Finally we've come to a positive note. God is perfectly faithful (v. 1). The Hebrew word for this phrase "perfect faithfulness" come from the root word that means amen which means "it is so" or "I agree."
God is faithful to judge. God is faithful to save. God is faithful to restore. God does what He says He will do.
I hope that we will be able to say the words of v. 9:
"Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
Trust in the LORD for He is our faithful God.
Jan 31, 2010
Jan 30, 2010
January 30 - Isaiah 24
We have completed the oracles against specific nations. Isaiah 24-27 is more of a "bigger picture" of God's judgment on the world and the restoration that comes when they turn back to God.
In the previous 10 chapters we've focused on specifics but now we focus on the bigger picture.
Questions to focus on while reading.
1. How many times is the word "earth" used in this chapter? How does the frequency of this word affect the meaning of this chapter?
2. What kind of people will suffer this destruction? (v. 2)
3. Why do you think "happy" verses like vv. 14-15 are placed in such a destruction-filled chapter? What does that say about God's heart and plans?
The destruction of nations seems plausible especially since many of these ancient cities don't exist today. We have proof. But, the destruction of the earth? Is that even possible? And, even if - can't the earth regenerate itself? Well, God is over all of His creation. He defies all of the scientific laws that are in place. When God judges the earth, it is over. This wonderful, amazing, endless place can and will come to an end one day.
So, what's a person to do?
Many people live thinking that this world is all there is. Their future ends in the very earth, the dirt, the ground that they have built their fortunes, made their memories, run their races, etc. And you wonder.. is this all there is to life?
The answer is a resounding NO. There is so much more so that even when the earth is destroyed there is something to look forward to. God is saying - look deeper, farther, heavenward.
God is asking us to expand our vision, our thinking, our future...
In the previous 10 chapters we've focused on specifics but now we focus on the bigger picture.
Questions to focus on while reading.
1. How many times is the word "earth" used in this chapter? How does the frequency of this word affect the meaning of this chapter?
2. What kind of people will suffer this destruction? (v. 2)
3. Why do you think "happy" verses like vv. 14-15 are placed in such a destruction-filled chapter? What does that say about God's heart and plans?
The destruction of nations seems plausible especially since many of these ancient cities don't exist today. We have proof. But, the destruction of the earth? Is that even possible? And, even if - can't the earth regenerate itself? Well, God is over all of His creation. He defies all of the scientific laws that are in place. When God judges the earth, it is over. This wonderful, amazing, endless place can and will come to an end one day.
So, what's a person to do?
Many people live thinking that this world is all there is. Their future ends in the very earth, the dirt, the ground that they have built their fortunes, made their memories, run their races, etc. And you wonder.. is this all there is to life?
The answer is a resounding NO. There is so much more so that even when the earth is destroyed there is something to look forward to. God is saying - look deeper, farther, heavenward.
God is asking us to expand our vision, our thinking, our future...
Jan 29, 2010
January 29 - Isaiah 23
v. 1 Ships from Tarshish have no home to return to because Tyre is destroyed.
vv. 7-8 Tyre was different from other nations who were known for power like Assyria or Babylon. Tyre was a wealthy nation where their "merchants were princes." They were known for their shipping and trade industry.
Their pride was in their wealth.
v. 9 Who brought this great nation down?
Well, obviously...
Power and wealth are two symbols of success in this world. Along with power comes wealth. The two are inseparable. And, this is what people reach for.
In v. 17-18 Tyre comes back to the LORD but the money this nation makes is no longer theirs, it is the LORD's. And is that bad news? No. That's just the way it's supposed to be.
We're not called to be poor. If you are called to make money in an honest way - in a way that does not hinder others - then you should but acknowledge that this money is the LORD's.
[Following from Oswalt, 277]
John Wesley (a famous Christian) believed that a person should not squander this wealth on what he called "dainties" or "delicacies." Basically stuff beyond our needs. But rather, it should "be used to advance the kingdom of God in us and in those around us." He proposed four principles:
1) In spending this money, am I acting as a steward of God's money? (I'm like an executive given charge over God's bank account. You represent God's spending.)
2) Am I spending in obedience to his Word and what scripture points to this?
3) Is this act an act of worship, an offering to God?
4) Do I have reason to believe that for this work/spending I will be rewarded in heaven?
May we be God's faithful stewards of His money. If our spending (cent by cent) were printed in the newspaper, may we have no shame in what we have done with the money God has given to us.
vv. 7-8 Tyre was different from other nations who were known for power like Assyria or Babylon. Tyre was a wealthy nation where their "merchants were princes." They were known for their shipping and trade industry.
Their pride was in their wealth.
v. 9 Who brought this great nation down?
Well, obviously...
Power and wealth are two symbols of success in this world. Along with power comes wealth. The two are inseparable. And, this is what people reach for.
In v. 17-18 Tyre comes back to the LORD but the money this nation makes is no longer theirs, it is the LORD's. And is that bad news? No. That's just the way it's supposed to be.
We're not called to be poor. If you are called to make money in an honest way - in a way that does not hinder others - then you should but acknowledge that this money is the LORD's.
[Following from Oswalt, 277]
John Wesley (a famous Christian) believed that a person should not squander this wealth on what he called "dainties" or "delicacies." Basically stuff beyond our needs. But rather, it should "be used to advance the kingdom of God in us and in those around us." He proposed four principles:
1) In spending this money, am I acting as a steward of God's money? (I'm like an executive given charge over God's bank account. You represent God's spending.)
2) Am I spending in obedience to his Word and what scripture points to this?
3) Is this act an act of worship, an offering to God?
4) Do I have reason to believe that for this work/spending I will be rewarded in heaven?
May we be God's faithful stewards of His money. If our spending (cent by cent) were printed in the newspaper, may we have no shame in what we have done with the money God has given to us.
Jan 28, 2010
January 28 - Isaiah 22
Just because God loves you doesn't mean He won't clean up your act... We've read so many oracles regarding other nations and now we've come to God's own people, Judah.
So, what happens if someone brought you something to eat - like your favorite dish of pasta. It's like a gift to you. You should eat it as it is usually because this is something they did for you. And, let's say that this pasta dish is really good - like there really isn't much you can do to make it taste better. But, this is what you do. You taste the pasta - say thank you and take it into your kitchen and fix a couple of things and change it. You pretty much offend the person who gave you this awesome meal.
Well, Israel was given Jerusalem and basically they took it upon themselves to fix it their way and by their own strength, depending on their own wisdom. Verses 10-11 talk about how they tore down houses to build walls and built a reservoir between two walls.. kinda like a moat to protect themselves from invaders.
What the Israelites have done is -- Thank you God for this life but I'll take it from here. I can take care of myself.. and basically if it's not God's way then it's not a good way.
We all have moments in our lives, even as believers, when we say - thanks God for the ride but I'll take it from here.. As I write this the song "Jesus take the wheel" comes to mind...
Lord Jesus, take the wheel.. You take the lead. I will follow.
So, what happens if someone brought you something to eat - like your favorite dish of pasta. It's like a gift to you. You should eat it as it is usually because this is something they did for you. And, let's say that this pasta dish is really good - like there really isn't much you can do to make it taste better. But, this is what you do. You taste the pasta - say thank you and take it into your kitchen and fix a couple of things and change it. You pretty much offend the person who gave you this awesome meal.
Well, Israel was given Jerusalem and basically they took it upon themselves to fix it their way and by their own strength, depending on their own wisdom. Verses 10-11 talk about how they tore down houses to build walls and built a reservoir between two walls.. kinda like a moat to protect themselves from invaders.
What the Israelites have done is -- Thank you God for this life but I'll take it from here. I can take care of myself.. and basically if it's not God's way then it's not a good way.
We all have moments in our lives, even as believers, when we say - thanks God for the ride but I'll take it from here.. As I write this the song "Jesus take the wheel" comes to mind...
Lord Jesus, take the wheel.. You take the lead. I will follow.
Jan 27, 2010
January 27 - Isaiah 21
new pic per T-Cooke's request... hey, sounds like a rapper.. T-Cooke!
vv.6-10 have a sense of good news since the great oppressor Babylon, has fallen. For Judah this is great news
v. 11 Dumah - son of Ishmael, means "silence"
symbolic of the silence (dead silence) that remains in this place
v.13 Dedanites - an Arabian tribe
Tema - oasis on major trading route, important town especially in a desert
Again the big theme here is TRUST. In whom will you trust...
Babylon was built upon greed, pride and a hunger for power and eventually Babylon will fall - not gradually but suddenly.
The idea of the watchman is important. The Israelite watchman in vv. 6f receives his visions from God and so what he sees is clear and true compared to the watchman in v. 11f where there is "silence" or Dumah. Even from the highest of towers, they cannot see what is coming.
Share your answers for the following question:
How does what you see from a distance from a watchtower affect how you live your life? And how does this compare to a person who lives without a "watchtower" view?
Isaiah, Ezekiel - the great prophets were watchmen to speak of what they saw in the distance. May God open our eyes to see...
vv.6-10 have a sense of good news since the great oppressor Babylon, has fallen. For Judah this is great news
v. 11 Dumah - son of Ishmael, means "silence"
symbolic of the silence (dead silence) that remains in this place
v.13 Dedanites - an Arabian tribe
Tema - oasis on major trading route, important town especially in a desert
Again the big theme here is TRUST. In whom will you trust...
Babylon was built upon greed, pride and a hunger for power and eventually Babylon will fall - not gradually but suddenly.
The idea of the watchman is important. The Israelite watchman in vv. 6f receives his visions from God and so what he sees is clear and true compared to the watchman in v. 11f where there is "silence" or Dumah. Even from the highest of towers, they cannot see what is coming.
Share your answers for the following question:
How does what you see from a distance from a watchtower affect how you live your life? And how does this compare to a person who lives without a "watchtower" view?
Isaiah, Ezekiel - the great prophets were watchmen to speak of what they saw in the distance. May God open our eyes to see...
