Isaiah – Page 2 – Be Still…

Isaiah 64:1-9 – We’re Waiting

Isaiah does a beautiful job here of covering a lot of ground. For us living on this side of history, we can perfectly picture who Isaiah is speaking to. Isaiah would not have met the man Jesus but would be very faithful to God the Father.

The message God gave Isaiah may seem like it’s all over the place, but the gems are plentiful and can stand alone as beautiful prophecies that keep on giving. Let’s unpack these verses from the Advent perspective of preparing for Jesus’ return. What are your favorite takeaways? Continue reading “Isaiah 64:1-9 – We’re Waiting”

Isaiah 55:1-13 – Unfailing Love

Read Isaiah 55:1-13

God’s unfailing love is played out in his offer of blessing, our salvation. We can almost picture God with open arms as Isaiah describes God’s welcome to come eat and be filled. He welcomes all and includes us even if we can’t pay. If our salvation depended on us, we would not be saved. God doesn’t exclude anyone because unfailing love is like that.

Isaiah was given this prophecy from God all those years ago, but it is still fulfilled each time a believer is saved. I love that God revealed this message so many generations before Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection made it possible. Continue reading “Isaiah 55:1-13 – Unfailing Love”

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – What He Endured for Us

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Jesus knew suffering firsthand, up close and personal, and in a most dreadful, horrific way. We may often feel alone in our own struggles, but knowing Jesus is familiar with our pain can be comforting. This passage can be shocking to read, especially the first time. To know that what Jesus endured for us was foretold by the prophet, Isaiah, is such a powerful revelation, isn’t it?

So far during our Discovering the Bible Together Challenge, we’ve met Jesus as our Messiah and Servant King. Now we know him for his sacrificial suffering. What love! How does that make you feel to realize all Jesus has done for you? Continue reading “Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – What He Endured for Us”

Isaiah 35:4 – What Are Your Fears?

“Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4)

For me, one fear I can’t shake is my fear of heights. I’ve gotten past my fear of spiders by living in Mexico. That’s a good thing – they’re giants down here! But this verse isn’t limited to fears of that nature, but to our overall dread of the testing and temptation we will face in life.

Context (Isaiah 35:1-10): As a remedy for fear, Isaiah was given such a beautiful prophecy picturing the day of the Lord when all will be restored. We don’t have to fear when we remember what God’s victory looks like. For the Israelites also hearing of the coming doom, words of hope and everlasting joy would sound great. Isaiah’s own heart would be rejoicing from the promise. Continue reading “Isaiah 35:4 – What Are Your Fears?”

Isaiah 53:6 – All Have Sinned

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

That’s a true statement. All have sinned, not just those other people. We have all sinned and strayed away from God’s perfect plan for our lives. It’s inevitable, but our doom is not forever because of the promise we can claim in this verse.

Context (Isaiah 53): This chapter of Isaiah’s prophecies speaks of Jesus, pointing directly to the one who gave himself for us. The truths that Isaiah was given to share can break our hearts when we read them and picture Jesus doing all of this for us. This chapter contains so many images that would play out and be fulfilled by our king Jesus. How do we respond to such a sacrifice? Continue reading “Isaiah 53:6 – All Have Sinned”