Daily Reading Week 31
Sunday
Isaiah 9
DISCOVER:
In light of Isaiah 9's depiction of God's sovereignty in history, how does this understanding impact your perspective on current events and challenges in your own life?
Reflecting on the prophecy of the Messiah in Isaiah 9, what does it reveal about God's plan and purpose in human history? How does this shape your trust in His sovereignty over your own life?
As you consider the liberation and deliverance mentioned in Isaiah 9, how does the concept of God's sovereignty in history encourage you to persevere in times of difficulty or uncertainty? How can you apply this assurance practically in your daily life?
RESPOND:
Isaiah 7:14 had a partial fulfillment in the eighth century BC when Isaiah and his wife had a son named Maher-shalal-hash-baz. This birth demonstrated God's presence with His people, specifically the faithful remnant, and His deliverance of Judah from Syria and Israel. However, since Assyria would eventually invade and devastate Judah, the prophecy of Immanuel required another fulfillment, one that would completely bring about the Lord's salvation for His people. Until that time, the faithful in Judah had to fear God, wait on Him, and trust in His ultimate vindication and fulfillment of His promises.
Despite the impending destruction by Assyria, there was still hope for the believers under the old covenant. Isaiah proclaimed this hope for the regions of Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee - the northernmost areas of the Promised Land. Throughout history, these regions had been a mix of different nations, including Hebrews and others, and were often the first to suffer under invading empires. Isaiah's message brought good news of liberation and the breaking of the yokes imposed by the enemies of God's people.
The prophet's vision reaches its climax with a prophecy about the Messiah. This familiar passage, often read during Christmas, reveals significant aspects of the Messiah's nature. Among them, the One who sits on the throne of David is referred to as the "Everlasting Father" (v. 6). However, this does not imply confusion between the Father and the Son. Instead, it signifies that the Messiah, as the author of creation, embodies the eternal nature of God Himself. In the context of the new covenant, we now understand that God exists in three persons, and it was the second person of the Trinity, the Son of God, who came to earth in the incarnation.
Monday
Isaiah 14
DISCOVER:
How does Isaiah 14:1-2, which speaks of God choosing and showing favor to His people, demonstrate God's faithfulness throughout history? How does this give you confidence in His faithfulness in your own life?
Reflecting on Isaiah 14:3-4, where the oppressed people of God are saved and can taunt the once-mighty king of Babylon, what does this reveal about God's faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies? How does this encourage you to trust in God's deliverance in your own struggles?
Considering Isaiah 14:12-15, where the prideful ruler of Babylon is brought low by God, what does this teach us about God's faithfulness in humbling the proud and upholding justice? How does this remind you to rely on God's faithfulness in times when injustice seems to prevail?
RESPOND:
During the eighth century BC, Isaiah prophesied that Babylon and Assyria would be instruments of God's wrath, leading His people into exile due to their unrepentant ways. However, this would not mark the end of Jacob's descendants. The oppressors of Israel and Judah would face judgment, and God would once again choose His people, just as He did in Moses' time. Astonishingly, even Gentile nations would align themselves with the house of Jacob, acknowledging Yahweh as the true God and covenant Lord of Israel, thus fulfilling the Abrahamic blessing.
In that future day, the oppressed people of God would be saved so decisively that they could mock the once-mighty Babylonian king. While Isaiah doesn't specify a particular king, the prophecy applies to any ruler of Babylon or even Assyria. The passage offers hope to all faithful followers of Jacob, regardless of the era they lived in, assuring them that God's enemies would ultimately be destroyed.
Though the passage does not directly reference the devil, some in church history have associated the fallen Day Star in Isaiah 14:12–21 with Satan, based on other biblical texts. However, Isaiah's prophecy primarily focuses on a human ruler, not the Enemy. Babylon indeed served as God's instrument of discipline against Judah, but the king's self-confidence and claims of deity led to his downfall. The Almighty does not tolerate pretenders to His throne for long.
Tuesday
Isaiah 15
DISCOVER:
Reflecting on Isaiah 15, which describes the judgment and destruction of Moab, how does this passage challenge your understanding of God's justice? How does it invite you to grapple with the tension between God's justice and His grace?
Considering the devastating consequences Moab faces in Isaiah 15, how does this passage prompt you to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the consequences it can bring? How does it deepen your appreciation for the grace of God in your own life?
In light of Isaiah 15, where Moab's destruction is described, how does this passage emphasize the need for repentance and turning to God? How does it remind you of the urgency to seek and receive God's grace and forgiveness?
