Isaiah – Page 5 – Be Still…

December 15 God’s Favor (Isaiah 61:1-11)

A girl holding a cardboard sign that reads "BLESSED"

We may recall Jesus reciting the opening words of this passage in Luke 4. Jesus ends with these words before sitting down, “the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Isaiah prophesied about the LORD’s favor, and then Jesus proclaims the words had been fulfilled that very day.

Certainly, we do see Jesus as the one appointed to bring good news to the poor. We think of Jesus’ earthly mission as a care ministry, bringing peace and wholeness to those he encounters. What do we see when we read these same words with our Advent eyes?

December 13 Hope (Isaiah 35:1-10)

Read Isaiah 35:1-10

The words HOPE endures with a butterfly image behind

What a beautiful prophecy! Isaiah delivered this hope of restoration just in time. The first 34 chapters of the book of Isaiah delivered the message of judgment on both Israel and Judah for rejecting God. These positive words would have been like a breath of fresh air.

Yet there are still many today who reject God for one reason or another. It’s tragic. I can’t imagine walking through this life without God by my side. Not to experience the hope, the joy, and the unconditional love would leave such an empty place.

December 2 Waiting (Isaiah 64:1-9)

Read Isaiah 64:1-9

dog looking outside the window as if waiting for someone to return

I got goosebumps just reading the first two verses! As we read through these texts during Advent, I’d like you to do so using the “lens” of Jesus is coming. For us, we are waiting for Jesus to come back. Oh, what a joyous day that will be! The nations will most certainly tremble!

These verses just magnify God’s power yet keep him relatable. He’s not an untouchable God. Sometimes I forget how wonderful it is to have God working for me! “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!”

Isaiah 66:1-24 – God’s People

Read Isaiah 66:1-24

Chapter 65 would have been an incredibly positive place to end this prophetic book. There we saw what appears to be God’s plan to return his people to the beautiful world of peace and harmony, just as he originally created. But our world is full of sin, and final words were necessary to emphasize our need for a relationship with God.

I’m not a Biblical scholar or historian, but I do know the first audience hearing these words in post-exilic times were experiencing hardship, division, and indifference toward God. To get their attention here, God sends this message through the prophet. “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word. But those who choose their own ways—delighting in their detestable sins—will not have their offerings accepted.” That’s a pretty clear message.