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Read Isaiah 10 – 14
Isaiah 10:34-11:5 He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax; Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD – 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. IN the late 1980’s Yellowstone National Park suffered a devastating series of fires. Ancient trees and acres of grass and brush burned to a charred landscape. It seemed nothing would ever grow again in those severely burned acres. Then in the 1990’s, I often traveled to Yellowstone. Through the decade, I saw that, incredibly, the fire’s intense heat had given new trees the opportunity to grow. Seeds from long ago had lay dormant in the ground until the fire. They needed the heat of a fire to cleanse the old growth that was less vibrant to bring them to life. The hot fire was a tool of God’s marvelous creation to renew this grand national park with a way of “salvation” to new life. By 2000 new life had resurrected Yellowstone’s “dead” forest into a new dwelling place for many more plants and animals than before. Isaiah’s imagery is similar. The nation is pictured as a forest. God cuts it down, not as a harvest of good wood, but as the cleansing of a hot fire. Still, God is merciful. Out of the sin God activated his salvation promise. Isaiah 11 is about new growth and life. Out of God’s purifying judgment will come God’s own Son to be the new seed that dies. The fruit of life rises from the ashes of destruction through the power of his resurrection. The gospels and epistles have many references to the image of Jesus as the seed of new life. Jesus says in John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Paul writes of Jesus as the Seed fulfilling God’s law: Galatians 3:19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. You can thank God today for his Seed of Eternal Life. God’s law teaches you his righteous truth. His Seed has come to die, so the gospel will regenerate you and countless people into a fruitful, abundant life with him forever. Consider This: 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. A Son is Given
Isaiah 9:4-7 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. HERE is the second great Messiah prophecy of Isaiah 9. As we often focus on verse 6-7, it is good to see the more full context in which Jesus’ promised rule is foretold. The future picture for Israel first looks back to Gideon’s defeat over the Midianites. Peace reigned in Israel 40 years after Gideon’s conquest. This kind of peace will come to God’s people forever one day. Think of it! A son is given! Amid all the sins mankind committed, against all rejection of his law, the Holy LORD God Almighty will give to the people Israel and the entire world an eternal Ruler to administer God’s will on earth. The given son is a Wonderful Counselor – his wisdom extends beyond all human knowledge. He is the Mighty God – Adonai, the Sovereign Lord of Hosts. His will and purpose will be done. He is the Everlasting Father. His rule of grace and justice will never end. The Prince of Peace will cause all weapons to be destroyed and used for comfort. The reign on David’s throne refers to Jesus’ human lineage. Through the given Son, David’s earthly throne transcends to be Jesus’ eternal throne. He is the King of kings. This prophecy is sure. The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this leaves no room for doubt or distraction. What comfort to know God is so zealous for your salvation, he would fulfill this prophecy to give to a sinful world his own son, even unto the deadly cross. Each time you consider your salvation, may this miracle bring peace, justice and joy to your life. Then stop and consider the Almighty is giving you a picture of his wisdom, power and peace for your life. Through the ages it has been his zeal for your soul that salvation has now come unto you. John 2:15-17 So Jesus made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Read Isaiah 8:11-9:5
Isaiah 9:1-3 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. THE remaining verses of Isaiah 8 describe conflict between Judah and Isaiah. God’s people reject God’s prophet. This is a common response when prophets preach the truth. Much darkness will come in the nation’s unbelief. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali are to the north and experience the full shadow of Assyria’s darkness. Then comes another promise of the Messiah. “Nevertheless,” God says. Even though the Judah was rejecting the LORD’s commands, one day his new light will graciously dawn in this region. Matthew 4:12-14 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah. As we look around and think, “it’s never been so bad.” Perhaps we need to know, “Sin’s darkness has affected mankind’s minds since the Fall in Eden.” There is no issue in the world today that is not in Scripture. People ridiculed and disobeyed Gods’ Word then as they do now. False religions and self-consuming doctrines seek to elevate mankind over our creator. Do you follow Jesus? Then know you follow the Victorious One. The truth is, Jesus’ church is stronger and larger than ever. The world wants you to believe the church is irrelevant and dying. But know that the sicknesses and sins around us demonstrate our need for the Holy God to save us. Each day the light dawns into new lives. Sin’s shadow disappears when Jesus, the Light, appears. Great joy comes to the saved because they know death no longer has a grip on them. Do you believe that? Then let us live each day joyfully in the Light, who has dawned, risen and shines on our lives forevermore. Shine Your Light. It will change your life and all around you. Read Isaiah 7:17-8:4
