March 13

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR MARCH 13, 2026: ISAIAH 33, ROMANS 2, PSALM 19:7-14                                  ISAIAH 33 A woe is pronounced against the destroyer. While no person or group is specifically mentioned, given the overall context of these chapters, this is likely targeted toward Assyria. Assyria behaved badly toward other countries without first being the recipient of provocation. The text then states such a destroyer will eventually experience destruction themselves as a result. Would it be fair to look at this as a general principle of how God works in the affairs of people and countries even to this day? “A man reaps what he sows” (Gal. 6:7).

The United Nations, to which the United States and Russia belong, has a charter, which the United States and Russia have signed, that states the following: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or poli- tical independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”  Both the United States and Russia have violated this article. Although not hav- ing God’s written view of these actions, an argument could be made that the Americans who died in Iraq and Russians dying in Ukraine confirm the above reaping and sowing principle.    

Verse two starts a prayer to God concerning Judah. Judah, in response to Isaiah’s prophetic warning, waited on the Lord as their strength, not the chariots of Egypt. God is exalted as their source of salvation, wisdom, and wealth. On the other hand, the so-called brave men and diplomats of other countries are in despair in the face of the destroyer Assyria. Unsurprisingly Assyria doesn’t honor their agreements nor respect people in general. A good question is do we as individuals, churches, and a nation always keep our word? God is always a third party.  

In verse 10, the moment has come for God to act. He says sinners and the godless have reason to be afraid. On the other hand, those who are righteous, have integrity, reject bribes, and avoid evil will find sure footing, refuge, and provisions. They won’t experience the threatening invaders but will behold Jerusalem at peace. God will be for Judah (vs.21). That’s worth repeating. God will be for Judah. What does God do for them and us (i.e., Christians)? He is their/our judge, lawgiver, king, and savior (vs. 22).Verse 24 likely had an immediate fulfillment when God defeated the Assyrians but will have ultimate fulfillment in heaven: “And no resident will say, I am sick; The people who live there will be forgiven their wrongdoing.”

ROMANS 2 The first part of the first verse of this chapter is among the favorite words in the Bible of many—perhaps for the wrong reasons. Here it is: “Therefore, you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment for in that matter you judge another you condemn yourself” (Rom. 2:1). These words are often plucked from the Bible without reading the context. The resulting interpretation often implies that no one can say that any practice is sinful. (That would be “judging.”)  That’s not what it says. But there is judging we should avoid,

though. First, consider the context. There are at least 20 sins Paul identified in the last part of Rom. 1. These verses just precede 2:1. The very verse that precedes it reads, “those who practice such things (20 sins listed) are worthy of death” (Rom. 1:32). Clearly Paul says it’s wrong to commit these acts. In the verse following Rom.2:1 READINGS FOR MARCH 13, 2026 CONTINUED: ROMANS 2, PSALM 19-7-14                                      Paul writes, “We know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things” (Rom. 2:2). Is Paul contradictory? There seem to be two judgment-related practices to avoid:

  • In 2:1 it says those who pass judgment on another but practice the same sin will be condemned. In 2:3 Paul writes, “Do you suppose...when you pass judgment upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?” Jesus linked this hypocrisy to seeing the “speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye” (Matt. 7:3).
  • The phrase “judgment of God” in 2:2 is called right judgment to fall on such individuals.  In 2:3 we see the same phrase used to reference a future event. Then in 2:4-5 it reads the “righteous judgment of God who will render to every man according to his deeds.”  This again appears to be a final verdict on a person’s life that is reserved only for God. We should never say another person will be condemned to hell. As it says in 2:4, we cannot know how “the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” Paul himself is the most famous recipient of this kindness which led him to repentance. The Bible tells us what sin is. God alone renders final judgment on us all. As He did with Paul, He can do with others and turn lives around.

A final word about judgment. There appears to be two judgments mentioned in the Bible: The Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers (Rev. 20:11–15) and the Judgment Seat of Christ where believers will be rewarded, or not (2 Cor. 5:10).

Two necessarily brief but hugely significant points:

  • Verse 12 says it is not just knowing the Old Testament law that saves us but obeying it (at least hypothetically). Later (Rom. 3:19-20) we see the law defines sin, but it can’t actually save us. Why? Because no one, other than Jesus, has fully obeyed the law (Rom. 3:21-24). This will be clearer later, but as stated in 3:23-28, the only way to be judged just in the sight of God is through faith in Jesus.
  • The other point relates to what C.S. Lewis has called the “Law of Right and Wrong.” In Rom.2:15, as we have discussed before, it says that our conscious is actually a law that is written on our hearts.  All people all over the world during all ages have had a sense of right and wrong. Where did this sense come from if we all descended from purely non-personal forces? We all know that there is some "right standard" to which we can appeal when we say, "That's so unfair." To Lewis, this is one of the strongest arguments for the existence of a God who transcends each individual (Mere Christianity).

PSALM 19:7-14 While the first six verses exult the magnificence of the natural or general revelation of creation, the remaining verses extol what is known as special revelation: God's word. 

  • The Psalmist says it is Perfect (often disparaged today by some "theologians" who believe the Bible is full of errors) 
  • Soul refreshing (needful in the stress of life) and Trustworthy (not like social media) 
  • Wisdom producing (in short supply these days) and Right (in this time of moral ambiguity) 
  • Joy evoking (anyone a bit down at times?) and Light providing (plugged into the ultimate power)
  • Pure (not laced with anything harmful) and Everlasting (never out of date), 
  • True (the final authority on any issue) and Priceless (leads to treasure in heaven that can't lose value) 
  • Sweeter than honey (more delightful to ingest than even dark chocolate)
  • Timeless warning system and Rewarding (if studied and lived out, of course) 

It gives us insight into ourselves we could get nowhere else. It helps us avoid sin, which is self-destructive and an offense to our holy God. WHAT WERE WE SAYING ABOUT BEING TOO BUSY TO SPEND TIME IN GOD'S WORD?