God Will Be Your Everlasting Light, and Your Sorrows Will End (Isaiah 60)

Previous post: What Can Remove Your Radical and Recurring Sins? (Isa 59:16, 53:12; Rom 5:7,8)

The final glory of God's people unites all humanity in knowing the true God.

God's Glory/Beauty Attracts the Nations (Isa 60:1-9; 10-14)

Addressing Zion (Isa 59:20, 60:14), "the glory of the Lord rises" (Isa 60:1, 4:5, 40:5, 58:8; Mal 4:2; Jn 1:14; Rev 21:11), in contrast to the rest of the darkened world (Isa 60:2). Zion's light attracting the nations (Isa 60:3,4, 2:2-4, 11:10) has been fulfilled by the coming of the gospel (Ac 9:15, 11:18). God's people become the predominant culture of the world (Isa 60:5-7). The nations see in the beauty of God's people "the Holy One of Israel" (Isa 60,8,9), as God fulfills his ancient promises to Abraham (Isa 60:10-14; Gen 12:3).

God Reverses the Failures and Sorrows of His People (Isa 60:15-22)

God promises his people: "Although you have been forsaken and hated...I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations. You will drink the milk of nations. ...you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer... I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler" (Isa 60:15-17). Salvation and praise become dominant traits (Isa 60:18). "The Lord will be your everlasting light" (Isa 60:19,20) means that God's presence is with his people (Rev 21:11,23; 22:5). The fulfillment of these promises does not await favorable historical conditions but depends directly on the act of God. "I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly" (Isa 60:22).

Practical Application: Only the beauty and the glory of the Lord transforms our hearts.

Promise of God: "The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end" (Isa 60:20).

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What Can Wash Away My Sin? (Isaiah 58,59)

Previous post: Is your heart lowly and contrite? (Isa 57:15)

Repent of Hypocrisy and Find Your Joy in the Lord (Isa 58:1-14)

God's people said and did the right things "as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God" (Isa 58:2). But God saw their hypocrisy (Isa 59:1), and commanded Isaiah to confront them (Isa 58:1). They fasted, but it was selfishly motivated to get things from God (Isa 58:3), while they acted oppressively (Isa 58:4). But God spells out what true piety is (Isa 58:5-7), and the true blessing of God that follows (Isa 58:8-14). If they truly repented of their hypocrisy and humbly and justly cared for the weak, the hungry and the afflicted, God promised, "then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob" (Isa 58:14).

God was Appalled That There Was No One to Intervene (Isa 59:1-21)

What was their problem? "...your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isa 59:2). Isa 59:3-8 expresses how they were bent on living in sin. Paul describes the depravity of all mankind with Isaiah's language (Rom 3:15-17), implying that even God's people will sin as badly as anyone when they live as they please. Though they confess their sin and misery (Isa 59:9-13), they were helpless in their sin, so that only God can redeem them (Isa 59:14-21). "He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him" (Isa 59:16). God, who is the One offended by man's sin, took it upon himself to save his people through the intervention of the Suffering Servant (Isa 53:12; Rom 5:7), who is the Messiah. Through Him, people through out the world will respond rightly to God by fearing Him (Isa 59:19).

How do we come to know this? "My Spirit, who is on you...and my words that I have put in your mouth" (Isa 59:21, 32:15, 44:3; Jer 31:31-34; Ezek 37:14; Zech 12:10). The Spirit works "by and with the Word in our hearts" (Westminster Confession, 1.5).

Practical Application: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Assurance: “'The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,' declares the LORD" (Isa 59:20).

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Idolatry Destroys, The Contrite is Comforted (Isaiah 56,57)

Previous post: Whose Ways and Thoughts are Higher? God's or Yours? (Isa 55:9)

The prophesies of Isa 56:1-66:24 addresses the exiles who still suffer from idolatry, hypocrisy and indifference, after returning from Babylon before the rebuilding of the temple in 520 B.C. These prophesies also guides God's people of all ages to live out the promises of Isa 1:1-55:13, in order to prepare for the salvation and renewal to come.

Isa 56:1 serves as a summary of Isaiah, Isa 1:1-55:13. "Maintain justice and do what is right" echoes the ideals of Isa 1:1-39:8, where God warns of his impending judgment through Assyria. "For my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed" sums up the promises of Isa 40:1-55:13, which are addressed primarily to the exiles in Babylon.

