Category: Isaiah

First This, Then This

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 57-58

Poetry Reading: Psalm 87

New Testament Reading: James 1

The last few chapters of Isaiah have been full of day brighteners including promises of a Messiah with an everlasting reign and abundant pardon and forgiveness. Today, we start with some well deserved reminders that the LORD does chastise the disobedient. While His mercies are great, as recipients of that, He calls us to obedience for His glory. And sometimes, direct communication is just what we need. I found it quite effective in verse 3 when my attention was caught by,

“But come here, you sons of a sorceress,

Offspring of an adulterer and a prostitute!”

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 57:3.

In fact, the exclamation point alone caught my eye since they aren’t nearly as common in the Bible as they are in some of my written communications!!!

Does it seem harsh? Well, umm…let’s see. These people are literally generations deep into a smorgasbord of pagan/idolatrous practices like we see in verses 5-6: worshipping false Gods through things like infant sacrifice “slaying of children” to Molech, dark caves and clefts of rock often used for pagan superstitious practices, and lusting toward tree idols as the Assyrians did. While it sounds so foreign and wrong, it doesn’t take too much work to see a parallel to our contemporary society. We are a nation full of pagan practices, and while hanging out in dark caves might not be our thing, we are entrenched in ungodly customs and superstitions that are so infiltrated we don’t even always recognize them. Slaying of children brings one practice to mind against which thankfully some states like my own in Indiana have put some new laws in place recently, and we are also a people truly idolizing many earthly things as Philippians 3:19 tells us.

However, as always, it seems that there is comfort to be found for the contrite and humble before God as Isaiah 57:15-16 says.  And that comfort is contrasted to the never ending turmoil of the waves symbolizing the wicked. I generally think of waves as peaceful things. The type of noise people want on white noise machines, the type of view we use for meditations and/or swirling about behind worship songs on the projector screens, but the waves themselves never really do get a rest, do they? The waves are full of muck and mire. Always crashing and tossing amidst turmoil causing erosion and destruction in some cases. Makes me get motion sickness just picturing that as my lot in life. It sounds awful to be stuck as a “wave”, and in turn, worth reading this chapter of rebuke and seeking to be contrite in heart.

The next chapter of Isaiah 58 made me think of work when I noticed a few repeated words of “if” and “then”. As an occupational therapist, some of the children I work with have a variety of behavioral and developmental challenges, autism, sensory processing dysfunction, etc. A technique that works with some children struggling to make sense of information and attend to a task is a simple cue of “First this, Then this”.  We have signs up in our clinic with “first” and “then” labels and pictures choices they can select, and sometimes we just use the words themselves.  Many times a day I say things like “first wash hands, then play” or “first shoes, then run”. It helps kids direct attention and understand what to do next, and it works far better than most adult ramblings and attempts to verbally rationalize the request or directions. A simple directive communicated in a way they understand, and often a preferred “then” can really help some people understand the task before them. Isaiah 58 reminded me of this.  We don’t need a rationalization or justification from God for his directions to us. And in this chapter, He mentions some of His “firsts”:

  • care for the hungry
  • provide shelter for the wanderer
  • satisfy the oppressed
  • stop malicious talk and arguing
  • stop pointing fingers
  • stop doing as you please!

It is really important to intentionally consider what the LORD’s firsts are sometimes because unfortunately they are in stark contrast to what the world’s noise tells us. I see no firsts commanding the American dream, “me time”, building wealth, being a busy beaver, living vacation to vacation, or “you do you”. In fact, we are flat out told the opposite.  “Stop doing as you please” is simply not a cultural norm in America, so knowing that a Biblical worldview is in contrast to the worldview so prevalent around us is important.

Because THEN. . .

Then your light will rise in darkness,

And your gloom will become like midday.

 “And the Lord will continually guide you,

And satisfy your desire in scorched places,

And give strength to your bones;

And you will be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

“Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;

You will raise up the age-old foundations;

And you will be called the repairer of the breach,

The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 58:10–12.

