As You Go

Summary

Tyre, an island nation, was prolific for its international trade and its navy. They were situated on an island off the coast of the Mediterranean and controlled 2 important harbours. Yet, here we see the common problem of wealthy nations or people - when profits are a priority over people. Isaiah shows again how another god - wealth, consumerism, and production - is weak compared to God.

God

As long as Tyre prioritises maximising profits and amassing wealth - it will not be as strong as it could be. Isaiah pictures a ship returning from trade to discover the island destroyed. What will it do then? It will be a boat without a place to dock - out at sea with no goal and no hope. Without God, this is what we experience. However, God sees a hope for Tyre. God's hope is for all people and nations. He sees her wealth now being used for good and even building up God's kingdom. The vision for Tyre is not to become nothing, but for Tyre to be part of using their wealth for God.

Gospel

It is good news that wealth and status are not a priority for Jesus. Jesus chose to have no home, and no wealth himself. When Jesus visited Tyre, a woman came to him seeking the healing of her daughter and had great faith in Jesus (Matthew 15:21-28). Jesus considered Tyre a place where he was better received than in Jerusalem (Matthew 11:20-22). What is interesting is that though they were so wealthy, they could not escape the realities and problems of life. Only in Jesus is there hope for us. Money doesn't satisfy, business comes and goes, and success will not make us happy.

Reflection

How does following Jesus redefine your relationship with money?

Summary

Isaiah now looks to his own city. They are no different to the other nations described so far. Though they were called to be a light, they have become focused on themselves. Assyria's coming will bring heartache and destruction. At a time when Jerusalem should be seeking the Lord, they are instead acting spiritually immature. What is true of the city, is true of individuals. The second half of the chapter details an immature leader more interested in his own wealth and status than the King's. Isaiah warns that his job will be taken from him and given to another named Eliakim.

God

God wants real, heart-level commitment. Jerusalem spent more time focused on building up fortifications, armies, and weaponry. Shebna, a leader in Israel, is a big reason for this. Isaiah is in tears as he writes this chapter. God wanted Israel to be so much more. God longs for repentance and change, but Jerusalem is only thinking about Jerusalem. They have an excuse - "tomorrow we die" so why bother taking God seriously? So they begin to feast and drink.

The sin that can't be forgiven is the sin you are unwilling to give to God. Repentance is not about being miserable, it's about being self-aware.

Do I take seriously God's word? I'm not talking about being miserable and joyless. That's not Isaiah' point. What I'm talking about is commitment, earnestness, sincerity. We can take things seriously while still being joyful.

Gospel

Jesus encountered a similar experience with Jerusalem when he stood on the Mount of Olives. We see him weeping over her, longing for her change. Jesus encounters similar stubbornness when he comes to Jerusalem. He longs for their transformation and their welcome of him - but they fight him, argue with him, and reject him over and over again. They nail and crucify him to the cross. Yet human failure does not determine God's plan. That's a theme Isaiah returns to repeatedly.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus has the keys to the house of David. He takes control, and he is worthy of doing that. He has not become proud or self-focused. Jesus deserves to take control and have the highest position. 

Reflection

What does it look like for you to make a heart commitment to Jesus today?

Summary

The Assyrian conquest is a massive threat throughout the book of Isaiah. Nations are in negotiations with each other, but the Assyrians are coming. A threat from the east. In Isaiah's time in the 8th century BC, this was an international catastrophe. The Assyrians saw it as their calling to vanquish and subjugate all other nations. This is on the same level as the Nazis conquest of Europe during World War 2. Edom is referenced as seeing the war coming. Arabia is encouraged to take in refugees and care for these people. This is an international crisis.

God

Isaiah sees the international scene. The Bible writers do not have a narrow view of the world. Israel was intended to lift up the one God and be an international influence. That's why the prophet Isaiah doesn't just write regarding Israel, but the entire world. Assyria believed they were the only humans, and all other nations were inferior. This resulted in their conquest of the nations. However, God will not be conquered. This is why Isaiah says that though it will be catastrophic, they will not be successful.