The True People of God receive God's salvation (Isa 56:1-8)

Those who inherit the promise of God for salvation include foreigners and eunuchs, for despite their outward apparent disqualification (Isa 56:3), hold fast to his covenant and his Sabbaths (Isa 56:2, 4-8).

Self-Serving Leaders and Idolatry Destroy the Nation (Isa 56:9-12; 57:1-13)

Self-indulgent false prophets and irresponsible leaders lead God's people astray (Isa 56:9-12). Though the righteous perish, they die in faith and enjoy their eternal reward (Isa 57:1,2; Rev 14:13). When the people gave in to idolatry, they deceived themselves into thinking that their idolatry renewed their strength (Isa 57:3-10), while losing the fear of God in their hearts (Isa 57:11-13).

The High and Holy God Lives with the Contrite and the Lowly (Isa 57:14-21)

In contrast with the threats of judgment for idolatry (Isa 57:3-13), God gives promises of blessing to the lowly and the contrite, creating a spirit of repentance, and bringing comfort, peace and healing (Isa 57:14-21).

Practical Application: When our hearts are contrite and lowly, God revives our spirit and our heart (Isa 57:15).

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Is "I Did it My Way" the Way to Go? (Isaiah 54,55)

Previous post: Are Your Wounds Healed by His Wounds? (Isaiah 53:5)

Frank Sinatra's theme song "I did it my way" appeals to and rings true for so many. But what is the outcome of those who did it their way? Isaiah speaks of a way that is higher.

Sing, Enlarge, Stretch Out, Don't Hold Back (Isa 54:1-3)

Though in exile and dispersion (barren) because of their rebellion against God, they should sing, enlarge, stretch out, lengthen, spread abroad (Isa 54:1-3), for God promises to accomplish his purpose in the future (Gen 22:17; 28:14; Ex 34:24; Dt 9:1; 11:23).

Fear Not, Your Maker is your Husband, Redeemer (Isa 54:4-10)

"Fear not" (Isa 54:4), or "Do not be afraid," is repeated 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year. God loves us, not because we are good, but because of who he is: Husband, Redeemer (Isa 54:5). God's love for us is not dependent on us, for we are like a wayward wife (Isa 54:6). Though God disciplines us in his wrath for a brief moment, his steadfast unfailing love is far, far greater (Isa 54:7-10).

God Establishes His People in Righteousness (Isa 54:11-17)

Unlike their tragic past record of sin and rebellion, their future is bright only because God assures them that his grace will guarantee their allegiance to his word (Isa 54:13; 50:4,5; Jer 31:31-34). God would establish them in righteousness and vindicate them (Isa 54:14,17).

Come, All who Thirst, Seek the Lord (Isa 55:1-13)

The invitation, "Come" (Isa 55:1), is urgent in tone and universal in scope. Thirst is every man's deep spiritual longing and opportunity to "seek the Lord while he may be found" (Isa 55:6). Nothing in the world can ever truly satisfy a man (Isa 55:2; Jn 6:32-35). No man can ever figure life out, because his ways and his thoughts are too limited (Isa 55:7-9; 64:6). Only God's revealed word truly liberates and illuminates man (40:6-8; Ezek 37:1-14; 1 Cor 2:9; Eph 3:20; Rom 11:33), and gives man joy and peace (Isa 55:10-13).

Practical Application: If you feel unfulfilled, are you not looking for love in all the wrong places?

Think and Remember: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa 55:8,9).

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The Opportunity to Fail (and then to Fail Again and Yet Again)

The short post below might be especially relevant for the hesitant, the calculative, the timid, the fearful, the self-doubting, the self-distrusting, the unassertive, the lazy, and the coward. I guess I liked the post because there is a sense of challenge and utmost urgency in it.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 comes to mind: "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." One interpretation is to take a calculated and wise step forward in life (The MacArthur Study Bible). This always feels too risky and uncomfortable, it feels like dying, and it might even fail. But unless we take the plunge, and grab the bull by the horns, and stare death in the face, we'll never ever know.

Perhaps, if you will consider it, Jesus took the biggest risk of all by leaving the best place and coming to the worst place. Though the cost was too great, yet he felt that it was worth it; it was worth every last drop of his blood. And by losing all, he gained all (John 12:24).