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions:

1. What conviction might you find in reading Isaiah 57 as you consider your nation? your church family? you personally?

2. Which of God’s “firsts” might you need to emphasize in your life?

3. Which of your “firsts” might you need to deemphasize?

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Abundantly Pardoned

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 55-56

Poetry Reading: Psalm 86

New Testament: Book of James Intro – found below

Today’s Old Testament reading of Isaiah 55-56 is another encouraging message for those who reflect and return to God. Along with instructions to listen carefully, incline ears, and come to Him, we also read terms like mercy, compassion, and the phrase “abundantly pardon”.  People who return to God ( a daily need it seems!) are not just scraping by in a free trial period or conditional agreement. They are abundantly pardoned. The preceding chapters told us how (and through whom) that works, and it is not through anything we do. We are unworthy, but when we seek Him, we are recipients of abundant love, provision, and pardon in ways we far too often take for granted.

Some of my favorite passages in the Bible are the ones that remind me that God’s ways are perfect, and He has a plan and understanding that is superior to mine.  One example is Proverbs 16:9, and another is right here in Isaiah 55:9: 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 55:9.

 I don’t know how you feel, but I read this and I say…..thank goodness!

As I was reading along in Isaiah 55 the reference to the plants stood out to me in verse 13. I really enjoy plants….learning about them, looking at them, growing them, sometimes killing them, watching perennials spread and annuals do their thing, seeing flowers turn into fruits, milkweed attract monarchs, learning about their medicinal and nutritional uses, smelling them. Pretty much, God’s creation of plants and nature are good things for us all around! (In fact, I learned a new term at work recently from a colleague who works with me with our pediatric patients who all need more time outside it seems, and if you haven’t heard of “forest bathing”…..it’s a thing!)  But, back to verse 13.  I was familiar with juniper, but wanted a reminder what the myrtle plant was that was going to replace stinging nettle.

And while I learned myrtle is apparently a lovely, fragrant, evergreen shrub, I also learned that it is quite Biblically significant. It is referenced as a choice plant according to Isaiah 41 and included in Zechariah’s prophecy. Interestingly, it also pops up in the book of Esther since her Hebrew name (instead of the Persian one), Hadassah, is the feminine form of the word “hadas” or “myrtle”.  Jews and Christians celebrating the Feast of Booths often use myrtle in their sukkots and celebrations. In fact, that is coming up next week so myrtle of the world is undoubtedly getting ready to make some appearances!

But, whether or not you ever see or grow myrtle, the message of a beautiful, fragrant, fertile, eternal hope God has in store for you is one to keep alive no matter what!

Isaiah 56 continues to call God’s people to a pursuit of righteousness and obedience and shares the promise with those of us who may not be biological descendants of Jacob.

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions:

1. Consider the abundant, complete, and perfect pardoning you have received regardless of the gunk in your life. Have you allowed God to share that forgiveness and hope?

2. What is hard about sharing forgiveness and mercy toward others as we are called to do as followers of Jesus? How can you extend abundant pardon toward another today?

3. As you reflect on God’s ways being higher than yours, how can you better trust and rely on Him to plan your steps and make sense of this world even when you don’t get it?

Book of James Introduction

The Book of James was written by a man named James, who was probably the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13).  The book was written to the Jews who were scattered among the nations.  These Jews were obviously persecuted based on the way James started chapter 1.  These may have been Jews who were part of the Jerusalem church that were scattered after Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1). 

The main point of the book is to encourage the reader to actively live faithfully for God.  This can be summed up by looking at a couple of verses:

James 1:21 – Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:22 – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.