Jan 26, 2010
January 26 - Isaiah 20
Yesterday's Question: Isaiah 19 is an oracle against Egypt. God doesn't give up on trying to save the Israelites. It's like God puts the "protection" package out there. It's a deal basically. God will give them protection if they continue to trust and obey God. Once they decide to step outside of God's protection (as they turn to idols and such) God is no longer their protector. It makes sense to say that God should just make everyone obey and then everyone would be happy but then - there wouldn't be love. We don't love because we're programmed to or forced to. We love because we choose to. Relationships cannot be a matter of God controlling puppets. Relationships must involve both parties actively choosing out of their own free will to love the other. God has done so... He's just waiting for us to say yes. Hope that helps.
Sargon king of Assyria attacked and captured Ashdod: Sargon II was king from 721-705 BC. Ashdod is a Philistine city. This event occurred in 711 BC. So, this prophecy came around this time... (Beyer, 106)
20:5 - Those who "trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt" are likely the Israelites who were hoping these nations would rescue them from Assyria. Little do they know Cush and Egypt will be taken away by Assyria. And Assyria won't be the one to capture them, Babylon is. They have it all wrong.
The general theme seems to be about trust and confidence. We place our trust and confidence in things that make sense. You make the calculations and look around at the situation and make your decision. It's not like the Israelites were trusting anything that was coming their way. They looked around and saw the nations and "placed their bets" on the one that seems to be the best option. But, in all of their wise decision-making God was never brought into the equation. And, God will show the people how detrimental that is. These powerful nations would not only be captured but be brought to shame - captured and taken away completely naked, literally stripped of anything they were proud of.
We know how to make a smart decision.. but any decision without God's guidance and counsel is a bad decision. We must ask and seek God for His counsel in all things..
Sargon king of Assyria attacked and captured Ashdod: Sargon II was king from 721-705 BC. Ashdod is a Philistine city. This event occurred in 711 BC. So, this prophecy came around this time... (Beyer, 106)
20:5 - Those who "trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt" are likely the Israelites who were hoping these nations would rescue them from Assyria. Little do they know Cush and Egypt will be taken away by Assyria. And Assyria won't be the one to capture them, Babylon is. They have it all wrong.
The general theme seems to be about trust and confidence. We place our trust and confidence in things that make sense. You make the calculations and look around at the situation and make your decision. It's not like the Israelites were trusting anything that was coming their way. They looked around and saw the nations and "placed their bets" on the one that seems to be the best option. But, in all of their wise decision-making God was never brought into the equation. And, God will show the people how detrimental that is. These powerful nations would not only be captured but be brought to shame - captured and taken away completely naked, literally stripped of anything they were proud of.
We know how to make a smart decision.. but any decision without God's guidance and counsel is a bad decision. We must ask and seek God for His counsel in all things..
Jan 25, 2010
January 25 - Isaiah 19
vv. 1-15 speaks of the various things the Egyptians placed their trust.
1. They trusted in their own wisdom, their own planning and victories. Now as they have been cruel to people like the Israelites they too will suffer under a tyrant.
2. The Nile River is their pride and has given them the resources to become powerful. Even this will fail them.
3. Their leaders and their gods will fail them.
But one day they will come to fear and trust the LORD. They will even worship together with their enemies in that day.
God destroys certain things and breaks them down because they are not necessary or even harmful. And, he doesn't just leave us in ruins. He always has a plan to build us up the right way.
We must always trust in the LORD for He is always there even in the "demolition" times in our lives because after that comes the reconstruction and healing.
1. They trusted in their own wisdom, their own planning and victories. Now as they have been cruel to people like the Israelites they too will suffer under a tyrant.
2. The Nile River is their pride and has given them the resources to become powerful. Even this will fail them.
3. Their leaders and their gods will fail them.
But one day they will come to fear and trust the LORD. They will even worship together with their enemies in that day.
God destroys certain things and breaks them down because they are not necessary or even harmful. And, he doesn't just leave us in ruins. He always has a plan to build us up the right way.
We must always trust in the LORD for He is always there even in the "demolition" times in our lives because after that comes the reconstruction and healing.
Jan 24, 2010
January 24 - Isaiah 18
To answer Debbie's question-- the "gleanings" is referring to the remnant. That there will always be a few that will remain faithful and from there God will establish his Kingdom. And, the end will come and then everyone will know that God is God whether they believed it or not. Sadly, not everyone will believe before then. There is a passage in Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Many missionary groups refer to this as meaning that when everyone in the world has heard the gospel, then the end will come. This is why they are focusing on something called the 10/40 window which are the countries within 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. Within this area are the most unreached nations where the Bible has yet to be translated and the gospel preached. Many missions groups work within this region - to try to reach all people of the earth...
Notes on Isaiah 18
-Cush is often referred to as Ethiopia or more specifically Nubia
-v.1 "land of whirring wings" - the area had lots of flying insects :)
-again, the message is.. even a great nation like Cush will be gone. So, hear the message while there is still time.
-v. 7f it is also said that these same people will bring gifts to God, to Mount Zion.
In Acts 8:26-39, an Ethiopian Eunuch does come to believe through reading Isaiah. Today, Ethiopia is about 50% Christian, which is more than the US or Korea which are both below 25% Christian. crazy, huh?
Notes on Isaiah 18
-Cush is often referred to as Ethiopia or more specifically Nubia
-v.1 "land of whirring wings" - the area had lots of flying insects :)
-again, the message is.. even a great nation like Cush will be gone. So, hear the message while there is still time.
-v. 7f it is also said that these same people will bring gifts to God, to Mount Zion.
In Acts 8:26-39, an Ethiopian Eunuch does come to believe through reading Isaiah. Today, Ethiopia is about 50% Christian, which is more than the US or Korea which are both below 25% Christian. crazy, huh?
Jan 23, 2010
January 23 - Isaiah 17
Notes:
Aram: nation with capital, Damascus aka Syria
Starting in v. 10 - it speaks of the plants that they have imported, the beautiful gardens they make, etc. They have become obsessed with nice things..
There is always some sort of distraction to take our eyes off of our Creator (vv. 7-8). It keeps us looking everywhere else except to our Creator. We keep looking to the things we make. Today, there are obsessions that mask themselves as reality TV shows. Extreme Makeover Home Edition and various other "creative" shows (even Top Chef or Project Runway) reveal the obsession we have with our own creation. It keeps us preoccupied and really we end up worshipping the "art" or even a sport rather than the One who Created Us. And here we find that all of this will amount to nothing in the end
Think about it:
How much time do you devote to an activity? (games, art, music, etc.)
How much money have you spent on said activity?
How much thought do you give to it?
Remember that the things around us a just the mediums with which we praise and worship our Creator. They are not to be worshipped.
What is distracting your worship of our One Creator God?
Try reading a part of this chapter in the Message translation:
4-6"The Day is coming when Jacob's robust splendor goes pale
and his well-fed body turns skinny.
The country will be left empty, picked clean
as a field harvested by field hands.
She'll be like a few stalks of barley left standing
in the lush Valley of Rephaim after harvest,
Or like the couple of ripe olives overlooked
in the top of the olive tree,
Or the four or five apples
that the pickers couldn't reach in the orchard."
Decree of the God of Israel.
not remembered your Rock-of-Refuge.
And so, even though you are very religious,
planting all sorts of bushes and herbs and trees
to honor and influence your fertility gods,
And even though you make them grow so well,
bursting with buds and sprouts and blossoms,
Nothing will come of them. Instead of a harvest
you'll get nothing but grief and pain, pain, pain.
Aram: nation with capital, Damascus aka Syria
Starting in v. 10 - it speaks of the plants that they have imported, the beautiful gardens they make, etc. They have become obsessed with nice things..
There is always some sort of distraction to take our eyes off of our Creator (vv. 7-8). It keeps us looking everywhere else except to our Creator. We keep looking to the things we make. Today, there are obsessions that mask themselves as reality TV shows. Extreme Makeover Home Edition and various other "creative" shows (even Top Chef or Project Runway) reveal the obsession we have with our own creation. It keeps us preoccupied and really we end up worshipping the "art" or even a sport rather than the One who Created Us. And here we find that all of this will amount to nothing in the end
Think about it:
How much time do you devote to an activity? (games, art, music, etc.)
How much money have you spent on said activity?
How much thought do you give to it?
Remember that the things around us a just the mediums with which we praise and worship our Creator. They are not to be worshipped.
What is distracting your worship of our One Creator God?
Try reading a part of this chapter in the Message translation:
4-6"The Day is coming when Jacob's robust splendor goes pale
and his well-fed body turns skinny.
The country will be left empty, picked clean
as a field harvested by field hands.
She'll be like a few stalks of barley left standing
in the lush Valley of Rephaim after harvest,
Or like the couple of ripe olives overlooked
in the top of the olive tree,
Or the four or five apples
that the pickers couldn't reach in the orchard."
Decree of the God of Israel.
7-8Yes, the Day is coming when people will notice The One Who Made Them, take a long hard look at The Holy of Israel. They'll lose interest in all the stuff they've made—altars and monuments and rituals, their homemade, handmade religion—however impressive it is.
9And yes, the Day is coming when their fortress cities will be abandoned —the very same cities that the Hivites and Amorites abandoned when Israel invaded! And the country will be empty, desolate.
You Have Forgotten God
10-11And why? Because you have forgotten God-Your-Salvation,not remembered your Rock-of-Refuge.
And so, even though you are very religious,
planting all sorts of bushes and herbs and trees
to honor and influence your fertility gods,
And even though you make them grow so well,
bursting with buds and sprouts and blossoms,
Nothing will come of them. Instead of a harvest
you'll get nothing but grief and pain, pain, pain.
12-13Oh my! Thunder! A thundering herd of people!
Thunder like the crashing of ocean waves!
Nations roaring, roaring,
like the roar of a massive waterfall,
Roaring like a deafening Niagara!
But God will silence them with a word,
And then he'll blow them away like dead leaves off a tree,
like down from a thistle.
14At bedtime, terror fills the air.
By morning it's gone—not a sign of it anywhere!
This is what happens to those who would ruin us,
this is the fate of those out to get us.
Jan 22, 2010
January 22 - Isaiah 16
3 more years and Moab will be gone...
vv. 1-3 Moab is trying to send gifts of lambs to Jerusalem so that Judah will join an alliance with the Moabites. This is what some nations still do today when they're facing a strong power.
vv. 4-5 a slight interruption pointing to what will come - Yes, a throne of love - not of power... will be set up.