Isaiah 8:1-4 The Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. 2 And I will call in Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah as reliable witnesses for me.” 3 Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said to me, “Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. 4 Before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.” IN today’s reading there is the four-times repeated phrase “in that day”. This declares Judah’s judgment is coming. The LORD is unrelenting in correcting his people’s sins. At the same time, he is also purposefully gracious to give people in Judah a time to repent. A loving Father corrects and protects his children. These first verses of Isaiah 8 describe God helping his people. A son will be born to Isaiah and his wife the prophetess, either a prophet, a reference to her marriage to Isaiah. The son’s name are the words of a soldier’s victorious war cry, “Quick to the plunder. Swift to the spoil.” The witnesses knew Isaiah was prophesying destruction to Judah’s most aggressive foes at that time - Israel and Aram, also called Samaria and Damascus, respectively. Judah’s reprieve from these two countries occurred in a little over a year as the son was born and before he could speak. But then came more turmoil. Judah would suffer for years under Assyria’s harassment. The nation Ahaz looked to for help would threaten Judah’s destruction. These following verses prophesy Assyria’s assaults on Judah, while reminding the faithful that Immanuel – God with us – would protect his people to defeat Judah’s current enemies. Isaiah 8:5 The Lord spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah (a river supplying water to Jerusalem and a symbol of God’s provision) and rejoices over Rezin and the son of Remaliah (king of Assyria), 7 therefore, the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the River — the king of Assyria with all his pomp. It will overflow all its channels, run over all its banks 8 and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck. Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land, O Immanuel!” Isaiah declares much trouble from Assyria, then names Judah as “God among us”. They are God’s chosen people. Still the Lord protects: Isaiah 8:9 Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! 10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Even in their unbelief of God’s protection, Judah would receive the Lord’s benevolent care – for a time. From a Pastor in Kenya: “Because God is with us, then why should we fear the enemy?” Then he offers this prayer: “God, you are all sovereign and all knowing, you have the situation and circumstances completely in your control. I pray, to absolutely trust you and stand to defend my faith against heresies, without fear and intimidation. Amen.” Isaiah 7:14-16 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. 16 But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.”
“THEREFORE” says there is a specific reason for the sign. The reason is Ahaz’s lack of trust in God’s provision. He has refused to consider a sign from God, preferring to even subject his country to the king of Assyria. Isaiah then speaks the sign with which Ahaz and all mankind can test God. You’ve heard Isaiah 7:14 often, I believe. Each Christmas season brings this to the forefront as it points to Jesus’ birth. He is Immanuel, God come down, taught in Matthew 1:23 and Luke 1-2. And there is more to the sign. Remember, this sign is spoken for Ahaz and his generation of Israel. God’s sign would be of little value if Ahaz would never see it. As Isaiah’s prophecies are of the near and far future, this prophecy points to both a few years and seven centuries future. There are two ways the prophecy is fulfilled within a few years. The reference to curds and honey points to a boy living in a time when agriculture is not producing food. During the wars against Judah, people could not work the land for grains, grapes and olives. They had to survive with milk from goats and cattle. They would forage for wild food such as honey, made plentiful as flowers bloomed where crops would have grown. Second, as God promised the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. Within 12 years from this prophecy, the king of Aram would be deposed, and Israel would be scattered. Even as he rejected God’s help, Ahaz would see the sign of God’s care for Judah. The virgin referred to in the immediate fulfillment is most likely any woman of that time who newly married women who had no sexual relations prior to marriage. Does this information help you be more devoted to God? As we know of God’s Word, we can more firmly trust God’s benevolent care over our lives. We can defend our faith against false teachings and cultural wars against Jesus. Let there be no unbelieving “therefore’s” in your life. Knowing God has fulfilled his promises of historical events, you can be more faithful to believe God will fulfill those prophecies yet to come. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not smother the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at those who prophesy, 21 but test everything that is said to be sure it is true, and if it is, then accept it. Read Isaiah 7:1-13
