OTC – Page 9 – Dave R Phillips

May 10, 2017

Judgment, Redemption, Salvation and Hope

Isaiah 63-66

Today we finish our journey through the book of Isaiah. It’s hard to appreciate the kind of ministry prophets had back in those times. They didn’t publish books or go on speaking tours. In fact, most of the time when they showed up it was more a threat than a treat. The last chapters remind us of judgment and hope, of the time when all will be called to account for the choices made that fly in the face of God.

Isaiah 63:1-6: God’s Day of Vengeance and Redemption

Thoughts of Revelation 19:11-21 come to mind when reading this first section of chapter 63.

I looked, but there was no one to help,
I was appalled that no one gave support;
so my own arm achieved salvation for me,
and my own wrath sustained me.
Isaiah 63:5

The day of judgment will surely come, but I’m in no hurry for that day. Yes, there will be no more pain and suffering and it will be a glorious new dawn for those who have put their faith in Christ. However, for those I dearly love and for the great number who don’t know Jesus, this day will not be welcomed. No, I don’t look forward to this for that reason. Be patient with us Lord and help us to reach out to those who have not accepted your grace and forgiveness.

Isaiah 63:7-64:12: Praise and Prayer

Isaiah’s mini-sermon extols the wonders of the Lord in remembrance and calls out to have his mighty hand return and guide his people.

For when you did awesome things that we did not expect,
you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
Isaiah 64:3

I love the notion of this verse, “awesome things that we did not expect.” I’m sure if I were in closer step with the Lord, I’d see how many things happen that we don’t expect. Honestly, I think I’m so focused on my own little world that I miss the glory of God by majoring in the minors, by concentrating on little things that have no kingdom impact.

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look on us, we pray,
for we are all your people.
Isaiah 64:8-9

Please remember, Lord, that we are your clay. Do not be angry when I say stupid things or think thoughts that are misguided. Our intentions are often good and true, help us to align our actions with our words.

Isaiah 65:1-16: Judgment and Salvation

The painful truth of this passage is hard to deny:

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
All day long I have held out my hands
to an obstinate people,
who walk in ways not good,
pursuing their own imaginations—
Isaiah 65:1-2

“Pursuing their own imaginations…” Such an appropriate depiction of sin that covers so much. Our society in particular encourages such behavior under the banner of inclusiveness. While the concept has worthwhile roots in compassion and understanding, Satan has used this foothold to corrupt many by whispering into ears that whatever feels right is right. The great tempter has misled many this way, feeding into the imaginations of intelligent and powerful people that make those of us who call upon Christ look like fools. My speech is slow, I’m not capable of rapid-fire rebuttal, I guess that why I type slowly each morning, but I pray for salvation and believe God’s hands are at work where I cannot see.

Bless this land, Lord, bless your people again in bold strokes that are inviting to those who are far from you!

Whoever invokes a blessing in the land
will do so by the one true God;
whoever takes an oath in the land
will swear by the one true God.
For the past troubles will be forgotten
and hidden from my eyes.
Isaiah 65:16

Isaiah 65:17-25: New Heavens and a New Earth

I do look forward to this glorious day:

“See, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind…

The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
and dust will be the serpent’s food.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.
Isaiah 65:17,25

Isaiah 66: Judgment and Hope

The words of judgment are nothing to be excited about. Those who have fallen into Satan’s trap can be redeemed. There is no denying that we see people every day, that we know of those who have chosen their own self-righteous paths:

They have chosen their own ways,
and they delight in their abominations;
so I also will choose harsh treatment for them
and will bring on them what they dread.
For when I called, no one answered,
when I spoke, no one listened.
They did evil in my sight
and chose what displeases me.”
Isaiah 66:3-4

O Lord, forgive us when we do these things! Help us to reveal this truth to others that don’t see the err of their ways. Give me the right words to guide them back to you. My heart is heavy when I think about your just judgment.

