Isaiah 58 “Fasting That Pleases God”

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” (v.6)

Here the LORD speaks on fasting. This is an important matter, full of great spiritual truths. It is first mentioned in Scripture in Exodus 34:28, when Moses miraculously fasted 40 days and nights and then received the Ten Commandments. In the New Testament, Jesus began His earthly ministry with 40 days of prayer and fasting. Both were in human flesh, both had tremeandous tasks ahead ot them, and both sought Spiritual strength from God.

The Lord tells us here through the Prophet Isaiah that fasting is about many things; releasing burdens, oppression, heavy yokes of bondage, or heavy burdens upon our lives that we can’t handle. And, that we can find deliverance by bringing any one of them to God through fasting.

But, fasting is also about ministering to others, dying to self, letting our inner man shine in the light of His Spirit. In so doing, our flesh is denied, our is Spirit feed, our God is pleased, and “The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard and when you shall call, the LORD will answer” (vv.8-9).

Throughout scripture we see that prayer and fasting have always gone together: And in some cases, is the only way “demonic power” can be overcome. Jesus did both during His ministry here on earth. Should we do anything less?

The Truth:  But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Isaiah 57 “Healing For The Backslider”

“For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.” (vv.16-18)

For the majority of this chapter God speaks out against Israel’s futile idolatry. Against the fact that His people had turned away from Him and had turned unto the practices of the heathen peoples around them, developing little idols and gods and worshiping them. Describing the futility of their newfound hope God states, “And when you cry, your gods will not be able to deliver you. They will be carried away themselves by the wind” (v.13a). Then loving reminds His people once again that, “He who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain” (v.13b)

This now brings us to the point of application in our text. God will not always contend, argue, make a case, for His Lordship over our lives. Neither will He always be angry with us. O He may correct, admonish, rebuke, even punish, in order to get our attention, but the bottom line here is, God loves His children. He knows them, He sees them, and will heal and comfort them. And, even though you may have forsaken God, like Israel who had gone and done these abominable practices, He promises to make available His restoration (v.18).

If you could use that touch of restoration today, see the prayer to the right on this page. God Bless you all.

The Truth: “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Isaiah 56 “A House of Prayer For All Nations”

“Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (v.7)

Here in chapter 56 we see the LORD speaking concerning salvation for the Gentiles, “Even them (gentiles) I will bring to My holy mountain” (the church). Meaning they should be admitted to the fellowship and privileges of His people. Jews and Gentiles shall have equal freedom of access to His house, and shall there call upon His name together in prayer.

Thus, the Gentiles shall be one body with the Jews just as Christ said, “There will be one fold and one Shepherd” (John 10:16). Meaning no one will be separated from Him except by willful sin and unbelief. But, if we come to Him, we shall be accepted through the sacrifice of our great High Priest. For His house is for all nations, for all who believe on His name.

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (anybody) believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Isaiah 55 “The Invitation”

“Ho! Every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Incline your ear and come to Me. Hear and your soul shall live.” (vv.1, 3)

Throughout Scripture and history we see God’s global plan of salvation at work. As a result of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, He extends an invitation (Isa 55:1–5) to all who are spiritually hungry to eat the Bread of Life and to all who are spiritually thirsty to drink the Living Water, and through them to be satisfied.

Our text today focuses on God's invitation, "His free" gift of salvation to all. The words here are not of the prophet Isaiah, but of the Lord, and, are directed to the Gentiles. This call to faith comes after the special privilege to Israel, God’s chosen people, to the entire Gentile World, “Incline your ear to Me, come to Me, Hear and you shall live. And I will make an everlasting covenant with you.” (v.3)

The invitation of our LORD still stands today. His promises are the same, His covenant has not changed, “Believe on the name of the LORD Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) Meaning, not just an immediate forgiveness from your sin (though that will happen), but an eternal covenant, a promise that will never be broken, a place in heaven for you and your household.

But, while God's guarantee of salvation is eternal, the opportunity for salvation is not (Isa 55:6, 7). Seek Him while He may still be found, call upon Him while He is near to you, accept His invitation today, you will never regret it! (see prayer to the right of this page) God Bless.

