Isaiah 60 & 61 | 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 & NIRV.
2. Annotation My thoughts, connections, clarifications, and questions.
3. Research On the day of God's vengeance.
4. Summary An approximately twenty-word overview of the chapter.
5. Memorize Why I chose to memorize Isaiah 60:1-3.
6. Cross References Of Isaiah 60:1-3.
7. Respond to God's exchange offering.

Different Versions

I read Chapter 60 & 61 in the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Reader's Version (NIRV). The KJV is a word-for-word translation while the NIRV is a thought-for-thought translation.

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

Isaiah 60:5

• Comparisons:
• KJV: Then (1) thou shalt see, and flow together, and (2) thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the (3) forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
• NIRV: Then (1) your face will glow with JOY. (2) Your heart will beat fast because you are so happy. Wealth from across the ocean will be brought to you. The (3) riches of the nations will come to you.
• Discrepancies: 
1. "Thou shalt see, and flow together" (KJV) vs. "Your face will glow with JOY" (NIRV). The first implies understanding, the second emotion.
2. "Thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged:" (KJV) vs. "Your heart will beat fast because you are so happy." (NIRV). The KJV connects to the many passages that tell us to fear God because of how awesome He is, this being another example. The NIRV vividly explains the happiness felt.
3. "Forces of the Gentiles" (KJV) vs. "Riches of the nations" (NIRV). The first implies military strengthen, the second economic prosperity.
• Thoughts: Overall, both describe JOY at improvement that comes from afar. The KJV is less clear emotionally but with better ties to other scriptures. The NIRV provides emotional and situational clarity that doesn't necessarily align with the KJV.

Isaiah 60:13

• Comparisons:
• KJV: (1) The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, (2) the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my (3) sanctuary; and I will (4) make the place of my feet glorious.
• NIRV: (1) "Lebanon's glorious trees will be brought to you. (2) Its junipers, firs, and cypress trees will be brought. They will be used to make my (3) temple beautiful. And I will bring glory (4) to the place where my throne is.
• Discrepancies: 
1. "The glory of Lebanon" (KJV) vs. "Lebanon's glorious trees" (NIRV). The KJV is more open-ended.
2. Fir vs. juniper; pine vs. fir, cypress vs. box (KJV vs NIRV). Does it matter? Is there significance to the type of tree or is it just to express a variation?
3. "Sanctuary" (KJV) vs. "Temple" (NIRV). Again, KJV feels more open: a sanctuary could be anywhere.
4. "Make the place of my feet" (KJV) vs. "To the place where my throne is" (NIRV). This implies two different things from one related verse for me. Isaiah 66:1 calls heaven God's throne and earth His footstool. So, the KJV would imply God is glorifying the place where He dwells on earth and the NIRV his heavenly home. Perhaps both are true.
• Thoughts: Subtly different wording creates subtly different tones: The KJV poetic; the NIRV concrete.

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.

Arise, Shine (Isaiah 60:1-3)

1. Get to work: God empowers you.
   
1. *He is our light! John 8:12 KJV: 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.
2. The world is full of darkness, that's why it needs My light which shines through you. 
3. People will be drawn to it.
1. 🎵So carry your candle, run to the darkness / Seek out the helpless, confused and torn🎶 ("Go Light Your World" performed by Chris Rice)

Watch them Gather (Isaiah 60:4-9)

1. Watch as your family returns in droves.
1. ? Why is there a difference in how the sons and daughters return?
2. You'll be amazed by how strong and prosperous you become.
3. The nations who gather from afar bring offering and sacrifices of praise to Me.
1. ? Is there significance in the gifts being brought on camels? To show they carry a vast quantity of treasure? Or to link to the wisemen in the story of Jesus' birth?
2. ? Why do they come from Midian, Ephah, and Sheba?
4. I accept their offerings to bring glory to My home.
1. ! "Women of Jerusalem, my skin is dark but lovely. It is dark like the tents in Kedar. It's like the curtains of Solomon's tent. Song of Solomon 1:5 NIRV (Read more about Kedar at Got Questions)
2. ! Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them JOYful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:7 KJV
3. *Your sacrifice and offerings bring Him glory! Bring your loaves and fishes, let Him do the rest. "By the sword of the Lord and the sword of Gideon [replace your name here]!" He doesn't need Your best effort, but He desires it. It shows your heart. It is your offering. (References Matthew 14:14-20 and Judges 7:20)
5. You wonder who they are and why they come so swiftly.
6. They are those who have waited on Me. 
1. ! I will wait for the LORD. He is turning his face away from Jacob's people. I will put my trust in him. Isaiah 8:17 NIRV (See cross references.)
7. They return because they see My glory shining through you.
1. *Like lighthouses! (See connection.)