My preference is to dwell on this promise more than the annihilation of those who denied Christ:

For this is what the Lord says:
“I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.
As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:12-13

Lord, may our message be heard: Grow your church, Holy Spirit, may it stretch across this land and all people be glad. Let this generation be the generation that makes a difference. May we be the people they talk about when the tide was turned, not for fame, but for your glory. You have done it before, Lord, do it again today!

May 9, 2017

Sin, Favor, New Heavens and New Earth; Beulah Land

Isaiah 59-62

From recognition of my many sins to the image of Beulah Land, through the land of despair and discouragement, today’s reading was a challenge for me for deep personal reasons. God is so faithful as I read this morning. I hoped He would speak to me in these verses and then it happened–nearly the last verse. I end this blog today with wonderful memories of worshiping Him some 25 years ago. I even remembered the names of the leaders, a wonderful couple: Udell and Janet Meyers. I count this as a blessing with the assurance that I will one day worship with endless joy, so I may as well start with joy this morning.

Isaiah 59: Sin, Confession and Redemption

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:1-2

The mirror doesn’t lie, my sins are ever before the Lord, clear as day, my iniquities are many.

The blindness is frustrating,

Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
Isaiah 59:10

But God was not satisfied to see people lost and lonely. His creation, those he endowed with eternal spirits were too precious to leave in the darkness, so He himself provided a new light:

He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17

Hear the Gospel proclaimed hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus!

“The Redeemer will come to Zion,
to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 59:20

Repentance is available to all. No sin is too great. But the world closes eyes to iniquities and makes us believe in our own self-righteousness. God will not be fooled. In our short time on earth, we make choices. I pray we would choose wisely.

Isaiah 60: The Glory of Zion

The very thought of this sunrise is captivating:

“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
Isaiah 60:4-5

The Lord has arisen and all nations come to him. Hearts throb and swell with joy as Jesus is honored above all else.

Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.
Then all your people will be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
Isaiah 60:20-21

I can’t lie, I am looking forward to the day when sorrows will end. Some days are just difficult.

Isaiah 61: The Year of the Lord’s Favor

Isaiah continues to paint the picture of a glorious future, this is the hope I’m holding onto:

Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7

Everlasting joy, that’s a wonderful promise. Truthfully, I’d take a day full of joy right now! It’s hard to imagine such a time as this when all of God’s goodness is restored.

I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
Isaiah 61:10

My soul will be refreshed, will delight like never before. Moments of joy flutter by in this day and age. The future Isaiah speaks of is worth waiting for and worthy of telling others about. Lord, help me to sense this joy deep inside my heart so it shows in all that I do. Pour joy into my soul this morning. Let your light radiate for others to see.

Isaiah 62: Zion’s New Name

No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah;
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.
Isaiah 62:4-5

Years ago, while serving the Air Force in England, we worshipped with a missional community out in the countryside rather than the base chapel (I hardly remember the details), but I do remember Udell and Janet Meyers who lead the ministry for a while there. A godly couple, wonderful people, good times. When they were reassigned (somewhere), we had a musical send off that included the song Beulah Land, by The Gaither Vocal Band. I’d never heard the term Beulah Land before, so I asked Udell. His response was classic: “look it up.” His ministry was more about teaching people to fish than it was about feeding us, though he certainly did both. “But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah.” We sang the song mostly a cappela, five of us with Udell taking lead and I sang low bass. The imagery was wonderful. The memory precious.

Joy filled the hearts of all present that afternoon and for a few hours we smiled at the thought of being homesick for a land we’ve never seen before, a land we’ve only heard about through the words of Isaiah. Thank you Lord for your amazing words through your great servant Isaiah.

Receive today’s benediction, words far better than any I could create:

They will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the Lord;
and you will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted.
Isaiah 62:12

May 8, 2017

Inclusivity, Wickedness, Comfort and True Fasting

Isaiah 56-58 and Psalm 105

We’re all over the charts this morning, covering several topics in these chapters. Psalm 105 does a good job of preparing us for the reading this morning:

Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
Psalm 105:5-7

Every once in awhile I need to remind myself that God has always been the God of miracles. From long ago he has shown us his mighty power, but not for the sake of showing His strength–he did these things for our benefit, to draw us back to him. Yes, we are to be amazed at what he can do, but I think we should be more amazed at why he does these things. Think back on the miracles that come to mind and examine they why more than the what and be amazed. Our God loves us more than we can imagine.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 105:1

Isaiah 56:1-8 – Salvation for Others & Keeping the Sabbath:

It seems the idea of being more inclusive is not something new:

And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant—
these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Isaiah 56:6-7

Yes, the Lord is the Lord of all, the Israelite and the foreigner; those raised in the church and those far from Christ. Let us learn this completely.

