Study Desk

People of Israel, you come from Jacob's family and the tribe of Judah. You claim to worship me, the Lord God of Israel, but you are lying.

You call Jerusalem your home and say you depend on me, the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel.

I did this because of who I am. I refuse to be dishonored or share my praise with any other god.

Come closer and listen! I have never kept secret the things I have said, and I was here before time began. By the power of his Spirit the Lord God has sent me

with this message: People of Israel, I am the holy Lord God, the one who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path.

I said to myself, "I'm completely worn out; my time has been wasted. But I did it for the Lord God, and he will reward me."

Even before I was born, the Lord God chose me to serve him and to lead back the people of Israel. So the Lord has honored me and made me strong.

Israel, I am the holy Lord God, the one who rescues you. You are slaves of rulers and of a nation who despises you. Now this is what I promise: Kings and rulers will honor you by kneeling at your feet. You can trust me! I am your Lord , the holy God of Israel, and you are my chosen ones.

The Lord God says: "I will soon give a signal for the nations to return your sons and your daughters to the arms of Jerusalem.

He will make those cruel people dine on their own flesh and get drunk from drinking their own blood. Then everyone will know that the Lord is our Savior; the powerful God of Israel has rescued his people.

The Lord God gives me the right words to encourage the weary. Each morning he awakens me eager to learn his teaching;

But the Lord God keeps me from being disgraced. So I refuse to give up, because I know God will never let me down.

The Lord God will help me and prove I am innocent. My accusers will wear out like moth-eaten clothes.

None of you respect the Lord or obey his servant. You walk in the dark instead of the light; you don't trust the name of the Lord your God.

God chose Abraham and Sarah to be your ancestors. The Lord blessed Abraham, and from that one man came many descendants.

I will help them because I am your God, the Lord All-Powerful, who makes the ocean roar.

The Lord your God is angry, and on every street corner your children lie helpless, like deer trapped in nets.

to the Lord your God, who defends you and says, "I have taken from your hands the cup filled with my anger that made you drunk. You will never be forced to drink it again.

What a beautiful sight! On the mountains a messenger announces to Jerusalem, "Good news! You're saved. There will be peace. Your God is now King."

The Lord has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God.