OTC – Page 10 – Dave R Phillips

This past week at Exponential, I was reunited with so many men and women of great faith and deep humility; those who have led literally hundreds to Christ by creating and cultivating environments that were safe to discuss eternal matters. These leaders have names I know well, but you would not recognize from headlines. They truly care nothing about headlines on human tablets for they know their reward comes from Christ, from the Lord of all. Hearing “well done” from Jesus is infinitely greater than any accolade from another human. Some have the opportunity to speak in front of thousands, but even they know this privilege is only meant to point others to Christ.

Hear the words of Isaiah this morning as he speaks timeless wisdom for our ancestors and for us today.

Isaiah 30: Woe to the Obstinate Nation

The Lord of all is ever patient with his wandering flock, rebuking us for transgressions in an effort to keep us on track.

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:15, 18

The title given for this chapter is a bit deceptive, it’s more about the great things God will do than it is about the “woe” to us as obstinate people.

And you will sing
as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;
your hearts will rejoice
as when people playing pipes go up
to the mountain of the Lord,
to the Rock of Israel.
Isaiah 30:29

This is a great chapter to read for encouragement, many quotes worthy of pasting on top of festive photos. Take heart, “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.” (Isaiah 30:20)

Isaiah 31: Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt

A great reminder to those of us who rely on our own craftiness and wisdom as our ancestors did with Egypt:

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the Lord.
Isaiah 31:1

I can’t help but remember the Tozer quote from yesterday, the call to remember God as the Lord Almighty, the powerful Creator of all, as I read this chapter. Not by human hands, but by the might of God himself will we be saved. Let us look to the Holy One and not in the mirror for help. It seems ridiculous to say, but it is so often true as we mislead ourselves and others.

Isaiah 32:1-8: The Kingdom of Righteousness

More words of encouragement to help us in our present struggle:

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
The fearful heart will know and understand,
and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.
No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
Isaiah 32:3-5

Now, Jesus, now! We all want this time to happen now! My impatience is selfishly driven for I know the reward that awaits. Help me to reach out to those who don’t read these words, who don’t understand the eternal decision that awaits them.

Isaiah 32:9-20: The Women of Jerusalem

Isaiah writes specifically to the women of Jerusalem, those who are responsible for so much in their culture, you are not forgotten:

You women who are so complacent,
rise up and listen to me;
you daughters who feel secure,
hear what I have to say!
Isaiah 32:9

Now that I have your attention! Here is the promise:

The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert,
his righteousness live in the fertile field.
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:16-17

Today’s reading is full of encouragement for those who know the Lord, who are wrapped in his robe of grace. Lord, help us to invite many more into this relationship with our words, deeds and example of faith in you. Fill us with joy knowing this is to come so soon!

April 28, 2017

Ephraim and Jerusalem

Isaiah 28-29 and Psalm 102

One of the many things that Francis Chan included in his talk yesterday at the end of Exponential East 2017 was A.W. Tozer’s assertion¹ that this country has lost its “lofty concept of God” that is, “the high concept of God”

We’ve suffered the loss of that high concept of God, and the concept of God handled by the average gospel church now is so low as to be unworthy of God and a disgrace to the Church. It is by neglect, degenerate error and spiritual blindness that som are saying God is their “pardner” or “the man upstairs.” One Christian college put out a booklet called “Christ Is My Quarterback”–He always calls the right play. And a certain businessman was quoted as saying, “God’s a good fellow and I like Him.”

Somehow we’ve lost the view that we read throughout Isaiah, well, the entire Bible, that God is all powerful, the Creator of all.

But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you.”
Psalm 102:27-28

Lord, as we read through Isaiah, may we see clearly that you are the all powerful, all knowing, all gracious God of All! While we aren’t focused on scaring the hell out of everyone, help us to stand in awe of all you are.

Isaiah 28: Woe to the Leaders of Ephraim and Judah

Perhaps we don’t like to read the words of the prophets because of how they portray our God:

See, the Lord has one who is powerful and strong.
Like a hailstorm and a destructive wind,
like a driving rain and a flooding downpour,
he will throw it forcefully to the ground.
Isaiah 28:2

But here is the great news:

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
will never be stricken with panic.
Isaiah 28:16

The one sure foundation we can rely on is Jesus Christ. In him we will no longer panic, no longer be tossed about.

