April 23

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR APRIL 23, 2026: ISAIAH 60, 1 CORINTHIANS 15, PSALM 35:1-14                              

ISAIAH 60 For those, including this writer, who hold to a premillennial view of the end times (Rev. 20:1-6), this chapter describes what we think will take place during the millennium—the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth upon His second coming. The chapter perhaps also merges into peek at the eternal state of heaven in the last verses. Those with a different view see this as some combination of the return from exile, the current church age, and heaven. Here is one representative of such an interpretation: https://www.clr4u.org/arise-and-shine-isaiah-60/

Most all agree that the reason we should feel like rising and shining (and giving God the glory) is the appearance of Jesus after a period of worldwide gloom and doom. This could be Jesus’s resurrection, but it doesn’t seem that all kings and nations have come to Him as yet (vs 3). It seems more likely to be the future millennium when Satan will not be available to deceive anyone on earth and Christ and His saints will the world rule in justice. Verses 4-9 describe how folks from throughout the world will come to bring riches to the headquarters of God and His people on earth—which would appear to be Jerusalem. 

Kings (vs.10), not identified of God’s people, will serve God’s people (i.e. Israel/church). These kings and their subjects will build up the city of the Lord, likely Jerusalem (vs. 10). God, who as we have seen throughout the Old Testament, states that He has had to discipline His people (vs.10) but now will bring about a period of compassion and great wealth (vs.10-11). Those nations who don’t support His people will be ruined (vs.12). Much attention will be given to a new physical place of worship (i.e. sanctuary), which will be the site of Christ’s presence (vs. 13). This combination of events seems improbable in all scenarios except the millennium. 

All these events should also confirm to anyone paying half attention at the time that Jesus is indeed the Lord, Savior, and Redeemer (vs. 16). Yet we know from history and the Bible many rejected Jesus when He first came, even after witnessing His miracles and teaching. The last five verses could be a continuation of the millennium, but the content seems more to foreshadow terminology used in Revelation about heaven:

  • No violence (vs. 18): “There will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).
  • No sun nor moon; the Lord is the light (vs. 19): “The city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev. 21:21). 
  • No days of mourning (vs. 20): “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:4).

A reminder: Whenever we are dealing with prophetic writing, we must leave room for God to totally surprise. He surprised the Jews who believed Jesus was not the Messiah because they thought he was from Nazareth, not knowing He was born in Bethlehem. He surprised His disciples when He said John the Baptist fulfilled the role of Elijah. We can’t box God in.

READINGS FOR APRIL 23, 2026 CONTINUTED: 1 CORINTHIANS 15, PSALM 35:1-14 1 CORINTHIANS 15 This chapter deals with matters surrounding the resurrection. It can be broken down to three distinct (but related) units: the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11), the resurrection of the dead (verses 12-34), and the resurrection of the body (verses 35-58).                                                                                             Verses 1-11 – The Resurrection of Christ – This section begins by reviewing the gospel message that Paul preached to the people of Corinth. The sacrifice Christ made by which Christians are saved. The path is 1) Christ died for our sins; 2) Christ was buried; 3) Christ rose from the dead on the third day; 4) The risen Christ appeared to the disciples (including Paul). Paul uses his own life as an example of the power of God’s forgiving grace. Paul was known for his persecution of the Church (see Acts 8). And yet, through God’s grace Paul has become an apostle and entrusted with sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, often at the risk of his life.             Verses 12-34 – The Resurrection of the Dead – Paul then takes on the question as to whether there will be the resurrection of the dead. Paul states that because Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead that as his brothers and sisters we too shall experience the resurrection. In verses 22-23, Paul uses a comparison between our relationships to Adam and Christ. Through Adam and original sin, we are destined to die. Through Christ, we are destined for everlasting life. As to the time of the resurrection, Paul states that the fullness of God’s work in the world must come first. We must wait until Satan is defeated once and for all.         Verses 35-58 – The Resurrection of the Body – The last section of this chapter deals with what body will be resurrected. Almost every Christian funeral quotes from this section to emphasize that after death our mortal bodies (perishable) will make way for our immortal ones (imperishability). Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:6 and Hosea 13:14 to emphasize his point. Do you have faith in the risen Christ? Do you believe that you are going to participate in the resurrection? What questions might you have?                                                       PSALM 35:1-14 This psalm is an appeal to God to come to defend God’s servant David. It seems David is be- ing attacked by people that he has treated as dear friends. David appeals to God as an innocent victim being attacked during a time when already under distress. We will discuss the psalm based upon its structure.  Verses 1-3 – The psalm begins by David calling on God as a warrior to come to his defense. David calls on God to put on his armor and to come to his assistance. David needs God to save him from this situation. Through- out the Bible (especially the Psalms), God is metaphorically called our shield (Psalm 3:3, 7:10, 18:2,30 to name a few). The shield in Biblical times was the first line of defense in battle. They were large (four feet tall and two and a half feet wide) and could deflect swords and absorb the impact of arrows.                                            Verses 4-6 – David asks God to frustrate the efforts of David’s attackers. David asks that the attackers be disgraced and driven away. David is asking God to stop the attack and to scatter those who are at fault.             Verses 7-10 – David wants God to match the power of his salvation to the strength of his attackers. David is asking God to use the attackers own cunning against them. The “net” and “pit” his attackers planned to use on David, may the tables be turned and the attackers become entangled.                                                               Verses 9-10 suggest a difficulty. It is implied that David will only praise God “if” he is saved from this situation. If his attackers are “disgraced” then will David praise God. Placing this within the context of the entire psalter, it does not mean “only if” God does this. It means “when” God does this, David will praise God.                 Verses 11-14 (15-16) – This section of the psalm has been split in our readings. This section details the reasons why David is seeking God’s assistance. The attackers repaid David’s friendship with slander and attacks. David prayed for his attackers when they were ill. David fasted and prayed for their healing. Even though he did these things, his attackers waited for an opportunity to betray him. Sometimes when we are friendly to people, they do not reciprocate. Sometimes when we are loving, we get hatred in return. As Christians, we are called to love regardless of our neighbor’s response.