Isaiah – Page 20 – Be Still…

Isaiah 13:1-22 – Watch Out, Babylon!

We start a new section with Chapter 13. Isaiah will be telling of God’s plans against the heathen nations. God’s people were surrounded by nations who did not know God. These are the same nations who infiltrated and brought their own religions, beliefs, and traditions which contributed to God’s chosen ones going astray. Of course, it makes sense that God would want to do away with these nations. He wanted to rid his people of their temptations to worship other gods.

When we find ourselves tempted by sin, we are wise if we put distance between ourselves and that which tempts us. While the Bible promises we will never be tempted beyond what we can handle, we are still prone to sin. Being mindful of our triggers is a wise way to live. So, what we see God doing to these heathen nations is the result of the people not being able to walk away from their temptations.

Isaiah 12:1-6 – Praise the Lord

Read Isaiah 12:1-6

What a beautiful passage to lift us up today. Verse 12 seems to close out the first section of oracles presented by Isaiah. We have already read about the destruction of Israel and Judah and how God was going to use the Assyrian power to do his dirty work. But there were also shreds of hope thrown into the message. What was missing was the people’s response.

It’s good to see how the people, the remnant, respond to God’s truth. They knew what God was going to do, and they stayed the course. They witnessed with their own eyes the horror. Now they say, “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me.” God did exactly what he said he would and came for them.

Isaiah 11:1-16 – The Shoot of Jesse

Read Isaiah 11:1-16

There are so many beautiful images of peace in today’s reading. Did you have a favorite? Again, Isaiah’s prophecy is pointing toward the Messiah. “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” The “Branch” will be Jesus fulfilling the promise that our eternal king is from the line of David.

While our text translation doesn’t say “Jesse” directly, Jesse was David’s father, and I have seen other references to the stump of Jesse. In fact, when I was Children’s Ministry Director, we had a family event during Advent called “Jesse’s Tree.” It was designed for families to set aside intentional time during Advent (the preparation before Christmas in our tradition) to decorate a small tree with ornaments. Each ornament was chosen to tell a part of God’s story. This included prophecies of Jesus as well as symbols of the birth like a star, a shepherd, etc. There was a devotional guide that families would use as they placed each ornament on the tree. It was great fun setting up for the event, and then using the tokens to help prepare our hearts for Christmas each year thereafter.

Isaiah 10:20-34 – Where Hope is Found

Read Isaiah 10:20-34

Then at last, those who are left remaining after all is said and done, “will faithfully trust the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.” That was God’s hope at least. He didn’t want them to depend on the Assyrians or other powers. God wanted the people to trust him. God is also making a statement by allowing, if not orchestrating, the oppression that is to befall them. It is a definite “wake-up call” to see who is going to stay the course and represent the remnant.

Isaiah has done a great job of painting the picture of the destruction coming their way. As a result of their actions and behaviors, “the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, has already decided to destroy the entire land.” There was nothing that could be done to stop it. The people would see terror like their ancestors had at the hands of Egyptians. Those memories were no doubt kept alive and remembered each time Passover was celebrated. For those that listened to Isaiah, God had given them a hope to cling to.

Isaiah 10:5-19 – Who God Employs

Read Isaiah 10:5-19

This was such an interesting passage. God can use anybody for his purposes. How unlikely was it for Isaiah’s audience to believe that God would use the Assyrian army in this way? Certainly, the king of Assyria would never in a million years want to give credit where credit was actually due. I don’t think God expected him to, but he did want his own people to see the purpose and intention behind what was about to happen.

Can’t you just picture the king of Assyria beating his chest with such pride and accomplishment? Without the power of God backing his efforts, he would have had little to celebrate. How often does God work on our behalf and we fail to give him credit? I’m sure if I took time to really reflect on some of my major life accomplishments, I would have to readily admit it had to be God. That’s not to say I’m a slouch or anything. God simply amplifies our success with his power.