Hear the words of the Lord through Isaiah, God is working his plan according to each person. The process is painful, but the rewards are great:

Caraway is not threshed with a sledge,
nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
and cumin with a stick.
Grain must be ground to make bread;
so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
but one does not use horses to grind grain.
All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent.
Isaiah 28:27-29

God’s plan is better than mine, though there are times when I feel like the caraway or cumin or even the grain that is ground into flour. Whatever the case, my hope is to be useful to the Lord in this life, these few days I have.

Isaiah 29: Woe to David’s City

The painful truth expressed by Isaiah so long ago is still seen in our churches today:

The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Isaiah 29:13

That which we think is hidden is in plain sight to God. He sees our masks we wear to hide our true motives and identities. Transparency is covered with words and promises, probably because we don’t do well with authenticity. I pray for a day when we can let these guards down and simply be ourselves, the day when we will lean on each other for help and support without shame or restraint. We may not ever be perfect here on earth, but we can move in the direction of authentic worship, even if for brief moments. These pure offerings pierce through the armor built to hide our true feelings. Help us, Lord, to be the community of faith you truly desire.

Hear these words as a benediction of hope for that day:

Therefore this is what the Lord,
who redeemed Abraham,
says to the descendants of Jacob:
“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;
no longer will their faces grow pale.
When they see among them their children,
the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
those who complain will accept instruction.”
Isaiah 29:22-24

¹ The Attributes of God, Volume 2, Deeper Into the Father’s Heart, A. W. Tozer, Moody Press, ISBN: 978-1-60066-791-6

April 27, 2017

Devastation and Praise

Isaiah 24-27

Exponential East 2017 concludes this morning with the call to church planters to go out and do what God has called them by name to do. For many, this will be the beginning of a whole new chapter in their lives and in their walk in faith. Wayne Corderio reminded us of this incredible promise yesterday:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.
And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32

If you have a red-letter setting on your app or printed edition you’ll see the profound statement, “But I have prayed for you…” — Jesus Christ himself. We will go through trials as James reminds us, but we will not go alone. Let that soak in for a while.

Isaiah 24: The Lord’s Devastation of the Earth

The earth is broken up,
the earth is split asunder,
the earth is violently shaken.
The earth reels like a drunkard,
it sways like a hut in the wind;
so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion
that it falls—never to rise again.
In that day the Lord will punish
the powers in the heavens above
and the kings on the earth below.
Isaiah 24:19-21

Oddly enough, this isn’t a scripture reference from Exponential (hint: the sarcasm sign is lit). Isaiah points to a day, that day, when the Lord finally punishes the wickedness and evil of Satan and his followers.

Isaiah 25: Praise to the Lord

On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:7-8

Hopefully, if you read chapter 24 you continued on to chapter 25 and beyond. Here we see the amazing words that we hear much later in Revelation 7:17: The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces. All faces. The promise of a new and perfect creation for all to enjoy fully.

Isaiah 26: A Song of Praise

Naturally we want to sing a song of praise at this moment, a song that remembers how God is seen as the ultimate judge.

Lord, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us,
but your name alone do we honor.
They are now dead, they live no more;
their spirits do not rise.
Isaiah 26:12-14

No longer will the lords of this earth wield any power. You alone, Lord, will vanquish the enemies. I like the word vanquish. It’s powerful and complete, horrible and terrifying to some, bittersweet to others. The finality portrayed in these chapters is somewhat frightening. My hope is I will be stirred to action with a sense of urgency. We have much work to do and no idea when the day will come, except that it comes when we least expect it.

Isaiah 27: Deliverance of Israel

In that day,
the Lord will punish with his sword—
his fierce, great and powerful sword—
Leviathan the gliding serpent,
Leviathan the coiling serpent;
he will slay the monster of the sea.
Isaiah 27:1

Satan is no more. The once mighty whose pride led the downfall of many is no more. In that day we will rejoice like never before!

I am not angry.
Isaiah 27:4

The beginning of verse 4 is worth reflecting on. The Lord says, “I am not angry.” That is amazing and wonderful.

We probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the end of time, but I’m reminded to consider our calling to go and make disciples of all nations with a sense of purpose. Lord, help us to understand our unique giftings in this calling and to put those to good use now.

April 26, 2017

Prophecy Against Tyre: Pride

Isaiah 23

Day two at Exponential East 2017 is about to begin. The Healthy Growing Churches pre-conference was insightful and the opening sessions at Exponential was excellent as always. Words of wisdom from many who have taken on the mantle of ministry, those who have crossed the line and accepted the call to vocational ministry with complete trust that God would provide.

