Isaiah 21-23
“Fallen, fallen, is Babylon!” Isaiah cries (21:9).
This sounds familiar. It’s not the only time we read these words in the Bible. For prophecy buffs and Revelation addicts (like me) we remember the words John heard in his vision: “Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great!” (Revelation 18:2).
Though Babylon was a godless, arrogant empire, led by the most prideful of despots, Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon was used by God to discipline Israel and destroy Jerusalem. Still, God would hold her accountable; Babylon’s fall was a prophetic certainty. And fall they did; the deserted site of Babylon is in Iraq, a testimony to Biblical truth.
So, what is Revelation 18 talking about? By the time John wrote down his vision, Babylon had a larger, symbolic meaning, something like this: “Just as ancient Babylon was no threat to the God of Israel, so all modern Babylons, who set themselves up against the Lord, will fall!
In Isaiah 22, we read about Jerusalem’s humbling: their defeat, their tears, their despair and the dismantling of their great priesthood. Is there a glimmer of hope in Isaiah 22:22? Perhaps.
In Isaiah 23, we read of the fall of two coastal city-states: Tyre and Sidon. They, too, were subject to pride. They are the Phoenicians, who first developed ships for merchant trade. But God says, “Their merchandise and wages will be holy to the Lord!” (23:18) They thought they were hoarding for themselves, but God knew otherwise.
Tough reading! QUESTION: When will we get back to some good news? ANSWER: Monday!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
JULY 18 ISAIAH 17-20
Isaiah 17-20
The tough tone continues...
“Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins...” (17:1)
As for Cush, “they shall all of them be left to the birds of prey...” (18:6)
As for Egypt, their “idols...will tremble at [God’s] presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them.” (19:1)
And many will say, “How shall we escape?” (20:6)
Despite the tough words, there are glimmers of hope in these chapters:
“In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will be on the Holy One of Israel!” (17:7)
“At that time tribute will be brought to the Lord of hosts...” (18:7)
“In that day there will be an altar of the Lord in the midst of the Land of Egypt...and the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians...” 19:19, 21
As tough as the Lord is, even here—amidst his words against the nations—we can see his mercy and grace!
Tomorrow, we continue through Isaiah!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
The tough tone continues...
“Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins...” (17:1)
As for Cush, “they shall all of them be left to the birds of prey...” (18:6)
As for Egypt, their “idols...will tremble at [God’s] presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them.” (19:1)
And many will say, “How shall we escape?” (20:6)
Despite the tough words, there are glimmers of hope in these chapters:
“In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will be on the Holy One of Israel!” (17:7)
“At that time tribute will be brought to the Lord of hosts...” (18:7)
“In that day there will be an altar of the Lord in the midst of the Land of Egypt...and the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians...” 19:19, 21
As tough as the Lord is, even here—amidst his words against the nations—we can see his mercy and grace!
Tomorrow, we continue through Isaiah!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, July 17, 2014
JULY 17 ISAIAH 13-16
Isaiah 13-16
After the praises in Isaiah 12, the prophet switches gears. In Isaiah 13-21, we read oracles (words from the Lord) concerning the godless nations around Israel: Babylon (13-14a), Assyria (14b), Philistia (14c), Moab (15-16), Damascus (17), Cush (18, 20), Egypt (19-20), Assyria (19b), and a final word against Babylon (21).
Sprinkled in among these prophetic words are hopeful hints for God’s people and the Gentile inhabitants of some of these nations!
Isaiah’s words against Babylon in Isaiah 13 are completely dismal and hopeless. But at the beginning of Isaiah 14, he inserts a word of hope for Israel: “The Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land...” (14:1) He goes on to say that God’s people will turn the tables on their oppressors. In Isaiah 14:4, God says they will “taunt the King of Babylon.” Isaiah 14:4-21 is the text of that taunt. Notice how the prophet begins speaking to the King of Babylon, but by v. 12 seems to be taunting someone else. Who is it? Check the King James Version and you will see: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” Verses 12-15 describe Lucifer’s pride, his desire to displace God, and his subsequent fall. What does this have to do with the King of Babylon? Simply this: the spirit of the enemy (Satan, the devil, Lucifer...) found a place in the Babylonian monarch’s heart, just as he found a place in Hitler’s, Stalin’s, Mussolini’s, Mao’s and the hearts of so many other despots!