Twice this section includes the call to keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and then again in chapter 58.

“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the Lord’s holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
then you will find your joy in the Lord,
and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 58:13-14

Once again, I’m convicted of not being good about keeping the Sabbath as commanded, something I need to reexamine all the time. It seems so simple, but since I’ve worked from my home for more than 20 years, it’s hard to find that place where I can rest. Lord, help me to be obedient in finding and keeping the Sabbath.

Isaiah 56:9-57:13 – God’s Accusation Against the Wicked:

This section is completely different thought, one where see Israel’s watchmen as blind, ignorant and lazy; those who would rather get drunk without any concern for the day.

Israel’s watchmen are blind,
they all lack knowledge;
they are all mute dogs,
they cannot bark;
they lie around and dream,
they love to sleep.
Isaiah 56:10

Lord, there are those among us that fit this description, and perhaps we look like this from time to time. In both cases, Lord, help us to see those who need to be called out for their own good and show us how to love them back to you. For some, that is is a tough love; for others, incredible kindness is required. Give us a discerning heart to know what to do. All for your glory and your kingdom.

Not surprising, we find contemporary problems discussed in ancient writings:

Behind your doors and your doorposts
you have put your pagan symbols.
Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed,
you climbed into it and opened it wide;
you made a pact with those whose beds you love,
and you looked with lust on their naked bodies.
Isaiah 57:10

The only difference is the accessibility of pornography to our current society, at least here in this “modern” affluent context. This verse is an eye-opener for those who think our current brokenness is new. Lord, keep working on me to improve, to recognize the pagan symbols that I hide. Keep me far from porn of all kinds. Remind me to take refuge in you (Isaiah 57:13), to look to you for safety. I have remembered, Lord, I do take this to heart.

Isaiah 57:14-21 – Comfort for the Contrite:

For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 57:15

If God is so concerned for the contrite, for those overwhelmed with guilt, feeling truly sorry for their sin, so should we. It’s not my place to make someone feel guilty for their sin, but for loving them in spite of themselves, not as judge, but as one who takes on this character of God to care for the lost. This is our God.

Isaiah 58 – True Fasting:

Our ancestors were swept away into exile and tried to prove themselves as the religious right by fasting more and more, yet their fasts were broken with quarreling, fighting (literally with fists), demanding to be noticed for their righteousness. This is not why we fast.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Isaiah 58:6-7

I’m no expert on fasting, but I do understand that fasting centers on God. There are lots of ideas on fasting in this modern world, something I should probably study more, but it’s clear in this text that if fasting is all about drawing attention to myself, it is no fast at all! What if we fasted and shared our food with the hungry? Or provided for the lost? That’s something worth considering far above any pious activity.

Lots of thoughts this morning. I pray God will speak to each of us where we most need it this morning.

May 7, 2017

Future Glory; Open Invitation to the Thirsty

Isaiah 54-55

Isaiah provides a promise of future glory to Jerusalem in chapter 54 and an open invitation to drink from the fountain in chapter 55. Chapter 55 is cross-referenced like crazy! Just 13 verses with 106 cross-references that span the Bible. Take some time and read this chapter, one that is full of imagery and promise for a better time.

As I understand it, a barren woman was shameful in that culture. Jerusalem will be exiled, eventually come to ruin, but the Lord’s promise will one day be fulfilled in great glory:

Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10

Paul refers to this in his letter to the Galatians (see Galatians 4:21-31) as he appeals to them using Isaiah 54:1. This underscores the reason why I want to understand the Old Testament better before diving into the New Testament again. Paul was no doubt fully immersed in the teachings of what they knew as the Bible of their time, so it helps to try and grasp a bit of perspective.

no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17

God’s promise is complete vindication in the end. One day there will be peace.