One of the themes I heard between the lines was the need to be humble and get to work doing what God has called us to do. We need to put down the pride that easily invades the heart when God provides the answer to our prayers, when we find success as the world defines it. and we stop to marvel at the work of the Spirit as if we’re surprised!

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going,
when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
Acts 1:10

Albert Tate reminded us that it’s wonderful to marvel at what the Lord has done, the time has come for us to stop looking up at the sky and get to work!

Today’s reading from Isaiah shows us the mighty city of Tyre in ruins. From the great to the fallen; notoriously wonderful to publicly embarrassed.

The Lord Almighty planned it,
to bring down her pride in all her splendor
and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.
Isaiah 23:9

Tyre was critical to the success of Solomon’s building projects. Through these ports, massive amounts of materials flowed to Jerusalem to build the temple and palace over many years. The wealth and fame that accompanied such success will ultimately take them down. The wonder of such a great city will be put to ruin and “forgotten for seventy years” (Isaiah 23:15).

At the end of seventy years, the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her lucrative prostitution and will ply her trade with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes. Isaiah 23:17-18

Lord, help us to be humble and get to work doing that which you called us to do. Help us to stop looking for fame and fortune during our temporary time on earth and simply do that which you have called us to do. Thank you for the joy that fills our hearts as we get to do your work here.

April 25, 2017

Prophecy About Jerusalem

Read: Isaiah 22

Jerusalem, the pride and joy of the Chosen People has lost its way. Isaiah’s words are hard and to the point, the voice of the Lord reveals that Jerusalem is out of step with God, out of sync with his plan. As we read this chapter, let us look introspectively to discover where we are out of step with Christ and let us remember the One who calls us daily.

Under the leadership of King Hezekiah, Jerusalem withstood Sennacherib’s taunting and his attempted siege (2 Kings 19):

You built a reservoir between the two walls
for the water of the Old Pool,
but you did not look to the One who made it,
or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.
Isaiah 22:11

Assuming this refers to the time alluded to in 2 Kings 10, they were able to withstand the siege because of the Old Pool, the access to water. King Hezekiah was a good king and the angel of the Lord delivered them because of his faithfulness.

However, this would not last for long. Isaiah’s words remind us that the legacy of a good king was short lived:

The Lord, the Lord Almighty,
called you on that day
to weep and to wail,
to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth.
But see, there is joy and revelry,
slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep,
eating of meat and drinking of wine!
“Let us eat and drink,” you say,
“for tomorrow we die!”
The Lord Almighty has revealed this in my hearing:
“Till your dying day this sin will not be atoned for,”
says the Lord, the Lord Almighty.
Isaiah 22:12-14

The people in Jerusalem are acting like their neighboring countries, insanely eating and drinking “for tomorrow we die” rather than reverently worshiping the Lord. Ouch! Acting like a fool when the time called for somber reflection. In my imagination, I can see these words read aloud in a noisy room which suddenly becomes quiet. The revealing of sin is never joyful. This comes at the worst time.

Be patient with us Lord as we try to get our act together! Help us to see the disconnects, to put the pieces together as we try to do life together.

April 24, 2017

Oracles to Many Nations; More Judgment to Come

Isaiah 17-21 and Psalm 101

Before jumping into Isaiah’s prophecies against Damascus, Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Edom and Arabia, we read an affirmation psalm (Psalm 101).

Psalm 101: I Will

In eight verses, this psalm affirms twelve “I Will” statements — a great way to start the week!

I will sing of the Lord’s love and justice
I will be careful to lead a blameless life
I will conduct myself with a blameless heart
I will not look for approval from vile things
I will have no part of faithless people
I will put to silence those who slander their neighbor
I will not tolerate those haughty eyes and a proud heart
I will set my eyes on the faithful, the one whose walk is blameless
I will not invite those who practice deceit into my house
I will not stand in the presence of liars
I will not listen to the wicked
I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord

This really needs to become a song we sing, one of those songs you can’t get out of your head. The airwaves are filled with so much negative news that this proclamation of the power of positive thinking (to steal Norman Vincent Peale’s title) is a great way to silence those voices. Thanks, Lord, for the reminder!

Prophecy Against Damascus: Isaiah 17

The capital city of Aram, home of the Arameans, frequent enemies of Israel, is an important city to this day. Now the capital of Syria, this location has been the target of many invasions. Isaiah’s vision would have likely been scoffed at when delivered, perhaps like the unsinkable Titanic.

See, Damascus will no longer be a city
but will become a heap of ruins.
Isaiah 17:1

The Apostle Paul was heading to Damascus when Jesus met him. The fact that there were Jewish synagogues in Damascus tells me there was hope for this place.

