Day 195

Isaiah the Prophet Depicted by Marc Chagall

Isaiah Introduction

The book of Isaiah, the "mother lode of Hebrew prophecy," sets forth a lifetime of preaching by the statesman and prophet for whom it is named. In the first thirty-nine chapters, the prophet stresses righteousness, holiness, and the justice of God, announcing his terrible judgment upon a world stained scarlet with sin (1:18). But the last twenty-seven chapters portray God's glory, compassion, and undeserved favor. Messiah will come as a Savior to bear a cross and as Sovereign to wear a crown.

Scripture

July 13—Isaiah 1-4: Judah's Rebellion

Observation

Isaiah ("Jehovah is salvation") writes at a time when attack, intimidation, and even annihilation appear likely for the people of God. Undaunted, Isaiah stands toe to toe with the wicked kings and corrupt countrymen of Judah, delivering his unpopular message: "Repent or feel God's righteous wrath." Kings and officials, priests and commoners—no one is safe from Isaiah's verbal missiles!

Application

How many people do you know who have read their way through all sixty-six chapters of Isaiah and lived to tell about it? In less than three weeks you will join their distinguished ranks? And the key to success is simple: tackle this reading project the same way you will eat an elephant—one bite at a time!

As you read Isaiah's potent message, put yourself frequently in his sandals. Isaiah was living the very sermons he was called to deliver. When he proclaimed God's judgment upon Judah he knew it would be his neighbors that would suffer, his temple that would fall, his nation that would march into exile. The thought of his countrymen finally getting what they deserved broke Isaiah's heart. But in the process of that breaking emerged a tender man of steel—one uniquely equipped to deliver an unpopular message for more than half a century.

The sweet fragrance of perfume is only possible after a "crushing" experience. And that's what God is doing today: bringing a sweet fragrance out of our life. But first must come the crushing—the conforming—the committing of our life to him. Are we willing, like Isaiah, to be bruised that we might be used? Let's tell him so!

Prayer

O Lord, we are going through a time of affliction right now with a pandemic and an economic crisis affecting the whole world but we know we as a whole and with repentance and obedience to your Word we will meet the sweetest experiences of your love for you hold all power in your hands.  Use us Lord to spread the Good News with whomever we encounter during our daily walk through this life. And, thank you, Lord for loving us! In Jesus name, Amen!

© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020