Those who have been exiled are invited to return, to eat and drink until they are full:

“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Isaiah 55:1

Everyone is invited to the kingdom at no cost, it is freely offered for all. Jesus referred to the living waters in his discussion with the Samaritan woman in John 4; an open invitation for those far from God.

There is a sense of urgency within this wonderful promise:

Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6

“While he may be found” is a bit disturbing–at some point it will be too late to seek the Lord. It’s hard to think about, but then again:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

That helps. My brain isn’t capable of comprehending the thoughts of God, no even close, but it doesn’t have to! Christ is there with open arms inviting all to come near:

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

Way back in the old days (circa 1996), we sang Isaiah 55:12 as the benediction for our contemporary worship service at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. Fond memories indeed! I pray that today you will go out with joy, that you will be led forth with peace; hear the mountains and the hills burst into song before you; listen to the trees and the fields as they clap their hands. May you find the peace of Christ this day and may it fill your heart with gladness:

You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12

May 6, 2017

We Are Like Sheep

Isaiah 51-53

So many fond memories come from verses in these chapters today. The Almighty God, lover of our souls, calls out to us through Isaiah with great words that get beyond the suffering, the temporary pain of today. Soak up the words. Know that the Lord of all loves his people deeply.

Therefore hear this, you afflicted one,
made drunk, but not with wine.
This is what your Sovereign Lord says,
your God, who defends his people:
“See, I have taken out of your hand
the cup that made you stagger;
from that cup, the goblet of my wrath,
you will never drink again.
I will put it into the hands of your tormentors,
who said to you,
‘Fall prostrate that we may walk on you.’
And you made your back like the ground,
like a street to be walked on.”
Isaiah 51:21-23

The Lord will redeem his people, no longer to be walked all over again. Don’t dwell on the pain that afflicts us in this present day and in this current circumstance, it will not last.

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7

Here we come to one of the most quoted passages from Isaiah, one I can remember reading for the Christmas program as a teenager (a very long time ago!):

He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
Isaiah 53:3

My guess is nearly every church will include this as part of their Christmas program and several parts of this chapter are presented in the Gospel accounts as well as other places in the New Testament. Apparently, we should pay attention to Isaiah 53!

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6

This verse is the text of Handel’s Messiah #26, “All We Like Sheep.” I remember learning this challenging piece as part of a production (full choral and orchestral ensemble) where we performed the entire work of Handel. The beginning is playful and provides of cacophony of sounds that seem disparate, even random, until the piece suddenly comes together and changes from the first part of the verse to the second, “and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Suddenly, the playful piece moves from a jovial chorus to a surreal and very serious theme. This is the nature of our battle to lead others to Christ. We, like sheep, are bouncing around doing our own thing, happy and content, having fun until the reality of life catches up with us and we are faced with a decision: will we continue on our own self-centered path or will we recognize that God sent Christ to atone for our sins? Have we come to the place that we recognize we need a shepherd?

When we lived in England I learned firsthand that sheep are not very intelligent. Our house was next to a farm and one literally walked into the adjacent stream. The shepherd somehow found out and raced down the lane in his Range Rover, stopped in the middle of the street, stripped his trousers off and jumped into the stream to grab the sheep, load it in the Rover the off he went! It was surreal and funny, to say the least. Later we came to understand that they will drown themselves because they are not smart enough to turn around. Sheep get lost, they wander, they are senseless. This alarmed me because Jesus compared us to sheep way too often. So “we all, like sheep,” really? We are so ignorant that we would just wander off? Yes. We are all like sheep. *sigh*

Peter includes this reference:

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.1 Peter 2:24-25

Peter the headstrong apostle that denied Jesus after his arrest, who felt the great guilt of this huge transgression was redeemed by Jesus after his resurrection. Three times in John 21:15-18 Jesus tells Peter to take care of the sheep. Peter learned his lesson well, he knew what it was like to go astray.