Imagine a king ruling out of love for his people.. or even a queen for the love of her people. We are in the 21st century, right? :)
In the 2700 years ago... and even today we see many men and women in positions of power - not in love but in pride and arrogance.. fighting for more and more power...
How does leadership in love differ from a leadership in power which naturally leads to pride and arrogance? How would our world be different if love was pursued rather than power?
vv. 1-3 Moab is trying to send gifts of lambs to Jerusalem so that Judah will join an alliance with the Moabites. This is what some nations still do today when they're facing a strong power.
vv. 4-5 a slight interruption pointing to what will come - Yes, a throne of love - not of power... will be set up.
Imagine a king ruling out of love for his people.. or even a queen for the love of her people. We are in the 21st century, right? :)
In the 2700 years ago... and even today we see many men and women in positions of power - not in love but in pride and arrogance.. fighting for more and more power...
How does leadership in love differ from a leadership in power which naturally leads to pride and arrogance? How would our world be different if love was pursued rather than power?
Jan 21, 2010
January 21 - Isaiah 15
Response to Yesterday's Comments
Great comments! Remember to keep in mind the difference between pride/arrogance and confidence. We are confident in God because He has our back and all results are in His hands. Pride and arrogance is something that arises apart from God. It's all about us. If it goes well, we praise ourselves. If it doesn't go well, we're hard on ourselves.
And the rich man and the camel through the eye of a needle is just saying that when we're so full of ourselves (pride, success, riches, me, me, me) then there's very little room for God. God can bless you with wealth but is that wealth for you or for God. If you're blessing others with the blessings God has given you then you acknowledge that all of this is from God. If you're thinking - no way, I worked hard for myself and this is my money -- then, well - I guess you really believe all of your success had nothing to do with God...
When I first started working giving my first paycheck and then tithing (before taxes) wasn't that hard. Consider giving $100 of $1000. Not bad. But when your tithe starts getting bigger as you make more money it might get harder to acknowledge that this is the Lord's money. So start now, with the little that we have.
So.. It doesn't have to be hard for the rich man.. but you can see why sometimes it is..
Notes on Isaiah 15
City Names? The cities mentioned in vv. 1-4 are in the northern part of Moab. The cities mentioned in vv. 5-8 are most likely in the southern part of Moab. Most of these cities are so ancient that many are unknown. And, also keep in mind that many nations referred to a city with their own name so everything wasn't as neat as today - Paris, New York, etc. (Oswalt, 224)
Most likely this progression of north to south probably points to their escape. They were probably pushed from the north to the south.
Again, we've come to another nation being destroyed. And, we're going to be at this for the next couple of chapters. So, what do we make of all of this?
Well, the Word of God is living and speaking into your life. It's not just something you eat and swallow to get your fill. The Word of God is like a nice savory piece of the most amazing food you've ever had. When you put it in your mouth you try to take in all of those flavors and then swallow. And then, you'll have something else that day and you'll think back to that amazing thing you had.. and you're like "hey, this reminds me of that thing I ate.." And then you try to think about what went into that, how would I make that.. etc. and then you crave it.. you long for that taste...
hehe.. I'm thinking of this amazing butternut squash soup I had at a recent teachers' dinner. mmm..
So God wants you to meditate upon His words day and night. It's like you keep thinking about it, praying about it, you journal about it.. and then at some moment.. maybe even 5 days later - it hits you. OMG that's what God was saying to me! OMG.. So, the Word of God isn't a McDonald's meal. You don't just scarf it down and wait for the next thing. Sometimes it has to just stay with you, linger (in a good way - not like the stuff that gives you a stomach ache) and then an OMG moment. really.. like an O My God - you are so amazing praise moment!
I want to share with you what my OMG moment was.. So I'm meditating on yesterday's passage like dude all these nations being destroyed - so depressing...
My husband who got a promotion at work got a raise.. and he was okay about it but not too ecstatic. Then he saw everyone else's salary numbers and thought - dude, I sooo got cheated. I should be making more.. And as I was praying over this - the day's Word came to me. Everyone else around him are really wealthy, making big bucks, wearing nice suits, driving nice cars... like a real sign of success - yet, what does all of that amount to really? And, my husband is like little Israel -- not all that powerful and small in stature.. but he has God. His co-workers actually make fun of him for giving his tithes to God. They really think he is foolish when he could put that money into a money-making investment.
And, let me explain how tithing works. If you make $1000 a month, usually about 35%-50% will go to Uncle Sam (U.S. govt) and then you have about $550 left.. then 10% of the $1000 goes to God.. so of your $1000, you really just end up with $450 for you...
And I realized this - no matter how small we may be or foolish we may seem to others - we have someone with us who is so great and this is what counts. God is with us and He takes care of us. He always provides just enough for us and we are NEVER in need and sometimes so blessed we can give away! How blessed are we! So, the word for today is that these big guys around us may seem big but - really, they don't have what really counts! God always provides. God will never let us go. He will never forsake us!
And today's passage on Moab (remember that's where Ruth came from) was kinda sad because Isaiah was crying over Moab.. and I thought -- we need to cry over the people around us that do not know God. Do we weep over those that do not know God? Do we pray for them?
So continue to keep your ears open even throughout this week, month, year.. because God is speaking through the living Word of God! And, feel free to share your stories.
Great comments! Remember to keep in mind the difference between pride/arrogance and confidence. We are confident in God because He has our back and all results are in His hands. Pride and arrogance is something that arises apart from God. It's all about us. If it goes well, we praise ourselves. If it doesn't go well, we're hard on ourselves.
And the rich man and the camel through the eye of a needle is just saying that when we're so full of ourselves (pride, success, riches, me, me, me) then there's very little room for God. God can bless you with wealth but is that wealth for you or for God. If you're blessing others with the blessings God has given you then you acknowledge that all of this is from God. If you're thinking - no way, I worked hard for myself and this is my money -- then, well - I guess you really believe all of your success had nothing to do with God...
When I first started working giving my first paycheck and then tithing (before taxes) wasn't that hard. Consider giving $100 of $1000. Not bad. But when your tithe starts getting bigger as you make more money it might get harder to acknowledge that this is the Lord's money. So start now, with the little that we have.
So.. It doesn't have to be hard for the rich man.. but you can see why sometimes it is..
Notes on Isaiah 15
City Names? The cities mentioned in vv. 1-4 are in the northern part of Moab. The cities mentioned in vv. 5-8 are most likely in the southern part of Moab. Most of these cities are so ancient that many are unknown. And, also keep in mind that many nations referred to a city with their own name so everything wasn't as neat as today - Paris, New York, etc. (Oswalt, 224)
Most likely this progression of north to south probably points to their escape. They were probably pushed from the north to the south.
Again, we've come to another nation being destroyed. And, we're going to be at this for the next couple of chapters. So, what do we make of all of this?
Well, the Word of God is living and speaking into your life. It's not just something you eat and swallow to get your fill. The Word of God is like a nice savory piece of the most amazing food you've ever had. When you put it in your mouth you try to take in all of those flavors and then swallow. And then, you'll have something else that day and you'll think back to that amazing thing you had.. and you're like "hey, this reminds me of that thing I ate.." And then you try to think about what went into that, how would I make that.. etc. and then you crave it.. you long for that taste...
hehe.. I'm thinking of this amazing butternut squash soup I had at a recent teachers' dinner. mmm..
So God wants you to meditate upon His words day and night. It's like you keep thinking about it, praying about it, you journal about it.. and then at some moment.. maybe even 5 days later - it hits you. OMG that's what God was saying to me! OMG.. So, the Word of God isn't a McDonald's meal. You don't just scarf it down and wait for the next thing. Sometimes it has to just stay with you, linger (in a good way - not like the stuff that gives you a stomach ache) and then an OMG moment. really.. like an O My God - you are so amazing praise moment!
I want to share with you what my OMG moment was.. So I'm meditating on yesterday's passage like dude all these nations being destroyed - so depressing...
My husband who got a promotion at work got a raise.. and he was okay about it but not too ecstatic. Then he saw everyone else's salary numbers and thought - dude, I sooo got cheated. I should be making more.. And as I was praying over this - the day's Word came to me. Everyone else around him are really wealthy, making big bucks, wearing nice suits, driving nice cars... like a real sign of success - yet, what does all of that amount to really? And, my husband is like little Israel -- not all that powerful and small in stature.. but he has God. His co-workers actually make fun of him for giving his tithes to God. They really think he is foolish when he could put that money into a money-making investment.
And, let me explain how tithing works. If you make $1000 a month, usually about 35%-50% will go to Uncle Sam (U.S. govt) and then you have about $550 left.. then 10% of the $1000 goes to God.. so of your $1000, you really just end up with $450 for you...
And I realized this - no matter how small we may be or foolish we may seem to others - we have someone with us who is so great and this is what counts. God is with us and He takes care of us. He always provides just enough for us and we are NEVER in need and sometimes so blessed we can give away! How blessed are we! So, the word for today is that these big guys around us may seem big but - really, they don't have what really counts! God always provides. God will never let us go. He will never forsake us!
And today's passage on Moab (remember that's where Ruth came from) was kinda sad because Isaiah was crying over Moab.. and I thought -- we need to cry over the people around us that do not know God. Do we weep over those that do not know God? Do we pray for them?
So continue to keep your ears open even throughout this week, month, year.. because God is speaking through the living Word of God! And, feel free to share your stories.
Jan 20, 2010
January 20 - Isaiah 14
Tim - your comment about the Yankees made me laugh. If that helps you understand, that's cool.
For the next couple of chapters we're going to see a bunch of oracles against the nations surrounding Israel. Enough bashing of Israel for now...
The main idea of these chapters is that pride will lead only to death. According to one scholar, Oswalt, there is no glory in death. As much honor you may have dying - death is still death. You're no different from the guy that died a cowardly death. And who is the one that cannot be conquered by death? You got it. God. (hopefully that's what you answered)
There is still much news about the Haiti earthquake. And one video that is getting a lot of bad comments is this guy named Pat Robertson on a Christian broadcasting channel said that this happened to Haiti because of their sins. To be on the nice side, saying something like that isn't nice. And it may be true and it may not be true because we don't know why God brings disaster upon a nation. But one thing we do have is that nations have been destroyed on account of their sin. These nations named here in this chapter have followed after other gods and have denied the power of the one Almighty God. They chose their god. They actually made it up. They made up what their god was going to be like and they followed it. It's like making up your own rules and making yourself a slave to them.
