4 3 2 the week. Stories ofGulpariandMichio Kit: Reproduciblehandout—The N Suggested Material: of theLord’sgodlycharacter. Justice handout—The ProphetsCallfor Kit: Posterandreproducible N Suggested Material: His people. vision ofGod’svindication N N Lesson Path Adult Teacher’sResource Adult Teacher’sResource Praise Christthroughout Life Response: Consider theglobalacclaim Interaction: Study ’sprophetic Bible Exploration: 74 Lesson 9 1 righteousness. appeal ofGod’s international Discuss the Connection: Life let thewholeworldpraiseHisname! reigns!’ ”(1Chron.16:31).Heisworthyofallourpraiseandworship— rejoice, lettheearthbeglad;themsayamongnations,‘TheLord do marvelousdeeds;youaloneareGod”(Ps.86:9-10).“Lettheheavens you, Lord;theywillbringglorytoyourname.Foryouaregreatand love forall.“Allthenationsyouhavemadewillcomeandworshipbefore to everyonewhocallsuponHisname.HeisajustGod,fullofmercyand ing GodforHisgoodness.extendsloveandmercyblessing The rich,thepoor,young,old—peoplefromeverylandareprais- his justicetothenationsofworld.Everyonewillpraisehim!”(NLT). ing theLord,justasIsaiah61:11tellsus:“ThesovereignLordwillshow love Jesus.TheypraiseHimforWhoHeis,andHisgoodness. with clappingandsingingsmilesstretchingacrosstheirfaces.They Haiti aregratefultoGod.Theirworshipservicesfullofpraiseandjoy back, foodintheirstomach,andaroofoverheads.Yetthefaithful ism oftheUSA.Haitiansaredailyconcernedwithhavingclothesontheir M Teacher’s Devotional A Justice-LovingGod Universal Praise

LESSON0 historically belongedtoIsaiah. Yet, tion ofaministrythat,onone level, had beenalltoofamiliar(vss. 15-22). desolation withwhichZion herself Indeed, theywouldabandon aformer many nationsoutoftheirdarkness. the promiseofsalvation,woulddraw God-given glory.Thisbrilliantlight, with acallforZiontoawakenits concluding sectionofthebookopens awaiting God’speople. a yet-to-be-realizedgloriousfuture to .Thiswasaharbingerof Yet, Isaiahalsoforesawtheirreturn the nation’sinhabitantstoBabylon. I Understanding theBible Across theworld,manyothergenerationsarepraisingandworship- demise ofJudahandtheexile saiah hadprophesiedboththe Chapter 61startswiththe descrip- Beginning withchapter60,the culture shockforheratfirst,comingfromtheextravagantmaterial- y friendservesinHaitiwithamissionorganization.Itwasquite 9 Week ofApril26 :8-11;62:2-4 Lesson Scripture: forth inallnations. God’s righteousnessandpraisewillspring Lesson Focus: Photo ofStLouis duNord,Nord-Ouest, Haiti:©JohnSeatonCallahan/Getty Images ones, butsalvationtotherighteous. act, bringingjudgmenton the evil Isaiah’s prayer.TheCreator would 65 and66recordGod’sreply to His people(63:7—64:12). Chapters ing Himtosimilarlyacton behalf of Lord’s goodnessinthepast,implor- the wicked.Then,Isaiahrecited Isaiah aboutthecomingjudgmentfor :1-6.HereHereminds , untilGodrestoredit. redeemed, tocontinueintercedingfor commitment, aswellthatofthe of that,chapter62describesIsaiah’s usher inZion’sfutureglory.Inlight points totheMessiah,whowould zon ofconsiderationprophetically on anotherlevel,thebroaderhori- God’s responseisrecordedin

Step 1 Discuss the international appeal of God’s Life Connection righteousness

As Your Students Arrive Link to Last Week

Prior to class, collect at least five pictures of logos of orga- Encourage a few class mem- nizations that involve most nations of the world. Examples bers to talk about injustices they might include the Olympics logo, the Nobel Prize logo, and saw this past week. the International Red Cross logo. As students enter the class- room, ask them to identify these organizations and briefly describe why countries from around the world are involved. Introduce the lesson by letting the class know that this week’s lesson focuses on why people from every country glorify the Lord.