The Good News is this: God knows we are like sheep and he sent his son, the Good Shepherd to draw us back. Lord, help us to see the sheep in us and turn back to you. Help us to see the sheep in others and have compassion.

May 5, 2017

Stubborn Israel; Freedom and the Servant

Isaiah 48-50 and Psalm 104

The prelude to the proclamation of Immanuel, Isaiah’s words in this chapters are direct, yet filled with hope and promise for a new day. It’s remarkable that he includes the Gentiles as part of the great commission in Chapter 49. Chapter 50 winds up like the strong words of a street preacher shouting, “Repent!” Enjoy the words today, but start with Psalm 104.

This is one of the many psalms that are all about praising the Lord. I think this is how I should begin my prayer time with Jesus, thirty-five verses of praise for the wonderful things God has done for us.

He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.

I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the Lord.
But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 104:14-15, 33-35

Isaiah 48:1-11: Stubborn Israel

At the very least, I hope I can learn to appreciate my own children when these words enter my mind:

For I knew how stubborn you were;
your neck muscles were iron,
your forehead was bronze.
Isaiah 48:4

God still loves his children, though we are hard-headed and stubborn. (Funny, the first time I typed that I used the word “they” instead of “we”)

See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10

Not as silver, but more like iron…not so pretty. MacArthur explains:

unlike silver purged in the furnace, the purging of Israel is not complete, and they are not refined. But God keeps up the afflictions until they are, so His name is not defamed through the destruction of Israel. The nation will be purged (cf. Zech. 13:1). God’s plan is such that He alone, not man or man-made idols, will receive credit for Israel’s salvation (Isaiah 42:8; cf. Rom. 11:25–27, 33–36). The adversaries of God are never to be given legitimate reasons for scoffing at God and His work.

MacArthur’s last comment is most significant, our adversaries like to claim credit for winning the day, for removing the Ten Commandments from courthouses or eliminating prayer in schools, but God’s hand is at work to refine us, to strengthen us and stir us to action. Satan loves to take credit, but God remains in control.

Isaiah 48:12-22: Israel Freed

Leave Babylon,
flee from the Babylonians!
Announce this with shouts of joy
and proclaim it.
Isaiah 48:20

John saw much in his vision of Babylon as recorded in Revelation 18. Yes, the Lord will redeem his own!

Isaiah 49

The great commission from the Old Testament, Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:46-49) lived for this:

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6

Yes, Jesus Christ is the light of the world even for the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). Though he will be despised by the nation, the Redeemer will come for his people, a prophecy that took literally hundreds of years to fulfill.

He who has compassion on them will guide them
and lead them beside springs of water.
Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:10, 13

The promise of better days yet to come is appealing. In many ways it seems we are being swept away into Babylonian exile in subtle ways as alluded to before. Isaiah is just getting started as he paints the picture of great encouragement — God will destroy the oppressors and return all that belongs to his people in mighty ways.

Isaiah 50

Isaiah the evangelist calls out with a passionate plea:

Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let the one who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on their God.
Isaiah 50:10

Quite the follow-up from the previous chapter! Isaiah proclaims, “This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.” (Isaiah 50:11) Ouch!

I hope these words remind us of how great and wonderful our God truly is; his promise to never leave nor forsake us, even though we act like idiots at times. Thank you Lord!

May 4, 2017

God is All Powerful; Let Go of Idols

Isaiah 45-47

Isaiah provides powerful words today that remind us that God is the all powerful creator of all and we should let go of idols that we have built with our own hands. Lord, open our eyes and ears, help us to utterly destroy the idols we have created that we can’t see or hear, those things that have crept into our lives. Thank you for the words of Isaiah this morning. May we pause and find ourselves lost in your glory as he tries to paint a word picture worthy of your name.

I can get lost in this thought, the power of these few words:

I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster;
I, the Lord, do all these things.
Isaiah 45:7

The majesty of God is endless. What He does and can do is without limit. “I form the light…I bring prosperity” is awesome, but think about the opposing idea: “and create darkness…and create disaster.” Our God, the one and only God, does all these things.

