Isaiah 48:17-18 (New King James Version)Some of us look at the Israelites of old with superior disdain. “How could they be so stupid when God so generously gave them chance after chance?” “How could they not believe, these people who had witnessed the parting of the sea and the miraculous feeding of millions in the desert? And on and on. Have you not heard these things, or perhaps thought them yourself?
17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “ I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.
18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Our church, along with many others, is studying the works of Isaiah as part of our “Sunday School”. Our structure includes a preliminary study available on the previous Monday night with opportunities to review, clarify and expand on the lessons during the week. We then have “Sunday School” much in the fashion of other churches. This structure gives those who have a mind to do so an opportunity for supported, in-depth study of the Word.
The fascinating thing about studying the work of Isaiah is the wealth of information available on his life and times.
Isaiah's prophecies can be understood only in the context of the prevailing social conditions. Uzziah's reign (ca. 780-740 B.C.) was one of great prosperity, but Isaiah denounced the ill-gained riches of his people, who oppressed the poor. The richer classes, as often happen, also tended toward assimilation with their neighbors. In the case of the Judahites this meant the adoption of the idolatrous cults, which were associated with immoral practices. Gale Encyclopedia of Biography: Isaiah
Looking at the historical context of the writings of Isaiah brings the scriptures to life in a wonderful way. Looking at the historical context also provides an easy assimilation of Isaiah’s words to our present times.
Can we note similarities in our current lives with those people back then? How are we the same? How are we different as Christians?
Those of us who glaze over at the mention of the Old Testament might benefit from a thorough study which includes a good look at historical context and cultural norms of the times. We might also benefit from an open-minded look at our current circumstances.
We have the benefit of the Living Word. We have the benefit of lives with a lot of idle time when compared with lives of old, even one century ago.
Why do we not have time for God when we don’t have to cultivate or hunt in order to eat? Why do we not have time to help our brothers and sisters when we can cover distances in an hour which once took days? Why does it seem that the more “conveniences” we acquire, the less time we have?
How caught up are we in the ways of Babylon?
Isaiah 24 (New American Standard Bible)
1Behold, the LORD lays the earth waste, devastates it, distorts its surface and scatters its inhabitants.
2And the people will be like the priest, the servant like his master, the maid like her mistress, the buyer like the seller, the lender like the borrower, the creditor like the debtor.
3The earth will be completely laid waste and completely despoiled, for the LORD has spoken this word.
4The earth mourns and withers, the world fades and withers, the exalted of the people of the earth fade away.
Our God continues to provide opportunities for His children to hear and obey. Each of us can prayerfully seek the work that is ours for His Kingdom. Each of us can make a contribution to a renewed walk with God.
Isaiah 6:8 (New International Version, ©2010)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Lord, God, I thank you for work to do in Your kingdom. I thank You for Your Word which nourishes my spirit. I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, my Comforter. I thank You for the support and guidance of my spiritual family. Amen.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
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