Today we have a different kinds of gods. No one wants to hear what Pat Robertson has to say about this disaster - especially because this involves God. They want to see the happy, good god that always brings good stuff and denies the truth about God (the fact that when we sin and leave his protection - we become vulnerable). We look up to the famous celebrities who are setting up telethons, working the phones and getting donations. We praise them for their good work. We look to President Obama to "save them" and he responds by saying that he won't "forsake" them. Our gods today - the ones we look to for hope or good news, the ones we aspire to be like, the ones we admire - are celebrities, the powerful, the political leaders, etc. In this time of disaster - maybe we should look to the word and recognize that we need to turn to God more than ever.
Look around you, disaster is everywhere - it may not be long until this disaster reaches us. Don't fear the disaster. Fear God and live. Repent and turn to God.
For the next couple of chapters we're going to see a bunch of oracles against the nations surrounding Israel. Enough bashing of Israel for now...
The main idea of these chapters is that pride will lead only to death. According to one scholar, Oswalt, there is no glory in death. As much honor you may have dying - death is still death. You're no different from the guy that died a cowardly death. And who is the one that cannot be conquered by death? You got it. God. (hopefully that's what you answered)
There is still much news about the Haiti earthquake. And one video that is getting a lot of bad comments is this guy named Pat Robertson on a Christian broadcasting channel said that this happened to Haiti because of their sins. To be on the nice side, saying something like that isn't nice. And it may be true and it may not be true because we don't know why God brings disaster upon a nation. But one thing we do have is that nations have been destroyed on account of their sin. These nations named here in this chapter have followed after other gods and have denied the power of the one Almighty God. They chose their god. They actually made it up. They made up what their god was going to be like and they followed it. It's like making up your own rules and making yourself a slave to them.
Today we have a different kinds of gods. No one wants to hear what Pat Robertson has to say about this disaster - especially because this involves God. They want to see the happy, good god that always brings good stuff and denies the truth about God (the fact that when we sin and leave his protection - we become vulnerable). We look up to the famous celebrities who are setting up telethons, working the phones and getting donations. We praise them for their good work. We look to President Obama to "save them" and he responds by saying that he won't "forsake" them. Our gods today - the ones we look to for hope or good news, the ones we aspire to be like, the ones we admire - are celebrities, the powerful, the political leaders, etc. In this time of disaster - maybe we should look to the word and recognize that we need to turn to God more than ever.
Look around you, disaster is everywhere - it may not be long until this disaster reaches us. Don't fear the disaster. Fear God and live. Repent and turn to God.
Jan 19, 2010
January 19 - Isaiah 13
Answer to yesterday's question: Isaiah did not live to see Jerusalem fall so most likely this is all prophecy... especially the chapter today is talking about babylon which didn't fall until mid 500 BC to the Persians. Isaiah lived about 200 years before Babylon fell
Notes:
v. 2 - "Banner" refers to a flag/banner-type thing they used to signal for war... like they would wave a green banner to say go or red to stop or white to surrender.. Or a banner would display what nation was coming.
The Pride of Babylon
Babylon is a great nation that will eventually be conquered by the Persians.
Even in our study of ancient history, Babylon is known as one of the great powers of the ancient world. As I write I still remember the pictures of the famous hanging gardens in my 6th grade history book.
Yet, even this great nation - once thought invincible was destroyed. As I drove around my neighborhood and even along River Rd which runs along the Hudson River with a view of Manhattan - I wondered what this place would look like if we were in the situation Haiti was in. And we can begin to rationalize saying that Haiti had horrible building standards, weak government, few medical professionals (hospitals)... basically Haiti was just a weak country in the first place. We can think that no disaster like that in Haiti can happen to us. We're advanced and we're powerful.
Most likely a 7.0 magnitude earthquake won't decimate New Jersey and New York. It will be devastating but we will be able to recover.
And this is probably what the Babylonians were thinking to themselves. There's no way we can be destroyed. We are magnificent and we are great. Who do they think they are - God?
No one can go up against God and win. No one can face the wrath of God and live.
Today, may we humble ourselves before the Almighty God and place our trust in Him. Let us pray for the United States that we would put aside our arrogance and pride - and submit before the one SUPERPOWER that is worthy of praise and glory.
Notes:
v. 2 - "Banner" refers to a flag/banner-type thing they used to signal for war... like they would wave a green banner to say go or red to stop or white to surrender.. Or a banner would display what nation was coming.
The Pride of Babylon
Babylon is a great nation that will eventually be conquered by the Persians.
Even in our study of ancient history, Babylon is known as one of the great powers of the ancient world. As I write I still remember the pictures of the famous hanging gardens in my 6th grade history book.
Yet, even this great nation - once thought invincible was destroyed. As I drove around my neighborhood and even along River Rd which runs along the Hudson River with a view of Manhattan - I wondered what this place would look like if we were in the situation Haiti was in. And we can begin to rationalize saying that Haiti had horrible building standards, weak government, few medical professionals (hospitals)... basically Haiti was just a weak country in the first place. We can think that no disaster like that in Haiti can happen to us. We're advanced and we're powerful.
Most likely a 7.0 magnitude earthquake won't decimate New Jersey and New York. It will be devastating but we will be able to recover.
And this is probably what the Babylonians were thinking to themselves. There's no way we can be destroyed. We are magnificent and we are great. Who do they think they are - God?
No one can go up against God and win. No one can face the wrath of God and live.
Today, may we humble ourselves before the Almighty God and place our trust in Him. Let us pray for the United States that we would put aside our arrogance and pride - and submit before the one SUPERPOWER that is worthy of praise and glory.
Jan 18, 2010
January 18 - Isaiah 12
Isaiah 12 ends the first subsection of Isaiah. Isaiah is typically divided to two main parts chapters 1-39 and 40-66.
And appropriately, after all that has happened in the past few chapters, we respond with praise and thanksgiving. (Ahaz rejects God, the people face destruction yet in the midst of punishment God gives them hope- hope of the Great King, Jesus Christ.
As you reflect on the past few days of the new year or even on your life, what is your response?
A song came to mind as I was reading (an old but great worship song that sounds similar to Isaiah 12)
Let us give thanks to the LORD for all He has done and tell all the nations of His mighty deeds!
Psalm of Thanks by Andy Park (Vineyard Music)
Give thanks unto the LORD, call on His name
Give thanks unto the LORD, call on His name
And sing to Him, sing praise to Him
Call upon His holy name
And rejoice in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice (2x)
Verse 2:
Tell all the nations what He has done
Tell all the nations what He has done
Tell of His mighty deeds
All His mighty deeds
Glory in His holy name
And appropriately, after all that has happened in the past few chapters, we respond with praise and thanksgiving. (Ahaz rejects God, the people face destruction yet in the midst of punishment God gives them hope- hope of the Great King, Jesus Christ.
As you reflect on the past few days of the new year or even on your life, what is your response?
A song came to mind as I was reading (an old but great worship song that sounds similar to Isaiah 12)
Let us give thanks to the LORD for all He has done and tell all the nations of His mighty deeds!
Psalm of Thanks by Andy Park (Vineyard Music)
Give thanks unto the LORD, call on His name
Give thanks unto the LORD, call on His name
And sing to Him, sing praise to Him
Call upon His holy name
And rejoice in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice (2x)
Verse 2:
Tell all the nations what He has done
Tell all the nations what He has done
Tell of His mighty deeds
All His mighty deeds
Glory in His holy name
Jan 17, 2010
January 17 - Isaiah 11
v. 1 The symbolism of a "stump" -- Think about the idea of destruction or a forest that has been Deforested.. What is left? a stump. And from that stump comes life again.
Isaiah is speaking about the fact that this destruction isn't the end. New life, a new start can happen.
Under this amazing NEW KINGDOM, amazing things will happen..
vv. 3-4 He won't be like the other kings who were easily bribed and acted selfishly.
v. 6 In this kingdom the wolf and the lamb will play together. There will be peace beyond compare.
v. 8 a baby can play near the cobra and it will be okay (???) wow!
Can you imagine this kind of a kingdom?
When we talk about the kingdom of God is near - this is what we have to look forward to. There WILL come a day when there will be so much peace and justice and righteousness. How does that make you feel? Do you get excited? Or, are we so bogged down with reality that such a kingdom feels too much like a dream like it can't happen?
This kingdom of great peace and love will come. Do you want to be a part of it?
Isaiah is speaking about the fact that this destruction isn't the end. New life, a new start can happen.
Under this amazing NEW KINGDOM, amazing things will happen..
vv. 3-4 He won't be like the other kings who were easily bribed and acted selfishly.
v. 6 In this kingdom the wolf and the lamb will play together. There will be peace beyond compare.
v. 8 a baby can play near the cobra and it will be okay (???) wow!
Can you imagine this kind of a kingdom?
When we talk about the kingdom of God is near - this is what we have to look forward to. There WILL come a day when there will be so much peace and justice and righteousness. How does that make you feel? Do you get excited? Or, are we so bogged down with reality that such a kingdom feels too much like a dream like it can't happen?
This kingdom of great peace and love will come. Do you want to be a part of it?
Jan 16, 2010
January 16 - Isaiah 10:5-34
10:5 Assyria is the rod of God's anger but that doesn't mean Assyria won't be judged. God uses Assyria to bring judgment upon the Israelites. But, who's the worse sinner? Assyria or Israel? The answer seems to be obvious but Israel has a covenant relationship with God and they really should've known better. Assyria - well - they don't know about God's laws and His covenant but they are also in due time subject to judgment as well and this is what this chapter is talking about. Whether you know God or don't know, all of God's creation is subject to His judgment...
10:15 Another major point is that as much as Israel thinks that Assyria is the power to be feared, ultimately God is behind all of this. And who should be feared more than Assyria? You got it, God.
God likens the Assyrians to an ax. But is the ax more powerful than the person who swings the ax? Yup. That's what God is saying. The Assyrians are just an ax or a saw or a rod... God is more powerful.
10:16 This is where God turns things around for His people. When the Israelites repent and turn towards God - Assyria will be destroyed. And in 701 BC there was a battle where 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were killed in one day.
