Isaiah 15 “The Burden of Moab”

“My heart cries out for Moab” (v.5)

Back in chapter 13 we read about the burden Isaiah had for the coming destruction of Babylon. Now, as Isaiah is prophesying concerning the fall of Moab, we see the prophet again being burdened by the news he must deliver. Judgment is coming to them (Moab) in the form of the Assyrian empire for their hard-heartedness, and their rebellion against God, and nothing will be left standing.

Despite this burden, Isaiah was faithful to his call in warning the people. He did not take joy in the delivery of his message nor the impending doom that was to befall Moab, but he obeyed God. Some have compared Isaiah’s lament of Moab to Jesus’s lament over doomed Jerusalem.

So how does this apply to us. Well we are certainly not prophets, but through the help of the Spirit we can see the warning signs of destruction in those around us. When we see a brother/sister falling away the scripture tells us to restore such a person. That can only be accomplished through love and empathy, not through condemnation and accusation. And if our words of love and concern are not heeded, then give it to God, go to your prayer closet, and cry out to Him. Like Isaiah, we are just the messenger.

While the righteousness of God will not allow sin to go unpunished, remember the grace of God will allow forgiveness if true repentance is present. "For our LORD is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).  And through it all, may our hearts cry out over the sin that has blinded others, and recognize that, "But for the grace of God, there go I."

Father open the eyes of our prodigals, that they may repent and turn back to you that we may not lament. Amen.

The Truth: "For by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not of your own, it is a gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)  

Isaiah 14 “Pride Brings A Fall”

“How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.” (vv.12-15)

In this passage, we have certainly one of the most extreme expressions of pride. Whether it is specific to an enemy of Israel or a description of the ultimate enemy, Satan, either way we have pride on display. And scripture tells us that, “pride comes before a fall.”

Even though Satan's sin is well-documented in Scripture, it still boggles the mind to realize that rebellion began in the heart of an Angel. But the record is there in the prophets. Satan's rebellion was doomed to fail, of course; and his judgment was sure. One of the most exalted angels in heaven was cast out of God's presence and thrown to the earth (Ezek. 28:17 ).

We too need to guard our hearts against the flaming darts of pride. Unfortunately, our battles against Satan do not always end in decisive spiritual victory. But that's due to our humanity, not to any lack in God's daily provision for our spiritual lives. Knowing the kind of enemy Satan is, God has given us all the armor we need to defeat him. We just need to use it and not let pride (or any one of Satan's tools) bring us down.

The Truth: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you may make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Isaiah 13 “The Burden of Babylon”

 “The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.” (v.1)

The primary call of the prophet was to speak forth the heart and mind of the LORD to His people. Here in chapter 13 Isaiah the prophet speaks of the destruction of Babylon by the “Medes” two hundred years before it happened. This vision given to Isaiah to tell of the awful judgments of God, and of the calamities which were coming upon the city, was so oppressive, that it weighed upon Isaish’s mind and heart as a heavy burden.

“Babylon will be desolate,” Isaiah prophesied (vv.20-22). And, if you were to go there today (to the very spot Babylon was located), you would find nothing. For it is called, “The place where demons dance,” and no one come near. 

Looking to the future, just as the physical city of Babylon was destroyed for their abominations, so the LORD will (in the great tribulation period), “Shake the heavens and remove the earth from her place, in the day of His fierce anger” (v.13), to judge a world that has rejected Christ and His kingdom.

Past, present, and future, it's all here in this exciting and prophetic book. Hope you can continue to read along. 

The Truth: “For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)

Isaiah 12 “Sing To The LORD”

“Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth.” (v.5)

The context of today's reading is prophetic, taking place during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Isaiah is picturing the coming of the Messiah to redeem His people and establish His glorious reign. Notice the phrase "in that day," repeated at the beginning of each stanza (Isa. 12:1, 4), this is the future period known as the millennial kingdom spoken of in Revelation 20:1, 2, 3, Rev. 20:4, 5, 6, 7. 

Therefore, Isaiah writes in the first three verses of our text that the people "the remnant" of Israel will in that day, give Him praise and gratitude for their comfort and salvation. And likewise, "the nations," the Gentiles will also give Him the glory and honor due His name. Then, in that day when Christ sits on His throne, the redeemed of both groups-those who make up His body, the church, will reign with Him.