Have your students form small groups to discuss Questions 1, 2, Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction and 3 in the study book. Question 1 provides class members LESSON 9 the opportunity to talk about the unity For April 26 • Page 61 and camaraderie they have within the global Christian community. No A Justice-Loving God matter where we are in the world, we s Eli boarded the flight to Amsterdam, he looked at the other people getting on the same plane. The flights he had have only one head who governs us Amade to numerous destinations around the world now and we all have the same status within easily numbered in the hundreds. Yet each one was different; the this community as brothers and sisters people were always different. In close quarters he sat with men and women of different nationalities and languages, of differ- in Christ. Therefore, nothing in the ent cultures and religions. He thought about the stories he heard world can separate us unless we do from fellow passengers. He thought about how flying became that ourselves. his ministry—an opportunity to share how his faith in Christ changed his life. He wondered how many people were led to the With Question 2, encourage stu- Lord by Christians like himself—all while cruising at an altitude dents to relate uplifting experiences of some six miles above the earth—and how a conversation could in which they heard beautiful praises, result in spiritual transformation. He led a few people to Christ himself on the longer cross- songs, or prayers spoken in a lan- country and overseas flights. Many more he helped initiate their guage different from their own. They consideration of following Jesus—people with whom he had can also discuss how such words “sown the seeds” of the . How many of those people ultimate- ly put their faith in Christ? he wondered. How many turned their transcended their limited comprehen- lives around and subsequently were instrumental in pointing others sion of what was actually being said to Jesus? Then it hit him: All across this vast world are Christian and how the feeling of being one with believers connected to each other solely by their love of and praise for the Lord. those who were speaking to the Lord As Eli placed a bag in the overhead compartment, he glanced at inspired their spirits. the young man in the window seat—a young man he’d be sitting For Question 3, students can note by for the 12-hour flight. He quickly prayed and then introduced how God’s righteous nature is not himself. A new conversation was beginning. only the perfect standard for human- 1. Why is our relationship to each other in Christ far more important than what country we belong to, or our ethnic group, kind but also a radiant beacon that or any other thing that distinguishes us from others? draws people from all cultures to Him. 2. Why is praising the Lord in every language both uplifting That beacon may be more difficult to and beautiful? see and more difficult to receive from 3. Why does God’s righteousness appeal to people of all one culture to another, but it is so cultures? powerful that no darkness can entirely envelop it. Therefore, there will be LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. people from all cultures who will be residents of God’s heavenly kingdom.

LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. Lesson 9 75 Step 2 Study Isaiah’s prophetic vision of God’s Bible Exploration vindication of His people

