"You already know what God wants you to do. The question is: am I being obedient?" - Thought from my focus wall.
2. ! Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
3. ! Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds," says the LORD "for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans. Isaiah 55:8-9 NET
4. ! And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to seat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. Isaiah 23:18 KJV (See cross-references.)
5. ! Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 NET
6. ! This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV
7. ! Every day is Sabbath, a day to rest in God. (Link to research.)
7. Then you will know the fullness of My JOY. This is My promise.

Sin Separates You (Isaiah 59:1-8)

1. God can save and hear you.
2. But your sin gets in the way.
3. You are covered in it. It permeates what you do and say.
1. ? Is the blood referenced here about murder or sacrifice - Jesus' blood?
2. 🎵These scarlet sins had a crimson cost / You nailed my debt to that old rugged cross🎶("Homecoming" performed by Cory Asbury; featuring Gable Price)
4. You lie, cheat, and deceive to get what you want. You don't care about what is true and right. 
1. ! This is what the LORD says, "Promote justice! Do what is right! For I am ready to deliver you; I am ready to vindicate you openly. Isaiah 56:1 NET
5. You carry out Satan's work, bringing forth death.
1. ! As it was from the beginning. See Genesis 3:1-15.
2. ? Cockatrice?
6. Evil deeds cannot cover you; you will be exposed.
1. ! Clothing represents being covered in God's righteousness. Refusing to wear it symbolizes a rejection of His grace. (See research on clothing and coverings.)
2. ! For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:20-21 KJV
3. ! For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. Luke 8:17 NET
7. You only think and do evil. You're quick to kill and destroy. 
8. Your paths are crooked, without peace or justice, and none who fall for your style of living will know peace.

You Know Your Sin (Isaiah 59:9-15)

1. Because of our sin, we hope for light but see only darkness.
1. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16 & Isaiah 9:2 KJV
2. To open their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Acts 26:18 NET
3. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 KJV
2. We are blind, stumbling in the darkness.
3. We grumble and whine, hoping for rescue, but none comes.
1. ? Why does the KJV use judgement but the NET deliverance?
4. We know as well as You know that our sins are many (*and we don't deserve rescue).
5. We refuse to do what God tells us to. We don't seek His presence. We stir up trouble amongst ourselves through deceit, disregard for authority, and poor treatment of others - especially of those who try to do good, but still expect His grace.
6. God sees it all and is displeased.
1. ! For this is what the LORD has told me: "I will wait and watch from my place like scorching heat produced by the sunlight, like a cloud of mist in the heat of harvest." Isaiah 18:4 NET

Jesus Brings Justice (Isaiah 59:16-21)

1. God sees that no man rises up to change the tide, so He takes it upon Himself to bring salvation because He knows that's what we need. 
1. ! My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:1-2 KJV
2. He is well-equipped to achieve His purpose.
1. ! What is the significance of the difference between God's armor (Isaiah 59:17-20) and our own (Ephesians 6:11-20)? *R
3. Those who oppose Him receive what is due to them.
1. ! I will get revenge and pay them back at the time their foot slips; for the day of their disaster is near, and the impending judgment is rushing upon them! Deuteronomy 32:35 NET
2. ! Recompence to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:17-19 KJV
3. ! Tell those who panic, "Be strong! Do not fear! Look, your God comes to avenge; with divine retribution he comes to deliver you." Isaiah 35:4 NET
4. All humanity will recognize His power.
5. He will redeem everyone who repents (*changes their ways and returns to Him).
6. And they and their seed will remain one with Him eternally. 
1. ! The Trinity is represented here: God makes a covenant with us. His Spirit is on us, anointing us. And His Word (Jesus - See John 1:14.) lives within, directing us.

Research

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

What is the significance in the differences between God's armor and ours? Isaiah 59:17-20

Purpose

• God's is for offense. 
• Isaiah 59:16 KJV: And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
• Exodus 14:14 NET: The LORD will fight for you, and you can be still.
• Ours is for defense.
• Ephesians 6:13 KJV: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
• I Corinthians 16:13-14 NET: Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. Everything you do should be done in love.

Equipment We Both Wear

• Robes of Righteousness (Faith and Love I Thessalonians 5:8) 
• He covers us in His righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 KJV: I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be JOYful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
• When God looks at us, He sees Jesus' righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NET: God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.
• Helmet of (the Hope of) Salvation (I Thessalonians 5:8)
• Our thinking is in-line because our thoughts are fixed on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
• We are the vine and He is the branches. John 15:5-7 NET: "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me - and I in him - bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown in to the fire, and are burned up. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.
• *He thinks of our salvation; we wait for His rescue!

Equipment Only God Wears

The Garment of Vengeance and the Cloak of Zeal because only God has the right to judge.

• Genesis 2:17 KJV: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 
• Exodus 34:14 NET: For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
• James 4:12 NET: But there is only one who is lawgiver and judge - the one who is able to save and destroy. On the other hand, who are you to judge your neighbor?
• Revelation 19:11 KJV: And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:8 NET: With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 
• Romans 12:17-19 KJV: Recompence to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

The cause for God's action is righteousness and zeal, the affect is vengeance and salvation.

Equipment Only We Wear

God provides these. We choose to equip them or not.

• The BELT of Truth. John 14:6 NET: Jesus replied, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
• SHOES that are prepared to bring the gospel of peace. Isaiah 52:7 KJV: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
• SHIELD of Faith. Psalm 91:4 NET: He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.
• SWORD of the Spirit. Hebrews 4:12 KJV: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
• PRAYING continuously for all the saints. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NET: Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

God doesn't require any weapons; the outpouring of His spirit is enough.

*His job is to fight; ours is to stand firm as God's presence here on earth.