Hear this battle cry, the mission we are all a part of:

“Gather together and come;
assemble, you fugitives from the nations.
Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood,
who pray to gods that cannot save.
Declare what is to be, present it—
let them take counsel together.
Who foretold this long ago,
who declared it from the distant past?
Was it not I, the Lord?
And there is no God apart from me,
a righteous God and a Savior;
there is none but me.”
Isaiah 45:20-21

Many are ignorant, they simply don’t know that they lack the knowledge of Christ, they are unaware. The world has taught us to hang onto idols of status, money, reputation, job titles, houses, cars, etc., but these cannot save. Powerful words from Isaiah still call us out today. Lord, help us to declare your majesty in all things.

As Alyssa turns 23 today (Happy Birthday Alyssa!), I’m thankful for this assurance:

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4

Some days I feel old, the gray hairs don’t lie, but it’s comforting to know the Lord is my sustainer–he will rescue me!

Isaiah 47 denounces Babylon for its arrogance and foresees its demise. As I read this chapter today I think of our current culture, that which has swept many away into an exile that is unseen. Addictions that trap us, virtual worlds we have created to distract us from the mission that Christ called us to fulfill. Isaiah speaks of Babylon, the great and mighty mocker of all. God used the Babylonians to punish the southern kingdom, our ancient ancestors, but their overstepped their role and thought too highly of themselves.

“Sit in silence, go into darkness,
queen city of the Babylonians;
no more will you be called
queen of kingdoms.
I was angry with my people
and desecrated my inheritance;
I gave them into your hand,
and you showed them no mercy.
Isaiah 47:5-6

The punishment on those who refuse to listen will be great and horrible.

You have trusted in your wickedness
and have said, ‘No one sees me.’
Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you
when you say to yourself,
‘I am, and there is none besides me.’
Disaster will come upon you,
and you will not know how to conjure it away.
Isaiah 47:10-11

I know, we don’t like to use fear as a motivator; I’m not trying to suggest that here, but I hope we can see the great “I am” in these words and let go of that which will destroy eternal lives. The more I come to appreciate God as the all powerful, the more I see myself as a all weak, but here’s the catch: God sees us as his children, his creation and he loves us like we love our own. It’s built into our DNA. We are his. Let go of idols and grab hold of that which will not perish. Thank you Lord, God Almighty, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit!

May 3, 2017

Comfort; Songs of Praise; Assurance

Isaiah 40-44

Read these words today and receive the assurance that God is with you, that God is for us who call upon His mighty name. As I read through these chapters, several songs and hymns of praise come to mind. My words are few this morning to make way for Isaiah to speak to your soul. Enjoy the time of reflection and admiration for the Creator of the Universe is on our side! That is more than amazing–it is incredibly awesome!

Isaiah 40: Comfort for God’s People

From John the Baptist to contemporary songwriters, Isaiah 40 grabs the imagination of many.

A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3

One of my favorite Rich Mullins songs, Everywhere I Go, includes Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.” When I played this (some 15 years ago!), I included a host of images that portrayed God in nature, people, good, bad and ugly — everywhere God was visible. Back and forth we declare, “Everywhere I go I see you.” As the music builds, then cuts dramatically as we declare this verse, “But your word’s alive and will be after all.” (2,3,4,5,6,7,8) “Everywhere I go I see you!” Powerful stuff. Somehow it doesn’t look so powerful in a post.

More recently, Lincoln Brewster includes this quote in Everlasting God:

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

There’s a cool story behind this song as well, especially the part where Lincoln has his son read the scripture.

The promises of God are everlasting and everywhere we go. It’s no wonder musicians used this text to encourage us as Isaiah attempts to encourage the Israelites in difficult times.

Isaiah 41: The Helper of Israel

Hear these words of assurance:

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

May we receive these words today as the world beats us down, as it tries its best to trip us, to cause us to stumble. Lord, help us as we do our best to do your work!

