At Easter time we often think of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the One who was despised and rejected of men, oppressed and afflicted without opening His mouth and attribute it, rightly so, to Jesus the Messiah. However, it is important to read chapter 52 as an introduction to the message of chapter 53.
Writing to encourage the remnant after pages of dire prophecy pronounced for both their immediate and the distant future, Isaiah is given a salvation message of hope, beginning in chapter 49. “The Lord comforts His people and will have compassion….I will not forget you [says God]….see I have engraved you on the palms of My hands!…..those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” (49:13,16,23)
Pursuit of the Lord’s righteousness is taught throughout chapter 50 “My righteousness draws near speedily, My salvation is on the way….My righteousness will last forever, My salvation will never fail!” Happy thoughts! (50:1, 5, 6,8)
Then the lyrics change. “Awake! Awake!” (51:9) As the arm of the Lord takes action on behalf of His people, the nation itself must also awake! (:17) Even those who have been under the wrath of God are being called to awake, to clothe themselves with strength. At this time “The redeemed of the Lord will return”(11-12) What joy and celebration as the Lord comforts His people!
In the midst of hopeless circumstances we cannot see the way out of our distress, but clearly here the Lord lays out His eternal plan. Throughout Chapter 52 we see the joy of renewal. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news! who bring glad tidings, and proclaim peace”….because once again they will know their God reigns! (:7)
Reflection:
How much we need this message today – a message of great joy and amazing hope that will draw us to the feet of our God where, despite the politics of our world, we will worship the One who still reigns! Awake!
Many jobs seem to be glamorous to the human mind. Flight attendants, for example, get to travel the world. No one sees the sleeplessness caused by perpetual time zone changes. Nor do the passengers care if the person serving them has needs as simple as eating or washroom breaks…after all the passenger comes first….. and so health issues evolve from job-related limitations.
In years gone by a prophet was someone of status. After all they were connected with God. Even today people want to be known for their ability to prophesy, but I wonder if they are willing to pay the price?
It would take a book to comprehensively study the lives of more than one prophet, so let’s just glimpse into Isaiah’s life for the moment. My morning devotions came from Isaiah 21 where he records a vision that staggered and bewildered him (21:3). God’s judgment was about to fall on Babylon and against their neighbour Edom. Reaction set in – even his body was racked with pain. His heart faltered and fear made him tremble (:4).
Isaiah had just come through three years of going barefoot, stripped of warm garments in order to play out the coming judgment against Egypt, in the dress of a prisoner of war. His entire life, committed to serving God, required that he even name his children according to the word of the Lord. Isaiah 7:3 – Shear-Jashub means “a remnant shall return”. His second son was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning “quick to plunder, swift to the spoil” (8:3).
Now God was giving Isaiah words of prophecy against Babylon, Edom and Arabia. “The Lord God of Israel has spoken” (:17). However, God’s judgement doesn’t end there. Jerusalem also falls under God’s condemnation. Why? They had ignored God (22:11). This is an unforgivable sin, then and now. Those that joy in revelry, eating and drinking and making merry without thought for tomorrow (22:12-13) will be judged (22:14).
Imagine the response to such a prophecy, from the people of God. The Israelites were not impressed. Prophets did not hold an enviable position. They were ridiculed, ignored and persecuted for giving unfavourable messages from God. Then as now, people chose to hear what they wanted to hear. Prophets today remind us that Jesus is coming again, but how many want to get ready for that great event?
Sadly, the church is even lukewarm to the message that instructs us to be vigilant. Resting on wealth and comfort as our “right” we fail to realize that we may be among those who are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Those are the words of Jesus as He prophesied about end times (Revelation 3:17).
Reflection:
What is it you want to hear from God, if you are honest?
What words of prophecy are most often taught by the church today?
Are we listening to the words of our Prophet, Priest and King?
Where did evil begin? When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, His reaction was kindly. He provided a covering, clothes for their nakedness. However, by the time their sons were old enough to make responsible sacrifices to their God, the first act of human depravity was recorded. Cain killed Abel in a fit of jealous rage because Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing to God.
Recently our Bible Study group was looking at the subject of evil. It is interesting to note that Cain’s reaction was not against the object of his anger, God, but rather he took it out on someone he could actually handle. Mankind has been doing this ever since. How often do women and children pay the penalty for the anger of man? Whether it is personal or national, abuse creates a scandal against humanity.