Yet some gleanings will remain,
as when an olive tree is beaten,
leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches,
four or five on the fruitful boughs,”
declares the Lord, the God of Israel.
Isaiah 7:6

The remnant survives.

Prophecy Against Cush: Isaiah 18

Woe to the land of whirring wings
along the rivers of Cush,
which sends envoys by sea
in papyrus boats over the water.
Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned,
to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers.
Isaiah 18:1-2

For the contemporary audience, the prophecy against Cush is a was a warning not to align themselves with Cush (and Egypt), even though it was tempting. God had their backs as long as they (Judah) was faithful. No need to create alliances with aggressive nations. Remain faithful, sing psalm 101 again!

Prophecy Against Egypt: Isaiah 19

The same applies to Egypt, that special place in ancient biblical times that housed and hid many of our ancestors (good and bad):

See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud
and is coming to Egypt.
The idols of Egypt tremble before him,
and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.
Isaiah 19:1

So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. Isaiah 10:21-22

Our God is gracious, he wants the best of all of us, though His discipline is difficult to understand at times…well…oftentimes it seems. “He will strike them and heal them.” There seems to be a soft spot in God’s heart for Egypt, for the Egyptians. When Jesus was born and Herod threatened, Joseph responds to God’s prompting and heads to Egypt. Just one of several times in the Bible. Interesting.

Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush: Isaiah 20

For now, Isaiah continues his warning about Egypt and Cush:

Those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be dismayed and put to shame. In that day the people who live on this coast will say, ‘See what has happened to those we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”Isaiah 20:5-6

Timing is everything.

Prophecy Against Babylon: Isaiah 21:1-10

Look, here comes a man in a chariot
with a team of horses.
And he gives back the answer:
‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen!
All the images of its gods
lie shattered on the ground!’”
Isaiah 21:9

The rise and fall of Babylon, several times throughout history, provides a reminder that those who worship idols, gods of their own hands, have little to rely on. It’s reassuring, perhaps, but troublesome as well. For some reason I’m thinking of Poland when the Nazis invaded. Knowing that their leader was pure evil didn’t remove the pain from those swept away by overwhelming forces. I wonder how strong my faith would be in such circumstances. Would I have read a letter from someone as renowned as Isaiah in those days and remained faithful? I hope the study of Isaiah gives me the strength to stand when my faith is tested, not if.

Prophecy Against Arabia: Isaiah 21:13-17

This is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end. The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” Isaiah 21:16-17

Hopefully, those in Judah, the faithful kings, heard these words and bolstered their faith in God as their deliverer rather than some unholy accord with neighboring nations. Well, for the most part we know that worked, at least temporarily.

Isaiah covers a lot of ground, much to consider, but throughout I read the story of God working his plan through people. As affirmed in Psalm 101, I will hear the words and align myself with those who walk with the Lord.

April 22, 2017

Songs of Praise; Prophecies Against Babylon, Philistines and Moab

Isaiah 12-16 and Psalm 100

First we sing two short songs of praise, then we read through prophecies against Babylon, the Philistines and Moab. In addition, today we read one of my favorite psalms:

Psalm 100

Way back in my distant youth we learned this psalm in Vacation Bible School at Jefferson Baptist Church (Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA). Ah, the good old days. This is how my parents raised me, fond memories of church and VBS in the summer. Simpler times perhaps, but I still remember those days, followed by the days when our girls enjoyed their time at VBS.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100

I used the Revised Standard Version because that’s what we used circa 1970! I’m so thankful for the adults that invested in creating inviting environments for children, trusting that God would grow the little hearts. I understand why this would be chosen. Just five verses, one for each day of VBS, we were taught to recite from memory. Imagine telling a bunch of kids to “make a joyful noise!” That was easy!! At the end, we all take the stage and act out the entire psalm with great joy. Real memories, real worship, unashamed and unbridled.

These times are troubled times when youth are not taught about morality and relativism runs rampant. Thank you Lord for nurturing faith within me at a young age, for knowing Jesus Loves Me in song and in my heart. Those days seem to be gone, but we can keep your song alive through the psalms, through singing, through making a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Help us remember that each day!

Songs of Praise: Isaiah 12

Although you were angry, your anger is gone and now you provide comfort. Our songs of mourning are now songs of praise!

