July 19 - Isaiah 5-7
As I said yesterday, the book of Isaiah speaks to me so much, because God does not change. The Old Testament narrative tells us what He did then, so it serves as an example of His character, His ways, and His purposes. It brings us to know God, and as we know Him, we can know how He will work in our lives in similar situations.
The parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5 is very helpful. Isaiah says that it is a song of my "Well-Beloved." He is speaking of God. He has a love relationship with His heavenly Father. The vineyard is Israel. God expects Israel to bear fruit, but they don't. Why not? He gave them everything they needed. The reason is that they did not obey God. They were given a free will as we are, and they refused to take advantage of all of God's provision and blessings. I am afraid many people do the same thing today. Then, God allows the vineyard to be destroyed. Will He do the same thing to people who do not obey today? I believe He will. He will give every opportunity, and He will be merciful, but He will only wait so long before He brings the punishment. Isaiah 5:25b is the classic refrain, "For all His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still." God is waiting for repentance even as He pours out His punishment. He is ready to forgive, but we must take the initiative.
Isaiah 6 is the famous account of Isaiah's call to be a prophet to Israel. He is charged to tell the people God's Word until all is destroyed. Most of the people would not listen, but God's truth would go forth. God is so faithful, even when we are not. Do you know this Holy God of Isaiah 6 and have you answered His call to go for Him? I hope you will know Him and follow Him.
King Ahaz in Isaiah 7 argues with God. God commands him to ask for a sign of His promise to deliver Jerusalem, but he says no. Let's learn from this story. Don't argue with God. It is OK to ask for a sign sometimes, when it is not a lack of faith, but a confirmation of faith. Let's also learn that God always keeps His promises, and the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah7:14 was Jesus, God with us. What a blessing to know that God cares for us so much that He will give us assurance of His promises, and that He would send His Son to save us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 9-12.
The parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5 is very helpful. Isaiah says that it is a song of my "Well-Beloved." He is speaking of God. He has a love relationship with His heavenly Father. The vineyard is Israel. God expects Israel to bear fruit, but they don't. Why not? He gave them everything they needed. The reason is that they did not obey God. They were given a free will as we are, and they refused to take advantage of all of God's provision and blessings. I am afraid many people do the same thing today. Then, God allows the vineyard to be destroyed. Will He do the same thing to people who do not obey today? I believe He will. He will give every opportunity, and He will be merciful, but He will only wait so long before He brings the punishment. Isaiah 5:25b is the classic refrain, "For all His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still." God is waiting for repentance even as He pours out His punishment. He is ready to forgive, but we must take the initiative.
Isaiah 6 is the famous account of Isaiah's call to be a prophet to Israel. He is charged to tell the people God's Word until all is destroyed. Most of the people would not listen, but God's truth would go forth. God is so faithful, even when we are not. Do you know this Holy God of Isaiah 6 and have you answered His call to go for Him? I hope you will know Him and follow Him.
King Ahaz in Isaiah 7 argues with God. God commands him to ask for a sign of His promise to deliver Jerusalem, but he says no. Let's learn from this story. Don't argue with God. It is OK to ask for a sign sometimes, when it is not a lack of faith, but a confirmation of faith. Let's also learn that God always keeps His promises, and the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah7:14 was Jesus, God with us. What a blessing to know that God cares for us so much that He will give us assurance of His promises, and that He would send His Son to save us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 9-12.