READING FOR APRIL 22, 2026: ISAIAH 59, 1 CORINTHIANS 14, PSALM 34:11-22
ISAIAH 59 God says His people have a problem. They are separated from Him due to their sin, not God’s limitations. In one sense humankind’s disconnection from God has been our biggest problem since Adam and the reason Jesus had to die: “God was reconciling the world to him- self in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them... God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:18-21). John tells us we can reconnect with God if we believe on Jesus, who took this sacrificial action: “The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already.” (John 3:17-18).
In this chapter, Isaiah addresses Judah’s particular contributions to this sad story, even though they are God’s chosen people through whom God would bring the ultimate solution. They lie, they kill, they conspire to do evil, they think wrong thoughts, and they are unjust. Sounds familiar. The good thing, though, is that starting in verse nine we learn they know they are in a mess, and it’s their own fault. This is the first step back to God: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Then in verses 16-17, we see God Himself putting on His armor, which is further described in Ephesians 6:13-17. He prepares to battle for His people against all their enemies (vs. 18). Best of all, a Redeemer will be sent to all who turn from wrongdoing. We who receive this Redeemer need never again be separated from God because His Spirit will be upon us (vs. 21).
1 CORINTHIANS 14 This chapter returns to a discussion about spiritual gifts. Paul’s concern here is the use of them in corporate worship. For Paul, there is a simple answer. Corporate worship should only include those things that increase the faith of everyone in attendance. For Paul, prophecy is critical. Speaking in tongues should only be allowed if there is someone who can interpret what is being said. But if such an interpreter is present, it must not be forbidden. What is clear is that Paul’s entire template for corporate worship in this chapter is far more participatory and interactive than what most churches follow today.
This identifies the importance of hospitality in worship. Do our guests have everything they need to fully participate in worship? Are there any “rituals” that we do that require “insider information”? How can we better include all who gather in worship? Verses 33b – 36 – This is a difficult passage of scripture. Paul is telling the people of Corinth, as he does in 1 Tim. 2:11-12, to not let women speak in worship. If they do, it is a disgrace. If this is a universal prohibition of women speaking, then there is a potential internal disagreement within the letter. In 11:5, Paul states: “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
If Paul feels that women are not allowed to speak in the church, then why did he not state so when talking about head coverings? The fact that Paul states that they must have their head covered when they participate in these activities, is it not possible that Paul believes them to be acceptable behaviors? So, how do we struggle with the contradiction? Some egalitarian scholars believe that an editor inserted these verses into the letter to bring it in line with later Pauline letters (see 1 Timothy 2:13-14). There are old manuscripts that have these verses coming after verse 40. While there are no manuscripts where these verses are absent, the fact that there are differences cause some to question about it being in the original letter.
READINGS FOR APRIL 22, 2026: 1 CORINTHIANS 14, PSALM 34:11-22 Other egalitarian scholars believe that Paul was addressing a particular situation in the church. These verses come after Paul tells those speaking in tongues that if there is not an interpreter, they should remain silent (verses 28-29). Also, if a prophet who is sitting has something to share, then the speaker should sit and allow the person to share (verse 30). Based on verse 35, Although not stated in the text, some think that there were undereducated women. Thus, these women were disrupting the worship service by asking questions about what was being presented. They should ask their husbands later.
Paul Carter, a complementarian author, has suggested yet another way these texts can be harmonized: “That women can be prophets is beyond all reasonable dispute. I think the reason some might wish to downplay this reality stems from the tendency of egalitarian voices to equate the gift of prophecy with the office of the pas- torate. The argument is often made that since Hulda was a prophetess in the Old Testament and Philip had four daughters who prophesied in the New Testament then clearly women can be elders and pastors in the church. But the argument doesn’t follow. A prophetess is not a pastor. If the Bible is clear about anything it is clear about the fact that prophets operate outside the normal hierarchy of the covenant community. Their job is to speak the Word of God to the people of God with the help of the Holy Spirit of God – and sometimes it is helpful for that voice to come from outside the official structures and offices of the covenant community.”
Similarly, John Wesley accepted this guidance from Paul in this passage as normative: “Let your women be silent in the churches - Unless they are under an extraordinary impulse of the Spirit. For, in other cases, it is not permitted them to speak - By way of teaching in public assemblies. But to be in subjection - To the man whose proper office it is to lead and to instruct the congregation. Gen 3:16., And even if they desire to learn anything - Still they are not to speak in public, but to ask their own husbands at home - That is the place, and those the persons to inquire of” (from John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible).
PSALM 34:11-22 The reading for today is the last 12 verses of Psalm 34 which is an alphabetic acrostic. These verses continue with instruction for the people. This section can be broken down into three sections, verses (8-10) 11-14, 15-18, and 19-22. Verses 8-10 from yesterday’s reading are included with verses 11-14 in one section. These are like the type of teachings that might be found in proverbs. However, they are included in the longer psalms. Verses (8-10) 11-14 – David uses the traditional language of the wisdom teachers when he calls “my children” to listen. The way to worship God is to turn away from evil. It is to act in accordance with God’s plans. It is to seek and embrace wholeness and completeness in life. The call for us to keep our tongues from evil is found several places in the Bible.
In the book of James, the writer cautions us about the power of the tongue (James 3:5-10). James warns us: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:10, NIV) We need to watch the words that come out of our mouths. Verses 15-18 – David assures us that God is paying attention to those who are righteous. God will defeat those who do evil to the point that they will be forgotten. God will deliver the righteous. Verses 19-22 – This section begins by stating that we will have troubles. Everyone on this earth will have times when things do not go our way. Temptations, struggles, and frustrations are a part of life. God protects those who have faith. God will rescue those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus. Noone who finds shelter under God’s wings will be condemned.
