March 16

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR MARCH 16, 2026: ISAIAH 34, ROMANS 3, PSALM 22:22-31                           ISAIAH 34 This is a word that the prophet Isaiah wants all the nations to hear, not just believ- ers (vs. 1). It is interesting that the nature of what is to be communicated to everyone is God’s coming anger against the nations. Isaiah did not focus group his message very well, it would seem. In verses 2-3 God will totally destroy all the nations’ armies. Think of all the resources countries currently pour into their military per year: USA $997 billion, China $314 billion, and Russia $149 billion. It will be for naught. Just as scientists predict, the atmosphere will be so damaged that agriculture will be decimated (vs 4). This verse is also referenced in Rev.6 when the sixth seal is opened: “The sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up.”  Revelation calls this “the great day of their wrath.”  Keep in mind, Isaiah says this is a message all nations need to hear.

Verses 5-7 spotlight Bozrah and Edom in particular for designated destruction. Bozrah was the major city of Edom, so likely this is emphasizing God’s judgment against the Edomites. Edom was a country populated by the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob/Israel. Edom ceased to exist as a recognizable country after around 70 A.D. These verses could be predicting its de- mise at that time or more likely using Edom to represent all of Israel’s longstanding adversar- ies who will be defeated by God during the end times. Notice in verse eight it mentions these events will be God’s acts of vengeance “for the cause of Zion” (i.e. God’s people). This could mean Israel and/or the church. Even though we will witness great turmoil, God is at work.

That Isaiah intended his words to be considered scripture seems to be implied by his admon- ition to the nations to seek the book of the Lord and read it. If we want to be prepared for the upcoming world events, put down our cell phones and pick up our Bibles. As these verses state, God the Father has commanded these events which the Spirit will bring to pass. 

ROMANS 3 Paul constantly finetunes his message. He just finished chapter 2 stating circum-cision must be from the heart—not the traditional spot. Now he feels compelled to say the physical descendants of Abraham still have special value because they were the recipients and trustees of God’s Word for centuries. He reminds us just because some of them rejected Jesus does not make God’s plan failed or untrue. Many today reject Jesus. Sadly, for them, they will find out one day that their rejection of Him was mistaken. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; the only way to God. Paul again clarifies that God’s wrath doesn’t make Him unfair. He is epitome of fairness, having gone to the greatest possible extent to provide a way out of His wrath, which is His settled opposition against sin/evil as Pastor Tim Keller has stated.

READINGS FOR MARCH 16, 2026 CONTINUED: ROMANS 3, PSALM 20                                           Paul again finetunes his message. (He must have been frequently misunderstood and mis- quoted.) He writes what should be obvious: just because God’s abundant grace, which provided a way out of man’s sin problem and enhanced God’s glory (see Leibniz from March 1, 2024), sinning is never good. He will develop this concept in Rom. 6. He quotes several Old Testament passages to support his point that everyone, both Jew and Gentile, is sinful and accountable to God (vs 19-20). The Old Testament Law provides this knowledge but can’t fix the problem. This truth isn’t communicated in many churches because it seems offensive or not loving. But it is more loving to be honest about our condition--then provide the solution: FAITH IN JESUS.

Romans 3:25 says that in God’s forbearance He passed over the sins previously committed, meaning before the cross. This is hard to interpret. We know unbelievers before the cross will not be saved; consider Jude pointing to Sodom and Gomorrah as undergoing eternal fire. On the other hand, Paul says Abraham was justified by faith (Rom.4:3). In Hebrews 3:11-14, we see the daily priestly sacrifices did not take away sins, but Jesus’s self-sacrifice “for sins for all time” perfected “for all time those sanctified.” Thus, this passing over (paresis) of sins, seems to mean God’s “laying aside” sins of pre-cross believers until Jesus’s final payment for them. 

PSALM 20 This Psalm is in the first-person plural (we) talking about God apparently to David. The exception is verse 6, which is in the first-person singular. Thus, a group recites how God will deliver David in an upcoming dangerous battle then another individual interjects a comment on the same topic. One could also say that this Psalm points to that greater anointed one (vs 6), Jesus, whose offering on the cross the Father accepted (vs. 3) as fulfilling God’s gospel plan (vs.4) and achieving victory (vs. 5) by defeating God’s enemy (vs. 8) of sin/death to the praise of God (vs. 7). If we pray this Psalm for our church, how should we describe our enemies and victories? Church enemies and victories found in some books of the Bible:    

ENEMIES OF CHURCHES:

  • Jude-grumbling, lust seeking, authority rejecting, Jesus denying;
  • Revelation-false teaching, lukewarm, unrepentant;
  • Galatians-gospel distorting; 
  • Hebrews-gospel neglecting; 
  • 1 Corinthians-dissension, sexual immorality. 

VICTORIOUS CHURCH TRAITS:                                                                                                               

  • Romans-faithful, joyful, unified; 
  • Ephesians-loving, thankful, prayerful, wise; 
  • 1 Corinthians-participatory, orderly; 
  • Philippians-knowledgeable, humble, contented, generous; 
  • Revelation-persevering, serving.