On the large poster, returned from exile in . They had note again on the timeline been “shame[d]” (61:7) by their exile, but when Isaiah prophesied because they were His people, He would and point out the photo of honor them with a “double portion” of what the flowers blooming after He promised to give them. For this reason, a fire on Mt. Carmel. their “joy” would endure forever. Earlier, the prophet described a “Way The Promised of Holiness” (35:8) upon which only those Renewal of God’s whom God had “redeemed” (vs. 9) could People travel. That too could describe the people’s Read Isaiah 61:8-11, and journey back to their homeland from exile, highlight these key points and they would do so with “singing” and in the Scripture: “everlasting joy.” Also, “gladness and joy” • The Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to His chosen people on many occa- Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction sions not only to warn them of the consequences of their wickedness but Lesson 9 for April 26 • Page 62 also to encourage them with His faithfulness toward them. The Promised Renewal of God’s People • God reminded the Israelites both Isaiah 61:8-11, KJV Isaiah 61:8-11, NIV that He loved justice and hated thiev- 8 8 For I the LORD love judg- “For I, the LORD, love justice; ery and that He would reward His ment, I hate robbery for burnt I hate robbery and wrongdoing. people with a covenant that would offering; and I will direct their In my faithfulness I will reward my endure forever. work in truth, and I will make people an everlasting covenant with and make an everlasting covenant • Moreover, all other peoples them. with them. throughout the world will one day 9 And their seed shall be 9Their descendants will be known recognize and acknowledge that the known among the Gentiles, among the nations Israelites are the Lord’s chosen people and their offspring among the and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall peoples. by how He has blessed them. acknowledge them, that they All who see them will acknowledge • When anyone finds joy in the are the seed which the LORD that they are a people the LORD has Lord through the Messiah, it is like hath blessed. blessed.” 10 being clothed in the Lord’s salvation 10 I will greatly rejoice in the I delight greatly in the LORD; LORD, my soul shall be joy- my soul rejoices in my God. and righteousness. ful in my God; for he hath For he has clothed me with garments • It is like being adorned as both a clothed me with the garments of salvation bridegroom and bride are adorned of salvation, he hath covered and arrayed me in a robe of his me with the robe of righteous- righteousness, with precious ornaments and jewels. ness, as a bridegroom decketh as a bridegroom adorns his head like • God’s work in nurturing righ- himself with ornaments, and a priest, teousness and praise will one day as a bride adorneth herself and as a bride adorns herself with flourish before the nations just as the with her jewels. her jewels. 11 For as the earth bringeth 11For as the soil makes the sprout nurturing of seeds causes them to forth her bud, and as the gar- come up sprout and grow in a garden. den causeth the things that and a garden causes seeds to are sown in it to spring forth; grow, @ ible ommentary so the LORD God will cause so the Sovereign LORD will make @ B C righteousness and praise to righteousness A Return to Joy spring forth before all the and praise spring up before all While the situation in this text nations. nations. likely refers to a future joyful time Isaiah 61 begins describing the work of the Servant, the when the Messiah reigns, the joy Messiah. The Spirit would enable the Servant to be prudent and expressed in this text would also effective in His God-given ministry. Verses 4-7 concern a time apply to the people who had just

76 Lesson 9 LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. Further commentary on this Scripture passage can be found on pp. 1199-1200 in The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: .