RESPOND:
Before delving into the oracle to Moab, it is important to understand the historical context and relationship between Moab and Israel. Moab, the son of Lot and his daughter, was born out of an incestuous relationship after they escaped from Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30-38). Throughout history, the Moabites became enemies of Israel, with Moab's king Balak attempting to curse Israel through Balaam multiple times out of fear (Numbers 22:1-6). Moreover, Moab led Israel astray into idol worship (Numbers 25:1-5). However, there were moments of interaction and even trust between the two nations, such as when the king of Moab kept David's parents safe (1 Samuel 22).
The significance of Moab lies in its complex relationship with Israel, which varied over time. In Isaiah 15, the prophet mourns and pronounces destruction and judgment on Moab. This emotional response, with weeping and sorrow, reflects the heart of God Himself as He delivers this oracle. This challenges the perception of an angry God in the Old Testament and reminds us that God desires and loves people, even as He administers judgment. He mourns for those who are disobedient and headed towards disaster.
Isaiah vividly portrays the destruction and mourning in Isaiah 15:1-4. The devastation is evident in the mentioned locations, and we can trace the destruction that God promises. The destruction is swift and immediate, undoing the entire nation of Moab overnight. The imagery of a Moabite running to pagan gods for protection and weeping reflects futility in the face of impending disaster. This portrayal of God's judgment is both frightening and awe-inspiring. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the consequences it entails. While we worship a gracious, loving, and merciful God, we must also approach Him with reverence and awe. How we approach Him in our worship and daily lives reflects our understanding of His character and the magnitude of His judgment.
As God's people, we are called to share in God's heart for the lost and disobedient. Do we mourn and weep for those who are headed towards destruction? Do we care about their eternal destiny or are we more concerned with our own image? Are we more comfortable engaging with fellow Christians rather than reaching out to non-believers? These questions prompt us to examine our priorities and motives in sharing the grace of God with others.
Wednesday
Isaiah 16
DISCOVER:
How does the example of Moab's pride in Isaiah 16 challenge our own attitudes towards self-reliance and arrogance?
How do we guard against developing a haughty and boastful heart, and instead cultivate humility and gratitude?
Are there areas in our lives where we have rejected God's laws and instead followed our own desires? How can we align our hearts and actions with God's will?
In what ways do we magnify ourselves against the Lord, diminishing His greatness and authority? How can we shift our perspective to recognize and honor God's sovereignty in our lives?
What steps can we take to overcome pride and cultivate a greater awareness of our dependence on God's grace and guidance?
RESPOND:
Isaiah 16 provides us with insight into the reasons for Moab's judgment. In Isaiah 16:6-8, their pride is called out as the cause. Moab trusted in their own works and treasures, finding security in their wealth and achievements (Jeremiah 48:7). They lived in a state of ease and comfort, never facing trials or challenges, which may have led to their arrogance (Jeremiah 48:11-12). Furthermore, Jeremiah 48:26-27 reveals that Moab exalted themselves against the Lord and held Israel in contempt. Their hearts were filled with haughtiness, boasting, and their actions were deceptive. This idea of magnifying themselves against the Lord is reiterated in Jeremiah 48:42, portraying a mindset of self-reliance where they considered themselves greater than they truly were, while diminishing the greatness of God. This mindset led to the rejection of God's laws and the substitution of their own moral compass. They became the judges of everything, living according to their own desires.
God despises pride because it is a form of idolatry, where self is exalted and God is diminished. This not only clarifies why Moab faced judgment but also provides a clear definition of pride. The words used in Jeremiah, "magnified himself against the Lord," reveal that pride involves having an inflated view of oneself and a diminished view of God. It is a mindset that places too much importance on our own abilities and significance while underestimating the greatness and authority of God.
In chapter 16 we discover something remarkable emerging from this dire situation. Isaiah 16:5 declares that a throne will be established in steadfast love, and upon it will sit a ruler from the line of David, embodying faithfulness, justice, and righteousness. Despite the destruction, pain, and exile, a righteous and just king, faithful and steadfast in love, will emerge. God's promise of hope and salvation shines brightly against the backdrop of the devastation described in Isaiah 15. Truly, His mercy knows no bounds!
Thursday
Isaiah 17
DISCOVER:
How often do you find yourself preoccupied with worldly conflicts and forces rather than seeking guidance and support from God?
What are the underlying motives behind the alliances you form during times of crisis? Do they align with God's principles and values?
Are you placing hope and trust in temporary and fragile foundations, such as material possessions or social status, instead of relying on the unwavering strength of God as your foundation?