It is terribly sad that in venting anger there seems to be so little relief. Strangely it seems to grow, rather than diminish. Where did it all begin? It might be oversimplifying the answer, but let us suggest cruelty began the moment the taste of apple was on Eve’s tongue. Why? At that moment her mind was poisoned with thoughts of evil. The tree gave her something she had never tasted before, an understanding of evil.
Our question is one which philosophers have studied for years. Whether they attribute evil to a neurochemical cause or find the source in philosophy, some have even gone so far as to attribute evil to God. Did God create evil? Of course not. He created Satan as an angel of light, but Jesus witnessed Satan’s fall “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10:18). That fall is described more fully by Isaiah, who reads the mind of evil very clearly. “I will” is at the centre of it all (Isaiah 14:12-14).
Lucifer means “light-bearer”; Ezekiel describes him as the model of perfection, full of wisdom. He was created, ordained by God and anointed as a guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:12-14). Until wickedness was found in him, until he sinned, Lucifer was blameless (:15, 16).
Perhaps we need to check out the source of evil still in our midst today. Is it not in the self-determination of man to be in control? Just as Satan rebelled, so did Cain. Why did he have to bring a blood sacrifice to God? Why weren’t the best fruits of his labours enough? Surely he could justify his intentions on the grounds it was his best turnip or pumpkin! And so, we see the tragedy of pitting one’s mind against the mind of God, a mind so far-reaching in its outlook that we cannot possibly see today what will happen tonight, but we still want it our way!
Where does evil originate? David Hume the 18th century neo-sceptic, had no answer. He just asked the same old questions perhaps in a new way, and his thoughts make God into something evil. If God could prevent evil, but is not willing, He is malevolent. If He is not able but willing, then He is not omnipotent, but rather impotent. However, there is one question that remains. Why did God give man the ability to make choices?
If man chooses to operate outside of the clear will of God, resorting to his own devices because of an exaggerated concept of who he is and what his own capabilities are, evil will result. The evil will be very personal. Like Satan, that man will be cast down, brought down to the very depths of the pit (Isaiah 14:12 & 15). But the God, whose kindness saved Adam and Eve from embarrassment, provides for us today. He is willing to cover us with the blood of Christ, which will not just cover, but will take away our sin. Clothed in Jesus Christ we have all the promises of God’s loving favour, to keep us from evil.
Reflection: “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus….Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” (Hebrews 10:19, 22)
“Our wonderful God” This is not a phrase I use often, but found myself writing about the love of our wonderful God which comforts us in all our losses. A friend’s mother had just died. It is Christmas time and the One whom prophecy foretold would be called “Wonderful” was ministering comfort to the grieving family.
Is it because of the things Jesus did that He deserves that name? Is it because God still performs miracles? I’ve held a miracle baby in my arms. Possibly every mother thinks her baby is a ‘miracle’, but when a young mom in Kenya prayed for her infertility to be taken away after many years of childless marriage, the little son I cradled in my arms was truly a miracle!
I’ve held another sort of baby in my arms, praising God for the miracle of His wonderful love and mercy. She was a woman with a ‘past’ who had found forgiveness at the feet of her Lord Jesus, and had entered into the family of God as a babe in Christ! What a glorious privilege!
There are many stories of God’s healing, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually that have been recorded down through the history of humankind. Today we need Him as much as ever, to perform miracles of grace in a world gone mad with the passions of the ‘self’.
Three hundred years ago Isaac Watts penned the lyrics to ‘Joy to the World’, which into the twentieth century was one of the most beloved Christmas Carols. He ends it in a spirit of absolute wonder!
“He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love!”
Yes! His name shall be called “Wonderful”! Why? Because He [Jesus] is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. God gave this prophecy to Isaiah for our benefit today. It is because of the wonders of God’s character that we fall on our knees to worship Him! Who do we know that equals His Wisdom? Who is so faithful in love? Where can we find such eternal justice or purity? God’s purity is called by a special name – He is Holy! Righteous! Fair!
Scripture reveals God yearns for a relationship with us in which He can demonstrate His gentleness, and goodness. Just as we have taken babies into our arms, our heavenly Father desires to bless us, tenderly drawing us close to His heart, enfolding us in His strong arms, caressing us with His nail-pierced hands. Isn’t this “Wonderful”….that the sovereign Creator of our universe is so relational?
Reflection:
How many hearts today long for the security of such a wonderful relationship? How many folks are shattered by man’s unfaithfulness? Whom can we trust? The wonderful truth is God is here, and He too longs for relationship with us, imperfect as we may be. He stands ready to pour His righteousness into our lives to “fit us for heaven to live with Him there” as the song-writer says. Imagine living for eternity with our Wonderful God!