10:20 REMNANT And so a remnant will remain (redundant, huh?). And this group will not be like the Israel that was before. They won't trust in Assyria or any other powers around them but on "the LORD, the Holy One of Israel." The truth is even though Israel was as many as the sand by the sea - the remant will be small.
10:24 Don't be afraid. God will protect us.
Okay, so there's a lot going on here...
1. God is bigger than Assyria. God is bigger than the boogeyman... God is just bigger than anything you can ever imagine.
2. Sometimes things don't make sense - like why does God punish His people before punishing those that don't even believe in Him. Going back to point #1, God will take care of all of that so don't worry about everyone else, just take care of yourself because you'll drive yourself crazy making sure everyone else gets punished for their sins.
3. This idea of the remnant. Sometimes lots of bad things happen and only a small group is left. When I was in youth group, one year all 3 of our youth and college pastors along with 20 teachers left our church. Our youth group was about 100 kids and basically after the pastors and teachers all left, there were about 10 students that stayed behind. Some were very angry and bitter and eventually they left. And one thing that I do remember from this time (I was 15) was that God was teaching me a lot about depending on Him and not people. Community is important but if that's all you're depending on - your faith or your religion is really more about the people than it is about God. I needed to have a relationship with God because when the storms come (and they will surely come) - you need to know that no matter what, the most important person is still here and that is our security.
Will you remain? Will you be a part of the remnant that truly relies "on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel"? [10:20]
If so, make that choice to spend time with Him today. Make the decision to have a deep, genuine relationship with God.
10:15 Another major point is that as much as Israel thinks that Assyria is the power to be feared, ultimately God is behind all of this. And who should be feared more than Assyria? You got it, God.
God likens the Assyrians to an ax. But is the ax more powerful than the person who swings the ax? Yup. That's what God is saying. The Assyrians are just an ax or a saw or a rod... God is more powerful.
10:16 This is where God turns things around for His people. When the Israelites repent and turn towards God - Assyria will be destroyed. And in 701 BC there was a battle where 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were killed in one day.
10:20 REMNANT And so a remnant will remain (redundant, huh?). And this group will not be like the Israel that was before. They won't trust in Assyria or any other powers around them but on "the LORD, the Holy One of Israel." The truth is even though Israel was as many as the sand by the sea - the remant will be small.
10:24 Don't be afraid. God will protect us.
Okay, so there's a lot going on here...
1. God is bigger than Assyria. God is bigger than the boogeyman... God is just bigger than anything you can ever imagine.
2. Sometimes things don't make sense - like why does God punish His people before punishing those that don't even believe in Him. Going back to point #1, God will take care of all of that so don't worry about everyone else, just take care of yourself because you'll drive yourself crazy making sure everyone else gets punished for their sins.
3. This idea of the remnant. Sometimes lots of bad things happen and only a small group is left. When I was in youth group, one year all 3 of our youth and college pastors along with 20 teachers left our church. Our youth group was about 100 kids and basically after the pastors and teachers all left, there were about 10 students that stayed behind. Some were very angry and bitter and eventually they left. And one thing that I do remember from this time (I was 15) was that God was teaching me a lot about depending on Him and not people. Community is important but if that's all you're depending on - your faith or your religion is really more about the people than it is about God. I needed to have a relationship with God because when the storms come (and they will surely come) - you need to know that no matter what, the most important person is still here and that is our security.
Will you remain? Will you be a part of the remnant that truly relies "on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel"? [10:20]
If so, make that choice to spend time with Him today. Make the decision to have a deep, genuine relationship with God.
Jan 15, 2010
January 15 - Isaiah 9-10:4
*A extra 4 verses because this section actually ends at 10:4
9:1-7 [based on Oswalt, 2003] The people are still searching for salvation in the human beings around them. And they fear the nations around them more than God. And, again, Isaiah is pleading with Israel to look to God because when this king is born - there will be no end to his peace (v. 7). No more conquering, being taken over... everlasting peace.
9:8-10:4 Four reasons why God's anger is against them...
9:8-12 - Arrogance. No matter what happens, "We will rebuild." There is no dependence on God and a complete dependence upon themselves. We can take care of it. We don't need God's help.
9:13-17 The people look to prominent leaders - elders, prophets who teach lies - instead of looking to God.
9:18-21 No love for one another. You even cheat the brothers and sisters whom you call family.
10:1-4 Social injustice - Everyone is looking out for themselves.
If God is love, then is He allowed to get angry?
If we look at the beginning of Isaiah 9, we see God's heart. He created us for Himself. What does that mean? He is a God of love (among other things like justice) and He wants to show us love. He wants to love us. So, when we say He created us for Himself or for His glory. We were created to be loved and to experience all that this love entails. Yet, we, like the Israelites, search elsewhere for love or for protection or peace and we do not find it. And as His creation we have broken the rules and because God is a just God - He must punish us.
Even in the midst of the gloom and doom of Isaiah - God's love is soooo evident. Even in his anger, his love is evident. Do your parents get angry with you but for some reason you can sense their love in all of their anger? It's almost like an angry-sad-love thing at the same time.
Look at the four accusations above and try to seek God's heart. How does God feel when He sees His creation, and even moreso His chosen people act this way?
Sometimes we want to think of our devotions or QT as a time to get advice or directives from God. Sometimes, yes. But, it's really a date time with God where you get to know Him and interestingly enough you get to know yourself even more.
Let us seek to know Him today. Let us seek to know His heart and respond to His love for us.
9:1-7 [based on Oswalt, 2003] The people are still searching for salvation in the human beings around them. And they fear the nations around them more than God. And, again, Isaiah is pleading with Israel to look to God because when this king is born - there will be no end to his peace (v. 7). No more conquering, being taken over... everlasting peace.
9:8-10:4 Four reasons why God's anger is against them...
9:8-12 - Arrogance. No matter what happens, "We will rebuild." There is no dependence on God and a complete dependence upon themselves. We can take care of it. We don't need God's help.
9:13-17 The people look to prominent leaders - elders, prophets who teach lies - instead of looking to God.
9:18-21 No love for one another. You even cheat the brothers and sisters whom you call family.
10:1-4 Social injustice - Everyone is looking out for themselves.
If God is love, then is He allowed to get angry?
If we look at the beginning of Isaiah 9, we see God's heart. He created us for Himself. What does that mean? He is a God of love (among other things like justice) and He wants to show us love. He wants to love us. So, when we say He created us for Himself or for His glory. We were created to be loved and to experience all that this love entails. Yet, we, like the Israelites, search elsewhere for love or for protection or peace and we do not find it. And as His creation we have broken the rules and because God is a just God - He must punish us.
Even in the midst of the gloom and doom of Isaiah - God's love is soooo evident. Even in his anger, his love is evident. Do your parents get angry with you but for some reason you can sense their love in all of their anger? It's almost like an angry-sad-love thing at the same time.
Look at the four accusations above and try to seek God's heart. How does God feel when He sees His creation, and even moreso His chosen people act this way?
Sometimes we want to think of our devotions or QT as a time to get advice or directives from God. Sometimes, yes. But, it's really a date time with God where you get to know Him and interestingly enough you get to know yourself even more.
Let us seek to know Him today. Let us seek to know His heart and respond to His love for us.
Jan 14, 2010
January 14 - Isaiah 8
Notes
Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz - if you look at the footnote in your Bible, this means "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil" -- plunder or spoil is the stuff you take from the people you just conquered
This is to be the name of Isaiah's son (second son?)
Damascus and Samaria point to the Northern Kingdom of Israel - The capital of the northern kingdom is Samaria
Immanuel means "God with Us" -- When you have "el" in a Hebrew name usually refers to God.
v.9 ironic sentence - you raise a war cry only to be shattered? you prepare for battle only to be shattered?
v.10 doesn't use Immanuel - spells it out "God is with us"
God is With Us - Immanuel
At first glance, the prophetic tone of this chapter seems difficult to understand but the main message here is that God is with Us - Immanuel. God is with us whether you want Him to be with us or not. He's here with us - those unbelieving and for those believing. It's really a matter of which side do you want to be on - With God or against God.
v. 12 People try to understand this world. Many people call major events conspiracies. There are many unsolved mysteries, unexplained phenomenons. And they stand in fear.. Area 51, 9-11 conspiracies, JFK conspiracies, the government... and they live in fear of the unknown. Well, face it. We don't know much and even if we brought the brightest minds together to think it through, we'll only have just those brightest mind perspectives and still we won't have the big picture. Don't get yourself caught up in all the talk of the day, about what is and what isn't. JUST FEAR GOD.
because He is almighty...
v. 14 -- because he will either be a SANCTUARY - a safe place or a stone that causes men to stumble (the one that makes you face your judgment)
It is interesting how people do consult the dead for advice on the living (v. 19). It's amazing how common this is. Why do we do it? Because we ignore this very important fact - God is with us, among us. He's everywhere. In chapter 7 we saw Ahaz trusting in superpowers like Assyria. In chapter 8, we have an example of people trusting in dead spirits.
Why is it so hard to trust in God?
Because sometimes we can't get our eyes off ourselves. We think that we are so good. We think that humans are amazing beings. And, yes we are. But we think that we're awesome apart from our Creator. We keep looking at ourselves, trusting ourselves and then trusting those around us.. and like it says in v. 21 - when we're distressed we look up at God and scream at him. We set up leaders like presidents and when something goes wrong - we blame them. Sometimes it seems as if we set up kings and presidents and leaders because we need someone to trust or blame other than God. But really, they're mere human beings.
God is With Us..
Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz - if you look at the footnote in your Bible, this means "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil" -- plunder or spoil is the stuff you take from the people you just conquered
This is to be the name of Isaiah's son (second son?)