The Truth: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)  

Isaiah 54 “God’s Unfailing Love”

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” (v.10)

In today’s passage, Isaiah portrays the nation of Israel as a “barren woman” (v.1) Considering the shame attributed to being barren, the opening commands are very unusual: “Sing … burst into song, shout for joy” (v.1). Why should someone who is disgraced shout for joy? Despite this woman’s infertility, the passage contains a promise of great hope. She will not only be able to bare children, but also will need to “enlarge” her tent to accommodate all of her descendants (vv.2-3). What she experienced as shame and humiliation, will be transformed into abundance by a loving God (v.4).

In our passage, God refers to Himself as her “Maker,” “husband,” and “Redeemer” (v.5) Each of these roles is protective and intimate. Furthermore, God has chosen her for Himself. He has created her and saved her, elevating her to a place of great honor and worth.

Looking at this, we must be struck by the awareness that we are the unlikely recipients of this bounty. God loves us. Through Him, we experience both “deep compassion” (v.7) and “everlasting kindness” (v.8). Isaiah refers to the example of Noah. Although God may be angry at sin, He promises “unfailing love” to His people (v.10). The imagery at the end of this passage reinforces that idea. God will love us no matter what, even when the mountains shake and the hills are removed.

If you feel unworthy and unloved, remember that God sees you in a different light. He has promised deep compassion and everlasting kindness. He sees you as no one else does; He is your Creator, Redeemer, and King. His love for you is not dependent on your ability to perform well, and nothing you can do will shake God’s love.

The Truth: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

Isaiah 52-53 “The Suffering Servant”

"My servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted." – (Isaiah 52:13)

“He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” ( Isaiah 53:3)

Jesus said we should not be surprised when the world persecutes His disciples, because that’s the way He Himself was treated (Jn. 15:18, 19, 20, 21). God’s Servant-Messiah suffered at the hands of sinners in ways we will never completely understand.

Here in Isaiah’s fourth and final Servant Song, we see the greatest act of self-sacrifice ever known. For it is here where Isaiah saw a glimpse of Christ’s arrest, trial, and suffering - and prophesied it for us some 700 years before the birth of Christ. Furthermore, Isaiah makes it clear that the Servant's suffering was not a cruel accident, or a twist of fate. His body and spirit were crushed (by the Father), who made His sinless Son to be sin for us, that we might have His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).

But, despite Christ’s terrible suffering, the end of the story will be glorious. Even though Jesus would be cut off in the prime of life with no descendants (Isaiah 53:8), Isaiah prophesied that He would again see "the light of life" (Isa 53:11) and enjoy exaltation among the great and the strong (Isa 53:12)--because He was willing to give His life for the sins of the world.

Isaiah asked, "Who has believed our message?”(Isa 53:1) Believing the message about Jesus Christ is still the most important issue anyone could face today. I pray the Holy Spirit to opens your eyes to the truth about the “Suffering Servant” who died on the cross for you, and rose again to life, that you may also have eternal life through Him (Jesus Christ).

The Truth: “If you confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Note: If you would like to do just that, see the prayer “Connect with God” to the right on this page. God Bless.

Isaiah 51 “God's Reminder of Eternity”

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished.” (v.6)

In this chapter, God, through the prophet Isaiah, reminds Israel (and us) of eternity. He does so because their hope had been diverted by the pressing problems of day-to-day living. Constantly under the burden of their oppressors, they had forgotten to look up. So God is both comforting and exhorting His people here through Isaiah, calling their attention back to a eternal perspective.

We too need to look up more. There is so much more to our existence and purpose in life than; working at our jobs, paying bills, cleaning house, doing laundry, washing cars, mowing the grass, running errands, etc. Those things are important yes, but temporary in value, not eternal.

In the light of the reality of eternity, and the existence of the true and living God, I strongly encourage you to invest some time each day in your eternal soul. Trust me, it will be time well invested.

The Truth: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:19–21)

Isaiah 50 “Servant Messiah Obedient Unto Death”

“The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord God helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” (vv.5-7)

Once again here in Isaiah 50, the Servant speaks for Himself and declares His obedience to God, the extent of His sacrifice, and His confidence that God will uphold Him in His purity. Conscious of the fact that His service means suffering, He is not disobedient to the call, and His ear is open.

Oh the pain of what He would voluntarily endure in obedience to the Father for you and I. Jesus, who was completely without sin, would willingly lay down His life to redeem us. And here, some 700 years before Jesus is born, we read of the prophesy of His death.

Amazing grace (valor).