Isaiah might be describing our chaotic world! Throughout the warnings the Lord gives of coming chaos, we read of His burning anger. Isaiah writes some very difficult prophecies, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “He [the Lord] shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction” (30:28). What a word picture!
Caught up in deceptive thinking, believers today worship a God of love. Now of course this is true – “God is love” (1 John 4:16) “We know and rely on the love God has for us!” His love is everlasting, eternal. It is pure and holy, faithful and true. John knows all about God’s sustaining love as he lives in lonely exile on the isle of Patmos. He writes that the source of our love for others is God: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
What then is deceptive? God’s character is multi-faceted. He is holy, He is truth. He is just. God’s justice demands retribution for sin. Retribution is a criminal justice theory which holds that punishment should be proportionate to the seriousness of a crime. The goal of retribution is to punish the offender for their actions.
Retribution theology is a Christian and Jewish belief that God punishes evil and rewards good deeds. It’s based on the idea that people get what they deserve.
Key elements
Retribution principle: The idea that evil deeds are met with equal force in response
Action-consequence paradigm: The belief that every action has a consequence, and that good deeds lead to good consequences and evil deeds lead to bad consequence.
In today’s preaching we hear an over-emphasis on the love of God without proportionate teaching on His justice. Some of Isaiah’s prophecies may lean in the opposite direction but then God speaks: “In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15) There is hope! BUT – sadly Isaiah recognised a terrible reality: “But you would have none of it”. The choice then, as it is today, was made to flee God’s quiet invitation to rest in His remarkable peace.
Reflection:
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice” (Isaiah 30:18). In the midst of condemnation, God is prepared to be fair, to show His compassion. The question is then – are we ready to receive it? Do we love Him out of fear of the consequences if we do not please God, or do we glory in the marvellous sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins of the world? “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
NB Today God is still Sovereign. He is accomplishing His purposes. We may not like what He is doing, but let us be clear, the chaos is under His compassionate control, because our God is just.
In an era when news of international discord grips our hearts in a vise of fear, it is very encouraging to read the message God gave to Isaiah. “Let the Nations renew their strength” (:1). How is that possible today in this generation, if indeed it was then in Isaiah’s day?
First of all, the Lord demands silence before Him, in His presence. Is this to enable the people to listen, to actually hear the voice of God? Then He invites the nations to come forward and to speak (:1). This reminds me of the protocol when Esther went before King Ahasuerus. Quietly she presented herself, waiting for him to extend the sceptre to her so that her presence was not only acknowledged, but she was then given permission to speak.
What we find hard to recognize today is the awesome majesty of Yahweh, which demands our obeisance. We have reduced God to man-size, because He made Himself visible in the person of Jesus Christ. Further, we have made God our equal by calling Him “friend”. It is true in special cases God met with man as with a friend (Exodus 33:11). He encouraged Solomon to understand the spirit in which He related to people by describing Himself as a ”friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Abraham was called God’s friend (James 2:23). It is not wrong to experience friendship with God. Jesus laid down His life for his friends, to which group hopefully you and I belong (John 15:13).
What is dangerous to our worship is our perception of God as only a friend. He is also “Judge” because of His nature. He is King of kings and Lord or lords, omniscient, eternal and so much more. Imagine having a friend who knows your thoughts, motives, capabilities!
Isaiah goes on to describe the power of God to work among nations. Prophesying what King Cyrus of Babylon would do to facilitate the end of the diaspora of God’s chosen people, we read that God was responsible for stirring up this mighty king. Through Isaiah God would relieve His people of the penalty of dispersion that He had imposed on them for their disobedience! (41:2 – the one from the east). He even names Cyrus in Chapters 44 and 45. This is crucial to our understanding of what is going on in our world today. God called Cyrus into His service (:2) – a pagan? Yes!
Vivid descriptions of the hand of God moving nations, subduing them, turning them into dust, demonstrate not only His power to do so, but His determination to accomplish His purposes. From the beginning to the end (41:4) the Lord called forth each generation.
From this short portion of scripture (Isaiah 41:1-4) we gain hope. Knowing what God has done in the past, and understanding He has given us clues about the future when the Lord Jesus Christ will return, brings a glorious joy, as sense of anticipation to our hearts, even in the midst of global turmoil.
Reflection:
Who is in control? Whom shall I then fear? If God can bring a heathen king alongside for the benefit of His people Israel, what might He yet do today to accomplish His mighty, eternal purposes? What if that leads His people through a “captivity” of sorts? Will we lose faith if we suffer?
