How to React When Overwhelmed
Read: Isaiah 37:1-26; 33-38 Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard . . . (v. 6) When news of this overwhelming threat reached Hezekiah, he did three things. He tore his clothes and wore sackcloth, thereby acknowledging this desperate situation; he went into the temple to meet God; he informed […]
Faith in Community
I have a confession: when people say that they hear a calling from God, I have no idea what they are talking about. I am not naturally a jealous person, but when I hear people speak about having this kind of relationship with God, I feel a little envy. I want to be so attuned […]
On Whom Are You Depending?
Read: Isaiah 36:1-22 But they were silent and answered him not a word . . . (v. 21) Isaiah 36-39 is an account of key events during the reign of Hezekiah. These chapters form a bridge between the two major sections of Isaiah. The perceptive question in the title above was posed by the field […]
Joy Comes Through God’s Renewal
Read: Isaiah 35:1-10 [E]verlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (v. 10) Joy! This wonderful gift is the major theme of this chapter. This is God’s true desire for us. The prophet describes, in beautiful symbolism, three sources of joy: Creation is renewed. […]
Can We Ignore God’s Judgment?
Read: Isaiah 34:1-12 Night and day it shall not be quenched; its smoke shall go up forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it forever and ever. (v. 10) Before undertaking this study, I was familiar with Isaiah 35, a wonderful picture of the joy of God’s redeemed people, but […]
Wait for Him
Read: Isaiah 30:1-18 For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. (v. 18) There is an interesting and encouraging pattern in many of Isaiah’s messages. They begin with a clear statement of the path God’s people are to follow and a stern warning of the consequences if they […]
A Middle East Prophecy
Read: Isaiah 19:19-25 When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. (v. 20) Chapters 13-27 include several oracles addressed to the nations surrounding Judah, all of whom were threatened by the dominant power of Assyria. Isaiah often warns Judah not to make an […]
An International Hymn of Praise
Read: Isaiah 12:1-6 Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. (v. 4) This beautiful, thoughtful hymn of praise to God is the climax of the first twelve chapters of Isaiah. It is his vision of the grace and glory of […]
Unity and Peace under Messiah’s Rule
Read: Isaiah 11:1-11 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. (vv. 1-2) The Messiah is here pictured as coming from the line of Jesse rather than from King David himself. The reason […]