Be Restored (Isaiah 60:10-14)

1. You will be rebuilt and cared for because My wrath has ended. Now is the time of My love.
1. ! For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. Isaiah 57:16 KJV
2. ! The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague. But then he will heal them. They will turn to the LORD. and he will answer their prayers and heal them. Isaiah 19:22 NIRV (See cross references.)
2. Everyone will be welcomed at all times. Those who come to you will strengthen you.
3. Any one who refuses to enter, will perish.
1. ! I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV
2. ! When anyone dies, it does not give me any JOY," announces the LORD and King. "So turn away from your sins. Then you will live! Ezekiel 18:32 NIRV
3. ! If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. John 15:22 KJV
4. ! When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life. That's because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done. Romans 6:23 NIRV
4. Every one who enters will be used to beautify My dwelling place.
1. *We are each a carefully crafted chosen and shaped stone created to fill a place in His holy temple, built upon the foundation of our spiritual ancestors upon which Christ is the chief cornerstone. (Explore your identity as a stone.)
2. ! What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? I Corinthians 6:19 KJV
3. ! People are trees. (See research.)
4. ! Earth is His footstool. Isaiah 66:1 and Romans 12:1.
5. The whole world will reverence you, even those who once opposed you.
1. ! I will make you and the woman hate each other. Your children and her children will be enemies. Her son will crush your head. and you will bite his heel." Genesis 3:15 NIRV
2. ! That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, fo things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11 KJV

Know Peace and JOY (Isaiah 60:15-22)

1. Once you were rejected, but now you are eternally exalted.
1. ! People looked down on him. They didn't accept him. He knew all about pain and suffering. He was like someone people turn their faces away from. We looked down on him. We didn't have any respect for him. Isaiah 53:3 NIRV 
2. ! Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. Philippians 2:9 KJV
2. I will provide all your needs to you and you will know that I am the Lord.
1. ! But the money it earns will be set apart for the LORD. The money won't be stored up or kept for Tyre. Instead, it will go to those who live the way the LORD wants them to. It will pay for plenty of food and fine clothes for them. Isaiah 23:18 NIRV (See cross references.)
2. ! Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. Ezekiel 33:29 KJV
3. ! Say to those whose hearts are afraid, "Be strong and do not fear. Your God will come. He will pay your enemies back. He will come to save you." Isaiah 35:4 NIRV (See cross references.)
3. I will give you more than you would expect. You'll live in peace and righteousness.
1. ! Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20 KJV 
2. ? Is there significance to the materials named here?
3. ! No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against the in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 KJV (See cross references.)
4. Any who enters in will be saved and filled with gratitude.
1. ! When you do what is right, you will be made secure. Your leaders will not be mean to you. You will not have anything to be afraid of. You will not be terrified anymore. Terror will not come to you. Isaiah 54:14 NIRV
5. And the glory of the Lord will fill the place.
1. ! There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun. The Lord God will give them light. They will rule for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5 NIRV
2. ! Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously. Isaiah 24:23 KJV (See cross references.)
3. 🎶But this light that shines on me shines on you / And makes everything beautiful again🎵 ("Stars" performed by Crowder)
6. Your time of mourning is over; God is your light.
7. Your land will be populated with righteous people who shine in My glory.
8. When it is time, your numbers will boom.

Jesus' Work (Isaiah 61:1-3)

1. Jesus came, at God's command, to bring good news, comfort, and freedom for the lost and broken.
1. ! The Trinity is represented here!
2. To remind us that God's time is now, vengeance is His, and we should be comforted knowing it.
1. ? What is the "acceptable year of the Lord"/ "Year when he will set his people free."? Reference to Jubilee - a time when debts were forgiven, slaves freed, and land returned. Spiritually, meaning freedom from sin because of Jesus and restoration in God. Year is contrasted here with day to show that God is patient and longsuffering, but His vengeance is swift and final. - Bible Hub
2. ? When Jesus quotes this text, why does He stop after "the acceptable year of the Lord"? *R
3. To exchange ruin for beauty, sorrow for JOY, and heaviness for praise so we all shine in God's glory.