Tough words tumble out of Isaiah’s mouth for Assyria, Philistia and Moab. In the midst of Moab’s oracle are these warnings against pride: “We have heard of the pride of Moab—how proud he is!—of his arrogance, his pride and his insolence; in his idle boasting he is not right. Therefore, let Moab wail for Moab...” (Isaiah 16:6-7).
The testimony of the Bible is unified: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Tomorrow, we continue the roll call of the godless nations! Is there any hope for them?
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
After the praises in Isaiah 12, the prophet switches gears. In Isaiah 13-21, we read oracles (words from the Lord) concerning the godless nations around Israel: Babylon (13-14a), Assyria (14b), Philistia (14c), Moab (15-16), Damascus (17), Cush (18, 20), Egypt (19-20), Assyria (19b), and a final word against Babylon (21).
Sprinkled in among these prophetic words are hopeful hints for God’s people and the Gentile inhabitants of some of these nations!
Isaiah’s words against Babylon in Isaiah 13 are completely dismal and hopeless. But at the beginning of Isaiah 14, he inserts a word of hope for Israel: “The Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land...” (14:1) He goes on to say that God’s people will turn the tables on their oppressors. In Isaiah 14:4, God says they will “taunt the King of Babylon.” Isaiah 14:4-21 is the text of that taunt. Notice how the prophet begins speaking to the King of Babylon, but by v. 12 seems to be taunting someone else. Who is it? Check the King James Version and you will see: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” Verses 12-15 describe Lucifer’s pride, his desire to displace God, and his subsequent fall. What does this have to do with the King of Babylon? Simply this: the spirit of the enemy (Satan, the devil, Lucifer...) found a place in the Babylonian monarch’s heart, just as he found a place in Hitler’s, Stalin’s, Mussolini’s, Mao’s and the hearts of so many other despots!
Tough words tumble out of Isaiah’s mouth for Assyria, Philistia and Moab. In the midst of Moab’s oracle are these warnings against pride: “We have heard of the pride of Moab—how proud he is!—of his arrogance, his pride and his insolence; in his idle boasting he is not right. Therefore, let Moab wail for Moab...” (Isaiah 16:6-7).
The testimony of the Bible is unified: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Tomorrow, we continue the roll call of the godless nations! Is there any hope for them?
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
JULY 16 ISAIAH 9-12
Isaiah 9-12
Don’t forget, as we savor the prophecies that point so powerfully to Jesus, the bulk of Isaiah’s message was “bad news” for his contemporaries. Even the promises of the Messiah must have seemed far off and unattainable to them. Isaiah 9:8—10:19 is a relentless prophecy “against” Jacob. As we noted yesterday, Isaiah’s was a tough assignment.
But these chapters (and so many more of Isaiah’s chapters) are great fun for us Christians, because we know that the future hope, the someday Messiah, the restoration of God’s people has arrived in Christ Jesus, the Son of God!
Isaiah 9 begins with the promise that those walking in darkness (us Gentiles) will see a great light (9:2); and that light will come in the form of a little boy: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” (9:6)
Isaiah 10 ends with the promise of a “remnant” who will return to God. (10:21)
Isaiah 11 begins with clues as to the identity of the Messiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse (David’s father); [and] the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him…” (11:1-2) The rest of chapter 11 describes the power of the Messiah.
In Isaiah 12, we read words of praise for the saving work of the Messiah: “With joy shall you draw water from the wells of salvation!” (12:3)
Tomorrow, we’ll read Isaiah’s tough words concerning some of the nations around Israel!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Don’t forget, as we savor the prophecies that point so powerfully to Jesus, the bulk of Isaiah’s message was “bad news” for his contemporaries. Even the promises of the Messiah must have seemed far off and unattainable to them. Isaiah 9:8—10:19 is a relentless prophecy “against” Jacob. As we noted yesterday, Isaiah’s was a tough assignment.
But these chapters (and so many more of Isaiah’s chapters) are great fun for us Christians, because we know that the future hope, the someday Messiah, the restoration of God’s people has arrived in Christ Jesus, the Son of God!
Isaiah 9 begins with the promise that those walking in darkness (us Gentiles) will see a great light (9:2); and that light will come in the form of a little boy: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” (9:6)
Isaiah 10 ends with the promise of a “remnant” who will return to God. (10:21)
Isaiah 11 begins with clues as to the identity of the Messiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse (David’s father); [and] the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him…” (11:1-2) The rest of chapter 11 describes the power of the Messiah.