Sources: 

1. Bible Hub: Commentaries of Isaiah 59:17
2. Concerning Him: "The Armor of God"
3. Temporary Visitors: "Isaiah and the Armor of God"

Summary

We all sin and seek our own way, which separates us from God. But Jesus will save all who repent.

Memorize

I chose to memorize Isaiah 58:10-11 KJV:

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

*These verses are practical. It tells us what we are to do and how we are to do it.

Cross References

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

Of  Isaiah 58:10-11 KJV.

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry...

• Deuteronomy 15:7 KJV: If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother.
• Isaiah 58:7 NET: I want you to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people. When you see someone naked, clothe them! Don't turn your back on your own flesh and blood.
• Psalm 41:1 KJV: Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
• Luke 18:22 NET: When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

...and satisfy the afflicted soul;...

• Proverbs 31:20 KJV: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (See our notes.)
• Psalm 34:17-20 NET: The godly cry out and the LORD hears; he saves them from all their troubles. The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged. The godly face many dangers, but the LORD saves them from each one of them. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
• Psalm 119:71 KJV: It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

...then shall thy light rise in obscurity,...

• Isaiah 58:8 NET: Then your light will shine like the sunrise; your restoration will quickly arrive; your godly behavior will go before you, and the LORD's splendor will be your rear guard.
• Isaiah 60:2 KJV: For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
• Genesis 1:4 NET: God saw that the light was good, so God separated the light from the darkness.
• John 1:5 KJV: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
• Isaiah 29:18 NET: At that time the deaf will be able to hear words read from a scroll, and the eyes of the blind will be able to see through deep darkness.

...and thy darkness be as the noon day:...

• Job 11:17 KJV: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. 
• Psalm 37:6 NET: He will vindicate you in broad daylight, and publicly defend your just cause.
• Isaiah 9:2 KJV: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (See also Matthew 4:16)

And the LORD shall guide thee continually,...

• Isaiah 42:16 NET: I will lead the blind along an unfamiliar way; I will guide them down paths they have never traveled. I will turn the darkness in front of them into light, and level out the rough ground. This is what I will do for them. I will not abandon them.
• Psalm 48:14 KJV: For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
• Isaiah 49:10 NET: They will not be hungry or thirsty; the sun's oppressive heat will not beat down on them, for one who has compassion on them will guide them; he will lead them to springs of water.
• Psalm 23:1-3 KJV: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
• Psalm 32:8 NET: I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.

...and satisfy thy soul in drought,...

• Psalm 107:9 KJV: For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
• Job 5:20 NET: In time of famine he will redeem you from death, and in time of war from the power of the sword.
• Psalm 92:14 KJV: They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.

...and make fat thy bones:...

• Proverbs 3:7-8 NET: Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your inner self.
• Proverbs 13:4 KJV: The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
• Proverbs 11:25 NET: A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.
• Proverbs 28:25 KJV: He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

 ...and thou shalt be like a watered garden,...

• Isaiah 27:3 NET: "I, the LORD, protect it; I water it regularly. I guard it night and day, so no one can harm it. (See cross references.)
• Isaiah 61:11 KJV: For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
• Jeremiah 31:12 NET: They will come and shout for JOY on Mount Zion. They will be radiant with JOY over the good things the LORD provides, the grain, the fresh wine, the olive oil, the young sheep, and the calves he has given to them. They will be like a well-watered garden and will not grow faint or weary any more.
• Ezekiel 36:35 KJV: They will say, "This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; the ruined, desolate, and destroyed cities are now fortified and inhabited."

...and like a spring of water...

• John 7:38 NET: Let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, "From within him will flow rivers of living water.'"
• Song of Solomon 4:15 KJV: A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
• Jeremiah 2:13 NET: "[Be shocked] because my people have committed a double wrong: They have rejected me, the fountain of life-giving water, and they have dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot even hold water.

...whose waters fail not. 

• John 4:14 KJV: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
• Isaiah 33:15-16 NET: The one who lives uprightly and speaks honestly; the one who refuses to profit from oppressive measures and rejects a bribe; the one who does not plot violent crimes and does not seek to harm others - this is the person who will live in a secure place; he will find safety in the rocky, mountain strongholds; he will have food and a constant supply of water. (See cross references.)
• Job 6:15 KJV: My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
• Revelation 22:17 NET: And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say: "Come!" And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wants it take the water of life free of charge.

*Conclusion: We are responsible to care for others, even when it is hard for us, because that's how God's light shines for others to see it. We're not alone. Follow God's ways and He will provide, enrich, attend, and enliven us freely and eternally.

Respond

God cares about our righteousness. He wants us to confess our sins (Isaiah 58:1-7), shine His light through our good deeds (Isaiah 58:8-12), and turn away from evil (Isaiah 59:1-5). He will save all who do (Isaiah 59:16-20).

I am a sinner. I don't always think, say, and do the right things, nor do I extend my hand to others.

I fall at His feet. I admit I miss the mark and accept His grace. Then, I arise to shine forth His righteousness to others, committed to keep walking in His ways.

In Closing

Father God, we all fall short. Not one of us is perfect. The only place we find perfection is through Your grace. So, together we come to confess our sins - the ways we miss Your mark of righteousness. We repent for our thoughts that demean Your creation. Thoughts that are degrading, selfish, and unholy. We repent of our words. Words that contradict who You are, who You made us to be, and that tear others down. We repent of our choices that lower Your ways and elevate our own. Choices that ignore the others You call us to serve. We were made for more. Activate us in Your love and grace so we can share Your light with others. Empower us in Truth through Your Holy Spirit so Your righteousness spreads.

Learning with You,

Are you ready for Isaiah 60 & 61?

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*Image Credit: Leaf in Winter by Lolame at Pixabay