In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel.

Isaiah 3-4

In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. Isaiah 4:2

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  On day 8 of my study, where I proceed with Isaiah 3-4, the key takeaway comes from Isaiah 4:2 where God promises a branch of the Lord that will survive His judgement.  I am reminded that as one of God's elect - of course not through any actions of my own but purely due to His grace - I exist to glorify Him.   The branch of the Lord as described in Isaiah 4:2 is "beautiful and glorious," and all believers are called to be "beautiful and glorious."  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God that has called me to be one of His elect - the branch.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin - worry, etc. - continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But it was uprooted in fury and thrown to the ground. The east wind made it shrivel, it was stripped of its fruit; its strong branches withered and fire consumed them.

Ezekiel 19

But it was uprooted in fury and thrown to the ground. The east wind made it shrivel, it was stripped of its fruit; its strong branches withered and fire consumed them. v12

Once again (see Ezekiel 15), we see Israel referred to as a vine that bears no fruit.  Jesus (John 15) referred to Himself and His followers as "the true vine" and the "branches".  For our own good and of course His glory, God wants us to be healthy vines the produce fruit.  But to do so, we must remain in Him.  We must cultivate a relationship with Him and tend to this relationship so that it grows.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has helped me grow in my faith - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and tender care.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

 

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.

Isaiah 4

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. v2

Isaiah 3 and 5 speak of how God brings judgement on Israel and Judah and how many will suffer. Yet in chapter 4 we see a glimpse of hope for those who have remained faithful.  The reference to
the vine and the branch calls to mind John 15.


Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has cleansed me, tended to me, encouraged me, healed me, disciplined me, molded me, and so much more - You are a great God and apart from You I can do no good things.  Thank You Jesus for being a lamp unto my feet.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.   Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.