Isaiah 42:1-9: The Servant of the Lord

The beginning of Isaiah 42 is referenced in several places in the New Testament, the hope of things to come. As Jesus walked on the earth, the apostles couldn’t help but recall the words of Isaiah:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:10-17: Song of Praise to the Lord

Another song of assurance for those who put their trust in the Lord.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
Isaiah 42:16

There are many times when I qualify for this help, times when I’ve felt blind with no idea of where I was going. Perhaps this shouldn’t be written in past tense! Thank you, Lord, for these words of encouragement. I pray for my friends who feel they are in dark times today. Be with them Lord. If I can, let me be their encourager, their Barnabas.

Isaiah 42:18-25: Israel Blind and Deaf

Lord, may this not be said of your servant today:

You have seen many things, but you pay no attention;
your ears are open, but you do not listen.”
Isaiah 42:20

May we see and hear your word clearly. I’m so grateful to have the Bible so accessible, with notes and commentary at my fingertips. Open my eyes and let me soak in the wonder of your majesty.

Isaiah 43:1-13: Israel’s Only Savior

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:14-28: God’s Mercy and Israel’s Unfaithfulness

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19

Isaiah 44:1-5: Israel the Chosen

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 44:3

Isaiah 44:6-23: The Lord, Not Idols

Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Isaiah 44:8

Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this;
shout aloud, you earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.
Isaiah 44:23

May 2, 2017

Hezekiah

Isaiah 36-39 and Psalm 103

Hezekiah must have been very important for us to understand because he is written about in 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29-32 plus Proverbs 25. Even though much of the content is the same, a total of 10 chapters dedicated to his legacy–there must be a lot to learn from Hezekiah. He is referred to by other prophets: Jeremiah, Hosea, Micah and Zephaniah; and even included in the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1. I suppose a separate study is in order to dive deep into Hezekiah’s life (some other time).

These chapters capture Isaiah’s words for King Hezekiah, one of the last kings of the southern kingdom, as Sennacherib threatened to overtake them. Here we see insight into the faithfulness of a good king in extremely difficult times. He’s not perfect, of course, but there are many positive lessons to glean from this reading.

Before we start, let’s begin by singing a song of great praise:

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5

Isaiah 36: Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

Isaiah 37:1-13: Jerusalem’s Deliverance Foretold

Hezekiah’s officials went and reported the words of the field commander. Tearing his robes in distress, Hezekiah sent them to Isaiah for help, advice, to understand what the Lord commands:

Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Isaiah 37:6

The very real threat of thousands of soldiers surrounding the few and Isaiah’s response is “Do not be afraid.”

Isaiah 37:14-20: Hezekiah’s Prayer

Hezekiah doesn’t even consider trying some cunning military maneuver, he immediately goes to the Lord in prayer:

Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.” Isaiah 37:20

There are many troubles surrounding us today, threats from all sides–my prayer list is long this morning, it’s overwhelming at times. Lord, may I learn from Hezekiah today; threatened by massive armies who would gladly capture and kill him in a great public spectacle just to humiliate your people, he prayed. Will you deliver us today? I guess we’re all hoping for the silver bullet that immediately grants relief when we read these stories of old. I hope for hope, for knowing we are walking in your will.

Isaiah 37:21-38: Sennacherib’s Fall

The Lord answered Hezekiah in a mighty way:

“Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria:
“He will not enter this city
or shoot an arrow here.
He will not come before it with shield
or build a siege ramp against it.
By the way that he came he will return;
he will not enter this city,”
declares the Lord.
“I will defend this city and save it,
for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!”
Isaiah 37:33-35

Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! Isaiah 37:36

The prayers of the humble were answered. Along with so many killed by the angel of the Lord, Sennacherib was killed by his sons when he went to worship his gods.

Isaiah 38: Hezekiah’s Illness

Hezekiah was about to die, even Isaiah told him to get his house in order to prepare for death, but once again Hezekiah prayed and the Lord responded by adding 15 years to his life. Here are some of Hezekiah’s words of praise:

Surely it was for my benefit
that I suffered such anguish.
In your love you kept me
from the pit of destruction;
you have put all my sins
behind your back.
For the grave cannot praise you,
death cannot sing your praise;
those who go down to the pit
cannot hope for your faithfulness.
The living, the living—they praise you,
as I am doing today;
parents tell their children
about your faithfulness.
Isaiah 38:17-19

“The grave cannot sing your praise,” we cannot do your work, Lord, if you do not save us from the current struggles that mean to destroy us. Show us your power, God. Do not let the evil one win this battle. We humbly bow before you.

