Isaiah – Page 8 – Be Still…

Isaiah 57:15-21 – Be Humble

What does it mean to be humble? A dictionary definition is: not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive. According to an article I read in Forbes, here are some habits or traits of someone who is humble or acts in humility. (1) They’re Situationally Aware; (2) They Retain Relationships; (3)They Make Difficult Decisions With Ease; (4) They Put Others First; (5) They Listen; (6) They’re Curious; (7) They Speak Their Minds; (8) They Take Time To Say “Thank You”; (9) They Have An Abundance Mentality; (10) They Start Sentences With “You” Rather Than “I”; (11) They Accept Feedback; (12) They Assume Responsibility; and (13) They Ask For Help.

And, they live with God and are restored by him. “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” I had underlined this verse in my Bible. Being humble is good. We should strive to be better at being humble. We all know people who are on the other end of the spectrum who are proud, like to hear themselves talk, and always clamor for attention. They can be a bit annoying.

Isaiah 57:3-14 – What Motivates You?

Read Isaiah 57:3-14

Am I the only one that feels like I’ve been slapped upside the head? We’re not used to hearing this kind of tone from God. Yet there can be no doubt how he feels about how his people are acting. One might think, “God must be over-reacting” or “It must be a huge misunderstanding.” Remember, this is God. He is all knowing and all powerful. If he is feeling slighted, even in the least, than his people must surely be disappointing him greatly.

Who was this rant meant for? Was it the Israelites in captivity or those who had been returned to their homeland? Does it matter? It could well be us, today, caught up with our own idolatry. Are we any less guilty of putting our faith in other “gods” or giving our attention elsewhere? What are our motivations?

Isaiah 56:9-57:2 – What Kind of Leader Are You?

Read Isaiah 56:9-57:2

You read that passage right! After all the Israelites have been through first in Egypt, then the wilderness, then in captivity in Babylon, they might now get eaten! “Come, wild animals of the field! Come, wild animals of the forest! Come and devour my people!” Surely, I’m missing something. God must have been talking to the oblivious leadership. Right?

“For the leaders of my people—the Lord’s watchmen, his shepherds—are blind and ignorant.” I’m sure we’ve all known leaders that don’t appear to be the brightest bulb on a string of Christmas lights. If not ignorant, we’ve probably encountered leaders who are more interested in their own power and prestige often leaving those they lead unattended or unled. Apparently, God isn’t impressed by this type of leader.

Isaiah 56:1-8 – Commit to the Lord!

Read Isaiah 56:1-8

“Be just and fair to all.” Words from the Lord can speak to us across the ages. I think of a parent’s instruction to their children to “play nicely.” We see so much hatred and misunderstanding in our society today. It’s always been there. Why is it that people tend to look down upon people who are different? Why do bullies revel in taking advantage of others?

Instead, we should take head to this simple advice from on high. “Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest and keep themselves from doing wrong.” When is the last time you took a day of rest to honor God? Unfortunately, we are living in a time where keeping busy seems to be the norm. We tend to cram our days full to overflowing with tasks, errands, work, and play. What’s left for God?

Isaiah 55:10-13 – Joy-Full!

Read Isaiah 55:10-13

Have you ever read a familiar Bible passage only to feel like it was the first time you read it? God’s word is full of life and ready to fill us with joy. I’m focusing on two beautiful images from our reading today. The first being how the richness of God’s Word is intentional and life-giving. And the other being the thrill of all creation when God’s people were returning from captivity.

I believe God intends for us to live joy-filled, Spirit-filled, servant-hearted lives. His word is designed perfectly for us no matter what we are going through. Just like rain and snow bring nourishment to living plants, God’s word fulfills our needs. “I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” God’s messages are available to all.