*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?
Seek Grow Love 