Damascus and Samaria point to the Northern Kingdom of Israel - The capital of the northern kingdom is Samaria
Immanuel means "God with Us" -- When you have "el" in a Hebrew name usually refers to God.
v.9 ironic sentence - you raise a war cry only to be shattered? you prepare for battle only to be shattered?
v.10 doesn't use Immanuel - spells it out "God is with us"
God is With Us - Immanuel
At first glance, the prophetic tone of this chapter seems difficult to understand but the main message here is that God is with Us - Immanuel. God is with us whether you want Him to be with us or not. He's here with us - those unbelieving and for those believing. It's really a matter of which side do you want to be on - With God or against God.
v. 12 People try to understand this world. Many people call major events conspiracies. There are many unsolved mysteries, unexplained phenomenons. And they stand in fear.. Area 51, 9-11 conspiracies, JFK conspiracies, the government... and they live in fear of the unknown. Well, face it. We don't know much and even if we brought the brightest minds together to think it through, we'll only have just those brightest mind perspectives and still we won't have the big picture. Don't get yourself caught up in all the talk of the day, about what is and what isn't. JUST FEAR GOD.
because He is almighty...
v. 14 -- because he will either be a SANCTUARY - a safe place or a stone that causes men to stumble (the one that makes you face your judgment)
It is interesting how people do consult the dead for advice on the living (v. 19). It's amazing how common this is. Why do we do it? Because we ignore this very important fact - God is with us, among us. He's everywhere. In chapter 7 we saw Ahaz trusting in superpowers like Assyria. In chapter 8, we have an example of people trusting in dead spirits.
Why is it so hard to trust in God?
Because sometimes we can't get our eyes off ourselves. We think that we are so good. We think that humans are amazing beings. And, yes we are. But we think that we're awesome apart from our Creator. We keep looking at ourselves, trusting ourselves and then trusting those around us.. and like it says in v. 21 - when we're distressed we look up at God and scream at him. We set up leaders like presidents and when something goes wrong - we blame them. Sometimes it seems as if we set up kings and presidents and leaders because we need someone to trust or blame other than God. But really, they're mere human beings.
God is With Us..
Jan 13, 2010
Community Service Opportunities for January 18th Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Some information below about some volunteer opportunities on January 18th (No School Day). If you need service hours for school, this is a great opportunity. And - we might choose one of the organizations below for our monthly service projects. Paterson might not work out. :(
Click on the image below to enlarge.
Click on the image below to enlarge.
January 13 - Isaiah 7
The following is a sample of my own notes to help me organize all that is going on. This is sometimes how I begin. I underline, circle critical words, phrases, etc.
Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah (Uzziah died when Isaiah began his ministry) -- two generations after.. Look at 2 Chronicles 26-28 Isaiah has been at this for about 30 years - Jotham ruled 16 years. He was a good king but the people were still evil. He died at the age of 41. Ahaz - started his reign at 20 years - reigned 16 years. He was a bad king. He worshipped Baal. He even sent for help from the King of Assyria which produced nothing. Hezekiah follows next - the famously good king, for the most part.
King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel -- tried to attack but could not overpower it -- king of Israel?
Isaiah had his son with him - Shear-Jashub -- cool. it's like father-son ministry. His name means "only a remnant will return" - Oswalt, 138
Isaiah to Judah: "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid." Do not lose heart. Even though these nations want to bring you down this is what the Sovereign LORD says: It won't happen - in 65 years Ephraim will be shattered too..
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." ** I like this verse.
Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign. This was basically Isaiah asking Ahaz to trust in God. "Just ask God for a sign and He will show you -- then you can believe in Him." But Ahaz refused to even try to trust God...
Isaiah: Therefore - because you won't ask for a sign God will give you a sign -- virgin birth - Immanuel
but before all of this (Jesus' coming?) - two kings (both kingdoms) will be laid to waste-- - the King of Assyria, the very king Ahaz is asking for help from, will come and destroy Judah
v. 20 shaving metaphor -- unholiness? since they're not supposed to cut their hair
v. 23 briers and thorns - picture of desolation, destruction
Here We Go! Stop Asking the King of Assyria to help!
King Ahaz has some issues. Through Isaiah, God is saying to Ahaz, "Trust me. I will protect you. I will keep you safe. I will take care of you." But, Ahaz is looking around for the most strategic friends (or allies) to have - the King of Assyria. He even bowed down to their gods and built altars to their idols inside Judah. As a leader, his rejection to trust God led his nation to its own downfall. Isaiah even tells him that this very King that you are seeking help from will destroy you... like completely - not like these little wars from the kings Rezin and Pekah.
Who can you trust in this world? It seems as if the very people you trust can sometimes let you down. Are there King of Assyria's in your life? The ones that seem so powerful, and so cool to follow - that seem to offer you the best benefits -- but really they're not there to protect you. They're only taking care of themselves. Sadly, this is our sinful world - we are selfish and some more than others. Only when we are filled with God's love can we truly learn to love one another in an unselfish way - that's why we have this community of God.
God is asking you - just ask me for a sign and I will show you that I'm here. If you need a sign so you can trust me - ask me. Don't reject this chance like Ahaz did and go asking the wrong people for help. Because one day - that person or persons might be the very ones that lead to your destruction. Trust in God. "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
Lord, help me to trust in you. It's so easy to trust in the people around me and lean on them because they're right there. I guess it's just easier to see them. But, help me to see you in faith and trust you because you have the whole future in your hands. You truly are Sovereign. Amen.
Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah (Uzziah died when Isaiah began his ministry) -- two generations after.. Look at 2 Chronicles 26-28 Isaiah has been at this for about 30 years - Jotham ruled 16 years. He was a good king but the people were still evil. He died at the age of 41. Ahaz - started his reign at 20 years - reigned 16 years. He was a bad king. He worshipped Baal. He even sent for help from the King of Assyria which produced nothing. Hezekiah follows next - the famously good king, for the most part.
King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel -- tried to attack but could not overpower it -- king of Israel?
Isaiah had his son with him - Shear-Jashub -- cool. it's like father-son ministry. His name means "only a remnant will return" - Oswalt, 138
Isaiah to Judah: "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid." Do not lose heart. Even though these nations want to bring you down this is what the Sovereign LORD says: It won't happen - in 65 years Ephraim will be shattered too..
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." ** I like this verse.
Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign. This was basically Isaiah asking Ahaz to trust in God. "Just ask God for a sign and He will show you -- then you can believe in Him." But Ahaz refused to even try to trust God...
Isaiah: Therefore - because you won't ask for a sign God will give you a sign -- virgin birth - Immanuel
but before all of this (Jesus' coming?) - two kings (both kingdoms) will be laid to waste-- - the King of Assyria, the very king Ahaz is asking for help from, will come and destroy Judah
v. 20 shaving metaphor -- unholiness? since they're not supposed to cut their hair
v. 23 briers and thorns - picture of desolation, destruction
Here We Go! Stop Asking the King of Assyria to help!
King Ahaz has some issues. Through Isaiah, God is saying to Ahaz, "Trust me. I will protect you. I will keep you safe. I will take care of you." But, Ahaz is looking around for the most strategic friends (or allies) to have - the King of Assyria. He even bowed down to their gods and built altars to their idols inside Judah. As a leader, his rejection to trust God led his nation to its own downfall. Isaiah even tells him that this very King that you are seeking help from will destroy you... like completely - not like these little wars from the kings Rezin and Pekah.
Who can you trust in this world? It seems as if the very people you trust can sometimes let you down. Are there King of Assyria's in your life? The ones that seem so powerful, and so cool to follow - that seem to offer you the best benefits -- but really they're not there to protect you. They're only taking care of themselves. Sadly, this is our sinful world - we are selfish and some more than others. Only when we are filled with God's love can we truly learn to love one another in an unselfish way - that's why we have this community of God.
God is asking you - just ask me for a sign and I will show you that I'm here. If you need a sign so you can trust me - ask me. Don't reject this chance like Ahaz did and go asking the wrong people for help. Because one day - that person or persons might be the very ones that lead to your destruction. Trust in God. "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
Lord, help me to trust in you. It's so easy to trust in the people around me and lean on them because they're right there. I guess it's just easier to see them. But, help me to see you in faith and trust you because you have the whole future in your hands. You truly are Sovereign. Amen.
Jan 12, 2010
January 12 - Isaiah 6
Yesterday's Reading: xalsix3 asked about vv. 26f from yesterday's reading. So, what does that last part mean? According to one scholar, this last part describes God's judgment and the fact that He won't back down. Remember, He will only do what is right. God would even bring together people from the distant lands and even these nations that do not worship God will be used to bring judgment upon sinners. God takes sin seriously.
Isaiah 6
Thinking about Structure in writing. It's interesting that in Isaiah 6 we finally come to the calling of Isaiah. You would think that would come first since Isaiah would have to be called first then he can go on ministering, prophesying, etc. But, interestingly - all of this sad stuff, some hopeful stuff and then Isaiah's calling in the sixth chapter?
One scholar explains that this chapter was placed after talking about how sinful and messed up the people were to make a point. "If the 'people of unclean lips' (6:5) can have the same experience that he, the 'man of unclean lips' had, then the dilemma Isaiah sees in Israel...can be solved" (Oswalt, 125).
Isaiah is basically saying- yes, you're sinful and you've messed up. But, I am also a sinner yet God has made me clean and better yet - used me as a messenger, a carrier of His message of salvation. God can do that for you too! Don't stay hopeless! This isn't the end.
Isaiah 6:1-4 The GLORY of God Watch the video below. This was one of my favorite songs when I was 13. "I see the LORD" and this is adapted from Isaiah 6. "The train of his robe filled the temple..." The "train" is the hem of the robe, the part of your clothes where you see the stitching on the bottom or on the edges. That means that God's glory is so great that the temple is filled with just the stitching parts (Oswalt, 129). Amazing, huh?
Isaiah 6:5 Realizing that I am a sinner
When we are truly in the presence and glory of God - we are able to see how sinful we are. When we are always around sinners, it's easy to say "I'm a good person." But, when we are in the presence of our perfect God then it is easy to see our imperfections. That's why it's so easy to sin without guilt when we are not in the presence of God, when we are not listening to His words, etc. But, it doesn't end there. If we just realized we are dirty and we are sinners without hope then that would lead to hopelessness and it would be utterly dreadful.
Isaiah 6:6-7 God makes me clean
God "touches our lips" with this hot coal.. Fire is very symbolic of God's power - destructive, yes but even moreso His cleansing power. Remember that to burn out the dross in silver - it would have to be consumed with fire. A painful process, but in the end the result is beautiful PURE silver. This is what happens in repentance. When you're making that 180 degree turn towards God, it should not be easy. It will be hard. Leaving some bad influences, some habits will be hard. But, we have hope that in the end there are great things to come!
