ESOCS Devotional 13 January 2023
TEXT: ISAIAH 45:1-8
MEMORY VERSE: “I will give you treasures from the dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the Lord and that the God of Israel has called you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 GNB
In our text today, we have two-fold themes of physical deliverance from captivity, and spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death. King Cyrus was a heathen King, who was chosen and specially anointed by God to free His people from captivity (Isaiah 44:28). On the other hand, Jesus Christ was anointed by God to deliver the Church (Spiritual Israel) from the bondage of sin and Satan (Isaiah 61:1). In other words, we see in this text the literal or earthly foundation upon which a message of salvation is given for the Spiritual Israel of God – the Church.
In Matthew 12:18, we see that Jesus is the Beloved chosen of God, anointed to deliver judgment and justice to humanity. As God’s chosen, He was equipped for the great task of human salvation. He was victorious in all aspects of His endeavours. He did not lose any battle, despite all the monstrous raging storms. Even death could not hold Him captive, for He died and resurrected on the third day (John 2:22). Much more, in the kingdom of darkness – following His burial, He fought and won (Psalm 24:7-10; Revelation 1:18).
Are you a true believer, chosen and anointed by God? Rejoice, therefore, for victory is yours, even unto eternal life. Be reminded of what God said of King Cyrus in our text. God promised to go before him, to make all crooked places straight and to clear all difficulties. In addition, all the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places were placed at his disposal. All these promises, the Lord fulfilled to the letter.
Don’t also forget, all true believers are designated members of the chosen generation, and of a royal priesthood, peculiar and holy unto the Lord (1 Peter 2:9). Rejoice, therefore, for the Lord your God who has chosen you shall make all things perfect in its time.
- The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him. Honour the Lord, therefore, and live.
- Lord, my God, open Thou my eyes to behold your secret blessings.
FURTHER READING: Proverbs 28: 1-11; Luke 6: 1-11; 1 Corinthians 5: 1-13
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 13 January 2023