would banish forever “sorrow and sighing.” the permanent covenant the Lord established with His people, their descendants would @@ Bible Commentary become well-known throughout the nations. A Blessed People This includes being honored and recognized as Isaiah envisioned the Lord’s people thriv- God’s chosen people. Never again would others ing in the promised land. Then, the inhabit- scorn and mistreat them. ants of the surrounding nations would call 7. What is the nature of the response to God’s the upright remnant “oaks of righteousness” blessings? (61:3; see 60:21). In Isaiah’s day, oak trees (Suggested Answer) An unidentified speaker were symbols of stability, longevity, and in Isaiah 61:10 responds to God’s blessings vigor (Ps. 1:3). The ultimate fulfillment of with overflowing joy. This likely included this promise is yet to come with the second voicing songs of praise over the Lord’s giving coming of the Messiah. undeserved favor on His people. It’s as if the For the faithful, the above virtues were found in their union with the Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction Messiah. As a result of their trust in Him, the penalty of their sin was Lesson 9 for April 26 • Page 63 paid and the guilt associated with it was removed. Moreover, this yet to come when the redeemed will be restored to the promised amazing outcome would become land and reestablish their destroyed cities. Verse 8 describes God’s attitude toward virtue and vice. On one a showcase for the Lord’s majestic level, the reference here is to wicked acts the surrounding nations “splendor” (Isa. 61:3). performed against the chosen people. Yet, on another level, the Lord likely also had in mind transgressions the people of Judah committed against one another (see 1:23; 5:7). Now answer Questions 4, 5, 6, The emphatic Hebrew phrase rendered “I, the Lord” (61:8) and 7. signals just how much He took delight in all forms of “justice.” 4. What types of human behavior Several manuscripts read “robbery with a burnt offering,” which corresponds to the KJV translation. The NIV reflects another tex- does the Lord love? What types does tual reading, namely, “robbery and wrongdoing.” He hate? Both options highlight God’s disdain for injustice, regardless of (Suggested Answer) In Isaiah 61:8, whether the perpetrators were pagan Gentiles or God’s people. Because of His righteous character, He would judge those who the Lord declared that He set His mistreated their fellow human beings. As well, the oppressed affection on all displays of “justice” among His people could depend on Him to recompense them for among people. In contrast, God said the suffering they endured at the hands of the wicked elite. Furthermore, because of the Lord’s “faithfulness” to His prom- that He abhorred all forms of “rob- ises, He would bestow on the righteous remnant earthly and eter- bery” and “wrongdoing.” Indeed, He nal blessings. This especially included His “everlasting covenant” would stand against these and similar (vs. 9) with the redeemed, which the Savior would ratify through acts of injustice. the shedding of His blood at Calvary. The Lord’s eternal agree- ment with the upright guaranteed that their “descendants” would 5. What was the basis for God be recognized and honored among the “nations” of the world. blessing His people? Put differently, all earth’s inhabitants would affirm that the “off- (Suggested Answer) The Lord spring” of the righteous were the recipients of God’s special favor (the basic meaning of the Hebrew word rendered “blessed”). explained that it was due to His Isaiah 61:10 begins a dual emphasis on rejoicing exuberantly “faithfulness” (Isa. 61:8) that He and exulting in one’s relationship with God. The speaker here would bless those who belonged to remains unidentified. Most likely, it is Zion personified as the redeemed, who are pictured as dressing themselves in “gar- Him. He would deal honestly and reli- ments” representing their “salvation,” along with being covered ably with His chosen people. This was in a “robe” symbolizing their “righteousness.” A comparable in agreement with the eternal “cov- depiction includes a “bridegroom” donning the ornate headdress or turban of a priest and a “bride” wearing exquisite “jewels.” enant” He had made with them. Verse 11 shifts to agricultural imagery by portraying the all- 6. What would result from the powerful Lord planting the seed of “righteousness” in a “gar- enduring “covenant” (vs. 8) God made den” and causing it to burst forth and begin growing. Faith in with His people? (Suggested Answer) As a result of

LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. Lesson 9 77 Step 2 Bible Exploration speaker’s entire being felt overwhelmed with of the earth will stream to Zion to worship delight because of the eternal blessings given to and serve the Lord. Both Gentiles and Jews those who are God’s chosen people. will want to learn God’s ways and walk in righteousness. The Promised Vindication of God’s People @@ Bible Commentary While reading Isaiah 62:2-4, note these The Significance of Renaming important points in your class discussion: Isaiah 62:4 reveals that in the day of • The prophet Isaiah declared the righteous- ’s vindication, the Lord will ness and glory of the Lord God, which would rename the holy city and the promised land. radiate before kings and nations. During this time period, it was common • The Lord will rename His people, which He to have renaming ceremonies designating Himself will utter. • Truly, God will bless them with unrivaled royal splendor, and all their Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction troubles and afflictions will pass. • The Lord will be pleased with His Lesson 9 for April 26 • Page 64 people, whom He will call (that is, “delight in her”), and in their God would be the basis for His people being rescued from their land, which He will name Beulah (that plight (both temporally and eternally) and enjoying a right rela- tionship with Him. The broader truth is that in God’s future is, “married”). kingdom, He will cause “righteousness” to flower and “praise” to blossom in the presence of all earth’s inhabitants. @@ Bible Commentary 4. What types of human behavior does the Lord love? What Divine Rejection Reversed types does He hate? Isaiah 62:2 pictures a future 5. What was the basis for God blessing His people? day in which all the world’s 6. What would result from the enduring “covenant” (vs. 8) nations will see Zion’s “vindi- God made with His people? cation.” In 2:1-5, the prophet 7. What is the nature of the response to God’s blessings? described a time of righteous- ness, justice, and peace in which The Promised Vindication of God’s People redeemed Jerusalem would be a Isaiah 62:2-4, KJV Isaiah 62:2-4, NIV city of God for all earth’s inhabit- 2 And the Gentiles shall see 2The nations will see your ants. The “mountain” is specifically thy righteousness, and all kings vindication, thy glory: and thou shalt be and all kings your glory; a reference to Zion, a symbol for called by a new name, which you will be called by a new name the holy city. The Lord’s rule from the mouth of the LORD shall that the mouth of the LORD will His “temple” would prevail, and name. bestow. 3 His government alone would be 3 Thou shalt also be a crown of You will be a crown of splendor glory in the hand of the LORD, in the LORD’s hand, established over all the kingdoms and a royal diadem in the hand a royal diadem in the hand of of the world. of thy God. your God. Further, Isaiah described a new 4 Thou shalt no more be 4No longer will they call you termed Forsaken; neither shall Deserted, era that will alter human history thy land any more be termed or name your land Desolate. in every dimension. It is the fulfill- Desolate: but thou shalt be But you will be called Hephzibah, ment of the goal of redemption to called Hephzibah, and thy land and your land Beulah; which God will move all human- Beulah: for the LORD delighteth for the LORD will take delight in in thee, and thy land shall be you, kind and the events of history. In married. and your land will be married. that glorious day, the Lord will at last establish Himself in the eyes Isaiah 62 is comparable to a chorus, repeating the truth that the Lord would return for His chosen people and restore them to of all races and nations as the one, their homeland. On one level, this would describe their release true, and living God. Additionally, in that final age, all the kingdoms

78 Lesson 9 LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. a foundational change of position, charac- peace and prosperity in the future. ter, and status for either a person or place. Later, “Beulah” appears in prominent literary Biblical examples of renaming people works as a mystical place of wonder and delight. include Abram being called (Gen. The most famous example is in John Bunyan’s 17:5), Sarai being renamed Sarah (vs. 15), and The Pilgrim’s Progress, where Bunyan quotes being retitled (32:28). A renamed Isaiah 62:4 and describes this place “where place would be the city of Luz, whose name the sun shines night and day.” This word also was changed to Bethel (“house of God”) to became a woman’s name. One better-known per- commemorate the dream Jacob experienced son with this name was Beulah Marie Dix (1876- there (28:19). 1970), an American screenwriter and author of children’s books. Finally, discuss your answers to Questions 8 and 9. 8. What sort of future awaited God’s chosen people? Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction (Suggested Answer) Isaiah 62:2 dis- closes that a day was coming in which Lesson 9 for April 26 • Page 65 the Lord took tremendous delight in the inhabitants of Judah. The divine from Babylonian exile, when King Cyrus of Persia authorized favor included “the nations” wit- their return in 538 b.c. (2 Chron. 36:22; Ezra 1:1). But on another level, the complete redemption of the upright remnant awaited nessing God’s “vindication” (KJV, the Messiah’s second advent. “righteousness”) being placed on His Isaiah 62 depicts God speaking on behalf of Jerusalem, its inhab- people. Also, the Lord would bestow itants, and their “righteousness” (vs. 2, KJV). The legal aspects of justice are in view, especially the Lord’s acquittal of Zion. The NIV on them an entirely “new name” to describes it as the city’s “vindication,” which also includes the related signify their upright character. concepts of deliverance and triumph because “the nations” (some of 9. What change of status awaited whom had exploited and exiled God’s chosen people in the past) will witness Jerusalem’s victory. Also, Zion’s splendor would be intensely God’s chosen people? bright to every king. Despite the threats from Zion’s foes, God would (Suggested Answer) According to ensure the holy city’s victory blazed like the noon-day sun. Isaiah 62:4, previously the inhabit- Familiar royal imagery is used in 62:3 to describe Jerusalem as a magnificent “crown” that the Lord held securely in His “hand.” ants of the promised land had been The image is that of an exquisitely jeweled headdress. The cor- “Deserted” and “Desolate.” The Lord responding depiction is that of God placing Zion, as a splendid declared, however, that the status of “diadem,” in His palm. The picture is that of an ornate turban. The lingering impression is that the chosen people would enjoy His chosen people would be complete- worldwide renown. They would also be showered with the ly upturned. Once again, God would Creator’s glory and blessings. graciously receive them and enable Previously, the Israelites’ idolatrous ways ruptured their them to flourish abundantly in the relationship with the Lord. This resulted in Zion being called “Deserted” and “Desolate” (vs. 4). But God had previously promised land. announced that, in the day of the holy city’s vindication, her King would restore the previously-broken covenant (60:15). @@ Window on the Word Zion would even enjoy the great honor of the Lord designating it with a “new name” (62:2). Verse 4 indicates that Zion would be Beulah Land renamed “Hephzibah” [hef-zuh-bah], while the land would be Originally, the word “Beulah” called “Beulah.” The first term literally means “my delight is in appeared in the when the her,” while the second term can be translated “married.” The prophet announced that God’s favor would rest once again prophet referred to the land of Israel as on His chosen people. The city and its righteous people would be this word (see Isa. 62:4). The transla- comparable to the precious jewels that cover the outer surface of tion of the Hebrew word can mean a crown, especially as the people sparkled over their redeemed homeland. either “married” or “espoused.” The new name for Israel was intended to 8. What sort of future awaited God’s chosen people? assure the Israelites that their Lord had 9. What change of status awaited God’s chosen people? not forgotten them in their troubles and would provide them with a land of

LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. Lesson 9 79 Step 3 Consider the global acclaim of the Lord’s Bible Interaction godly character

This step reminds students that God is present and active throughout the world and that those who pay homage to Him are from every culture. Allow students Handout: ‘The Stories to select the activity they would like to do. Photocopy of Gulpari and Michio’ this page, cut out the boxes, and give instructions to each group. Make copies of the handout from the Read the stories on this Resource Kit for the group using it. handout, discuss the answers to the questions, and talk about the many blessings we have Discussion Group being in a country and culture that allows Read “Radiant Reflection” and Christians to praise the Lord Jesus openly answer Questions 10, 11, and and in whatever way we want. 12 in the student book. We think of situations in which we draw Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction attention to ourselves rather than to Christ such as talking at length Lesson 9 for April 26 • Page 66 about how we helped someone in need or acting as though our Radiant Reflection spirituality is superior to someone Throughout human history, the moon has charmed people, else’s. God’s righteous cloth- especially when the face of the moon is full during a cloudless night. It shines far more brightly than the stars and planets, and ing of us compels us to want to it helps us see when otherwise we would be nearly blind in share such garments with others the darkness of the night without flames and electrical devices. both here and abroad. Praise Artists have described the moon in their poetry, lyrics, and land- scapes. Without the light of the moon, the world would be bereft encourages believers not only of so much beauty. to be more obedient to the Lord Because the radiance of the moon has such mystical powers over us, we sometimes forget that the light of the moon is actu- but also to be more intimate with ally a reflection of the sun’s light. As Christians, we also some- Him. times make that same mistake in that we feel the light we give off comes from our own goodness, forgetting that all the righteous- ness others see in us is really from Christ. It’s not a conscious assumption on our part, but it shows in our attitude and behav- Worldwide Praise Posters ior toward others. God calls us to be a shining light to a broken and fallen world. He does not call us to display our own self-righteousness. With paper and markers, create Instead, when we reflect the radiant light that comes from Christ, posters that will praise the Lord the darkness is dispelled and people will be drawn to Him. for His incomparable righteous- Moreover, the radiant reflection from Christ is brightly shown through us when we praise Him for His righteousness and for ness in different languages from the justice that He brings to the world. And such praise is truly around the globe such as English, marvelous when Christians from around the globe raise their voices in admiration of His goodness and godliness. French, Spanish, Japanese, and Therefore, let us from every nation sing the words of King Swahili. Use a cellphone to find in praise of the Lord: “The Lord is my light and my sal- the translations of phrases such vation” (Ps. 27:1) and the Lord “leadeth me in the paths of righ- teousness for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3, KJV). as “He Is King” or “The Holy 10. Explain how self-righteousness can come across as hypo- Righteous One.” Add colorful critical and judgmental. designs to make it more notice- 11. When we recognize that any goodness in us is because able. After you finish, tape your Jesus has clothed us with His righteousness, how does that truth posters on the walls and explain give purpose and meaning to our lives? what each poster is conveying. 12. How does global praise to the Lord for His righteousness inspire you to walk more closely with Christ?

