Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 7 (Isaiah 29–30; Psalm 90; Acts 14)
Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode features Jackie Hill Perry reading from three key passages in the Bible: Isaiah 29–30 (Old Testament), Psalm 90, and Acts 14 (New Testament). The readings explore themes of God’s judgment and mercy, human frailty, the dangers of misplaced trust, and the persistence of the early apostles in proclaiming the Gospel. The selection displays the contrast between human rebellion and divine faithfulness, the transient nature of human life, and the resilience of the early Christian mission amid persecution.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 29–30: Divine Judgment, Blindness, and Promise

• Judgment and Lament over Ariel (Jerusalem):
  God pronounces imminent distress upon Jerusalem (“Ariel”), foretelling moaning and lamentation for their failure to remain faithful. (00:01–01:53)

• Spiritual Blindness:
  Israel’s leaders and people are depicted as unable to perceive or understand God's word, akin to being given a sealed book they cannot read.

  • Quote: “And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed... He says, I cannot, for it is sealed.” (07:16)

• False Worship:
  The people "draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me." Their religion is reduced to empty ritual.

  • Quote: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me... I will again do wonderful things with this people.” (08:03)

• The Potter and the Clay:
  God rebukes those who question His authority, using the metaphor of potter and clay to stress God's sovereignty. (09:02)

• Promise of Restoration:
  Despite judgment, a promise emerges: the deaf will hear, the blind will see, and the meek and poor will rejoice in the Lord. "The ruthless shall come to nothing, and the scoffer cease." (10:03)

• Denunciation of Rebellious Plans:
  God criticizes the people for seeking alliances (notably with Egypt) and acting without His guidance.

  • Quote: “Ah, stubborn children... who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.” (13:01)
  • Egypt's help is called “worthless and empty.” (14:44)

• Call to Trust and Rest:
  God offers salvation “in returning and rest,” but the people refuse and trust in their own strength.

  • Quote: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you were unwilling…” (19:14)

• Mercy and Hope:
  God waits to be gracious, promising that the people will see their “teacher,” and once again experience provision, healing, and guidance.

  • Quote: “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you… your eyes shall see your teacher.” (21:17)

2. Psalm 90: Reflecting on Human Frailty and God’s Eternity

• God as Eternal Dwelling:
  Moses acknowledges God as the refuge for all generations; humans are transient compared to God’s everlasting nature.

  • Quote: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations… from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (33:55)

• The Brevity and Difficulty of Life:
  Human life is described as fleeting, “like grass that is renewed in the morning… in the evening it fades and withers.” (35:05)

• Plea for Wisdom and Mercy:
  Moses asks God for wisdom to live well and to know joy despite life’s hardships.

  • Quote: “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (36:20)
  • Quote: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (36:55)

3. Acts 14: Bold Proclamation and Suffering in the Early Church

• Fruitful Ministry Amid Opposition:
  Paul and Barnabas’ preaching in Iconium leads to belief among Jews and Greeks, but also fosters division and hostility. (38:14)

• Miracle at Lystra and Mistaken Identity:
  Paul heals a man crippled from birth, prompting the crowd to mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as gods (Hermes and Zeus).

  • Quote (Paul): “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like nature with you, and we bring you good news that you should turn from these vain things to a living God...” (45:30)

• Resisting Idolatry:
  Paul and Barnabas tear their garments and urge the crowds to worship the Creator rather than the created.

• Persecution and Perseverance:
  Paul is stoned and left for dead, but survives and continues his missionary journey. They return to strengthen new believers, encouraging perseverance.

  • Quote: “...through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (50:20)

• Establishing the Church:
  Paul and Barnabas appoint elders, entrust the churches to God, and report God’s work in opening faith to the Gentiles.

Memorable Quotes and Moments (with Timestamps)

• Isaiah:

  • “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me… I will again do wonderful things with this people.” (08:03)
  • “Ah, stubborn children... who carry out a plan, but not mine…” (13:01)
  • “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (19:14)
  • “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you… your eyes shall see your teacher.” (21:17)

• Psalm 90:

  • “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations… from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (33:55)
  • “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (36:20)
  • “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (36:55)

• Acts 14:

  • “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like nature with you, and we bring you good news that you should turn from these vain things to a living God…” (45:30)
  • “...through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (50:20)

Important Segments and Timestamps

• Isaiah 29–30 Reading: 00:01–33:52
• Psalm 90 Reading: 33:53–38:03
• Acts 14 Reading: 38:14–54:00

Tone and Style

As is characteristic of the podcast, Jackie Hill Perry’s calm and measured cadence brings reverence and clarity to these readings. The tone is devotional and meditative, inviting listeners to contemplate the depths of human frailty, the steadfast nature of God, and the transformative call of the Gospel. Scripture’s direct language is preserved, allowing the biblical narrative to speak for itself and resonate with its intended weight.

Summary

This episode weaves together themes of human fallibility and God’s sovereign grace. Isaiah warns against hollow worship and misplaced trust, yet also points to future restoration. Psalm 90 reflects on the brevity of life, petitioning God for wisdom and mercy. Acts 14 vividly narrates the courage and endurance of the apostles as they spread the message of Christ in the face of misunderstanding and suffering. Listeners are reminded of God’s faithfulness across generations, the call to sincere trust, and the resilient hope that comes from following Christ.