Isaiah 20-22

Pastor Moses Vegh (pronounced Vay) used to say, “A scripture taken out of context is nothing but a pretext (an excuse to do something that is not accurate.)”

Fresh out of high school, I worked one summer as a carpenter’s helper for a framing contractor. His name was Wayne. He would quote the Bible where it says, “Eat and drink for tomorrow you may die.” [Is. 22:13] He thought he was cute. Actually, that phrase in context says that the inhabitants of Jerusalem were in a season of distress and they should have been penitently humbling themselves rather than being in a party mode.

As we hear and study God’s Word, we are wise to “rightly divide” it. [2 Tim 2:15]

Is. 16-19

Have you ever trembled? Shaking involuntarily? It is a reaction the human body has when it is cold or experiencing great fear.

All the nations of the earth shall tremble before the Lord. [Jer. 10:10]

When things are going well for despots, they strut around in their arrogance. When terror confronts them, they wilt and begin trembling.

Nations and world leaders would be wise to “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” [Ps.2:12]

Meanwhile, we pray for the nations … firstly our own.

Is. 11-14

This was Satan’s declaration, his mantra. He even assumed to become “Like the Most High.”

Mistake!

Self determination is OK when we have faith and authorization from God’s Word. However, personal pride and presumptive selfishness will destroy us in the long run.

The humility of Christ is our model Who “Being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” [Phil 2:6,7]

Isaiah 10

For God a day is as a thousand years. He can accomplish in one day all that He wants to do.

Nations make plans to achieve their goals. They may have a one year/five year/100 year plan. This must amuse the Lord. The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. [Ps. 2:4]

He created the world as we know it in 6 days. All He needs is one day to do whatever He wants.

Isaiah 9

The prophet Isaiah spoke liberally about the Messiah and His coming dominion. When the “Kingdoms of this world” seem to flaunt their power and authority, the Christian need only absorb verse 7 to put it all into perspective.

Of Christ Isaiah said, “Power and peace will be in His kingdom and will continue to grow forever. He will rule as king on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom. He will make it strong by ruling with justice and goodness from now on and forever. The Lord All-Powerful will do this because of HIS strong love (zeal) for his people.

God has promised and is determined to accomplish this goal. It will all belong to Christ Jesus and be under His Authority. We now have a glorious opportunity to become right with Christ and await the unveiling of this Kingdom on earth.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. [Ps. 2:12]

Isaiah 8

The prophet sounds this admonition: “Fear God only!”

To fear the Lord is to hold Him in reverential awe. Yes, sinners who stand before God with un-removed transgressions, who haven’t had the blood of Jesus applied will truely find out what real fear is. They will also find out what real pain is.

For the present, we walk through life with faith, NOT FEAR. Faith in God must displace all fear. If it doesn’t, it becomes an idol for we have placed it above God. The Psalmist discovered the key when he said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” [Ps. 56:3]

Isaiah 6, 7

Fear of loss and fear of an uncertain future can shake us. The inhabitants of Jerusalem trembled when they were being threatened by an invading army. They waivered like a tree branch in the wind. God instructed His people to stand firm in their faith. Although challenges would come, He would bring them through.

Ironically, some of the most profound prophecies of the Messiah were embedded in this text. God had His Redeemer on the way to save His people.

Though the times may be trying we are not to be shaken. We must stand firm in our faith and see God reveal Christ to us in our crises.

Isaiah 3-5

Our lives give off an aroma. Each deed, thought, and word have a distinctive influence upon the spiritual atmosphere around us. The Bible describes the effect our lives have upon God’s sense of smell. Of immoral women, the prophet said, “Instead of perfume there will be a stench.” [Is. 3:24a NRSV]

The aroma of a person’s life is not determined by their cologne but by their demeanor.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. [2 Cor. 2:14 AMP]

Isaiah 2

This chapter obviously speaks of a time that is yet to be. “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” We haven’t seen this kind of peace yet.

Nations usually end up with a governing system that serves the power hungry individuals who are willing to dispose of their virtue. “What starts wars and fights among you? Is it not because you want many things and are fighting to have them?” [James 4:1 NLV] It’s a “survival of the fittest” struggle. Nobody wins these.

The Lord is setting up His Kingdom in our hearts. In His time, He will set up His earthly kingdom and we will see what Isaiah chapter two was talking about.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. [Is. 2:2]