BACKGROUND
In review:
Isaiah 52-53 was a promise of redemption through the Servant Messiah.
Isaiah 54 was a promise of restoration and fruit for Israel.
In the next five chapters:
Isaiah 55:1-56:8 is an invitation to Gentile nations.
Isaiah 56:9-59:21 is a warning to rebellious sinners that they need to repent.
Isaiah 55:1-56:8
The Servant Messiah of Isaiah 52-53 did not just die for Israel, but He also died for the sins of the whole world (John 1:29; 1 John 4:14). I have been saying since the beginning of Bible Book Club that God's plan was for all nations to be blessed through Israel, and Jesus is the descendant of Israel to bless the nations! This section is an invitation to the Gentile nations to come (55:1), listen to (55:2), and seek and call on (55:6) the God of Israel. Beginning in Isaiah 56, this is the first time the Lord invited the Gentiles to join the Jews in keeping the Sabbath and His covenant. (Contrast Deuteronomy 23:1-8 with Isaiah 56:6-8. See also the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:25-40.) Jesus is now the Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4) and New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:7-13) for all peoples of the earth.
Isaiah 56:9-12
This is an indictment against Israel's "watchmen" (Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-11) and "shepherds" who were the leaders of the nation. Their godless conduct caused Judah to fall to Babylon (Lamentations 4:13-14).
APPLICATION
God is calling me to pray for the Gentile nations to come to Him. Go to joshuaproject.net to pray for a different unreached people group every day! Update: There is an app and podcast now too! I listen to the 1-minute podcast daily.
PRAYER
Lord, draw all nations to You. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
1 comment:
I found a book to pray for 31 days for the largest unreached people groups. I think I will have enough time to do that in June. :)
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