James 2:17 – …faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 4:17 – Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

Here are some interesting verses about the author:

  • Acts 12:17 –  After Peter was rescued from prison, he told his friends to tell James and the other brothers and sisters…
  • Acts 15:13 – James was an important member of the council that met in Jerusalem
  • Acts 21:18 – Paul went to see James after Paul’s last missionary journey to give James a detailed report of his missionary journeys
  • 1 Corinthians 15:7 – Jesus appeared to James, then to all the apostles
  • Galatians 1:19 – Paul went to see James on his first trip to Jerusalem after his conversion
  • Galatians 2:9 – Paul called James a pillar of the church
  • Jude 1:1 – Jude identified himself as the brother of James

As you read the book of James, consider how it applies to you:  How do you react during trials?  How do you treat those who are less fortunate than yourself?  How do you speak?  Do you resist the devil and draw near to God?  Are your prayers powerful and effective?

I’ll close with James 5:20, “remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his ways will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

–Steve Mattison

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From Suffering Servants to Shouts of Joy

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53-54

Poetry Reading: Psalm 85

New Testament Reading: Mark 16

Today’s Old Testament reading of Isaiah 53 actually starts mid-way in the last of four “Servant Songs” from the book of Isaiah. If you didn’t read Isaiah 52 already, you might want to back up to Isaiah 52:13 since that is often considered the start of this poem.

Recently, I learned a new word at a Bible class I was attending when the teacher mentioned the variations of “pericopes” Bible publishers use. For some reason the word entertained me enough to laugh, and while I couldn’t remember the word writing this and had to look it up and laughed again saying it to myself, it just means the heading at the top of the divisions of scripture.  In my Bible, the pericope for Isaiah 53 is called The Suffering Servant, giving a good clue that this is a rather serious subject.

I have been enjoying a Christian historical fiction book recently set during the time of Jesus as a Jewish family is piecing together scriptures and promises as they are hearing what is going on near their “out of town relatives in Nazareth”. I have been struck by how much of Isaiah they knew and were waiting to see fulfilled and come clear, and how much what we know of our Messiah today is woven together throughout scripture. It brings such credibility and contextual understanding to have the Old with the New Testament and Isaiah 53 is certainly one of those linking passages. From what I can see, it is directly quoted at least eight times in the New Testament in a variety of writings including Matthew, Luke, John, Romans, Acts, and I Peter. Beyond these, we also see more New Testament references to the chapter’s concept referenced indirectly.

If you are doing the New Testament readings this week wrapping up Mark as well, you will certainly see the parallel to this concept that a blameless Messiah suffered torture and humiliation as an intercessor for the sins of all. It was prophesied about hundreds of years before Jesus came into existence in the womb of Mary, and it came true, bringing credibility to the well-preserved and passed down Hebrew scriptures. We have a mediator between God and us. We don’t have to sacrifice animals, recite chants, or come up with meaningless ways to “pay back” for our sins. We can’t fix the problem. But the son of God did:

“He poured out His blife unto death,

And was counted with wrongdoers;

Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,

And interceded for the wrongdoers.”

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 53:12.

Isaiah 54 starts with shouts for joy and continues on with an encouraging message that supersedes whatever brings shame, sorrow, and feelings of abandonment. While the main character in chapter 53 was the Servant, in this chapter we are reunited with a female character mentioned earlier in Isaiah. Earlier in Isaiah this woman was abandoned by her husband and then later reunited with him. (Side note: I know someone who had this happen in real life just like Israel did!) This woman seems to be a personified “Zion”, sometimes representing the city of Jerusalem, sometimes the nation of Israel, sometimes the descendants of Abraham. Whatever the case in chapter 54….she’s getting good news! While she’s felt abandoned and forsaken for a time, she is given a lot of beautiful promises. She doesn’t need to fear weapons, enemies, or past mistakes. She is promised everlasting comfort, compassion, peace, and some pretty cool gems (like maybe the ones in the New Jerusalem?!). I couldn’t even pick a favorite verse to pull out, but here’s one I liked and I’m sure you’ll find other words of encouragement in this chapter.

“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,

But My favor will not be removed from you,

Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken,”

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 54:10.