Isaiah 39: Envoys From Babylon

Isaiah points out Hezekiah’s mistake in trying to build an alliance with Babylon. In time, his sons, the last few kings of the southern kingdom, will be carried away by the Babylonians. In time, but not in Hezekiah’s time.

Lord, send us a prophet today, words to comfort or confront, to exhort or support, admonish or encourage. Whatever you would say, please do not be silent as we walk in troubled waters. Speak and let us hear your words. May we have the confidence of Hezekiah and put our whole trust in you.

May 1, 2017

Distress and Help; The Coming Eternal Kingdom

Isaiah 33-35

These three chapters give us a glimpse into the troubles of ancient times along with the assurance that God will ultimately be the awesome God of Wrath that those opposed to Him dread. We don’t preach hail and brimstone sermons much these days, but for those who are being oppressed by ruthless warriors, there is great hope in these sermons. Helpless people cannot effect change that is needed to allow for a peaceful life. We are more like them than we like to think. While we sympathize with our ancestors in these chapters, there are contemporary implications as God is regulated out of society. This is not a call to despair; rather, it’s a call to pick up our cross daily and carry it with confidence that God is alive and well, his plan is working. Our choice is to join in the plan or not.

Isaiah 33: Distress and Help

During this time in Isaiah’s life the Assyrians are having their way with the northern kingdom while threatening the southern tribes. The threat is very read, fear is quite evident, but the Lord provides strength to the faithful.

Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2

Hear the call to be consistent, to keep the faith during dark times:

Those who walk righteously
and speak what is right,
who reject gain from extortion
and keep their hands from accepting bribes,
who stop their ears against plots of murder
and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—
they are the ones who will dwell on the heights,
whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.
Their bread will be supplied,
and water will not fail them.
Isaiah 33:15-16

Walk in righteousness and speak the truth, reject the temptation to accept bribes, stay far from evil. Your reward will surely come. One day there will be peace and joy like never seen before. This is an assurance of things to come, of that not visible today. Know that this day will come.

Isaiah 34: Judgment Against the Nations

More words of assurance for those who are able to hear, those not swept up in the wave of idolatry so pervasive in that time:

Come near, you nations, and listen;
pay attention, you peoples!
Let the earth hear, and all that is in it,
the world, and all that comes out of it!
The Lord is angry with all nations;
his wrath is on all their armies.
He will totally destroy them,
he will give them over to slaughter.
Isaiah 34:1-2

Example after example, this chapter depicts the Lord’s response to nations that have rejected Him. It’s comforting to know that the Lord will eventually set right all that is wrong, though the present pain is very real. For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause. (Isaiah 34:8)

I can imagine the devout few reading this over and over again to build confidence, to remind themselves that the Lord will one day be their avenger…not like the comics…the mighty and awesome. Isaiah paints a word picture to portray the completeness of God’s wrath against the horrible nations. For those who oppose the Lord, this will be a terrible day. For those who have maintained the faith, this will be a day of great joy!

Isaiah 35: Joy of the Redeemed

Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
Isaiah 35:3-4

There are some days when it feels like the whole world is crashing down, though I know it’s nothing compared to the oppression our ancestors must have felt. Isaiah’s words comforted the people of that day and I believe they are meant to help us in this day as well.

Do not fear — God will come!

Such great words of reassurance in a time that is beyond difficult. Perhaps it’s time to book a mission trip to countries where this is very real today, or at least look in India or China where Christ cannot be openly worshiped; or Russia where laws prohibit Christian gatherings outside of licensed and regulated venues. We are so spoiled in our luxury here that it’s hard to appreciate.

Open our eyes, Lord, help us to see how far we are from your presence. Let us be encouraged to know that your are always there and will ultimately be our strength.