100 million people today are forcibly displaced from their home around the world.

Gospel

God is not a bystander here. God is working through this catastrophe to bring about his plans to the nations. Through this event, Israel will interact with the nations. Assyria won’t be successful, but Israel will continue to be an influence in the world. God is at work in the world even when the days are evil. 

Reflection

How do we relate to those currently experiencing war and who are forcibly displaced?

Summary

Egypt - the land of kings and gods. Israel and Judah felt the threat of Assyria coming from the north, so they turned south to Egypt for help. They were relying on them for protection (20:6).

The Nile River was the source of life for Egyptians. The Pharaoh was the source of wisdom and power. The idols were the source of courage and will of the gods. Isaiah says all are coming to nothing.

Isaiah shows the difference between God and the gods of Egypt by walking around naked. Without God, it is like we have no cover, protection, or security.

God

“There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.” David Foster Wallace

We worship whatever we look to for security, protection and hope. Egypt worshipped many things but all failed them. Eventually, Egypt would be attacked and destroyed by Assyria.

If only they had discovered the one Creator God. Isaiah sees a future where the Egyptians worship God also. And like Israel, they too discover the same gifts and life. Instead of war, alliance, peace, and blessing would flow on all the nations.

Gospel

It is good news that in Christ is all wisdom and knowledge. Again we see that Christ is for the nations. The gods of this world are futile and pointless in comparison to Christ. Paul writes that the world offers only emptiness and meaningless living. But in Christ is the fullness of God. Again if Egypt had discovered this, they would have discovered real life and blessings. Yet it was to a sinful world like Egypt that Christ came to bring life.

Reflection

Reflect again on Isaiah’s message to Egypt. What was one thing that stood out to you today from Isaiah 19-20?

Summary

Syria and Israel were the nations north of Judah while Ethiopia (modern day Sudan) is the southern kingdom. Israel worships idols while these kingdoms around them are plotting war and politics. Isaiah reminds everyone that they are like kids playing in the playground and God is the teacher watching silently but he will put them in their place soon. Since Isaiah 13 we have seen different nations the focus of Isaiah's writing. Nations far and wide come into view. Chapter 18 turns its attention to Ethiopia. This is the empire that spanned the North of Africa near the Nile River. A nation which sent envoys far and wide. They wanted to spread their kingdom far and set up a worldwide kingdom. It was a strong and mighty nation. 

God

When God sets up his kingdom, all the nations are included within God's plan. It is not one kingdom taking over and subsuming all kingdoms, but one kingdom including all kingdoms within it. A time of transformation and change is visualised. 

Gospel

It is good news that God doesn’t select one nation above all others. God is the God of all the universe. God’s plan always included all the nations. Jesus sent the church out further than Israel. Phillip even encountered an Ethiopian and spoke about the book of Isaiah to this man.

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Reflection

What do you hear God saying new to you today in Isaiah’s prophecy against forgetful Israel?

Summary

The two chapters look at Moab being attacked and destroyed. Isaiah is discouraged and watching with sadness. Tears roll down his face as he sees the kingdom brought down overnight. There is yearning and longing in Isaiah's words. Why would anyone want such senseless destruction?

God

God is heartbroken over the lost. God not willing that any should perish. We can sense the heart of God as we listen to the words of Isaiah. God sees them going to the gods they worship and it’s pointless. They are trusting in idols that are dead. No one is coming to save them. What is our response to those who reject God and who suffer and wander?

Gospel

Jesus weeps over those who would not turn back. His heart was always filled with compassion for the sheep that wander. He wants none to perish but all to come to repentance. Jesus gives his life for sinners. Jesus prays for his enemies as they crucify him. He longs for the one sinner to come home.

Reflection

Read Isaiah 15-16. What does it mean for you to demonstrate Christ-like love to others today?

Summary

Behind all the nations warring and the conflicts is a bigger spiritual war. Satan is the originator of evil. The cause of this spiritual conflict is the aspiration of created beings to be like God. This story is repeated throughout the Bible and in our own lives. 