Isaiah 7:10-13 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?” WITH a brief check of a Bible concordance, I find 12 scriptures that say, in effect, as Jesus rejected Satan’s temptations in Luke 4:12 “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” This command was originally given to Israel in Deuteronomy 6:16 as Moses urged Israel to faithfully trust God in all things, even in dark and troublesome days that would surely come. It was a troublesome time in Judah when Ahaz spoke these words to Isaiah. Based on scripture, we can believe Ahaz had taken the correct position. He would not test the LORD God. But, in truth, Ahaz was rejecting God here. We understand Ahaz’ sin when we read 2 Kings 16:7 Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, “I am your servant and vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.” Ahaz was not trusting God’s sign. Instead, he sought safety in an earthly alliance. The Holy God of Israel had offered Ahaz assurance of his protection. Ahaz was not convinced and turned to his own means. The many admonitions of “do not put the Lord God to the test” relate to our tendency to make demands of God for our specific needs. We test God with, “if you will heal me, then I will do what you tell me.” Such statements are another way of saying, “My will be done on earth, Lord. Or I won’t trust you or seek you any longer.” We want God to be subject to our needs, so we can be sure he loves us. Yet, there are times when God says, “Test me.” He commanded this also in Malachi 3:10, regarding his blessings that will come from our tithes. He allowed Gideon to test him with the fleece (Judges 6). In his grace, God does sometimes grant you his patience through such prayers that will eventually open your eyes to see He is sovereign, and you are not. God will fulfill his own command here. In our next lesson, we’ll see how God used Ahaz’s faithless response to bring to humanity the eternal sign of salvation. What Do You Think? Has God failed you? Perhaps you should reconsider your relationship with him. The Lord’s Will on Earth
Isaiah 6:11-13 Then I said, “For how long, O Lord?” And he answered: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, 12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken. 13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.” WHEN you pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) it is likely you seldom, if ever, consider you are praying for God’s judgment to destroy evil. Our vision of these words is God erasing the multitude of afflictions and sins that disrupt God’s kingdom from coming. But what must happen for heaven’s complete will to be done on earth? Sins must be judged. The unrepentant must be condemned. Evil must be defeated and abolished. That is God’s purpose for Judah. He will judge the unbelieving, pagan-worshiping people into their destruction. They will not escape God’s will done on earth because, as we have seen, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3). It is our tendency in our sin nature to believe, “I can escape punishment. My sin isn’t so bad. Surely, God will let this pass.” The Jews of Judah and Jerusalem acted that way. They repeatedly refused to hear God’s Word, listen to his warning or repent of their sins. Thus, the judgment will go on as long as it takes for God’s will to be done. Then see, as always, the evidence of the will of God’s mercy. A repeated illustration of God’s redemptive power comes in the vision of the terebinth and oak stumps regenerating to new tress. These trees would look dead but would regenerate to reproduce many more trees. In a like manner, God will preserve a tenth, a remnant of the Jews. From this remnant will come the holy seed to be the stump. Of course, this points to Jesus. He will be the stump to bring forth the new harvest of God’s people on earth. This is God’s will. As you pray, then, “Your will be done.” pray it often with the mindset you are praying for the kingdom of God to come fully onto the earth. You are praying for God’s justice and his salvation to come, for sin to be gone and life everlasting to begin on earth as it is in heaven. Revelation 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Isaiah 6:8-10 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’” 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”
ONE of the Bible’s great confessions of faith and obedience is in the phrase, “Here I am. Send me.” Samuel (1 Samuel) said it and spoke God’s message into a nation long without the Lord’s voice. The apostles heard Christ’s command, “Make disciples.” and joyfully, diligently ministered the good news. The apostle Paul in his great re-birth eagerly, humbly and passionately obeyed Jesus’ command, “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:6). All chosen prophets and apostles answered, “Here am I.” to the Holy Trinity’s commanding inquiry, “Who will go for us?” But what happens when God’s message was spoken? The Lord told Isaiah, and we all know today that some believe some do not. The same words from God’s throne will soften some hearts and harden others. Adonai – the Sovereign Lord – has