In Isaiah 12, we read words of praise for the saving work of the Messiah: “With joy shall you draw water from the wells of salvation!” (12:3)
Tomorrow, we’ll read Isaiah’s tough words concerning some of the nations around Israel!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
JULY 15 ISAIAH 5-8
Isaiah 5-8
There are lots of old jokes floating around about serving the Lord. Perhaps you’ve heard some of them:
The farmer calls out to the preacher in the coffee shop, “Hey, Preacher, I wish I had your job.” “Why’s that?” the preacher asks innocently. “Well, you only work one hour a week!”
Then there’s the young seminarian, who says to his wife, “Honey, I think I’m hearing a call from God.” “Where to?” his wife asks. “Hawaii.”
The truth is, of course, that the call of God is seldom cushy and never easy. God called Moses, and he faced forty years of stress and stubborn people. God tapped out David; then, after killing Goliath, went to work for a king tried to kill him. When Jesus re-instated Peter, he told him “by what kind of death he was to glorify God” (John 21:19). And here’s what God said to Ananias about the future apostle He had just blinded, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my Name” (Acts 9:16). Nobody said that ministry was a bowl of cherries.
Now it’s time for Isaiah’s call. First, Isaiah 5 completes the description of how morally bereft God’s people had grown. When I count the number of times I see the word “Woe!” in Isaiah 3 and 5, I find seven, the number of “perfection.” This is to say that things were perfectly awful in Israel.
Finally, in chapter 6, Isaiah shares his testimony. Uzziah was a half-way decent king, as Judah’s kings go. The year he died, Isaiah was worshipping in the temple when God gave him a vision of the heavenly throne. “Holy, holy, holy,” cried the angelic beings attending God. Isaiah’s response was shame and horror; “Woe is me; I am lost; I am a man of unclean lips...” (6:5) Isaiah humbled himself before the Lord, and the Lord responded with grace. One of the angels flew to Isaiah with a hot coal from under the altar, touched it to Isaiah’s lips and pronounced him clean! Then God said, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for me?” (6:9) and Isaiah responds famously, “Here am I! Send me!” End of story...usually.
Seldom do preachers go on to describe what God was calling Isaiah to do. I dare you to read Isaiah 6:9-13 and ask yourself: “What would I say to that assignment?”
In chapters 7-8, Isaiah describes his first approaches to the King Ahaz, Uzziah’s grandson. Much of this is confusing without a good commentary, but notice the harsh words Isaiah must say in 7:18-25 and 8:5-10. Yet, sprinkled amid these words are words of hope that peer into God’s future messianic blessing:
In Isaiah 7:14, he promises that “a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name, Immanuel.” Matthew does not hesitate to see this as Jesus! (Matt. 1:23)
In Isaiah 8:14, he says that the Lord will become “a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling.” Peter applies words to those who refuse Christ (1 Peter 2:8).
Tomorrow, we’ll find even more prophetic peeks at the Messiah, Jesus!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
There are lots of old jokes floating around about serving the Lord. Perhaps you’ve heard some of them:
The farmer calls out to the preacher in the coffee shop, “Hey, Preacher, I wish I had your job.” “Why’s that?” the preacher asks innocently. “Well, you only work one hour a week!”
Then there’s the young seminarian, who says to his wife, “Honey, I think I’m hearing a call from God.” “Where to?” his wife asks. “Hawaii.”
The truth is, of course, that the call of God is seldom cushy and never easy. God called Moses, and he faced forty years of stress and stubborn people. God tapped out David; then, after killing Goliath, went to work for a king tried to kill him. When Jesus re-instated Peter, he told him “by what kind of death he was to glorify God” (John 21:19). And here’s what God said to Ananias about the future apostle He had just blinded, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my Name” (Acts 9:16). Nobody said that ministry was a bowl of cherries.
Now it’s time for Isaiah’s call. First, Isaiah 5 completes the description of how morally bereft God’s people had grown. When I count the number of times I see the word “Woe!” in Isaiah 3 and 5, I find seven, the number of “perfection.” This is to say that things were perfectly awful in Israel.