God

The source of evil is Satan, not God. Behind the works of the different empires is a spiritual war. God is a good and just God. God’s character is of humility and lowering himself. Satan is the opposite. We have the chance here to see what Satan stands for and what God stands for. As we face our own challenges and temptations then, we must be clear on what is happening around us. God calls us to arm ourselves and protect ourselves with the armour of God. The fight we have is spiritual. 

Gospel

It is good news that though many failed, Jesus the true king did not fall into temptation. When in the wilderness he resisted the temptation of all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Jesus is victorious because he does not fall into the common trap of exalting himself. Even though he deserves to sit on the throne and to rule - he chooses to humble himself. Jesus both shows us what God is like and why he deserves to be our Ruler.

Reflection

Read Isaiah 14. What might it mean for you to live a more selfless life today?

Summary

This is the first of eleven prophecies against different nations surrounding Judah. Likely none were read by those neighbouring nations except those living in Judah. Babylon is first, and at the time of writing was yet to be a world superpower. The City of Babylon was actually destroyed by the Assyrians during Isaiah’s life. Isaiah is told of the rise and fall of Babylon. Eventually the Medes will come and remove Babylon.

God

While this oracle is about Babylon it also reminds us about who is really in charge. Daniel was told a similar thing about Babylon in a vision. “He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” (Daniel 2:21) It is easy to look at politics and world events, but it is not wise to. Assyria will give way to Babylon, and Babylon to Media and Persia, and to Greece, and to Rome. These kingdoms appear eternal and all-powerful - but no kingdom other than God’s is our hope.

Gospel

It is good news that Babylon is not eternal. Neither is any kingdom. Babylon offers an eternal life but it fails. Only in Jesus can we experience eternal life. Jesus’ kingdom is opposite to the world’s kingdom. Instead of the proud and arrogant Babylon, Jesus’ kingdom is a kingdom based on being poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). This is the kingdom that won’t be changed or destroyed. 

Reflection

How has this passage challenged you to adjust your priorities?

Summary

Chapter 11 concludes the King Ahaz story and leaves us with hope. God cuts down the trees that have been growing wild, but he cuts down so that new growth will appear. David’s family tree may be challenged but it will not be ended because a Promised Child is coming who will set up a new kingdom. God is bringing salvation to Israel again. God wants to do what he did for Moses in his generation for Ahaz and his generation. Ahaz do you believe it?

God

Why does God get involved with the conflicts on the world stage like this? Salvation. God wants to bring peace not to Israel only but to the entire world. His vision is for a new era where peace reigns. No more predators hunting the prey - violent predator animals are now peacefully resting with the gentle animals and children.

Gospel

Isaiah visualizes a new exodus. In every generation God stands against the evil oppressors wanting to destroy and do evil. 

Reflection

Think about your experience with God so far. What has God done in your life to save you?

Summary

The plans of the mighty Assyrian army are exposed. They will descend on Israel and the surrounding nations with a pride and arrogance that comes with corrupt power. As a result, they will be cut down. Even though there are tumultuous times ahead for Israel, there is still hope on the horizon. This message is shouted across the whole empire, with 26 places mentioned, spanning the breadth of Assyria’s vast empire. A small group of people will remain faithful to God, who alone is the trustworthy ruler. 

God

God is sovereign over the nations. Though kings and kingdoms rise and fall, He rules over them all with justice. Pride and arrogance are not His way. In vs 33, Isaiah speaks about Assyria and says “he will cut down the proud. That lofty tree (of Assyria) will be brought down”. With geo-politics in a seemingly endless cycle of aggression and retaliation, Isaiah pulls back the curtain on who is truly in control. God. Even when things seem out of control, God is still in control. 

Gospel

The good news is that not only God has authority over the nations, but he has given that over to Jesus, and with it Jesus sets up a new kind of kingdom. One that will never end. He is the perfect ruler. His kingdom is one for all people. 

Question: What area of your life would you like to hand over to God to control?