chosen, and he declares his will to the messenger and receivers. That is why he tells Isaiah some will hear with their hears but not believe in their hearts. This specific message did not end with Isaiah. These same words are written seven times in the New Testament. Each gospel records Jesus, the Living Word, teaching this to his apostles as he said it to Isaiah. Quoting the scripture, Paul and others also spoke these words to the Jews, who refused to believe. The apostles needed to know their Good News would be counted as bad news among many. This would always remind them it is the gift of faith, not the excellence of the preaching, teaching and telling that transforms us to believe God’s Word. God’s Spirit quickens those dead in sin to become alive in Christ Jesus through the gospel. All the prophets, apostles, disciples, ministers, evangelists and each Christian must know God saves us to send us. God’s salvation desire is completed when the message is proclaimed and God awakens the soul. Be encouraged. Salvation is not about how well you speak the gospel. Your role is tell. God’s role is to save. Salvation is unto the LORD. Open your love of God to serve God, always ready to declare, “Here am I. Send me.” Isaiah 51:5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
THROUGH the ages, the LORD God used his law, prophets and kings to speak his truth to confront doubt, ignorance and disobedience. Now at a crucial junction in Israel’s history, he comes powerfully and personally to call Isaiah into a more personal conviction to proclaim God’s message. Through this powerful demonstration of heaven’s glory, Isaiah becomes more deeply aware of his own sin and of God’s holiness. God needed Isaiah and his people to know then – and he needs us to know now – there is none like him. His sovereign authority is complete. Let’s understand this vision more thoroughly. First, we have the message of God’s sovereign authority with, “The Lord seated upon his throne.” “Lord” is Adonai, meaning “Sovereign.” “Throne” shows the Lord rules heaven and earth. There is no one like him. The temple is the heavenly temple. “Seraphim” describes angelic creatures as “burning ones”. With six wings they 1) used two to cover their faces. As bright as the seraphim are, they had no glory compared with God’s. Like mankind, they cannot look on God’s glory directly. 2) The seraphim used two wings to cover their feet to indicate humility and modesty. Truly knowing and serving God requires complete humility. 3) They used two wings to fly. The seraphim move to do the Sovereign’s will. Here they praise Him. Then Isaiah hears, “Holy, holy, holy.” This is a three-fold repetition, the strongest and highest praise in the Hebrew language. Nothing is as holy as God. Only in Revelation 4:8 will this phrase be repeated for mankind’s ears. It is the glorious confession of the heavens. We need to know who God is. Too many of the church see God as a casual father interested only in good things for us. “Surely God would not judge us,” many believe. “We can do whatever we want and go to heaven.” But the Bible speaks much differently. The Holy Adonai will and does judge sin because it cannot exist in his holy presence. Isaiah would continue to warn judgment to the unbelievers and promise salvation to the believers. The task continues. Worship God in awe that he has sent to you a Savior. Rejoice you are not ruined in sin because the Savior has redeemed you with his holy blood. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Read Isaiah 5
Isaiah 5:1-2 I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2 He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. THE Bible is written in many literary forms. One of the forms is poetry as shown in Isaiah 5. Poetry says “the usual things of life in unusual ways”. Here we have the image of Israel as a vineyard of lost potential. Israel is the poetic vineyard and God is the “loved one”. Do you see what the “loved one” did? As Israel is dominated by mid-level mountains and hills, the LORD planted a vineyard on the fertile hillside and planted good grapes – his chosen people – to grow and produce good lives. But something went wrong. The good grapes produced bad grapes. In other words, God’s people had the opportunity to use his gifts to enjoy his blessings. But the people rejected the blessing to become soured and dried up. God’s vineyard was devastated. It yielded no good grapes. Can you imagine such pervasive disobedience among an entire nation? What would be the LORD’s response? Isaiah prophecies he will act as a good vintner. He will clean his vineyard of useless grapes to begin again. The final poetic stanzas of this chapter are God’s cleansing angels who will remove the dead vines. Now I ask you: Has God planted a vineyard into your life? In other words, has he given you faith to know his love and his truth so you can be a “good grape”? I believe he has. That’s one reason you are reading this. Trust his gifts to you. Use them to grow and be a “good grape” full of flavorful juice and aroma for God. When people know you they will “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8a). Consider how precious God’s blessings are and use them to grow well in him. |
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January 2025
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