80 Lesson 9 LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. Step 4 Praise Christ throughout the week Life Response

God’s justice neither ignores nor glosses over @ efore eaching ext eek s esson wickedness. When we stray from His precepts, @ B T N W ’ L as the ancient Israelites did, He disciplines us, Before next week, read Zephaniah 3:14-20. Ask for His righteousness will not allow for any your students to think about something they darkness to distort it. Nevertheless, the Lord is know of that has been restored to what it once also merciful to those who receive Jesus as their was—a car, a building, a park, etc. Savior. Such righteousness and mercy inspire believers from all nations to praise the Lord with global acclaim. Have your students read “A Symphony of Praise” in Comprehensive Bible Study. Ask stu- dents to start this morning looking for moments of praise to God. Those with cellphones may be able to share worldwide praises right now that they have found online after searching for topics such Comprehensive Bible Study Student Book Reduction as “Christians around the world Lesson 9 for April 26 • Page 67 celebrate.” You may want to encour- age class members to stay together through a coming worship service to A Symphony of Praise join with each other in praising God’s As a people, the Israelites were often unfaithful to their Lord God and His statutes. Nevertheless, God did not abandon them. Isaiah’s righteousness. portrait of the future included the astounding restoration of the nation and how such a miracle would reflect God’s righteousness End the lesson with a closing prayer. to the extent that all nations would praise the Lord, as we do now. Ask God to help students truly com- Ǡ This next week, look for moments in which you can praise the Lord for His righteousness. Examples might include hearing about the prehend the Lord’s righteousness and miraculous rescue of individuals from danger, celebrating the good- recognize how important it is to reflect ness of the Lord with other Christians at church, and expressing a that righteousness and not think that silent prayer for how He sustained your faith through a temptation. Also, check websites online to see how your praise is in concert with it comes from them. Praise Him not the praise of Christians around the world. Record what you find here. only for giving us the privilege to be beacons of His righteousness and ves- sels of His justice but also for blessing us for being a part of a symphony of voices from around the world to ver- bally glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

KEY VERSE For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting cov- As the class members are leaving, enant with them. —Isaiah 61:8, KJV hand out copies of this week’s Power “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting cov- for Living. Send Lesson Leaflet to people enant with them.” —Isaiah 61:8, NIV who could not be with you today. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Week of April 27 through May 3 (See The Quiet Hour for devotionals on these passages.) Mon. Deuteronomy 30:1-6—God Promises Restoration of Israel’s Fortunes. Tues. Ezekiel 34:11-16—God Will Shepherd the People. Wed. Zechariah 10:6-12—God Will Strengthen the People. Thurs. Acts 5:27-32—Christ’s Forgiveness of Israel’s Sins. Fri. Zephaniah 3:1-7—Leaders, Priests, and Prophets Don’t Listen. Sat. Zephaniah 3:8-13—God Will Preserve a Remnant. Sun. Zephaniah 3:14-20—Rejoice in God’s Glory and Salvation.

LESSON FOCUS: God’s righteousness and praise will spring forth in all nations. Lesson 9 81