“Let the nations renew themselves with hope in the Lord God!”(Isaiah 41:1)
Wreaths of leaves, fruit, wheat or vines were worn as crowns by Etruscan rulers, ancient symbolism of some mythological concept. Roman magistrates wore golden wreaths to symbolize their lineage went back to the Etruscan days. Today we use wreaths to commemorate certain seasons or memorial events.
The term is used in scriptures nine times, often synonymous with the word crown. For example in Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders worshipping the One sitting on the throne cast their wreaths/crowns at His feet. Wreaths also were a significant part of the decoration of the temple. Isaiah uses the word wreath under inspiration of the Holy Spirit to describe Samaria, the capital of Ephraim.
To understand what Isaiah is talking about in chapter 28 we need to go back in history. In blessing his sons on his deathbed, Jacob raised Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh to the level of sons, perhaps as a tribute to his favourite wife, Rachel. Their history in the Promised Land was checkered by the notion they had tribal supremacy because of that blessing. They were competitive and uncooperative, earning for themselves a divisive reputation among their brethren.
At one point the tabernacle was located in the city of Shiloh, in Ephraim. However, it was captured by the Philistines when the Israelites brought it into battle. Shiloh itself was destroyed. This brought the morale of the people to an all-time low. When the Ark of the Covenant was recovered, tribal supremacy was centered in Benjamin, where it was relocated. After that the tribe of Ephraim fell into idol worship.
Isaiah twice pronounces a woe upon Samaria “Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards.” (28:1,3). Through Isaiah, the Lord reviews the former advantages of Ephraim – a flower of glorious beauty, set at the head of a fertile valley. Now the Lord will crush it. They will recognize His mighty power, as the Lord tramples them under foot. Judgment will fall! (28:2, 3)
In contrast, the Lord Himself “the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people!” (28:5) The remnant will celebrate the fact that God is their crown, blessing them in a spirit of justice. He will be their source of strength! Imagine a world when the plumbline is righteousness! (28:17)
Recognizing the helpless condition of His people, the Lord comes to their rescue by promising to lay a cornerstone, one that is tested, that is precious, that forms a sure foundation – trustworthy, dependable! (:16) Here will be a new beginning! Isaiah looked forward to that day when Jesus would come – the precious only begotten Son of God, tested in the crucible of suffering for the sins of His people. Paul writes about this very foundation: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). God’s purpose, foretold by Isaiah, has been accomplished!
Reflection:
Are you part of that glorious circle which will celebrate eternity in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ? Figuratively speaking the wreath, in a never-ending circle, will remind us that He brings to His people eternal life.
Recently a friend caused me to think about new doctrinal teaching on rewards. It would take a lot of digging to check out all the Bible verses that speak to the topic, but speak they do. From both Old to New Testaments God’s people are assured of rewards. It is interesting to note that God Himself is spoken of as Abraham’s “very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). What might that mean?
Abraham had just declined taking anything that would obligate him to the King of Sodom, asserting his complete allegiance to “the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:22), with whom he already had a covenant. Therefore God honoured him with His protection and presence.
The Psalmist reminds his readers that in keeping the ordinances of the Lord, there would be great reward (Psalm 19:11). Old Testament theology demonstrates a conviction that people will be rewarded for their works, a point that Jesus clarifies in His teaching about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:34 – “Come you [sheep] who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance – the kingdom prepared for you.” Not all rewards will be received on earth. Jesus warns that many will be persecuted for righteousness sake; these will receive their rewards in heaven (Matthew 5: 10-12). Paul speaks about rewards in heaven as a certainty. However, he mentions motivation. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for man!” Why? “….since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving!” (Colossians 3:23-24).
In our world today a prevailing attitude seems to be to put our best foot forward when we know we will get something out of it. However, out of a sense of commitment and loyalty the best work is done, done for the sake of the work itself. This is what Jesus was talking about when He spoke about rewards in Matthew 25. Those who were blessed by His Father were totally unaware – “Lord when did we see You hungry….thirsty….a stranger…..sick……in prison?” What a thrilling surprise that they were rewarded by the commendation of their precious Saviour! What a horrible shock that those who, labouring to keep up appearances were told to “Depart from Me you who are cursed” (Matthew 25:41), because they had not seen Jesus in the opportunity. Not sensing it would be a work worthy of reward, the work was left undone.