But we don't have to wait until Christ returns to offer Him the praise He deserves. Praise and adoration of God is the "sacrifice of praise" we are called to give to Him. And, praise is a great way to keep your prayers from falling into the "gimme" mentality. God loves to give, but He also delights to hear our praise. "Sing to the Lord," Isaiah urges (v.5). If your devotions don't include some music along the way, you have a whole new realm of worship open to you.

The Truth: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Isaiah 11 “His Millennial Kingdom”

Isaiah 11 “His Millennial Kingdom”

“Righteousness will be His belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.” (v.5)

Isaiah 11 is a picture of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will take His rightful place as Ruler of the earth in His millennial kingdom. This description is both awe-inspiring and encouraging. Finally, all the earth will be ruled in absolute righteousness.

The requirements for this King (Isa 11:2, 3, 4, 5) cannot be met by any ordinary ruler, either currently or yet to come. Only Jesus Christ can claim the perfect fullness of the Holy Spirit as described by the prophet. Jesus alone is capable of judging righteously in every case, because He is perfect in righteousness. And no other ruler has the power to bring about worldwide judgment against evil.

When Jesus eventually takes His throne, God's faithfulness will be as visible as if Christ were wearing it around His waist (v.5). Looking ahead to that glorious day gives us another reason to thank the Lord for His faithfulness. It also keeps us from placing our ultimate hope in the outcome of any elected official.

The Truth: “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land.” (Isaiah 23:5)

Isaiah 10 “The Remnant”

“In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God. Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand by the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed overwhelming and righteous.” (vv.20-22)

Earlier in chapter 10, Isaiah recorded that a small righteous remnant of God’s people, would be preserved by His sovereign grace from destruction by the Assyrians (Isa. 1:9). Now here in our text, he looks to the future and says, "In that day (the time of Jacob's distress, brought to an end by return of Messiah) that the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped (the remnant), will never again rely on the one who struck them (the Anti-Christ), but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.

Meaning only a small number of God’s people will endure (those who by grace through faith are saved) and will return. For a great destruction is determined (referring to the Great Tribulation), during the last three and one half years before Messiah returns. This will be overwhelming and righteous, to put an end to the ruthless reign of the man of sin, the antichrist. Then, when Messiah returns to set up His righteous kingdom, He will re-gather and cleanse the final Jewish remnant, (those who believed) and will fulfill God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Please pray for Israel, that the eyes of many will be opened to believe on the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who came and died for all men, before the coming of Jacob's trouble. 

The Truth: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Isaiah 9 “Light And Shadow”

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” (v.2)

Art historian Seymour Slive described the great Dutch artist Rembrandt (1606–1669) as the master of light and shadow, a compelling storyteller on canvas. Rembrandt’s painting, “The Adoration of the Shepherds,” portrays the darkened stable in Bethlehem where two shepherds kneel beside the manger while other people stand farther away. One man holds a lantern, but the brightest light shines not from his lantern but from the Christ-child, illuminating those who have gathered close to Him.

Each person may see a different story in Rembrandt’s painting, but perhaps each of us is represented somewhere in that stable. Are we kneeling in worship, or standing back in hesitation? Are we hiding from the light that has penetrated our darkness, or do we find ourselves attracted to its essence?

Jesus invites us to step out of the shadows of darkness and to allow His light to shine into our hearts. As one poet describes it; “Observing God’s love from afar is only a passing delight; But when we experience Christ’s presence, our darkness is turned into light.” My prayer for you today if you find yourself one of those in the painting standing farther away in darkness, that you would step into His light of forgiveness and follow Him into eternal glory.

The Truth: Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

Isaiah 8 "Look To The LORD"

And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (vv.19-20)

Isaiah was reminding the people of Judah (and us) that God’s children are forbidden to go to mediums and wizards for counsel and wisdom (vs. 9). God’s children are commanded to go to the Word of God for light. The people were looking for a message, and if they just would have listened and taken heed, they would have realized that God was speaking to them through the prophecies He was giving to Isaiah.

Humanity still seems to be always looking to anyone and/or anyplace, but God, for advice. But God’s Word has stood the test of time. Jesus promised that it would; “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Luke 21:33). The Bible still remains today our playbook, our guide, and our owner’s manual for life. It will lead us past the stormy waters of 21st-century compromises, to the calm realm of eternal truth.

Therefore, look to God, and heed His Word.

The Truth: "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me, does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. (John 14:23-24)