Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
5/25 Reading Portions: Numbers 34; Psalm 78:38-72; Isaiah 26; 1 John 4
Isaiah 26:15
But You have increased the nation, O LORD, You have increased the nation; You are glorified; You have enlarged all the borders of the land.
ENLARGED
Interestingly, in another portion of our reading today, Numbers 34, the borders of Israel’s inheritance are clearly defined, roughly marking the land with boundaries somewhat near to what we know as Israel today; the allotment to Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh notwithstanding. Yet Isaiah prophesies of the nation’s increase with enlarged borders. Why? Because the land, as an inheritance, always foreshadowed the ultimate inheritance, that of salvation through the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although the gospel of salvation is defined by strict “borders,” confined by the truth of God’s Word in the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and consummation of all things in, by, and through the Lord Jesus Messiah alone, the gospel of Christ extends beyond the borders of land. Its proclamation, persuasion, and power have spread from pole to pole and from sea to shining sea. Moreover, the nation has increased. Though Israel was composed of the progeny of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, now through Christ Jesus, everyone born-again by grace through faith are the Israel of God (Rom 9:6; Gal 6:16). Finally, our borders are enlarged through the Lord Jesus Christ because He is glorified in us unto the ultimate glory of God the Father. Christ’s crucifixion has given us an inheritance beyond the doctrines of the simple gospel. Christ Jesus is the inheritance we await with eager hope and blessed anticipation. Until that Day, however, we have also inherited every grace which fills our souls to lovingly, joyfully, and peacefully produce a fruitful life for the Son’s exaltation and the Father’s glory. For our greatest blessing and most exuberant joy is bringing glory to God. Hallelujah! Amen!
Christ’s gospel does enlarge our view
Beyond the borders of the Jew;
For it includes both you and me,
With grace to draw souls to believe.