Mon, Jan 17, 2011 Subject: Seth's Blog : Cashing the check

Cashing the check
A check in your wallet does you very little good. It represents opportunity, sure, but not action.
Most of us are carrying around a check, an opportunity to make an impact, to do the work we're capapble of, to ship the art that would make a difference.

No, the world isn't fair, and most people don't get all the chances they deserve. There are barriers due to income, to race, to social standing and to education, and they are inexcusable and must fall. But the check remains, now more than ever. The opportunity to step up and to fail (and then to fail again, and to fail again) and to continue failing until we succeed is greater now than it has ever been.

As Martin Luther King Junior spoke about a half a lifetime ago,

"We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood -- it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, "Too late."

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By His Wounds We Are Healed (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Previous post: Beautiful Feet That Bring Good News (Isa 52:7)

Isa 52:12-53:13, the 4th and final and most memorable of the Messiah/Servant Songs (Isa 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-9), gives incontrovertible proof that Jesus is the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. The details are so minute that no human could have predicted them by accident and no impostor fulfilled them by cunning. It is frequently quoted or referred to in the NT (Matt 8:17; Lk 22:37; Jn 12:28; Acts 8:30-35; Ro 10:16; 1 Pet 2:22-25), or alluded to without being quoted (Mk 9:12; Ro 4:25; 1 Co 15:3; 2 Co 5:21; 1 Pe 1:19; 1 Jn 3:5). It explains how the Holy God can bless sinful people: Only the sacrifice, suffering and triumph of the Servant removes the guilt of sin before God. In this passage "I" is the Lord, "he" the servant, and "we" the servant's disciples, who themselves need the servant to bear their guilt (Isa 53:4-6).

1. The Servant was Disfigured and Marred beyond Human Likeness (Isa 52:13-15)

Isa 52:13-15 is a summary and preview of the humiliation and exaltation of the Servant, described in more detail in Isa 53:1-12. In his passion, Jesus underwent inhumane cruelty by being beaten into a shocking mass of wounded flesh, where he no longer looks like a human being. But in his disfigured state, he will perform a priestly work of sprinkling the nations and made them clean, and glorified God.

2. The Servant was Despised and Rejected (Isa 53:1-3)

3. The Servant Bore the Sins of Many (Isa 53:4-6)

The wounds that caused his death has brought salvation to those for whose sins he died (Isa 53:5; 1 Pe 2:24).

4. The Servant Dies in Silence and Innocence (Isa 53:7-9)

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth" (Isa 53:7).

5. The Servant was Crushed but Victorious (Isa 53:10-12)

Practical Application: Only Jesus' wounds can heal us (Isa 53:5).

Humble Acknowledgment: "The punishment that brought us peace was upon him" (Isa 53:5). "The Lord makes his life an offering for sin" (Isa 53:10).

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How Beautiful are the Feet that Bring Good News (Isaiah 51:1-52:12)

Previous post: Do you Know the Word that Sustains the Weary? (Isa 50:4)

God Comforts Zion (Isa 51:1-23)

Isaiah gives 3 incentives for obeying the voice of the servant: (a) God can revive and transform barren Zion to joyful Eden (Gen 2:8; Eze 28:13; 31:8,9), just as God made a great nation from a barren couple Abraham and Sarah (Isa 51:1-3). (b) God's truth and justice will go out to the nations (Isa 2:2-4; 42:1-4,6; 49:6) with a saving power that will outlast the universe (Isa 51:4-6). (c) Though believers are reviled, they will be eternally vindicated (Isa 51:7,8).

Though God appears to be asleep (Isa 51:9,17), he is not, as he assures his people of his salvation (Isa 51:12-16). God says, "I, even I, am he who comforts you...For I am the Lord your God...the Lord Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand" (Isa 51:12,15,16). Though God used Babylon to reveal his wrath and rebuke for Israel's idolatry and unbelief (Isa 51:17-20), God would turn his cup of wrath upon their oppressors (Isa 51:21-23).

God Brings His Salvation to Zion (Isa 52:1-12)

Zion was conquered by Babylon and brought shame upon God's name (Isa 52:1-6; Rom 2:24), which is the most disastrous consequence. But God would turn the despising of his name into rejoicing as the gospel of God's grace spreads over the world through the beautiful feet of those who bring good news (Isa 52:7-10; Rom 10:15; Eph 6:15). God will purify and guide his people into his everlasting kingdom (Isa 52:11,12).

Practical Application: Be the beautiful feet that bring the good news (Isa 52:7).

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