Prophecy anticipates Jesus’ return -“The Sovereign Lord comes with power ….see His reward is with Him” (Isaiah 40:10).
Reflection:
Can you imagine serving Jesus out of a competitive spirit? Why do we want rewards? Would we serve Him if there were no rewards promised? What will these “rewards” look like?
Recently a friend caused me to think about new doctrinal teaching on rewards. It would take a lot of digging to check out all the Bible verses that speak to the topic, but speak they do. From both Old and New Testaments God’s people are assured of rewards. It is interesting to note that God Himself is spoken of as Abraham’s “very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). What might that mean?
Abraham had just declined taking anything that would obligate him to the King of Sodom, asserting his complete allegiance to “the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:22), with whom he already had a covenant. Therefore God honoured him with His protection and presence.
The Psalmist reminds his readers that in keeping the ordinances [laws] of the Lord, there would be great reward (Psalm 19:7, 11). Old Testament theology demonstrates a conviction that people will be rewarded for their works, a point that Jesus clarifies in His teaching about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:34 – “Come you [sheep] who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance – the kingdom prepared for you.” Not all rewards will be received on earth. Jesus warns that many will be persecuted for righteousness sake; these will receive their rewards in heaven (Matthew 5: 10-12). Paul speaks about rewards in heaven as a certainty. However, he mentions motivation. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for man!” Why? “….since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving!” (Colossians 3:23-24).
In our world today a prevailing attitude seems to be to put our best foot forward when we know we will get something out of it. However, out of a sense of commitment and loyalty the best work is done, done for the sake of the work itself. This is what Jesus was talking about when He spoke about rewards in Matthew 25. Those who were blessed by His Father were totally unaware – “Lord when did we see You hungry….thirsty….a stranger…..sick……in prison?” What a thrilling surprise when they were rewarded by the commendation of their precious Saviour! What a horrible shock that those who, labouring to keep up appearances were told to “Depart from Me you who are cursed” (Matthew 25:41), because they had not seen Jesus in the opportunity.
Let us not forget that prophecy anticipates Jesus’ return -“The Sovereign Lord comes with power ….see His reward is with Him” (Isaiah 40:10).
Reflection:
Can you imagine serving Jesus out of a competitive spirit?
Why do we want rewards?
Would we serve Him if there were no rewards promised?
Reading through the prophets, we distinctly hear the voice of God. Sometimes He is angry, sometimes He is pleading, sometimes He seems to be just biding His time. “I will remain quiet and look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” (Isaiah 18:4-5) This is rather a pastoral view of God in His heaven, isn’t it?
Matthew Henry shed some light on this unusual passage. Apparently God’s people were being trampled on, but the perpetrator will find that in the end they are indestructible. God is waiting until the time is right to rescue His people. In the case of Cush [modern Sudan], God will show mercy. Eventually they will bring gifts to the Lord, when they recognize Him as the Almighty One (Isaiah 18:7). Ryrie suggests that these gifts will be the people of Cush, themselves.
This illustrates the day, yet to come, when the nations of the earth will be convinced that Jehovah is the true God, and Israel is His people, and unite in presenting spiritual sacrifices to His glory. Because the wicked seem to triumph for a while, let us take heart from this scripture that God does care for His people, for Israel as well as the international church.
There is a time and place for everything. Contrast this picture with the words of Jehovah in Isaiah chapter 62. “For Zion‘s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet until her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch” (:1). Note how important it is to keep verses in their context!
A Psalm illustrates not only the plan of God as seen above, but the presence of God. “You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You know my thoughts….You are familiar with all my ways”(Psalm 139:1-3). This can be rather disconcerting when we admit there are times when we do not understand ourselves. God knows. Amazing! Even more thrilling is God’s omnipresence. The Psalmist continues…”Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”(:7).
Scripture is full of promises of God’s faithfulness, of His abiding with His people, of the Holy Spirit now indwelling believers (Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 6:19). These bring great comfort in times of distress and hardship.
In the end, both the saved and the unsaved will come before God. Jesus describes this event “When the Son of Man comes in His glory….He will sit on His throne…..All nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate the people……the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left…..Then the King will say – ” (Matthew 25:31-34). There is no escape! Those who follow Jesus have nothing to fear. Take heart! “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you”(:34).
Reflection:
Why would anyone want to escape God? It is impossible to hide from Him. ”Where can I go from Your Spirit O God?” (Psalm 139:7). David follows this question with several questions beginning with “if” demonstrating the omnipresence of God. There is no escaping One who is everywhere!
Inspiring Joy 