by Katrina
LINK: Isaiah 1
INTRODUCTION:
I'm looking forward to this "trip" through Isaiah. It will be at a slower pace than I've read it before, and that makes it easier to meditate on it and let it "soak in" more. But before we begin reading, let's take a quick peek at some background information for this book.
Isaiah was a man who was very much in touch with his God. He had an active relationship with the Lord. He was also an effective communicator of God's message to Judah, often using striking language and real life illustrations. He loved the people of his nation but hated their sin. His message to Judah was very unpopular, but he courageously proclaimed what God instructed him, even in the face of persecution.
Isaiah began his ministry in the year that King Uzziah (of Judah) died (739 B.C.) and continued through the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He probably died during the reign of Manasseh. We will discover more about this great man of God as we read through this book.
The book of Isaiah is one of the most quoted books of the Old Testament. The gospels refer to several of the prophesies concerning the Messiah, Jesus quoted Isaiah, and Paul quoted from this book extensively in his epistles. So some of these passages will probably be familiar to you even if you've never read Isaiah before.
The name "Isaiah" means "salvation of the Lord." As you read this book, look for the theme of deliverance, or salvation. There will be several different acts of deliverance that God will perform.
BACKGROUND
Chapter one is Isaiah's first message to Judah and is full of vivid word pictures. It is God's indictment against the nation. The sins listed range from chasing after wealth to committing murder. Although they carry out their religious duties, the activities are meaningless because their hearts are not in it at all. God likens them to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God threatens a judgment that will be very destructive and leave only a very small remnant in the land. Yet God promised that after the judgment there would be restoration.
REFLECTION
This chapter is like a courtroom scene where the judge is handing down his judgment. The list of crimes is read off to prove guilt, and then just punishment is declared. The crimes were committed against the judge himself, and the judge has every right to completely destroy the guilty people. Yet, in the middle of God's indictment, he offers an opportunity for repentance! (vs 18-20) If the convicted criminals stop rebelling and listen to God, they can be completely forgiven. They will not have to suffer the punishment they deserve. Rather they will "eat the best of the land" and have their sins washed from scarlet to "white as snow." What an incredible offer! Too bad they didn't take it. :(
APPLICATION
I, also, once stood condemned in the courtroom of God. He could have read off a very long list of crimes I had committed against him. Yet, he chose to offer me an opportunity for repentance. I did not deserve it, but he washed my sins away and completely forgave me. I now stand before him completely free of guilt. What a wonderful savior!
PRAYER
Lord, you are the ultimate judge, the one against whom all sin is committed. You have the right to condemn, yet you choose to offer us the opportunity to repent. Then you wash our scarlet sins away and leave us as white as snow. Our guilt is gone! What an amazing God you are! You are worthy of all our praise and worship. We give you all the glory for the work you do in our hearts to cleanse us. Thank you for providing forgiveness to us through your son Jesus, amen.
1 comment:
I am looking forward to going through Isaiah, too! I had a class in Isaiah in high school and the teacher was one of the best ones I had. The book came alive for me. There are so many parallels to today. I still remember several of the lessons - almost like they were imprinted on me.
Post a Comment