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions:

1. How does learning the Old Testament scriptures impact your understanding of the New Testament?

2. What message in the Suffering Servant poem might you need to be reminded of today?

3. What words of encouragement do you see in Isaiah 53 and 54 for yourself? Or for someone else you know?

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Listen to Me

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 51-52

Poetry Reading: Psalm 84

New Testament Reading: Mark 15

Our Old Testament reading today, coming from Isaiah 51 & 52 starts with a call to attention.  In the first 7 verses the reader is instructed three times to “listen” or “pay attention”. In fact, depending on your version, you might even have a good old fashioned “Hearken!”  Isaiah 51:1 calls those who are pursuing righteousness to listen and verse 7 speaks to those who know righteousness. I was challenged as I considered the implication that those being asked to listen were those pursuing rightousness when I consider how poorly a job I do at times pursuing God compared to pursuing everything else. Even amidst Assyrian captivity, the LORD was aware of His people and this chapter is full of comfort for them. We are showered with words like joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and justice. I even found myself humming “Therefore the Redeemed of the LORD shall return. . .” reading through this chapter. The source of comfort and hope described throughout Isaiah 51 is attributed to the LORD. It isn’t going to come from political freedom, overtaking enemies, gaining wealth, or stockpiling weapons and food. It comes from,

“. . .the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar (the Lord of armies is His name). 16 And I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to cestablish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’ ”

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 51:15–16.

Thankfully, while he was speaking to the nation of Israel at that time when he said “You are my people”, today, if we are believers and followers of the promised Messiah talked about in Isaiah, we are also His people. We also have a hope of eternal security and an unshakable kingdom yet to come.

Isaiah 52 continues the message of removing the weight from the burden of sin and oppression and shares a message of liberty and redemption.  Isaiah again seems to be conducive to use for song lyrics if you are familiar with “Our God Reigns” which is based on this chapter. And Chapter 52 concludes with the exalted servant Messiah imagery. The sprinkle he offers in verse 15 doesn’t come in rainbow variety as a donut or ice cream topping. It is the same word used in Leviticus 16 referencing sacrificial blood. The servant was sacrificed for our sins. And at his name, one day, every knee should bow.

“Behold, My Servant will prosper,

He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted.”

 New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 52:13.

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions:

1.  How might “pursuing righteousness” look in your life?

2.  Are you one of God’s people, and if so, how does that change and affect your life?

3. What might you need cleansed of today as you consider the sacrificial sprinkling of blood for your redemption?

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YHWH is Salvation

*Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49-50

Poetry Reading: Psalm 83

New Testament Reading: Mark 14

In this week’s readings, I notice the parallel between the OT and NT readings. While I will focus on the Isaiah passages, if you are finishing up Mark instead, you will certainly notice the connections.

The reason I personally chose to focus on Isaiah is because comparatively to Psalms and Mark, I am far less knowledgeable, and it is always a book I want to take the time to “study more.” In addition to that, I’m enjoying a Christian historical fiction book series loaned to me by some friends that is set in Jesus’s time, but told from a Jewish family’s perspective. They have all sorts of questions about the book of Isaiah and their awaited Messiah, and as I have enjoyed seeing those connections unfold in the book, I thought I just might enjoy a deeper look at Isaiah this week myself.

Isaiah grew up during an affluent and successful time overall during the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam II of Israel. Economically and politically, things were going pretty well.  In addition to being born in a prosperous time, many commentators suggest that as son of Amoz, Isaiah had access to the royal family itself and was born into a cultivated upper class. Of course, riches and power don’t last forever, particularly when nations and individuals prioritize those things over following the LORD. In fact, his call to prophesy aligned historically with the increasing threat of Assyria toward Israel. Isaiah’s name means “YHWH is salvation” and the book shares the story of salvation and redemption that transcends challenging times of collapsing kingdoms and disobedient hearts.

In today’s reading of Isaiah 49-50, we come into this book of prophecy a little over halfway through, finding ourselves amidst one of four poems sometimes referred to as “servant songs” by commentators.   They are poems worth reading and are reflected in the New Testament when the Messiah comes on the scene.  I enjoyed how both 49:1 and 49:5 quickly reference the LORD’s calling and forming being from the womb. I think in America, amidst the chaotic noise on this subject, it is far to0 easy to gloss over its significance. Having had the opportunity to work with children who are born prematurely, seeing God’s creation itself at an age when a child should ideally still be “in the womb” combined with the overarching message of what is fortunately still the best selling book of all time (The Bible!), it isn’t poetic “fluff” when we see the emphasis on God’s prenatal calling on His intentional creation as part of His sovereign plan.