Finally, in chapter 6, Isaiah shares his testimony. Uzziah was a half-way decent king, as Judah’s kings go. The year he died, Isaiah was worshipping in the temple when God gave him a vision of the heavenly throne. “Holy, holy, holy,” cried the angelic beings attending God. Isaiah’s response was shame and horror; “Woe is me; I am lost; I am a man of unclean lips...” (6:5) Isaiah humbled himself before the Lord, and the Lord responded with grace. One of the angels flew to Isaiah with a hot coal from under the altar, touched it to Isaiah’s lips and pronounced him clean! Then God said, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for me?” (6:9) and Isaiah responds famously, “Here am I! Send me!” End of story...usually.
Seldom do preachers go on to describe what God was calling Isaiah to do. I dare you to read Isaiah 6:9-13 and ask yourself: “What would I say to that assignment?”
In chapters 7-8, Isaiah describes his first approaches to the King Ahaz, Uzziah’s grandson. Much of this is confusing without a good commentary, but notice the harsh words Isaiah must say in 7:18-25 and 8:5-10. Yet, sprinkled amid these words are words of hope that peer into God’s future messianic blessing:
In Isaiah 7:14, he promises that “a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name, Immanuel.” Matthew does not hesitate to see this as Jesus! (Matt. 1:23)
In Isaiah 8:14, he says that the Lord will become “a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling.” Peter applies words to those who refuse Christ (1 Peter 2:8).
Tomorrow, we’ll find even more prophetic peeks at the Messiah, Jesus!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Monday, July 14, 2014
JULY 14 ISAIAH 1-4
Isaiah 1-4
Welcome to the Prophets!
Ah, but maybe we won’t feel so welcomed when we read them. The Prophets of Israel are not the feel-good, sweet-talking preachers we sometimes hear today. They were tough cookies. They weren’t afraid of the word, “sin!” And they didn’t shrink back from telling people how God felt about sin. Even Isaiah, who softens up a little after chapter 39 (We love to quote his soft words in Isaiah 40!), is hard to take.
Right at the beginning, we are indicted by the straightforward and convicting words of the great prophet:
“Children I have reared...have rebelled against me,” God says (1:2)
“They have forsaken the Lord” (1:4)
“Your...feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me,” God says (1:14)
“The faithful city has become a whore” (1:21)
“Their land is filled with idols” (2:8)
“Woe to them!” (3:9)
“In that day the Lord will take away their finery...” (3:18)
What are we to do, if we are in the same boat as God’s people of Isaiah’s day? If we can, we should “wash ourselves...cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice and correct oppression.” (1:16-17) But we are not able to do this! What then? We must receive the promise:
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow...” (1:18)
How will this be?
Now it’s time to read Isaiah 4. The righteousness we desire, the holiness God wants for us, the washing we need...they will come through the “Branch of the Lord, beautiful and glorious.” We will learn more about this Branch as we read on in Isaiah! So...
Welcome to the Prophets!
Tomorrow, we read Isaiah’s great testimony!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
Welcome to the Prophets!
Ah, but maybe we won’t feel so welcomed when we read them. The Prophets of Israel are not the feel-good, sweet-talking preachers we sometimes hear today. They were tough cookies. They weren’t afraid of the word, “sin!” And they didn’t shrink back from telling people how God felt about sin. Even Isaiah, who softens up a little after chapter 39 (We love to quote his soft words in Isaiah 40!), is hard to take.
Right at the beginning, we are indicted by the straightforward and convicting words of the great prophet:
“Children I have reared...have rebelled against me,” God says (1:2)
“They have forsaken the Lord” (1:4)
“Your...feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me,” God says (1:14)
“The faithful city has become a whore” (1:21)
“Their land is filled with idols” (2:8)
“Woe to them!” (3:9)
“In that day the Lord will take away their finery...” (3:18)
What are we to do, if we are in the same boat as God’s people of Isaiah’s day? If we can, we should “wash ourselves...cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice and correct oppression.” (1:16-17) But we are not able to do this! What then? We must receive the promise:
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow...” (1:18)
How will this be?
Now it’s time to read Isaiah 4. The righteousness we desire, the holiness God wants for us, the washing we need...they will come through the “Branch of the Lord, beautiful and glorious.” We will learn more about this Branch as we read on in Isaiah! So...
Welcome to the Prophets!
Tomorrow, we read Isaiah’s great testimony!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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