RESPOND:
Chapter 17 provides us with a crucial admonition to evaluate our alliances and what captures our focus. When faced with crises, the ultimate solution is always to turn to the Lord, who stands as our most reliable and steadfast foundation. This chapter makes clear that Israel was not preoccupied with God or His promises. Instead, their attention was entangled in worldly conflicts, forces, and self-preservation. This drove them to form an alliance with the ungodly, leading to certain destruction and ruin. So, in times of conflict, where does your heart gravitate? What holds your attention during crises? Is it newspapers, bank accounts, or resumes? And whom do we align ourselves with in such times? Do we seek refuge in people from our social and economic circles? All these will ultimately disappoint us, just as Damascus failed Israel. God will not withhold the revelation of the fragility of our worldly foundations and how misguided we were to place our hope in them.
Friday
Isaiah 18
DISCOVER:
How comfortable are you with waiting on God's timing instead of seeking immediate solutions or taking matters into your own hands?
In what areas of your life do you struggle the most with patience and trusting in God's plan rather than attempting to control the outcomes?
What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of surrender and reliance on God while patiently waiting for His guidance and intervention in challenging situations?
RESPOND:
The prophet now shifts his focus towards the land of Cush, encompassing modern-day Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia. The mention of a land overshadowed with buzzing wings likely alludes to the presence of locusts, symbolizing the formidable armies of Cush. The king of Cush, upon hearing of the advancing Assyrian army, sought alliances by sending messengers to neighboring nations (verses 1-2). Isaiah counseled the Ethiopians to return home and refrain from forging such an alliance, assuring them that the Lord would defeat the enemy at the appointed time (verse 3).
At this juncture, it becomes evident that God desires His people to adopt a divine perspective rather than placing their trust in alliances and worldly powers (verse 4). Isaiah prophesied that when the time came to confront the Assyrians, they would recognize it and witness the downfall of the enemy. However, the Assyrian army had a prior task to fulfill: punishing the people of Israel and taking them captive. Once God's purposes were accomplished, He would intervene and cut off the Assyrians (verse 5), just as a crop is harvested before it ripens. Despite illustrating this failure with the imagery of a destroyed crop, Isaiah concludes with a message of hope (verses 6-7). Those who had previously urged Judah to join in a military venture, from their position of strength, would return bearing gifts for the true God of Zion. The prophet envisions a future day when the Ethiopians would pay tribute to the Lord and come to "Mount Zion."
saturday
Isaiah 19
DISCOVER:
Reflecting on Isaiah 19, which speaks of God's grace extending to the nations, how does this remind you of the inclusive nature of God's love and His desire for all people to come to know Him? How does this challenge any exclusive or narrow views you may hold about God's grace?
Considering Isaiah 19:19-25, where Egypt, Assyria, and Israel are depicted as being blessed and reconciled by God, how does this reveal the depth of God's grace and His ability to bring healing and restoration even to historically divided nations? How does this inspire you to seek reconciliation and unity in your own relationships and communities?
In light of Isaiah 19:24, which states that "In that day, Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth," how does this highlight the transformative power of God's grace in bringing unlikely parties together for His purposes? How does this encourage you to embrace and celebrate the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives in the world as expressions of God's grace?
RESPOND:
Despite Egypt's historical enslavement of the Israelites and ongoing animosity, Isaiah prophesied a remarkable future reconciliation between Egypt and God's people. In Isaiah 19:16-25, the prophet envisioned a day when God would reveal Himself to the Egyptians in a profound and transformative way, leading to their salvation. This prophecy would have astonished the ancient Judahites who heard it.
Isaiah conveys this truth through various symbolic elements. Firstly, he speaks of "five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord of hosts" (v. 18a). This signifies a thorough conversion, illustrating that even the Egyptians would embrace the Hebrew language, the language of sacred Scripture. The mention of five converted cities emphasizes the miraculous nature of this transformation, as it was inconceivable for even one city in pagan Egypt to serve the Lord.
Secondly, one of the cities mentioned is referred to as "the City of Destruction" (v. 18b). However, based on the confusion between Hebrew terms, it is likely that the original term intended was "the City of the Sun," which refers to Heliopolis, the center of sun god Ra worship in Egypt. The inclusion of "the City of the Sun" in serving God signifies the magnitude of Egypt's salvation as a true miracle.
Lastly, Isaiah reveals that both Egypt and Assyria would be accepted on equal terms into the people of God. Egypt is referred to as "my people," and Assyria as "the work of my hands" in God's words (v. 25). Such designations are typically reserved for Israel, indicating the full conversion and incorporation of Egypt and Assyria into God's chosen nation.
Isaiah's prophecy demonstrates God's boundless grace and the inclusive nature of His salvation, extending even to nations with a history of enmity. It reminds us of the transformative power of God's love and His desire to reconcile and incorporate people from all backgrounds into His chosen people.