Name the Crime

 

Isaiah 1:17 

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.

Good day, I'm Duane Matz and welcome to Today's Living Word

 

The fall elections are upon us and it seems this year, more than ever, (due to the overturning of Roe V Wade) the unborn child has become a political football. The Democrats rallying around their misnamed cause of “reproductive rights,” and the Republicans scrambling to make their right to life position more palatable to voters, by yielding to emotional pleas for exceptions. What’s lost in all this is the heart of the matter, namely the injustice meted upon the unborn child. This tragic political game of football would be over if everyone would simply and honestly answer this question:  “What crime has the unborn child committed that is deserving of a death sentence?”

I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word

No More Transactions

 

Good day! I’m Duane Matz and this is Today’s Living Word:

 

Isa 19:15 Neither will there be any work for Egypt, Which the head or tail, Palm branch or bulrush, may do. 16 In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves over it. 17 And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which He has determined against it.

 

The Lord’s judgement against Egypt continues. Again, when you think of Egypt in the Bible, think of a land caught up in the ways and futile wisdom of the world. A land that has rejected God!

 

The immediate fulfillment of this prophecy speaks of hard economic times for Egypt. The word “work” here means transactions. It will effect the high and mighty of the land, and the low. The palm branch (high) the bulrush (low)!

 

The people of the land will be living in abject fear, likened to helpless women. (No offense ladies) The mere mention of Judah will send shiver down their spines because of the counsel of the Lord (the judgement of the Lord) coming against the Egyptians.

 

That’s the immediate fulfillment, but let’s look at the long term fulfillment. There will come a day, (Judgment Day) when there will be no more transactions for the devil. That serpent, (head and tail) will no longer be able to tempt!

 

He, his demons, and all those who have rejected the grace of God will be in abject terror as the Lord prepares to wave His hand over them in final judgment The mere mention of the name of the Lion of Judah will provoke that final act of worship, where “every knee shall bow at the name of Jesus!

 

Php 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,  11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Have you bowed your knee to Jesus Christ, or are you still in the grasp of Egypt? Bow now unto salvation and escape from judgment, or bow later and pray the eternal price of separation from God and all His goodness for eternity!

 

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word

The Folly of Worldly Wisdom

 

Good day! I’m Duane Matz and this is Today’s Living Word:

 

It’s been a while since we have been going verse by verse through the Book of Isaiah. We left off in chapter 19, which deals with God’s judgment against Egypt. When you think of Egypt in the Bible, think of a land caught up in the ways and futile wisdom of the world. Let’s pick it up in verse 11:

 

Isa 19:11 Surely the princes of Zoan are fools; Pharaoh's wise counselors give foolish counsel. How do you say to Pharaoh, "I am the son of the wise, The son of ancient kings?" 12 Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, And let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt. 13 The princes of Zoan have become fools; The princes of Noph are deceived; They have also deluded Egypt, Those who are the mainstay of its tribes. 14 The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst; And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.

Zoan is where the present city of Cairo is located and it is the place where Moses did his signs and wonders from God. You’d think these “wise counselors” would take that in consideration as they flattered Pharaoh.

 

But they fail to mention God’s dealings with them in the past and played on their current reputation for worldly wisdom.  “O Pharaoh, you are so wise! Wisdom is in your genes! You are “the son of the wise, The son of ancient kings?

 

As God’s judgment against Egypt begins to unfurl, the question begs to be asked, “Where’s your wisdom now Pharaoh?” The Lord had let them alone in their folly, but now with the economy collapsing all around them, their wisdom has failed them as God has sent a curse of a “perverse” spirit in their midst.

 

Confusion reigns as the leaders seek answers, but the only answer they get is more err in their actions. They are pictured as a nation guided by a drunken man laying in his own vomit. Vomit that he brought on himself with his lack of wisdom and self-control.

This is the lot for those who rely on worldly wisdom rather than the wisdom that comes from on high! 1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

 

Whether floundering and groping as a nation or as an individual. Turn to the only true source of wisdom…turn to God!  Job 12:13 "With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.

Pr 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word

Take Courage

 

Good day! I’m Duane Matz and this is Today’s Living Word:

 

It’s been a busy summer for yours truly and I mean that in a good way I’ve had the privilege to fill in pulpits at four different churches and the sermon prep has eaten into my time to prepare my daily blog. I’ve gotten a little break in the action, so let’s get back at it!

 

The text for today’s blog is found in Mt 14:27 NIV. Jesus is speaking and says, “Take courage! It is I.”

 

The backdrop is the disciples were in very rough water. It was night and suddenly Jesus approaches the boat, walking on the water! This was a new one on the disciples and they thought they were seeing a ghost! The Bible says “they cried out in fear,” and this was Jesus’ reply. “Take courage, it is I.”

 

Let me ask you something. Has anyone ever lived who had as much courage as Jesus! I don’t think so. He squared off against sin and called it out. He squared off against self-righteousness. He squared off against the devil himself, and HE squared off against the cross! Jesus is loaded with courage, and in our text, He invites His disciples to help themselves to whatever measure they need!

 

“Take courage! He says, It is I!”

 

He invites you and I to do the same. What are you squaring off against these days? An unplanned pregnancy? Take courage, Jesus will give you what you need to carry that baby to term.

 

Pressure from that boyfriend of girlfriend to engage in premarital sex? Take courage from Jesus and remain chaste.

 

Do you need courage to speak up against a wrong, or courage to share your faith with someone. Take courage from Jesus and speak the truth in love.

 

Perhaps you received bad news concerning your health, your finances. Take courage from Jesus as He offers it to you freely!

No matter what you are facing today, Take courage! Jesus has a boatload of it and HE invites you to take of it freely!

I’m Duane Matz, and that’s Today’s Living Word.