Isaiah – Page 6 – Be Still…

Isaiah 64:1-12 – Falling Short

I have been known to say something very similar to the opening line of our reading today. “Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down!” I am especially passionate about this when the world around me looks chaotic or dreary. Jesus is definitely the answer for me! Now, of course, Isaiah’s first audience had yet to meet Jesus or know that he promised to return. When they make reference to God coming down long ago, it was the remembrance of Mount Sinai in Exodus 19.

Since we don’t know when God plans to send Jesus back to earth, we can wait with joyful anticipation. Maybe it will be today! When it does happen, it will be a spectacle beyond our comprehension. When I look around, I see a world that is broken and hurting, definitely in need of a Savior.

Isaiah 63:7-19 – Where is God?

Read Isaiah 63:7-19

Have you ever felt abandoned by God? I’m sure when we face dark days, some of these laments could be on our lips as well. It seems when we get caught up in our own negativity, it’s difficult to see any light breaking through. The year 2020 has been particularly hard on many of us. Looking back, I feel like my faith journey was at an all time high. For me, it was easier to cling to God rather than to run from him or think he had left me behind.

It’s good for us to remember that Jesus suffered for us as well. Is that what Isaiah meant here? “In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” When we can focus on Jesus’ victory, it makes our struggle and suffering seem slight. Doesn’t it?

Isaiah 63:1-6 – Mighty to Save

Read Isaiah 63:1-6

Does Edom represent all nations who have opposed God and led his people astray? I’m not sure what to make of this passage. I do see it as representing God’s mercy revealed to a people who had been lost. What a startling and memorable depiction to be sure. While his royal garments were covered in blood, the LORD remained strong and full of intention.

He declares, “It is I, the Lord, announcing your salvation! It is I, the Lord, who has the power to save!” God is mighty to save not just judge and condemn. I like the words from the praise song, “Mighty to Save” from Hillsong.

Everyone needs compassion
A love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Isaiah 62:1-12 – A Prayer for Jerusalem

Read Isaiah 62:1-12

Jerusalem has been a popular city over the years. I was recently awakened to Jerusalem’s amazing history by watching the documentary series, “Christ Revealed.” I had never studied the history of Jerusalem, other than references in the Bible. Even though I didn’t take notes during the documentary, I remember enough to know the Jerusalem temple would be rebuilt after the Babylonian destruction. Then it would be demolished again by the Romans, a generation or so after Jesus predicted it and was crucified.

The people returning from exile were feeling like they were in over their heads. Seventy years had done a number on their blessed city. Those that did return didn’t have any memories of their own. They were simply following in the heritage of their ancestors. You know how it feels to have a huge task ahead. You can easily get stuck in frustration. To have Isaiah’s prayer for their city would have been comforting.

Isaiah 61:1-11 – Hope in the Darkness

Read Isaiah 61:1-11

Did you recognize this passage? It’s the one Jesus read to his hometown congregation. Jesus proclaimed to them that he was this prophecy fulfilled. I can see Jesus in these words, can’t you? “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”

Again, for a people who were feeling lost, these words must have sounded like music to their ears. Such beautiful displays of God’s mercy being poured out on his people. Yet still today we have a hard time receiving gifts from the Lord. We often ignore them, fail to use them, and thus miss out on so many blessings intended for us.