Isaiah 6:8-13 God gives purpose
As God cleanses us and renews us - we are able to live according to His purpose and His desires. We begin to lice the life that God created us to live.
This isn't a one-time process and it doesn't always happen like it did for Isaiah. It happens continually until we are finally perfected when we see our LORD face to face in heaven. As long as we remain in His presence, in His hands we have hope - no matter how dirty our lips have been.
I pray that we will see your glory God, and brought to our knees in repentance. We have great hope that you will make us clean and that we will experience your amazing will and purpose upon this earth! Lord, Here am I, send me, use me, mold me and make me into your servant. Amen.
Isaiah 6
Thinking about Structure in writing. It's interesting that in Isaiah 6 we finally come to the calling of Isaiah. You would think that would come first since Isaiah would have to be called first then he can go on ministering, prophesying, etc. But, interestingly - all of this sad stuff, some hopeful stuff and then Isaiah's calling in the sixth chapter?
One scholar explains that this chapter was placed after talking about how sinful and messed up the people were to make a point. "If the 'people of unclean lips' (6:5) can have the same experience that he, the 'man of unclean lips' had, then the dilemma Isaiah sees in Israel...can be solved" (Oswalt, 125).
Isaiah is basically saying- yes, you're sinful and you've messed up. But, I am also a sinner yet God has made me clean and better yet - used me as a messenger, a carrier of His message of salvation. God can do that for you too! Don't stay hopeless! This isn't the end.
Isaiah 6:1-4 The GLORY of God Watch the video below. This was one of my favorite songs when I was 13. "I see the LORD" and this is adapted from Isaiah 6. "The train of his robe filled the temple..." The "train" is the hem of the robe, the part of your clothes where you see the stitching on the bottom or on the edges. That means that God's glory is so great that the temple is filled with just the stitching parts (Oswalt, 129). Amazing, huh?
Isaiah 6:5 Realizing that I am a sinner
When we are truly in the presence and glory of God - we are able to see how sinful we are. When we are always around sinners, it's easy to say "I'm a good person." But, when we are in the presence of our perfect God then it is easy to see our imperfections. That's why it's so easy to sin without guilt when we are not in the presence of God, when we are not listening to His words, etc. But, it doesn't end there. If we just realized we are dirty and we are sinners without hope then that would lead to hopelessness and it would be utterly dreadful.
Isaiah 6:6-7 God makes me clean
God "touches our lips" with this hot coal.. Fire is very symbolic of God's power - destructive, yes but even moreso His cleansing power. Remember that to burn out the dross in silver - it would have to be consumed with fire. A painful process, but in the end the result is beautiful PURE silver. This is what happens in repentance. When you're making that 180 degree turn towards God, it should not be easy. It will be hard. Leaving some bad influences, some habits will be hard. But, we have hope that in the end there are great things to come!
Isaiah 6:8-13 God gives purpose
As God cleanses us and renews us - we are able to live according to His purpose and His desires. We begin to lice the life that God created us to live.
This isn't a one-time process and it doesn't always happen like it did for Isaiah. It happens continually until we are finally perfected when we see our LORD face to face in heaven. As long as we remain in His presence, in His hands we have hope - no matter how dirty our lips have been.
I pray that we will see your glory God, and brought to our knees in repentance. We have great hope that you will make us clean and that we will experience your amazing will and purpose upon this earth! Lord, Here am I, send me, use me, mold me and make me into your servant. Amen.
Jan 11, 2010
January 11 - Isaiah 5
To answer Debbie's question - Isaiah was a prophet that ministered around 740 BC to 690 BC. He was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom of Judah but didn't live to see Judah fall. He actually lived to see the Northern Kingdom of Israel fall to ths Assyrians in 722 BC. It's like he could've said - hey look at the north. If you don't straighten up then the same thing will happen to you. So, Isaiah and Jeremiah didn't live during the same time. Isaiah warned Judah with prophecies. Jeremiah warned Judah and actually saw Judah(Jerusalem) fall.
Isaiah 5 Imagine if you had a garden. You put the best soil with all the fancy add-ins from Lowe's and the best seeds. You watered, loved and cared for it - but in a few weeks you find that there is no good fruit - it's only good to throw away. This is kind of the metaphor God is using.
He gave Judah (actually Israel) milk flowing with milk and honey. If you can look back at the history books, people like Gideon winning battles with only 300 men... like that movie "300" - God literally gave Judah the choicest of lands. He pours his love and care into them only to find that they have no good fruit.
What is just and right to do with such a vineyard with bad fruit is to throw it away... and pretty much start over. Makes sense, right?
So.. what are these bad fruits?
v.7 Not justice but BLOODSHED -- murder...
Not righteousness but "cries of distress" -- people suffering
v.8 "Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land." This is a problem that was rampant among Israel. People became very wealthy and kept buying land from the people around them until it was just a few people living on acres of land. Archaelogical evidence shows that land was very unevenly divided. Remember the year of Jubilee where everyone was supposed to clear debts and go back to the same amount of land per person... That was never followed.
v. 11 -- "run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine." Drunkenness is a problem in the US and even more severely in Korea and Japan. Korea and Japan even have hotels that provide for a bed for the night for wealthy executives who are too drunk to make it home for sleep.
v. 12 -- lots of partying, celebrations but not for God..
v. 20 -- like the previous chapters -- they parade their sins and call evil things good. Today we have a lot of twisting of truth. People are now taking sin and fighting for it (passing laws, etc.)
v. 22 "heroes at drinking wine, champions at mixing drinks" -- TV shows on VH1 or MTV show how partying and getting drunk is such a "fun" thing. Really. Is it fun to get drunk and make a fool of yourself only to find that your drunken antics are recorded and uploaded to YouTube? Well, today - society has made it cool. Let's just say God will have the last word.
So.. here's what's going to happen...
v. 24f ("f" means the verses that follow too) destruction will come...
The word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our souls. It's kind of like until you go to the bathroom turn on the light and look in the mirror you don't realize what a mess you are. God is like that bathroom check. The Word of God is like that bathroom check.
Look into the mirror of God's Word. Are you bearing some of these "bad fruits"? Is God opening your eyes to see this sinful and twisted world? Your friends might think the above things are totally okay and everyone should do as they please. If so, read v. 21. It is time for us to open our eyes and recognize that God is God and in charge.
Comment below a response, a prayer, anything.
God's Discernment to you.
Isaiah 5 Imagine if you had a garden. You put the best soil with all the fancy add-ins from Lowe's and the best seeds. You watered, loved and cared for it - but in a few weeks you find that there is no good fruit - it's only good to throw away. This is kind of the metaphor God is using.
He gave Judah (actually Israel) milk flowing with milk and honey. If you can look back at the history books, people like Gideon winning battles with only 300 men... like that movie "300" - God literally gave Judah the choicest of lands. He pours his love and care into them only to find that they have no good fruit.
What is just and right to do with such a vineyard with bad fruit is to throw it away... and pretty much start over. Makes sense, right?
So.. what are these bad fruits?
v.7 Not justice but BLOODSHED -- murder...
Not righteousness but "cries of distress" -- people suffering
v.8 "Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land." This is a problem that was rampant among Israel. People became very wealthy and kept buying land from the people around them until it was just a few people living on acres of land. Archaelogical evidence shows that land was very unevenly divided. Remember the year of Jubilee where everyone was supposed to clear debts and go back to the same amount of land per person... That was never followed.
v. 11 -- "run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine." Drunkenness is a problem in the US and even more severely in Korea and Japan. Korea and Japan even have hotels that provide for a bed for the night for wealthy executives who are too drunk to make it home for sleep.
v. 12 -- lots of partying, celebrations but not for God..
v. 20 -- like the previous chapters -- they parade their sins and call evil things good. Today we have a lot of twisting of truth. People are now taking sin and fighting for it (passing laws, etc.)
v. 22 "heroes at drinking wine, champions at mixing drinks" -- TV shows on VH1 or MTV show how partying and getting drunk is such a "fun" thing. Really. Is it fun to get drunk and make a fool of yourself only to find that your drunken antics are recorded and uploaded to YouTube? Well, today - society has made it cool. Let's just say God will have the last word.
So.. here's what's going to happen...
v. 24f ("f" means the verses that follow too) destruction will come...
The word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our souls. It's kind of like until you go to the bathroom turn on the light and look in the mirror you don't realize what a mess you are. God is like that bathroom check. The Word of God is like that bathroom check.
Look into the mirror of God's Word. Are you bearing some of these "bad fruits"? Is God opening your eyes to see this sinful and twisted world? Your friends might think the above things are totally okay and everyone should do as they please. If so, read v. 21. It is time for us to open our eyes and recognize that God is God and in charge.
Comment below a response, a prayer, anything.
God's Discernment to you.
Jan 10, 2010
January 10 - Isaiah 4
Katie: picture changed...
Thanks for your comments y'all!
Isaiah 4:1 concludes the really sad part and we move into Isaiah 4:2-6 and it's like this very abrupt, sudden change in tone... Why?
In reading the very depressing Isaiah 2 and 3 and then Isaiah 4, you find that in the midst of depressing judgment (that is a consequence of our sins) - there is redemption for those who remain - those who have endured the destruction and have repented. God does not desire bad things for us. He doesn't want punishment to be the last word. His love is.
Sometimes bad things happen as a consequence of our own actions - and sometimes it is a blessing. Why? Because if we do not recognize our own sinfulness and the destructive consequences of our sins - then we never recognize our need for God. It is there in the pit that we find ourselves crying out to God. It is in our lowest, deepest places that we find ourselves on our knees praying to God. Sometimes we pray when we have no more options left. You find people that have left the church for many years return when they face hardships. It would be nice if we were more committed to God - but our sinfulness gets in the way. But, God's love is bigger than that.
He wants to make us new. He wants to clean us up. He wants to wash away the filth.
Has an unwanted situation, punishment, circumstance come up in your life? Have you looked left, right, everywhere only to find that you only have one option left - UP?
What do you need to surrender to God? Or, do you need to return to God?
Thanks for your comments y'all!
Isaiah 4:1 concludes the really sad part and we move into Isaiah 4:2-6 and it's like this very abrupt, sudden change in tone... Why?
