September 23

Isaiah 41:17-43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35

Advertisements are filled with before and after photos. They want to show you the transformation that can occur if you buy their product. Paul gives us this type of advertisement in Ephesians 2. He gives us the before picture of someone prior to coming to faith in Christ. They were dead, sinful, disobedient, deserving wrath, at enmity with others, and separated from God. Then he transitions to the after picture, the result of trusting in Christ for our salvation. He says that these people are now alive, recipients of mercy, saved, raised with Christ and seated with him, having access to God, and part of a diverse family of God that is called to live at peace with one another. What a beautiful before and after picture. A powerful transformation that only God can effect.

Isaiah similarly pictures a transformation. He describes a land in drought that is then covered in rivers, springs, and pools of water. A second image is that of a desert that is suddenly covered in lush vegetation. This before and after picture highlights that of a world before the Servant has come and after. This Servant is Jesus who transforms not only individual lives but ultimately the world. He came to ultimately bring his kingdom now in part and fully at his return. This true, lasting transformation is only available in Christ as all of Scripture declares. Therefore, let us acknowledge his grace, power, and work, and live in the transformation he has made available to us today.

God my Father, thank you for the life you make available in Christ. Thank you that he has brought your kingdom to earth and thank you that at his return he will bring about his ultimate kingdom. Until then, help me to live for your glory and live out of the life which you have given me. Amen.

Question of the day: Jesus is the Servant of Isaiah. Where do we see these prophecies about Jesus fulfilled in the New Testament?