The Truth: “I came not to do My will but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 5:30)

Isaiah 49 “The Second Servant’s Song”

“See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up My banner to the peoples.” (v.22)

Isaiah foretold the Servant role of Messiah in a series of prophecies often called the “Servant Songs.” Today’s prophecy is especially intriguing because in it, the Servant Himself (Jesus) speaks about His unique ministry and relationship to the Lord God. And today, we can read these verses with an insight Isaiah didn’t possess, because we can see their fulfillment in the events of Jesus’ life through the Scriptures.

In the opening of this chapter we see Jesus speaking to the nations saying that God the Father has called Him by His design, to be Israel’s Messiah and Savior (v.1). The Father then sent the Son into the world with the “sharpened sword” of His Word (v.2) to redeem Israel. In verse 3 Messiah then speaks of His rejection, and takes comfort in the fact that His exaltation comes from God (vv.4-5). Finally, even though He would be “despised and abhorred,” God would raise Him up; and kings will (future) bow down before Him (v.7).

The emphasis of this second servant song, is the special call of Christ's mission as Messiah to the entire world. Israel was not enough—the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth (v.6) Distant nations are summoned to hear this prophecy, for it applies to “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9). Meaning eventually, "all flesh will know that Jesus is our LORD and Savior, our Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob" (v.26).

Even though the triumphant Second Coming of Jesus Christ is yet in the future, it is as certain as the first.

The Truth: “And an angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Isaiah 48 “Refined By Fire”

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (v.10)

Refining gold or silver is a long process, heating the ore until it reaches a molten state. Then, as tradesman keeps the heat on, the impurities rise to the surface. He then begins to skim off the impurities and keeps skimming until all the dross is burned off and the metal is finally pure. He knows it’s pure when He can see His own reflection in the liquid ore.

God refines his children in a similar way, through our trials “(furnace of affliction). And He keeps the heat on us until He can see His reflection in our lives. Charles Spurgeon once said of his trials: “I bear willing witness that I owe more to the fire, and the hammer, and the file, than to anything else in my Lord's workshop. I sometimes question whether I have ever learned anything except through the rod. When my schoolroom is darkened, I see most.” So true!

Some of us have been through more in life than others, yet all of us still have more to come, for we are all still under construction. We are all not yet what we will be, for our maker is still at work; grinding, shaping, sanding, and refining our lives. But do not loose heart, for the Master Builder knows what He is making and sees the finished product to be used for His glory.

It has been said, “It is a great help when passing through the fire to know that we are there because there is gold to be extracted or silver to be refined as well as dross to purge away.”

The Truth: “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Isaiah 47 “Coming Judgment of Babylon”

“Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, that dwell carelessly, that say in your heart, I am, and there is no one else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children: But these two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day, the loss of both children, and widows.” (vv.7-8a)

Here God speaks (through Isaiah) of the judgment that is going to come against Babylon because of their treatment of His people. And we know, from the book of Daniel 5:26-28, that Babylon did indeed fall in one night to the Medes and the Persians just as prophesied here by Isaiah in our text. But how did this happen?

Scripture tells us that God was angry with the Jews who had polluted His name by their false worship. So He gave them over into the hands of the Babylonians. However, the Babylonians did not show God’s people mercy during their captivity. They were very hard on the people of Israel made them bond-slaves. On the elderly they laid a heavy burdens (v.6), and bragged about never knowing the loss of children or widows because of their greatness (v.8). Pride, mistreatment of God's people, and holding themselves above God, led to their judgment, and in a moment, in one day, and they would experience the loss of everything (v.9).  

But for us, it is comforting to know that even when we are being corrected, or disciplined by God, that He is also there as our protector, defender, and shield. And, that the chastening of the LORD is because He loves us and desires to see us restored, not tormented under some heavy burden. But on the other side of the coin, Woe to those who would treat God’s people without mercy, placing a heavy load of condemnation upon them, or speaking evil against them. For God has chosen them and has said, "I will bless those that bless thee, and curse those that curse thee" (Genesis 12:3).

Therefore, let’s all be careful how we treat one another, especially to those in the body of Christ. Better to treat God's people with mercy than cruelty, with compassion and forgiveness, than indifference or heartlessness, with restoration instead of neglect.

The Truth: “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)        

Isaiah 46 “The Gods Of Babylon”

“Those who lavish gold from the purse and weigh silver on the scale hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it upon the shoulder and carry it; they set it in its place and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may cry to it, it cannot answer; It cannot deliver him from his distress.” (vv.6-7)

Here in chapter 46, the theme is the contrast between the gods of Babylon—Bel and Nebo—and Jehovah. Perhaps nothing in all of Biblical literature is more powerful than this comparison of the essential difference between false gods and the true God.