Our Work (Isaiah 61:4-6)

1. Then, we will restore brokenness, making His shattered kingdom whole again.
1. ! He gave all these people so that they might prepare God's people to serve. Then the body of Christ will be built up. That will continue until we all become one in the faith. We will also become one in the knowledge of God's Son. Then we will be grown up in the faith. We will receive everything that Christ has for us. Ephesians 4:12-13 NIRV 
2. ! Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 KJV
3. ! You were taught not to live the way you used to. You must get rid of your old way of life. That's because it has been made impure by the desire for things that lead you astray. You were taught to be made new in your thinking. You were taught to start living a new life. It is created to be truly good and holy, just as God is. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIRV
4. ! And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that say upon the throne sad, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:4-5 KJV
2. They will labor for you.
1. ! Be shepherds of God's flock, the believers under your care. Watch over them, though not because you have to. Instead do it because you want to. That's what God wants you to do. Don't do it because you want to get money in dishonest ways. Do it because you really want to serve. Don't act as if you were a ruler over those under your care. Instead, be examples o the flock. I Peter 5:2-3 NIRV
2. ! Now I will sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. Isaiah 5:1-2 KJV
3. ! "The owner answered one of them. 'Friend," he said, 'I'm being fair to you. Didn't you agree to work for the usual day's pay? Take your money and go. I want to give the one I hired last the same pay I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Do you feel cheated because I gave so freely to the others?" Matthew 20:13-15 NIRV
3. They will look to you to learn more about Me.
4. You will be astounded by their generosity.

The Reward (Isaiah 61:7-11)

1. Great rejoicing will replace shame and confusion eternally.
2. I will guide them in truth.
1. ! He's our scout! He makes our paths straight and prepares our way with truth and knowledge.
3. No one will doubt that I bless them when they see what they produce.
4. We will rejoice in Him because He delivers, restores, and claims us as His own. 
5. As spring bursts with new life, so will righteousness and praise arise throughout the earth.

Research

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

When Jesus reads from Isaiah, why does He omit the phrase "the day of vengeance of our God"? (Isaiah 60:2 & Luke 4:16-20)

Historical: Israel's Exile

Israel had already experienced God's vengeance and now was the time for His ministry of grace.

• Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: form the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD. Deuteronomy 9:7 KJV
• They have harps and lyres at their banquets. They have tambourines, flutes, and wine. But they don't have any concern for the mighty acts of the LORD. They don't have any respect for what his power has done. So my people will be taken away as prisoners. That's because they don't understand what the LORD has done. Their nobles will die of hunger. The rest of the people won't have any water to drink. Isaiah 5:12-13 NIRV

Prophetical: Jesus' Crucifixion

It was not yet time for Jesus to experience God's wrath, the fullness of God's vengeance for all of humanity, but He knew it was coming as His role as Messiah.

• Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-6 KJV
• Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. Luke 9:22 KJV
• But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The blood of Christ has made us right with God. So we are even more sure that Jesus will save us from God's anger. Romans 5:8-9 NIRV

Spiritual: A General Warning

The ability to accept Jesus' gift to atone for our sins and be pardoned from God's vengeance was not yet available. But, it is now. Accept Jesus, or God's wrath will fall on you.

• Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who does not believe will be punished. Mark 16:16 NIRV
• In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 1:8 KJV
• All we can do is wait in fear for God to judge. His blazing fire will burn up his enemies. Suppose someone did not obey the law of Moses. And suppose two or three witnesses made charges against them. That person would die without mercy. People who deserve even more punishment include those who have hated the Son of God. They include people who have said no to him. They include people who have treated as unholy the blood of the covenant that makes them holy. They also include people who have disrespected the Holy Spirit who brings God's grace. Don't you think people like this should be punished more than anyone else? We know the God who said, "I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back." Scripture also says, "The Lord will judge his people." Hebrews 10:27-30 NIRV
• For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:21 KJV

Soon: Jesus' Second Coming

To unleash God's vengeance will be Jesus' purpose at His second coming. The purpose of His first coming was to fulfill the requirements of the law through His sacrifice and offer salvation by grace to all of us.

• This is the time when God will punish Jerusalem. Everything will come true, just as it has been written. Luke 21:22 NIRV
• [John the Baptist speaking of Jesus:] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. Luke 3:17 KJV
• Coming out of the rider's [Jesus'] mouth is a sharp sword. He will strike down the nations with the sword. Scripture says, "He will rule them with an iron scepter." (Psalm 2:9) He stomps on the grapes of God's winepress. The winepress stands for the terrible anger of the God who rules over all. Revelation 19:15 NIRV

*There are many explanations as to why Jesus left out the part of God's vengeance. Yet, all in attendance knew that was how the verse ended. Indeed, according to tradition at the time, He should have completed it: three prophetical verses were the expectation, and He only read one and a half. The alerted audience was cued to realize that, for now, they were to witness Jesus' mission of compassion and salvation - the day of vengeance of our God would come later.

