READING FOR APRIL 27, 2026: ISAIAH 62, 2 CORINTHIANS 1, PSALM 36:1-4
ISAIAH 62 Here Isaiah says he is going to keep talking for the good of God’s people (vs.1), which is what God called Him to do in Isaiah 6:8. Is that one reason we do what we do? We might not have Isaiah’s gift to prophesy, but certainly we have a role to play at Yorktown Methodist beyond just our own individual well-being. Isaiah says he is going to continue doing it until certain results are achieved. In his case, the results did not happen during his lifetime: all nations will see Israel’s glory, salvation, and righteousness (vs.2). What might be appropriate goals for Yorktown Methodist? We might consider this one: all our spouses, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren come to faith in Jesus and become established in a church, such as Yorktown Methodist or another Bible-believing church.
It is interesting that, being a prophet, Isaiah had assurance these goals would absolutely be achieved, although the details such as when and how were not revealed. That did not cause Isaiah to take a vacation or go into retirement. It fostered greater obedience because He understood how great and worthy God is. He said Zion would become a crown of beauty for the Lord (vs.3). That’s how God sees us if we belong to Him. He said Israel would no longer be desolate but would be considered married (vs.4). Ever read a Jane Austin novel? It always has a happy ending with the nice people getting married—even though Austin herself remained single. God consistently uses the image of himself as the groom and his people as the bride (vs. 5). This looks ahead to the church: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with refer- ence to Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:31-32). And then ultimately in Heaven: “I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2).
Even though these blessings certainly lie ahead for God’s people, Isaiah tells us to keep work- ing (vs. 6-7): “You who profess the Lord, take no rest for yourselves; and give Him no rest until He estab- lishes and makes Jerusalem an object of praise on the earth.” Isaiah gives us some road work to help usher people into His Kingdom (vs. 10). He said our compensation for this work will be coming (vs. 11), but payment will be deferred until the final judgment: “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body” (2 Cor. 5:9-10).
2 CORINTHIANS 1 Paul takes a long time explaining his past actions and motivations related to the Corinthians in this letter. He doesn’t really get through it all in chapter one. He wants to be certain they were clear about his thinking towards them. After all, he was a bit tough on them at times in his first letter. Let’s be certain there are no misunderstandings among the Body of Christ. Maybe it is better to go to extreme lengths rather than to leave a wrong impression.
READING FOR APRIL 27, 2026 CONTINUED: 2 CORINTHIANS 1, PSALM 36:1-4 Paul finds purpose in his afflictions and comfort. Do we do the same? Usually, we pray only for comfort rather than for also finding value in our afflictions. Pay attention the next time prayer requests are made in church. According to Paul, the value in both is how they can benefit others, including for their salvation (vs.6). Can we pray during times when we experience both afflictions and comfort that these might help others find Jesus?
Now Paul wasn’t so unworldly spiritual to suggest his troubles were not really painful. He said they were “beyond their strength” and “they despaired of life.” Yet he lists what helped them: trusting in God, the prayers of believers, and the joy of knowing others would feel thankful when he and his colleagues would be delivered (vs.11). That last one is surprising, isn’t it?
Paul believed he conducted himself with holiness, sincerity, and God’s grace—not human wisdom. That’s a model for us. He stressed he tried to communicate clearly and understand- ably with them—not with impressive words above their heads. He revealed that he wanted to visit them twice, but he decided it would be better for their faith and joy not to do so. Usually, it is best to reach out to others after difficult communications, but there may be times to let matters rest a bit.
PSALM 36:1-4 If we consider the evil done by Sodom and Gomorrah, the disappointing comments by Lot, and the poor choices made by his daughters, how can we deny the truth of the Psalmist that transgression and not the fear of God often dominates the hearts of people? This is confirmed every time we hear the news of the day. Consider the wars, crime, and exploitation that abounds. It is confirmed whenever we are honest with ourselves.
Let’s pray the very opposite of these four verses for our hearts. May our hearts not be fertile ground for transgression, but instead may we fear the Lord. May our hearts be grieved when our sin or hateful thoughts are discovered by us. May our words reflect the wisdom of God and our actions be helpful to others. May we use our leisure moments to consider how we can better obey God and make our lives more aligned to His purposes.