Chapter 49’s poem includes a servant ready to restore the nation to the LORD. And not just the tribes of Jacob mentioned in verse 6, but “that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” We see a God who doesn’t forsake His people even during dark days, and Chapter 49 concludes with glory given to the LORD through that relationship. “And humanity shall know that I, the LORD, am your savior, your redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” -(Isaiah 49:26)

In Chapter 50 we see prophecy of a servant who was not rebellious, who would not be ashamed, and who trusted and relied upon the LORD. We are challenged to do the same and to obey the LORD’s Messiah, walking in light.

Such great hope in the words “Behold the LORD God helps me. Who is he who condemns me?” -Isaiah 50:9

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions:

1. How have your growing up years in the United States been similar or different to Isaiah’s growing up years in a prosperous Jerusalem? How might prosperity and power affect a nation’s spiritual health?

2. Have you ever felt forsaken by the LORD or outside of his reach of forgiveness? What do the messages of these poems say about redemption and salvation?

3. How might the LORD receive glory through the plan He has had for you since before you were in the womb?

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Thus Says the Lord

New Testament Reading:  Mark 12

Psalms Reading:  81

*Old Testament Reading:  Isaiah 45-46

“For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other.”  –Isaiah 45:18 (ESV)

Isaiah 45 begins, “Thus says the LORD…”.  This is repeated in verses 11, 14, & 18.  This phrase speaks of confidence and certainty; God has spoken and He only says what is true.  In verses 6, 18, 21, & 22 God says, “I am the LORD, and there is no other”.  In this chapter of Isaiah God speaks and He tells us how all-powerful He is and that there is none like Him. 

In chapter 46, verse 5 God asks the question, “To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?  He speaks of the worthlessness of idols and then says, in verses 8-11, Remember this and stand firm… for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me… declaring the end from the beginning… My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose… I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. 

There just aren’t words big enough to describe our awe of God.  I checked the thesaurus:  awesome, incredible, spectacular, astonishing, stunning, amazing, magnificent, wondrous, majestic.  Our God, my God, your God, speaks to us and will accomplish what He says he will do.  He has a purpose and He will complete it.  We can rely on that without doubt.  I encourage you to take some time and read some of God’s promises and bask in the fact that each one already has or will happen.  You can start with Isaiah 45:22-23 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!  For I am God, and there is no other.  By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance”

These chapters fill me with hope and confidence in our almighty God.  Let me leave you with a beautiful image from Isaiah 45:8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it.” 

Amy Blanchard

  1. Since there aren’t any words that can adequately describe God – His power, His supremeness, how absolutely we can trust him – sit for a minute (preferably longer) and feel.  I know that sounds odd, but try it. 
  2. God speaking for two chapters on how He is the greatest and only perfect One and how He WILL succeed gives me chills.  I like action movies – you know, the ones where the good guys win (American movies).  There is always a specific moment, whether it’s a line, a visual cue, or the background music changes when you know “it’s done”, the good guys are going to win.  Picture the “cavalry coming over the hill” scene in so many movies.  One is in Avengers:  Endgame (spoiler alert).  Just when Captain America is about to be defeated and overtaken by a huge army The Avengers assemble.  They rescue him and save the world. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pFUP0HZwWM)  When these scenes happen, you feel something – relief, power, joy.  What do you feel when you read some of the passages from today’s chapters in Isaiah?   (And just for fun – what are some of the differences between the Avengers scene and this passage in Isaiah?)
  3. God created all of our emotions.  Thank Him for them.  What are you feeling today?
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Everyone Who is Called by His Name

New Testament Reading:  Mark 11 

Psalms Reading:  80

*Old Testament Reading:  Isaiah 43-44 

This summer our church spent some time looking at the Enneagram.  It is kind of like a personality test, but more in depth.  It is a tool used to help us look at ourselves honestly, among other things.  What I learned about myself (the good, bad and the ugly) has made me think about my motivations – the why I do what I do, or don’t do.  I am a 2W1 (type 2, wing 1).  My core longing is to feel that I am wanted, loved, needed, chosen, etc. 

