Fellowshipmtz

Isaiah 49:14-50:11

Jerusalem doubts the LORD's great promises of blessing and accomplishment on her behalf (see for example 49:12).  She views herself as forsaken, forgotten.  The LORD replies with great assurances of His love, His intentions, and His power.  And how will all of this be accomplished?  Chapter 50 reveals essential characteristics of the LORD's "substitute" Servant!

Isaiah 49:1-13

Today's teaching elaborates on what are commonly known as the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah. In this, the second Song, the Servant is tasked with restoring Jacob/Israel to the LORD; but it seems, at first, as if the Servant's efforts have been in vain.  What then?

Isaiah 52:1-12, "Awake, awake..."

In anticipation of "Palm Sunday" next week, these verses from Isaiah are most appropriate.  Jerusalem is called upon to "put on her beautiful garments" (vs 1), because "the LORD has returned to Zion" (vs 8b).

Isaiah 45:14-25 -- In the second half of the chapter, Cyrus (the Persian emperor) fades into the background as the LORD announces His intentions for Israel (and the Gentiles) far beyond anything accomplished by/through Cyrus!

Isaiah 44:24-45:13

In the strongest terms imaginable the LORD emphasizes His sovereignty and authority over all of creation, nations, persons.  All this to bring comfort to the Israelites.  Unfortunately, the Israelites disapprove of the LORD's methods and means -- and they voice their objections like clay arguing against the potter or like a child criticizing a parent!

Isaiah 44:9-28 / Idolatry Exposed!

The LORD exposes the absurdity of idolatry!  Tragically, those who are given over to idolatry (in any one of its many forms) are blind to the futility of their allegiance.  The MESSAGE paraphrases verse 20: "This lover of emptiness, of nothing, is so out of touch with reality, so far gone, that he can't even look at what he's doing, can't even look at the no-god stick of wood in his hand and say, 'This is crazy.'"

Isaiah 44:1-8 /  From early on in Genesis and continuing for thousands of years, humankind's sinfulness and rebellion against GOD is on full display.  I expect GOD to end His dealings with any/all of us with a "Therefore" of final judgment.  Quite unexpectedly, GOD's last word is not a "Therefore" of judgment; rather, it is a "But now" of sovereign grace!

Isaiah 43:8-28 /  Verse 8 opens with the LORD convening (another) court.  Who qualifies to be God?  Who possesses the knowledge and the power to accomplish all He has purposed?  On His behalf, the LORD announces His witnesses . . . Israel!  (but with two significant problems — they are blind and they are deaf!)

Isaiah 43:1-7 /  Chapter 42 began with great promise, but it ended bitter disappointment and failure!  CHAPTER 43 opens with, "BUT NOW".  Understanding what GOD is going to do cannot be attributed to any change (improvement) in Israel; rather, it can only be explained by GOD's own character, faithfulness, promises -- that is, His Grace!

Chapter 42:

GOD's plan and promise to "bring forth justice (and blessing) to the nations" will flow through His chosen servant.  This chapter contains fantastic drama, as we discover the terrific disparity between the LORD's "ideal" servant and the servant that actually is...