Sources: 

1. Bible Hub commentaries on Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:19. Especially Berean and Gill.
2. Reformed Margins: "What Jesus Didn't Say"
3. P.OST: "Did Jesus avoid proclaiming a 'day of vengeance' against Israel in the synagogue in Nazareth?"

Summary

Shine, come together, be restored, and rest JOYfully. Now strengthened, build with Christ, rejoicing always in the righteousness of God.

Memorize

I chose to memorize Isaiah 60:1-3 KJV:

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 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. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

*This is who we are, what our purpose is, how we are able, and the promised end.

Cross References

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

Of  Isaiah 60:1-3 KJV.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come,...

• Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 KJV
• At one time you were in the dark. But now you are in the light because of what the Lord has done. Live like children of the light...That is why it is said, "Wake up, sleeper. Rise from the dead. Then Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:8, 14 NIRV
• But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2 KJV

...and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

• When the ark started out, Moses said, "Lord, rise up! Let your enemies be scattered. Let them run away from you." Numbers 10:35 NIRV
• Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. Leviticus 9:23 KJV (See also Numbers 16:19 and I Kings 8:11)
• The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Isaiah 60:19 KJV
• God said, "Let the light shine out of darkness." (Genesis 1:3) He made his light shine in our hearts. His light gives us the light to know God's glory. His glory is shown in the face of Christ. II Corinthians 4:6 NIRV
• To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Jesus]. Acts 26:18 KJV

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,...

• The earth didn't have any shape. And it was empty. There was darkness over the surface of the waves. At that time, the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:2 NIRV
• And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto [Jesus] privately, saying, ... what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?...nation shall rise against nation...there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places...Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake...And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matthew 24:3-13 KJV (excerpts)
• Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world. Ephesians 6:12 NIRV
• And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:30 KJV

...and gross darkness the people: ...

• The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if they eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23 KJV
• But the way of those who do what is wrong is like deep darkness. They don't know what makes them trip and fall. Proverbs 4:19 NIRV 
• Let [the Pharisees] alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:14 KJV
• Even in the darkness light shines on honest people. It shines on those who are kind and tender and godly. Psalm 112:4 NIRV (See also Psalm 18:28.)
• The people of Jerusalem say, "Don't laugh when we suffer, you enemies of ours! We have fallen. But we'll get up. Even though we sit in the dark, the LORD will give us light. Micah 7:8 NIRV

...but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

• 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. Isaiah 9:2 KJV (See also Matthew 4:16 and Luke 1:78-79)
• In [Christ] was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:4-5 KJV
• He has saved us from the kingdom of darkness. He has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 NIRV
• If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. I Peter 4:14 KJV
• The LORD who rules all will rule on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The elders of the city will be there. They will see his great glory. His rule will be so glorious that the sun and moon will be too ashamed to shine. Isaiah 24:23 NIRV (See cross references and Revelation 22:5.) 

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light,...

• I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; Isaiah 42:6 KJV (See also Luke 2:32 and Acts 13:47.)
• Here is what the LORD says to me. "It is not enough for yo as my servant to bring the tribes of Jacob back to their land. It is not enough for you to bring back the people of Israel I have kept alive. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles. Then you will make it possible for the whole world to be saved." Isaiah 49:6 NIRV
• And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house  shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:2-3 KJV
• Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life." John 8:12 NIRV
• But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I Peter 2:9 KJV

...and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 

• Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Isaiah 49:7 KJV
• "People from other lands will rebuild your walls. Their kings will serve you. When I was angry with you, I struck you. But now I will show you my tender love. Isaiah 60:10 KJV
• Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus' birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose. Now we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2 NIRV
• May the kings of Tarshish and of places far away bring him gifts. May the kings of Sheba and Seba give him presents. May all kings bow down to him. May all nations serve him. Psalm 72:10-11 KJV

*Conclusion: Move! God is with you. Though you will face hard times and people will be stubborn and cruel, they will see God in you and come to His light -  even those who you think can't be swayed.

Respond

Look! God is doing something new. He offers empowerment in place of my doubts, fears, and weakness; companionship for my loneliness; beauty for my ugliness; blessings for curses; protection for attacks; inspiration for defeat; praise for mourning.

I accept these exchanges because I need His restoration!

In Closing

Father God, thank You for willingly working on me. You take all my brokenness, defeat, and despair, and give me beauty, inspiration, and power. Train me to live in Your grace. Remind me it's mine for the taking. All that's required of me is to turn from the path of destruction and accept the gifts You're offering. Train my steps to remain on Your path. 

Learning with You,

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