I love how Isaiah 43 speaks to my core longing**.    Verses 1, 4a, 10a:    “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine….you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…..“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen,…”.  These verses tell me that I don’t need to fear, I am redeemed, God calls me by name (I am known), I am His, I am precious, honored, loved and chosen.   Wow!  That’s a lot right there! 

Verse 3 says, “For I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.”  And verse 15 says, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.”  These verses speak to a relationship; to how we view God in our lives.  They are personal, which is what God wants them to be.  He wants to be our Savior and our King.  In verses 3-7 God tells us we matter and we are worth much to Him.  He says he will gather the Israelites from the end of the earth – everyone who is called by His name, whom He created for His glory, whom He formed and made.  That includes us.  That includes you, wherever you are in your faith journey; you are called by His name.  Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God chose you before you existed; God chooses you while you’re still a sinner.  He wants you to choose to be in a relationship with Him – He calls you by name, You are precious, honored, loved and chosen by Him.  YOU were created for His glory.

Whatever personality type you are, it is good to be known and loved by your Creator! 

** In this passage, God shifts from calling the Israelites out on their failure to listen to Him in chapter 42 to telling them how much He loves them in chapter 43.  These verses were not directed at us today, however, they reveal God’s character and relationship to His followers.  In that regard, they can be applied to us as children of God.

Amy Blanchard

Reflection Questions

  1. Relationships take time, intentionality, and sacrifice.  We see in God’s word that God directs those toward us.  How are you doing at reciprocating?
  2. We see in today’s reading that God is our creator, redeemer, protector, helper, and king.  He forgives us and he loves us.  Which of these resonates with your heart today? 
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Lift Up Your Eyes

New Testament Reading:  Mark 9

Psalms Reading:  78

*Old Testament Reading:  Isaiah 39-40

Do you not know? Do you not hear?  Has it not been told you from the beginning?  Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?   – Isaiah 40:21 (ESV)

Since we are covering a couple of chapters at a time in the Old Testament, there is a lot of information to consider every day.  Today, chapter 39 tells of a good man doing a bad thing.  King Hezekiah shows all his wealth to the king of Babylon.  King Hezekiah was trying to impress the envoys from Babylon.  He was enjoying the recognition, honor, flattery, and praise from men.  It seems that Hezekiah’s pride made him unable to see the destruction that could come from doing such a thing.  Isaiah tells him plainly in verses 6-7, Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 

Hezekiah started out as a godly king.  He was given a gift of an additional 15 years of life (see Isaiah 38).  Sadly, he did not use those extra years wisely.   Instead, he became proud and focused on himself.  Something to take from this chapter is that it is how we use our time that matters in the end. 

Beginning in chapter 40, the rest of Isaiah is largely a message of comfort.  Isaiah prophesies about John the Baptist, Jesus, and the reward he will bring.   Isaiah reminds us that God is our Creator and that His creation makes Him evident.  Verses 25-26a say, “To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.  Lift up your eyes on high and see:  who created these?”  We need only “look up”; to consider there is a God who designed and created everything.  We are told he is mighty, strong in power, everlasting, and does not faint or grow weary. We need to know that about God.  This is also sound advice in general.  To “look up” is to take our eyes off of ourselves.  When we “look up” at God and what He created (this includes other people) we put ourselves in a position to see how God can use us. 