The prophet Isaiah pictured the gods of Babylon (and so all false gods), as being made by men, carried by the men who made them, set in their place by these men, unable to move from the place where they are so placed, and incapable of answering those that worship them in days of distress. Then he describes the truth about Jehovah very concisely as, “He makes, and He carries” (v.4).

Looking at this comparison a little closer we see an idol is a thing, which a man makes and has to carry. The true God makes the man, and carries him. When a man worships an idol, he is paying tribute to something he made. However, when a man worships the true God, he worships his Maker, and he is carried by Him - and so he finds rest.  

The Truth: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols!" (1 John 5:21)

Isaiah 45 “Look To God”

“Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is no other.” (v.22)

Back in Genesis sin enter the world through the gateway of the eye, with a look of desire upon the wrong object. Eve, who was told not to eat of the tree of good and evil, saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes. Then, distrusting God’s warning, she ate, and thus sin entered the world.

Here in our text the prophet Isaiah is relaying God’s Word to the people saying, “salvation comes from looking unto Jehovah.” O, you can look to someone else, just as Eve did, or choose to go your own way not believing in God at all. But here’s the catch found in the second have of our text,

“For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself;

The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him. In the Lord all the descendants of Israel Shall be justified, and shall glory’ ” (vv.22-25)

So what do you do with that? Discount it, roll the dice and hope that it isn’t true? Or Look to God and be saved? That’s up to your free will. But, as for me and my house, we will look to Jesus for our hope, our salvation, and I hope you will too.

The Truth: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Isaiah 44 “Israel Not Forgotten”

“O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (vv.21-22)

What a beautiful, loving promise. Here we see the heart of the Father, who longs for His children to return to Him. And like an earthly father, He stands ready to forgive and forget any and all past transgressions. This is not only God’s desire for Israel, but for all His children who have drifted away from the truth. He stands ready to forgive. For He who has formed us, and called us by name, has already redeemed us by His blood.

How comforting to know that although we may have drifted away, placed other things in our lives ahead of God, even willfully sinned, He has not forgotten us. And just as He promised to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (v.28b), He stands ready to restore us as well.

The Truth: “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Isaiah 43 “God Acquits”

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” (v.25)

This great verse speaks for itself. That God only forgets one thing, our sins. We may have a problem forgiving our selves, but God doesn’t. And, He will never bring our sins against us, because they have been blotted out through the blood of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Therefore, state your case before God, ask for His forgiveness, that you may be acquitted.

The Truth: ”Great is His mercy towards those who fear Him: as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12)

Isaiah 42 “God’s Righteous Servant”

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen one in whom my soul delights, I will put my Spirit upon him: and he shall bring justice to the nations.” (v.1)

Here in chapter 42, Isaiah records the words spoken to him by God concerning another servant, His righteous servant, Jesus Christ. In our text Isaiah prophesied that this servant is, the “chosen one” in whom God “delights.”

In Matthew’s gospel when Jesus was being baptized by John, Matthew records there came a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). And, that when He came up out of the water, he saw the heavens open and Spirit of God descending upon Him like a dove” (v.16). God’s Son, sent by God (chosen), in whom His soul delights, on whom His Spirit resides, was foretold by Isaiah and fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

But, the prophecy did not stop there. It continued with the words, “He shall bring justice to all nations.” Meaning, to the gentiles as well. This last declaration of the prophecy is proof that the gospel would be coming to the gentiles, and that Jesus Christ will set in judgment over them too.

To date, Isaiah’s prophecy is almost complete. Jesus has come, God did place His Spirit upon Him and delighted in Him and His unblemished work to redeem man through His sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection. And, to His accession to His rightful place at the right hand of the Father in heaven. What remains to be fulfilled then is the judgment. And so He waits, until the appointed time when the deed of the earth (the scroll) will be given into His hands (Revelation 5).

The Truth:  “And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears you may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” (1 John 2:28)

Isaiah 41 “God Encourages His People”

“I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (vv.9-10)

Here God speaks to His people through the prophet Isaiah with great love and tenderness. Like a groom reciting his vows to his beloved He promises; “I have chosen you,” “I am with you,” “do not worry or fear,” “I Am your God.” The vows go on to say, “I will strengthen you,” “help you,” and “hold you up.”