In reading the very depressing Isaiah 2 and 3 and then Isaiah 4, you find that in the midst of depressing judgment (that is a consequence of our sins) - there is redemption for those who remain - those who have endured the destruction and have repented. God does not desire bad things for us. He doesn't want punishment to be the last word. His love is.
Sometimes bad things happen as a consequence of our own actions - and sometimes it is a blessing. Why? Because if we do not recognize our own sinfulness and the destructive consequences of our sins - then we never recognize our need for God. It is there in the pit that we find ourselves crying out to God. It is in our lowest, deepest places that we find ourselves on our knees praying to God. Sometimes we pray when we have no more options left. You find people that have left the church for many years return when they face hardships. It would be nice if we were more committed to God - but our sinfulness gets in the way. But, God's love is bigger than that.
He wants to make us new. He wants to clean us up. He wants to wash away the filth.
Has an unwanted situation, punishment, circumstance come up in your life? Have you looked left, right, everywhere only to find that you only have one option left - UP?
What do you need to surrender to God? Or, do you need to return to God?
Jan 9, 2010
January 9 - Isaiah 3
Answer to Harrin's question: You can post questions and/or comments in the "comment" part. It's also a way to share how God spoke to you. It's just to make this blog more interactive. And, we'll randomly choose a prize winner each week from the comments.
Isaiah 3 So we continue our not so happy section. God's judgment is on the people of Judah and it's their arrogance. Who do they think they are?
Write down words that describe their arrogance. Why do they think they are so amazing?
Someone might read this and ask - Is it bad to be a hero, a warrior, a judge, etc? Isn't it good to be good at something?
Yes, it is good to excel in the talents God has given you but many people use such positions and successes to exalt themselves - to the point where they think they do not need God. They have become arrogant. You may ask questions like - Why did God make rules? Why can't he just let us be happy?
Well... God makes the rules. [Period.]
God created the world. He created life. He made the rules. Period.
It's like when we decide to play a game. The person leading the game makes the rules for the game. Everyone else has to follow the rules in order for this game to work. Let's say that people started challenging the rules and changed them according to their own liking. Then they're not really playing that game anymore. They're playing their own game.. But you realize that everyone wants to make their own rules and their own version and eventually no one is playing anything and it just falls apart. That is what is happening. If we play by the rules then everything will move along in perfect order but when everyone rebels then chaos results. Today, we live in that chaos...
And, according to vv. 8-9 we "parade our sin" today. Look at our society today, sin is glorified as celebrities indulge in sinful acts. Sin is no longer shunned. No longer are we ashamed of sin but it is glorified. Today, we are so proud of our sin.
Make an observation of our world today. How does our world "parade our sin"? How have we glorified sin to the extent that we've blinded ourselves to what sin is? Are there sins in your life that have gone unnoticed or even glorified to be cool?
Isaiah 3 So we continue our not so happy section. God's judgment is on the people of Judah and it's their arrogance. Who do they think they are?
Write down words that describe their arrogance. Why do they think they are so amazing?
Someone might read this and ask - Is it bad to be a hero, a warrior, a judge, etc? Isn't it good to be good at something?
Yes, it is good to excel in the talents God has given you but many people use such positions and successes to exalt themselves - to the point where they think they do not need God. They have become arrogant. You may ask questions like - Why did God make rules? Why can't he just let us be happy?
Well... God makes the rules. [Period.]
God created the world. He created life. He made the rules. Period.
It's like when we decide to play a game. The person leading the game makes the rules for the game. Everyone else has to follow the rules in order for this game to work. Let's say that people started challenging the rules and changed them according to their own liking. Then they're not really playing that game anymore. They're playing their own game.. But you realize that everyone wants to make their own rules and their own version and eventually no one is playing anything and it just falls apart. That is what is happening. If we play by the rules then everything will move along in perfect order but when everyone rebels then chaos results. Today, we live in that chaos...
And, according to vv. 8-9 we "parade our sin" today. Look at our society today, sin is glorified as celebrities indulge in sinful acts. Sin is no longer shunned. No longer are we ashamed of sin but it is glorified. Today, we are so proud of our sin.
Make an observation of our world today. How does our world "parade our sin"? How have we glorified sin to the extent that we've blinded ourselves to what sin is? Are there sins in your life that have gone unnoticed or even glorified to be cool?
Jan 7, 2010
January 8 - Isaiah 2
Isaiah 2:1-5 In the days of Isaiah, there were many known "mountains" where gods lived. Zeus lived on Mount Olympus and Baal on Mount Cassius (Oswalt, 89). But there will come a day when God's mountain will be "the" mountain and everyone will see it. God's people will rush towards it like a river to learn to walk in His ways and live life the way He meant it to be lived. And, there will be peace - where weapons will be turned into farming equipment. There is no need to fight anymore. In the last days, all of creation will finally see the truth...
Many people live their lives climbing a mountain. It can be a mountain of good works, a mountain of various religions, a mountain of success and wealth, a mountain of fun & pleasure... Each mountain is a way of life, a philosophy of life that will direct the way you live this life. Ooh, a lot of "life" in that last sentence. If those last days came this weekend, upon which mountain will you be? How do you know? Is God teaching you His ways and are you walking in His path?
[Isaiah 2:6 begins a section on the judgment of the LORD (to Isaiah 4)]
Isaiah 2:6-22 Main theme is about the arrogance of human beings when there is only one GOD. Verse 22 sums up this part:
"Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?" (NIV)
Sometimes trusting in human beings is easier than trusting in God. Human beings are all around us and sometimes we can be so brilliant and so cool. And, human beings are amazing. We are created in the image of God. Duh. But, sometimes we can get a little ahead of ourselves. Sometimes we have lofty thoughts of ourselves. We've mapped the human genome (the DNA project). We found cells that are so small they had to invent a new word to describe how small they are. We've mapped galaxies beyond our little earth. Gosh, we are amazing!
Yet, in a single moment - without the perfect balance of the atmosphere, oxygen, carbon, pressure, etc. - we would be gone. Who do we think we are? We create religions, philosophies, fame. We mock God openly and Christians are embarrassed to stand in His defense. Bill Maher speaks boldly and says that "Faith is the lack of critical thinking" - basically people who believe in God don't know how to think for themselves.... In other words - God-believers are stupid.
In the end, who will have the final say?
Think about it.
Who do we think we are?
References:
Oswalt, John N. The NIV Application Commentary: Isaiah, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.
Many people live their lives climbing a mountain. It can be a mountain of good works, a mountain of various religions, a mountain of success and wealth, a mountain of fun & pleasure... Each mountain is a way of life, a philosophy of life that will direct the way you live this life. Ooh, a lot of "life" in that last sentence. If those last days came this weekend, upon which mountain will you be? How do you know? Is God teaching you His ways and are you walking in His path?
[Isaiah 2:6 begins a section on the judgment of the LORD (to Isaiah 4)]
Isaiah 2:6-22 Main theme is about the arrogance of human beings when there is only one GOD. Verse 22 sums up this part:
"Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?" (NIV)
Sometimes trusting in human beings is easier than trusting in God. Human beings are all around us and sometimes we can be so brilliant and so cool. And, human beings are amazing. We are created in the image of God. Duh. But, sometimes we can get a little ahead of ourselves. Sometimes we have lofty thoughts of ourselves. We've mapped the human genome (the DNA project). We found cells that are so small they had to invent a new word to describe how small they are. We've mapped galaxies beyond our little earth. Gosh, we are amazing!
Yet, in a single moment - without the perfect balance of the atmosphere, oxygen, carbon, pressure, etc. - we would be gone. Who do we think we are? We create religions, philosophies, fame. We mock God openly and Christians are embarrassed to stand in His defense. Bill Maher speaks boldly and says that "Faith is the lack of critical thinking" - basically people who believe in God don't know how to think for themselves.... In other words - God-believers are stupid.
In the end, who will have the final say?
Think about it.
Who do we think we are?
References:
Oswalt, John N. The NIV Application Commentary: Isaiah, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.
Jan 6, 2010
January 7 - Isaiah 1
Hello and welcome to our daily devotions blog. Hopefully you will join as we seek God's word together.
For Isaiah 1 - (as with all Bible reading) - I recommend reading a few different versions/translations. For this chapter, I really enjoyed the Message. You can find it at the link below.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%201&version=MSG
The following are notes and questions to help guide you. Focus on the verses that particularly spoke to you this time.
Intro: Isaiah is the son of a guy named Amoz and he was a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah.
Isaiah 1:1-9 Rebellion is the main theme here. God is described as a parent who has raised children only to find that they turn their backs on him. "The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manager, but Israel does not know..." (NIV)
Question: If you were a parent and this happened to you, how would you feel?
Isaiah 1:10-20 "I can't stand your trivial religious games...I'm sick of your religion... Go home and wash up. Clean up your act." (The Message) Sometimes we get lost in "religion" and rituals and forget that what comes first is a transformed person. According to one scholar, "Religious actions were to be a symbol of the heart condition...So, why did He require sacrifices? Because we humans need a way of symbolizing spiritual realities" (Oswalt, 2003, p. 80). These worship services, songs, offering rituals are for us - not God. But, some of us might have it wrong -- we go through the motions and do the religious thing rather than begin from our hearts and allow these rituals to be the expressions of our hearts. What is the point of our songs if they are just words being sung? What is the point of our prayers if they are just a bunch of words put together to just get over with?
Question: Where are you? Are you worshipping out of a transformed life or are you just going through the motions?
Isaiah 1:21-31 Even in this sad description we can find this glimmer of hope... Yes, if you repent, I will restore you. God uses the metaphor of silver and impurities (v. 25). Typically a metalworker would remove the impurities by melting the silver. The "dross" would come to the surface and could be removed. When the silver is purged of these impurities and becomes PURE, then the metalworker is able to see his/her image in the silver. It's kind of like - when we repent and turn our hearts towards God - we are able to reflect God's image more. Even when we've totally messed up, God still calls us back to him. But the question is - will you return in repentance?
Maybe you've got some "dross" that needs to be purged. And, maybe that "dross" is keeping you feeling guilty as if God won't accept you - but that's a lie. God desires that you turn your heart towards Him in honest repentance and He will begin that restoring and transforming work.
Question: Will you return?
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