ISAIAH STUDY, PART 7

 I'm continuing to make my way through my study of Isaiah.  I'm most grateful for the supplemental material I found via the You Version Bible app  which explains much of the content of this important major prophet. Here are my summary notes from Chapters 32-37.

CHAPTERS 32 and 33: This is a prophecy of when Messiah (Jesus) would reign on earth.  Jesus will reign and the Holy Spirit will build security.  Isaiah challenged the people to repent and live for God. Under Jesus' reign there'll be an outpouring of God's Spirit that will give His Believers a desire to do His will. 

For us today:  our culture tells us and shows us to live in and for the moment.  But when trials or insecurity comes, we're consumed by what might happen or by fears.   Those Believers who see God as Holy and Reverent have a sure foundation and hope when we look to the future. Christ will reign victorious over Earth one day!

CHAPTERS 34 and 35: this is a prophecy about God's enemies being destroyed but the redeemed will know joy and security in Jerusalem. One day the whole world will be judged according to their beliefs about God and how they responded to Him. A person's choice will determine if they will experience blessing or judgement. 

For us today: this portion of Isaiah  gives us a glimpse into the Believer's future and what life in God's future Kingdom looks like.  It will be either joy (heaven) or sorrow (hell). 

CHAPTERS 36 and 37: The spokesperson for the Assyrian king was Rabshakeh.  he talked in Hebrew to the Jerusalem citizens who were sitting on the wall (the protective one). He came with a very large army hoping that the sight of all those troops would cause them to panic and rebel against their king. It had worked well for their neighbors but Rabshakeh went a little too far.  He put in Israel's God with the false gods of the neighboring nations.  His speech was full of disdain and it became Hezekiah's prayer. Jerusalem's deliverance sets Israel's God apart as the One True God---the Lord Almighty. 

For us today: sometimes, as Believers, we might feel like the citizens on that wall, listening to the anti-God, hate speech of the world (the unsaved).  The unsaved, especially here in the American culture, often spew hatred towards the very things we hold precious. Do not let this put fear or discouragement in our hearts. Those who hate are not happy.  Their hatred will not solve their problems.  Only God can give them a new perspective and purpose.  Let's be like Hezekiah and pray for them and take these concerns to the Lord.  Let's look for ways to share the Light and Love of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world. 

This puts me about half-way through the book of Isaiah.  This is a deep study!