The scriptures tell us that the promises of God are, "Yes! and Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20), that "His Word is truth" (John 17:7), and "unchanging" (Psalm 119:89), that "His counsel stands forever and the plans of His heart are to all generations" (Psalm 33:11). This is God’s promise for us as well, for we are His people too, as believers we are grafted in through the precious blood of His Son.

As the apostle Paul would later testify, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). Haleyluyah!

The Truth: “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Isaiah 40 God’s People Are Comforted”

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’s hand double for her sins.” (vv.1-2)

In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, God’s people (and their leadership) had been warned many times to repent and change their ways by the prophet Isaiah. But as we can see from our text, the result for not doing so was a “double portion” of God's discipline. Now, here in chapter 40, Isaiah records for us the words of God to him concerning a new message for His people, “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, cry out to her, that her warfare is ended and her iniquity is pardoned” (v.2).

We all need compassion and forgiveness in our lives, especially when we have gone awry. Without it, there would have no comfort, and our spirits would be constantly at war with our selves and others, for our lack of good judgment. Thankfully we have a redeemer who has paid our debt, that our sins might be forgiven, and our souls comforted.

“Comfort My people,” was Isaiah’s instruction. And, “Prepare them for the coming of Christ” (v.3). Are you prepared? Do you need His comfort? If so, see the prayer to the right on this page (Connect with God) and ask Him to do just that.

The Truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Isaiah 39 “Hear The Word of the LORD”

“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts” (v.5)

The true function of the prophet is to be the messenger of God. His work is to be God’s voice to all men, whether they be kings, lords, or commoners, he is to speak with the same Divine authority to all. But, he is not responsible to men, nor how men respond to his message, but only for its delivery.

The Lord had warned Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah not to trust in human help, but to rely on God alone. How strange that when Hezekiah was threatened by the Assyrian army, he went straight to God and prayed. But when the Babylonians came, complimenting him and giving gifts, he arrogantly showed them his entire wealth, thus becoming an easy target to take down.

Back in chapter 37 we saw Hezekiah healed from his deathbed and given 15 additional years of life by the grace of God. But, after Hezekiah was healed, his heart changed. In fact, 2 Chronicle 32:24–25 tells us that he allowed pride to take hold of him and he became boastful of the great blessings in his life. That pride led him to show the Babylonians all the treasures of Israel; and when they later invaded, they knew exactly where they were.

This chapter speaks to us about being careful to guard our hearts against pride. If we have become successful, or blessed beyond measure, don’t flaunt it or become boastful about it. Be grateful and give praise to the One who made it possible. Then seek the LORD for His direction over the stewardship of what you've been blessed with.

The Truth: “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)

Isaiah 38 “Fifteen Years of Grace”

And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years.” (vv.4-5)

Here in chapter 38, Hezekiah was deathly sick and was told by Isaiah the prophet to, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live’ (v.1). Not exactly what the king wanted to hear. After which Hezekiah, “turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD” (v.2). Then, before Isaiah had even cleared the middle of the court (2 Kings 20:4), the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years.” This begs the question, “Did Hezekiah's prayer change God’s mind?”

In my lifetime I have both seen and experienced similar events of healing and extended life. On January 22, 2016 I had quadruple bypass surgery. I can remember lying in bed the night before the surgery praying for God’s grace to extend my life. I knew full well the risks and had prepared myself through prayer to meet my maker, if my time had come. Through God’s grace, and the skill of everyone involved in my surgery, I am now 3 ½ years beyond that day. Was it related to my prayer, and the prayers of others? I’d like to think so. But, in reality, it was simply by God’s grace and His sovereign plan for my life.

Did Hezekiah’s prayer change God’s plan for his life? Many have prayed for extended life for loved ones in similar situations, and not all prayers have been answered with a “yes.” Sometime the answer is “no.” We cannot demand that God answer our prayers in just the way we would like. We must be submissive, even as Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane before He was taken to be crucified when He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:24). Yes, Hezekiah was healed, and his answered prayer demonstrates God's mercy, and grace, and His sovereign plan for Hezekiah. But a better question might be, "What if he had not asked?"

There is a time though when God will always change His mind; when we repent and turn from sin. Scripture tells us that, “When we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and cleans us from all unrighteousness. But, we must ask. And for that opportunity, we can all be eternally thankful.

The Truth: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)