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.
Isaiah 12:4-6

One of the songs Pastor Beth puts in the rotation at Hope Fellowship, Even When It Hurts, reminds us that we will praise you Lord, even when it hurts like hell. This is a difficult song to sing, but an important lesson to impart to those who gather to worship. Just like kids at VBS, adults come to gather on Sunday to hear words that resonate within and draw them closer to God. As an adult I’m thankful for the songs that speak deeply to the heart. Let this be known to all the world: Our God has done glorious things!

Prophecy Against Babylon: Isaiah 13:1-14:27

I will punish the world for its evil,
the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty
and will humble the pride of the ruthless.
Isaiah 13:11

Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms,
the pride and glory of the Babylonians,
will be overthrown by God
like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Isaiah 13:19

Finally, one day, those who were so proud and arrogant will be brought down, they will be no more. The avenger will avenge. The proud humbled by the Lord Almighty. The powerful words provide comfort to a people who were unable to defend themselves against an organized aggressor like Babylon. These were good words indeed.

Perhaps the Babylonians were fueled by Satan, by forces of evil. Isaiah adds this prophetic reminder in Isaiah 14:12-15:

How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
Isaiah 14:12

The morning star, cast down to earth, will be laid low. This will be a great and glorious day!

Prophecy Against the Philistines: Isaiah 14:28-14:32

This prophecy comes at a time when the northern kingdom has been swept away into exile by the Assyrians. I like to keep that in perspective, knowing that those hearing these words are completely familiar with the troubled times of their brothers and sisters to the north. In my mind, those who were the remnant did not gloat over the exile of Israel–I believe they felt the pain and listened to Isaiah’s words for a thread of hope in a time of violent rule by godless oppressors.

The poorest of the poor will find pasture,
and the needy will lie down in safety.
But your root I will destroy by famine;
it will slay your survivors.
Isaiah 14:30

Words of great assurance. A call to remain steadfast in worship and praise for the one true God.

Prophecy Against Moab: Isaiah 15-16

Isaiah names specific cities and areas that were no doubt important to the Moabites: Ar, Kir, Dibon, Nebo and Medebo to name a few. Concrete evidence that the Lord is aware of their specific offenses and will deal with them accordingly.

In love a throne will be established;
in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
and speeds the cause of righteousness.
Isaiah 16:5

In love and faithfulness, the reign of Christ will come. That will indeed be the best days!

April 21, 2017

A Child is Born; The Branch

Isaiah 9-11 and Psalm 99

In the reading this morning we ride the rollercoaster of great news about the birth of Jesus and the flagrant disrespect that Israel shows toward God. The upside is wonderful, the downside is devastating, literally.

Four times we read the refrain:

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.
Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4

More than a warning, this is a statement of fact:

Those who guide this people mislead them,
and those who are guided are led astray.
Isaiah 9:16

The leaders of the northern kingdom are described in this single statement. Each king is noted as doing evil, not following the ways of the Lord. Their wickedness is not unseen, though they have acted as though they were untouchable. The Lord sees all and will not be idle.

What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?
Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Isaiah 10:3-4

Chapter 10 reminds me of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the battles fought, the rallying speeches of the kings.

See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
will lop off the boughs with great power.
The lofty trees will be felled,
the tall ones will be brought low.
He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax;
Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.
Isaiah 10:33-34

But there is hope, there is good news. “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.” (Isaiah 9:1) The remnant will survive (Isaiah 10:20-23). Though they were once many, the faithful few will carry the glimmer of hope.

One of my favorite scriptures:

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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7

A key part of Advent memories around the world, the hope of the world is born.

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:1-3

I imagine these words were read over and over again by the remnant destined for exile. Chiseled in stone, written on parchment, embedded in the hearts of those who were cast out. What a great and glorious day it was when Christ was born, when the Branch came forth.

Amid the words of destruction, the prophecies of gloom, we read these encouraging words. “In that day…” there is hope. Though many will be swept away, the day of righteousness is at hand. It will be an amazing future where jealousy is vanquished, a place where old enemies live together:

the wolf and the lamb
the calf, the lion and the yearly
the cow and the bear
the infant and the cobra

Though the present is full of grief and anguish:

In that day the Lord will
reach out his hand a second time
to reclaim the surviving
remnant of his people…
Isaiah 11:11

Isaiah prods and comforts, scorns and soothes with words that speak bluntly followed by hope for the future. Out of the stump the shoot will arise…a second time!

April 20, 2017

Holy, Holy, Holy; Immanuel

Isaiah 6-8 and Psalm 98

The reading today covers a lot of territory: Isaiah’s call to ministry, the infamous prophecy about the birth of Jesus and the warning to trust God above all others.

