Fellowshipmtz

Isaiah 65:2-16

Isaiah wonders of Israel, "shall we be saved?" (64:5d), and, "Will You restrain Yourself...?  Will You keep silent...? (64:12).  The LORD's response is that GENTILES are finding God, even though they are not seeking/asking; and ISRAEL is not finding God, even though the LORD has given them every advantage!  (Romans 9:4-5)  The unmistakable point is this: The fact that the LORD is being found demonstrates He has not ceased caring, nor has He abandoned His redemptive purpose.

Isaiah 65:1-2

The Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1-2 in his letter to the Romans (10:20-21).  Paul describes Isaiah's relaying of what the LORD's response as "bold".  Sinners who are trusting in their own perceived (works) "righteousness" don't appreciate being told their efforts are in vain, will fall miserably short.  On top of that, Isaiah declares Gentiles have obtained a righteousness of which they had shown no prior interest!  Shocking!

Isaiah 64:5-12However bad verse 5b sounds to you, it's worse than what you think!  We invariably read something like: "The LORD was/is angry because we sinned."  However true that statement may be, that is NOT what Isaiah means to say here!  J. Alec Motyer, in his excellent commentary, astutely observes: "Isaiah is not explaining GOD's wrath; rather, he is exposing Israel's aggravated offense".

Isaiah 64:1-5a, "Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down!"

It probably is not hard to identify with Isaiah's prayer/lament (at least at certain times in our life).  What is Isaiah wanting the LORD to do?  Another deliverance similar to the Israelites' exodus from slavery in Egypt?  I think, when the greater context of Isaiah's vision is taken into account, Isaiah is crying out for something much more!

Isaiah 63:7-19

There are times and seasons when a believer's circumstances seem to be at odds with the magnificence GOD"s promises.  In Isaiah's case, he did not see that Israel was experiencing either the "year of the LORD's favor" or "the day of GOD's vengeance".  Why not?  What then?  How are believers to wait? to live out the tension?  The truths contained in this chapter are no less applicable to the Church (Christians).

Isaiah 63:1-6

We resume our regular series from Isaiah chapters 40-66.  In chapter 62, the LORD set watchman on Jerusalem's walls.  They will be the first to see that the LORD fulfills all of His purposes (promises) of redemption in due time.  When chapter 63 opens, it turns out that the watchman see more than only LORD's promised salvation...!

Numbers 6:22-27

Last week, in Luke 2:14 we read shepherds heard a "multitude" of angels, "praising God and saying — 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!'"

This week, we consider more closely the blessing of peace by turning our attention to the famous "Levitical blessing" in Numbers.

Luke 2:8-20

After being out for two weeks because of COVID, Cliff is thrilled to be back with the church worshiping our "Savior, Christ the Lord"!  Since there's already been a "forced" break from Isaiah, and since we are well in to the season of Advent, the next few weeks will be more seasonal.

Mark 12:28-31

The biggest questions of life -- #1: From where did I come?   #2: Why am I here?   #3: To where am I going?In today's text, Jesus explicitly answers the second question, and in such a way that is intended to affect all of our relationships!

Deep thanks to Dr. Lanny Faulkner for filling the pulpit this Sunday in Cliff's unwelcome absence (COVID).  Lanny is retired from pastoring at First Baptist in Atwood.  In addition, he served for many years as a regional Southern Baptist Associational missionary in Central Illinois.

Isaiah 62 -- The LORD's Servant (Messiah/Jesus), Jerusalem's watchmen (likely, the prophets), along with all those who "put the LORD in remembrance" will not "keep silent" or "rest" until all of the LORD's purposes of salvation for Zion and the nations are fulfilled.