READING FOR JANUARY 30, 2026: ISAIAH 19, JOHN 21, PSALM 150 ISAIAH 19 The interpretation of this chapter is informed by a Premillennial view of both the Old and New Testaments, a view this writer finds to be most aligned with the plain reading of the Bible. In the first four verses, the Lord encounters Egypt to instill fear in the objects of their worship and the people (vs.1). God promises to create total hostility among them so that they will be demoralized and confused. The pervasive extent of this hostility, as indicated in verse two, suggests that this is still a future occurrence. Initially they will turn to false gods and even mediums (vs. 3), such will be their desperation. Eventually God will hand the nation over to a cruel leader (vs.4). Notice once again that the Lord, Himself, starts this downward spiral.
The emergence of this cruel leader fits the description of a figure in Daniel some identify as the antichrist: “Then he will reach out with his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt” (Dan. 11:42-43). Verses 5-10 describe an environmental disaster which leads to the disap- pearance of the Nile River (longest in the world) and the rich soil that borders it. The vast majority of Egyptians will be directly affected. Although previous low levels of the river have caused severe famines, it has never disappeared entirely. The loss of this essential economic asset will bring doom to the entire region. The loss of food and manufacturing will lead to mass unemployment. In verses 11-15, Egypt's leaders, though considering themselves to be in the tradition of the mighty pharaohs, will turn out to be fools who lead the people astray. In fact, the Lord will add delusions to their thinking. This in turn will lead to total unemployment.
Starting in verse 16 the tone shifts to a series of remarkable events to happen “in that day:”
- People will begin to acknowledge their weakness and (perhaps) God’s power (vs. 16-17).
- Five Egyptian cities will apparently adopt Hebrew as their language and serve the Lord (vs. 18).
- An altar to God will be erected (perhaps at Cairo); a memorial will be placed by the border (perhaps with Israel); Jesus will rescue them from their oppressors; and Egypt will be saved and healed (vs. 19-22).
- A road will be installed between Egypt and land that was then Assyria to allow for joint worship (vs. 23),
- Israel will be joined with Egypt and Assyria to be recipients of God’s blessings and to be a blessing in the midst of the earth (vs. 24-25). These zigzagging events lead to sudden peace: the millennium?
THE WORLD WILL BE BLESSED TO SEE COMPLETE PEACE IN SUCH A TROUBLED PLACE.
JOHN 21 The last verse of chapter 20 seems a logical conclusion to John’s gospel. It spells out his purpose for writing: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by
believing you may have life in his name. (20:31) Rather than ending there, though, John tells one more story to affirm his friend and fellow apostle, Peter. John wants his readers to understand that Peter’s life was not defined by his denial of knowing Jesus. Although John doesn’t mention it, Peter’s denial had been quite adamant even to the point of calling downcurses on himself. Matthew records this fact, “Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" (Matt. 26:74) Can you imagine how Peter must have felt after such an epic failure? Jesus had given him a new name that means “rock,” but
READING FOR JANUARY 30, 2026 CONTINUED: JOHN 21, PSALM 150 when the testing came, he had been more like blowing sand. John 21 tells the story of Jesus reaching out to him and assuring him that God still had a use for him in the kingdom. Jesus does not let Peter wallow in guilt.
Have you ever been overwhelmed with guilt because of a failure in your life? Maybe you have been beating yourself up because you denied Jesus by your words, thoughts or actions. Now a voice of condemnation cries out, “Blasphemy! You knew who Jesus was, and you denied him. You have committed an unpardonable sin. You can never be saved now. Not after what you have done.” It is a lie from Satan that tells you that you have sinned one time too many…that you have crossed the line. God is NOT angry at you if you have ever been born again and have not totally rejected Him forever. The story in John 21 reminds us we do not have to let failure keep us down. If God can use Peter after his failure, then God can still use you after your failure.
When Jesus gave Peter a new start, he gave him a living hope that was greater than his failure. It was a living hope because it was grounded in resurrection, grounded in the triumph of God over the sins of the world and over our accuser. Because Peter knew Jesus was alive, he knew there was great mercy every time he failed.
And Peter failed again. In Galatians, Paul says he had to oppose Peter because Peter was clearly in the wrong. Peter had allowed his fear of men to temporarily cloud his understanding of the gospel. But it is evident that Peter received this correction and repented of his failure and continued on as a rock. No matter what your “denial” might have been, know today that the Risen Christ reaches out to you today with arms wide open ready to receive you, to love you, to disciple you, and to use you.
We have reached the end of this beloved gospel. What do you think? Has John accomplished his goal? Has your faith increased that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God? Could you sense John’s love for Jesus? Are you drawn in by Jesus’ absolute love for his Father? And the Father’s love for the Son? Have you seen the God of love (Father, Son, and Spirit completely united in loving purpose) acting to rescue us from the evil one and from slavery to sin and death? Are you living in the peace that comes with greater knowledge of God’s nearness and attentive, loving presence? Is your heart rejoicing in the goodness of God’s ways, shown to us by Jesus who knew Father and made him known to us? Are you more deeply committed to obeying Jesus, believing joyful trust and obedience to be the way to peace and the way to the life that is truly life and that will never end? Thanks be to God!
PSALM 150 The mighty book of Psalms fittingly concludes with a Psalm overflowing with praise. In the mere six verses, the word praise appears 13 times. The Hebrew word translated as “praise” here is hal·lū, which Strong translates as “shine.” This gives a meaningful slant on what praising God does. It shines a light on God, all his attributes and accomplishments. Verses 3-5 direct that this praise utilize instruments, such as loud and resounding cymbals, tambour- ines, and trumpets. Verse 2 is a vital reminder that this praise or light must shine solely on this God of excellent greatness and mighty deeds. How easy it might be for those participating or even leading such ruckus praise to allow this light to shine on the musicians (i.e. worship band) rather than on the surpassingly great God. Let’s all be on guard. Praise God, not ourselves.