Isaiah’s ministry to the southern kingdom came at a time when the northern kingdom, a huge number of Israelites, was swept away into exile. Isaiah 6:1 pinpoints the date, “In the year that King Uzziah died,” to give us some perspective of the time in history. King Uzziah (Azariah) ruled the southern kingdom (from 792 to 740 BC) while Jeroboam II ruled the northern kingdom before the Assyrian invasions began (734 and 722 BC).

Isaiah’s call to ministry begins with a vision of God in his throne room; complete submission to the Creator:

“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.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 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!”
Isaiah 6:5-8

I’ve heard this preached many times. The awe and wonder of the Lord of all that takes away the sin of the world. Incredibly amazing. I pray that my response would be like that of Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me!” Next week, thousands of pastors and supporting ministries will gather at Exponential and no doubt hundreds will hear the call and answer, “Send me” to plant a church, to expand Christ’s church on earth. Many churches will be birthed as a result. It’s an exciting time!

God sent Isaiah to advise Ahaz (Uzziah’s grandson) that the invading forces would fail, those who said, “Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” (Isaiah 7:6). The Lord provided this answer:

“‘It will not take place,
it will not happen
Isaiah 7:5-7

The text suddenly switches from a contemporary issue to the future:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,
and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

The Remnant, a consistent theme throughout the prophets, ties the old with the new, the ancient with the contemporary. It also provides a warning that perhaps the masses are not right in their thinking. Following the crowds is obviously not always the best idea; careful consideration is required, great discernment is needed.

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.”
Isaiah 6:13

The ways of the world seem right to many, but they don’t often have a clue. The shocking news, not surprising, is often wrong:

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me,
warning me not to follow the way of this people:
“Do not call conspiracy
everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread.
Isaiah 8:11-13

The call to look to God is the key, to lean on the prompting and teaching of the Spirit is more important than those who shout on the street corners or publish news to sell ads. Focus on God’s word, his teaching.

April 19, 2017

God’s Judgment; Song of the Vineyard

Isaiah 3-5 and Psalm 97

Today’s word from Isaiah is hard, difficult to read, extremely sad when I think about the population that is affected. He has no choice but to tell it like it is–God has provided a vision, the story must be told.

Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the Lord,
defying his glorious presence.
The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.
Isaiah 3:8-9

This horrible picture of Jerusalem is described in vivid imagery:

Instead of fragrance there will be a stench;
instead of a sash, a rope;
instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;
instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;
instead of beauty, branding.
Your men will fall by the sword,
your warriors in battle.
The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;
destitute, she will sit on the ground.
Isaiah 3:24-26

The once beautiful city, the pride of Israel, years in the making, will lay in ruin. Pick your finest example of opulence and write the owner a letter with these words–it would not be received well (to say the least). I cannot imagine how the leaders in Judah reacted when they heard Isaiah’s outrageous words. I can imagine those in power scoffed at his vision, completely shut him down. Still, somewhere out there there were those who heard the painful words and were moved. Somewhere. Someone. The Remnant.

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious,
and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.
Those who are left in Zion,
who remain in Jerusalem,
will be called holy,
all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 4:2-3

One day the Lord will cleanse all the earth and the holy city will be restored. Isaiah tells of the future, but the present state of the Chosen people will result in exile, banishment from that which they were given.

Therefore my people will go into exile
for lack of understanding;
those of high rank will die of hunger
and the common people will be parched with thirst.
Isaiah 5:13

I can’t wrap my mind around the concept, it’s an ancient story of a distant past, right? It’s easy to sit back and take that position, but reading the news (the real news) reveals oppression still exists today. Men, filled with personal agendas and great egos apply their vision of the perfect world on others in North Korea and Syria (to name a few). There are many other areas in the world where the idea of forced exile is very real. These people don’t wake up and decide if it’s a latte or cappuccino, they wake up from a nightmare and wonder if their family will survive the day.

This is a horrible message to deliver to the people who were once the pride of Judah, the wisest, most affluent. People whose reverence for the Lord was so strong that peace was palpable. The very mention of Yahweh brought to mind wonder and delight. Isaiah reveals the pending exile with strong words. That which was once most valued will be discarded as rubbish.

The very things that were fought for will be laid to waste because of selfish pride and complete loss of focus on that which is eternal.

Lord help us to keep you in the center of all we do. We look forward to that glorious day when all will be made new, but don’t let us look so forward that we forget about today and the people who need to feel your presence.