Then Isaiah turns the message a bit, from telling us how powerful God is to telling us that God will give us power and strength.  To whom does he offer these?  To those who “wait for the Lord” (verse 31).  I am not a scholar; I haven’t taken Hebrew or Greek.  I don’t usually get caught up in words, but in studying this passage, I found this word study very interesting.  The word wait in the English language is passive.  Apparently, the Hebrew language has about 25 words for wait.  The one used in Isaiah 40:31 is qavah (kaw-vaw).  Qavah means to wait actively with anticipation or to look eagerly for.  It is sometimes translated as hope.  It is impossible to wait on the Lord without hope. 

Amy Blanchard

Reflection Questions

  1. What does “to wait actively with anticipation” look like for you at this stage of your life?  What are you waiting (hoping) for?
  2. Lift up your eyes; look for God in everything around you.  What/Who do you see? 
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Newness in the Clay

Jeremiah 18

In Isaiah 40 we talked about how God provides comfort in our seasons of trouble, but we can also see God’s comfort here in Jeremiah 18. Here in this chapter, God tells Jeremiah to go and watch a potter in his house, and what he sees is this.

Jeremiah 18:1-4

“This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down at once to the potter’s house; there I will reveal my words to you.” So, I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, working away at the wheel. But the jar that he was making from the clay became flawed in the potter’s hand, so he made it into another jar, as it seemed right for him to do.”

God then says to Israel, “Can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay?… Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so you are in my hand.”

            The comfort comes from the hope that God is our potter. He can make something new out of any situation we may be in.  

In some seasons of life, we may feel like we are broken and there is no coming back from that brokenness. But there is newness in the clay. That brokenness we feel is fixable, and God will make something new out of that brokenness.

            Now when God is telling Israel this in Jeremiah 18, he means it in a different way. In this time Israel was disobedient of God.

 God says in Jeremiah 18:7-8

“At one moment I might announce concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will uproot, tear down, and destroy it.  However, if that nation about which I have made the announcement turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the disaster I had planned to do to it.”

This passage was as much a lesson for individuals as it was to Israel. Listen to God but know that he will make new beautiful things out of broken things.

-Hannah Eldred

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you that you are the clay and the Lord God is the potter?
  2. Have you seen a time in your life (or the life of someone else) when God turned a marred pot into a work of art and function? What was the best part of this transformation? Was it easy or still a bit difficult to be the molded clay?
  3. What can be learned at the potter’s house about God’s discipline?
2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

God’s Comfort for Us

Isaiah 40

Wednesday, October 25, 2022

There are many times in life when we feel alone, and without comfort. Times like grieving over death, or a spot in life that just isn’t going our way. In this chapter however, God’s comfort and hope are clear towards God’s people, just as it is today.

Throughout all of Isaiah, there were themes. Isaiah 1-35 deal with condemnation, Isaiah 36-39 are the historic chapters, the chapters with confiscation, and Isaiah 40-66 consolation. Consolation is the comfort people feel after a loss or disappointment.

Every story in the Bible has its sad parts, its broken pieces, but in the end, God provides comfort and peace.

            Isaiah 40:1-2

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and announce to her that her time of forced labor is over, her iniquity has been pardoned, and she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”

The Lord is saying to Isaiah. Tell my people the battle is over; they don’t need to worry. Isaiah knew all about warning and instructing God’s people, but God also wanted His people to receive His comfort.

In any group of people waiting to hear from God, there are always a number of hurting hearts. It is important for us to hear words of comfort for God is comfort. Our purpose is to bring God’s comfort to other’s pain, just as others bring us the same comfort. God’s purpose for us is to love him and love others in our pain.

Our battle may not always be over, it was the same way for God’s people. The battle wasn’t over for Jerusalem when this was written, but God told them it would be over. That is where the comfort comes from.  Knowing the battle may not be over yet, but also knowing we have a mighty God who will bring us through it.

Our purpose is bringing others the Lord’s comfort in their battles too. Share in God’s hope and love.

-Hannah Eldred

Reflection Questions

  1. What characteristics of God do you find in Isaiah 40? Which one do you sometimes forget about? Which one means the most to you today?
  2. Who do you know who you can bring God’s comfort to this week? How will you do so?
2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload