Isaiah

'Isaiah' means 'God saves' -
God is a Holy Judge & Covenant Redeemer

A Brief Introduction 

Global Message for Today 

In our folly we often view sin lightly, but God hates it. We need to impress this thought upon our own hearts and confess with David, “My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness” (Ps. 38:5). How foolish we can be in failing to consider the effect sin has upon us! We can so easily be influenced by worldly opinion that we forget that God is dishonored when our outward profession is not matched with heartfelt love for His Word and His ways. What do vv. 2–4 teach us about how God views sin?

The wickedness of Israel was so great that they deserved to be punished as Sodom and Gomorrah had been. Yet in spite of their heinous sins, they were going to the temple and offering all the appropriate sacrifices as though all were well between them and God. They had a form of religion but knew nothing of its power or reality. They were satisfied with themselves, but God regarded their religion as idolatry. It is tragically possible to be frequent in church and to go through all the motions of worship without sincerity and truth. What does this teach us about worship that pleases God?

Judah had become extremely prosperous during the reign of Uzziah, and this turned their hearts away from God. We too live in a very materialistic society, where wealth and riches have become the idols of many. By God’s grace we need to guard ourselves against the love of riches. The antidote to such excesses is surely found in v. 5: “Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” The apostle John reminds us, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

An important exhortation is given in v. 22, “Cease ye from man.” In other words, do not put your trust in man, not even the greatest of men, for man is an unreliable and often false guide. Those who would rather trust in man show contempt toward God; therefore the believer is warned against such folly, which in the end leads only to great disappointment, sorrow, and shame. How does believing in the coming day of the Lord (vv. 10–21) help us to stop relying on mere men?

The materialism with its outward display that characterized Isaiah’s day is the trademark of much of society today. Part of God’s judgment on that pretentious people was His removal of all their trinkets and His sentencing them to a government of weak and ineffective leadership. If society today is guilty of the same sins, it is liable to the same punishments. In many ways reading this chapter is like reading the newspaper and then looking in the mirror. In government, there is a display of foolish and irresponsible action in the overturning of God’s laws and their replacement with the whims of godless and immature politicians whose unholy statutes can only drag our societies down further into sin and poverty. How can this chapter guide Christians in their prayers for their nation?   

This short chapter, though beginning with judgment, quickly moves to the wondrous subject of salvation. It speaks of Christ and of the great comfort that stems from Him. He is the Branch who is at once the Son of God and the Son of David. He is the One in whom all our hopes lie. It is a great blessing to know that one’s name is written in the Book of Life, to be cleansed and purified from the filth of sin, and to bear luscious fruit by union with Jesus Christ. Believers in Christ can know the God of all comfort in times of trial and adversity, for He is our refuge from the heat and the storm. 

The song of the vineyard illustrates Christ’s teaching that “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:42). The song describes the great privileges of care, attention, and cultivation that the Lord provided. But notwithstanding the fact that every advantage was supplied, the vine produced wild and sour grapes. As a consequence the Lord left them vulnerable. In particular, this is a warning to all who grow up in a Christian environment to take advantage of the spiritual benefits. What kind of fruit are you producing: justice and righteousness or sin and oppression?  

It would be profitable and sobering to compare the six woes in this chapter to the situation that exists in society today. Selfishness, hedonism, self-sufficiency, perverted thinking, arrogance, and a perverted legal system are as prevalent now as then. It is the sad fact that nearly all sense of right and wrong has been turned upside down as man has rejected God’s law and authority (vv. 20,24). Yet the believer must never be discouraged. Our God reigns, and He will glorify His holiness and justice by humbling proud sinners. Though many admire proud rebels against God, this chapter teaches us to pity them and pray for their conversion.  

Nothing is more necessary in times of crisis than a fresh experience of the Lord. Uzziah had ruled for more than fifty years, and now he was dead. The future was uncertain, and God had a special word for Isaiah that directed his ministry from that day forward. What God showed Isaiah is good for us to see as well. As you meditate through his vision, note the directions Isaiah received and the lessons he learned. First, he looked up to see that God is absolutely holy, sovereignly ruling from His glorious throne. Worshiping and serving Him are essential, as exemplified by the seraphim. Second, he looked inside himself to see his own uncleanness and unworthiness. Third, he looked to God’s altar to see the greatness of God’s grace that provided the cleansing and atonement for his sin. Finally, he looked outside to the world into which the Lord had sent him to preach. Though most people would reject Him, this too was God’s will, but some would be saved as God’s holy seed. How does each aspect of this vision apply to the church of Christ today?

What a blessed promise is conveyed in v. 14, and it is all the more wonderful to us, who view it from the perspective of the New Testament. The promise has been gloriously fulfilled: Immanuel, “God with us,” has come, and we who are the recipients of His grace have the joy of Christ within us. What confidence this ought to bring to our souls; what consolation during times of troubles and trials! Our God is with us every step of the way and will lead us safely to our eternal rest. Let us therefore adore Him and praise Him. How can knowing that God’s Son took our own flesh and blood assure believers that He will never leave nor forsake them?

As believers, when the Lord appears to hide His face from us in difficult times, we must say with Isaiah, “I will wait upon the LORD” (v. 17). Let us remember that He is with us. This is not resignation to whatever will be but a vibrant and expectant faith. Rather than fear what the plans and conspiracies of men may do, let us fear the Lord alone. Let us call upon Him in prayer and plead with Him, for if we wait with patience He will surely come to us and guide us every step of the way.

“To the law and to the testimony” should be our regular practice (v. 20). Christians believe that the Bible is our only divine rule for what we are to believe and do. The Bible must be the touchstone for everything. It is our lamp enabling us to see and our guide to follow. God’s Word will teach us how to discern; its counsel may go contrary to popular opinions and practices, but it is the absolute truth. In a world caught up in all kinds of false spirituality, how can we walk in the light of the Bible every day?

The heart of Isaiah’s Immanuel trilogy (v. 6) details the amazing difference Christ’s presence makes in the world. When Isaiah issued this prophecy, the nation was in the darkness of Assyrian domination and oppression. With prophetic insight he saw a time when those in darkness would see a great light. The presence of Christ changes everything; He always shines light into darkness. What was true for Galilee during Christ’s earthly ministry is true in every individual to whom the light of the glorious gospel shines. Christ makes a difference. Is He shining in your heart?

Jesus is the wise counselor to the foolish and ignorant, bringing them the very wisdom of God. He is the powerful defender of the weak and oppressed, rescuing them from their enemies. He is the loving father of the orphans and isolated, caring for them forever. He is the peaceful ruler over those who have known only conflict with God, others, and themselves. Which of the four titles for Christ (v. 6) is most helpful to you now? How can you take hold of it and use it to walk by faith in Him?

There are many things happening in the world that are a great discouragement to the Lord’s people, and these things become all the more difficult when they affect us personally. It is at such times that we must remember that our lives are in God’s hands and that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). The Lord reigns over the most wicked of men. They can only do His will, though they do not intend it, and in the end He will punish them for their sins. Let us take great comfort in this when trials and tribulations come upon us. The Lord chastens us only for our good. We may face the rod, which may be in the form of an enemy, just as Israel faced the Assyrian army, but let us remember that the rod is in the Lord’s hand. He is ultimately in control. The heaviness of our trials is but for “a season” (1 Peter 1:6).

This is the third part of Isaiah’s Immanuel trilogy and provides another opportunity to worship Christ for His person and work. Think of Christ along these lines. First, consider the mystery of the God-man. The focus is principally on the humiliation of the incarnation. For God to be with us (Immanuel) meant that God in the Person of the Son condescended very low (v. 1). What a mystery in His mercy! Second, consider the power of the God-man. The Father has fully equipped Him for all His mediatorial duties by the Holy Spirit (v. 2). Third, consider the work of the God-man. He saves His people, destroys sinners, and judges infallibly (vv. 3–5). Our destiny is directly linked to our response to Him. Surely we can trust this Savior completely. What reasons does this chapter give us to trust the Lord Jesus with all our hearts?

How wonderful it is for the believer to know that God’s anger is turned away because Christ has stood in the sinner’s place! He has done for us what we could never have done for ourselves. He has delivered and “hath triumphed gloriously” (Ex. 15:1). What a comfort it ought to be to our souls that we can declare with Isaiah, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid” (v. 2) When the Word of God speaks to our hearts it should thrill us. We ought to be like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus who declared, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he [Jesus] talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). Do you have a desire to praise God and declare His great works to others? Why or why not? What motives does this chapter give believers to stir such a desire?

Here is a warning against the arrogance and pride of those who seek to ignore God and challenge His rule. Babylon represents the height of worldly hostility toward the Lord. Yet we see how easily such a haughty spirit is crushed by the might of the Lord. None can stand against Him. The enemies of the gospel may be powerful and threatening, but Christians need not fear. We have One who is mightier. The wicked have but an allotted time, and when it is over they are taken from the scene of this life. As the psalmist reminds us, “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors” (Ps. 73:18–19). How should unbelievers respond to the news of the coming day of the Lord? How should believers respond?

It is a tragic thought that multitudes of religious men and women now reside in the terrible place of torment because they never leaned wholly upon Christ. Oh, how this question from the place of torment ought to stir us up to truly examine ourselves: “Art thou become like unto us?” (v. 10)? If we would avoid hearing these words from the pit, we must ask ourselves questions now: Are we in Christ? Is our house built upon the solid rock that is the Lord Jesus, or have we built our religion upon the shifting sands of pride and foolishness? Let us pray with the psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23–24).

Moab was a nation that overindulged itself. The Moabites had lived in peace and prosperity for many years and were overconfident that things would continue to go well for them. They were blinded by the foolish philosophy that says there will be no judgment to come. They carried on in their own selfish lifestyles, till all of a sudden they were caught unawares. Let us never envy those who prosper in this world through ungodly ways, for their end is destruction. Rather, let Christians thank God that He has worked a miracle of grace within their hearts so that they are born again (1 Peter 1:3–4). Let us also pray for God to awaken sinners to their need before destruction comes.

Pride is such a destructive sin because it fails to listen to sound advice. The proud think they have all the answers. They will not be told by others. Hence, we read in Prov. 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” What a blessing it is to have a teachable spirit, especially concerning the things of God! Moab was offered refuge, but their pride would not allow them to accept the gracious offer from the Lord of submission to a good and righteous King. There are many like Moab today, whose pride ruins them because they refuse to submit to the Son of David, King Jesus. Why is our pride such a bitter enemy of the kingdom of Christ?

The enemy of our souls is always subtle in his approaches, seeking to convince men and women that the Lord’s demands are unjust. Ephraim listened to such a lie and turned their backs upon their covenant God, associating themselves with a pagan people. The Lord caused them to prosper, but in their prosperity they listened to the voice of evil. Imagining they would do much better without God, they turned away from Him. Do we not see the same foolishness in society today? Lust for self-interest has brought misery and heartache to countless multitudes who have been stripped of all that is good and left vulnerable—all because they have forgotten the Lord. Blessed are they who set their minds on Him as their true rock and salvation. How can we develop an attitude of always remembering God as our only hope?

God’s purposes for the Ethiopian people were judgment and salvation. Isaiah’s prophecy intertwines these two in all of God’s dealings. On the one hand we must fear the Lord because of the woes He sends upon the wicked nations. On the other hand, we must hope in the Lord because He is gathering worshipers to Himself from all nations. Judgment and salvation will come upon all the world for the glory of God. This is the driving motive for missions and evangelism. Whenever you hear of the nations in the news, or meet people from other countries, view them through the twin lenses of judgment and salvation. How should this change the way you live?

This chapter reveals the wonderful grace of God toward the Gentiles. In Christ, we who were once strangers and foreigners and at enmity with Him are brought into sweet communion. In Him we speak the holy language of Scripture; for the new heart within us, given by our gracious God, has changed our speech. We no longer ought to have interest in the worldly and the vile, for our thoughts are now toward the Lord who has redeemed us and healed us of our iniquities. What a privilege to be blessed by God, to be the work of His hands, and to have our inheritance in Him. How amazing is the grace of the gospel that transforms former enemies into a fellowship of saints! How have you experienced the way God unites very different people through a shared love and worship for Him?

We learn from this short chapter the folly of trusting in human resources and power. Such things will always let us down and cause us to be ashamed. You have a responsibility to “trust in the LORD with all thine heart” (Prov. 3:5). If you lean on your own understanding, you will not succeed. Resting your hope in man will lead to disappointment and ultimately to a divine curse (Jer. 17:5–6). Trust the Savior, Jesus Christ; lean on Him with all your weight. “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth in him shall not be ashamed” (Rom. 10:11). The Egypts of this world will always fail, but the Lord cannot fail. What are some ways in which you are tempted to trust in man’s help? How can you place your confidence fully in the Lord?

Although God’s people sometimes suffer severe persecution, even akin to being threshed and winnowed, they may still wait with confident hope in the God of Israel. The sovereign Lord will overthrow the empires of this world, and one day His people will cry “Babylon is fallen!” while Christ’s glory fills the skies. God has decreed it, and therefore it will certainly come to be. Christians, therefore, may suffer with expectation that God’s justice will prevail. How can this hope protect us from being attracted to this world’s ways and intimidated by its threats?

Shebna is an illustration of foolish pride. He enjoyed a position of honor, and it went to his head. He lost his vision of mission to the king and desired his own legacy. His concern was how he could be remembered in this world (v. 16), and so he devoted his efforts toward creating a memorial for himself. But God had different plans and showed how dispensable Shebna was by replacing him with Eliakim. God’s work is more important than any one man, and it will go on. Let us learn from Shebna that God looks to him who is contrite in spirit (66:2), and He knows the proud only afar off (Ps. 138:6). How might you be tempted to be like Shebna? How can you live entirely for the kingdom of Christ?

This chapter brings a severe warning to all who would make money and possessions their main goal in life. Such things are easily taken away by the Lord, and they must be ultimately given up and left behind when death comes. The Savior declares, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Let us, therefore, get our priorities in order. Rather than setting our hearts on material possessions, we must seek God’s kingdom first by obeying His will and trust that He will care for our needs (Matt. 6:31–33). How can we avoid being seduced by the allure of money and what it can buy?

There is a day coming when the Lord will bring this present world to an end. The Christian should always be ready for this by watching and waiting in prayer. We need to diligently observe the days we are living in. The wickedness upon the earth is becoming ripe for harvest. All too suddenly the Lord will send His angels as reapers into the world, and none shall escape who live unrepentant lives. Let us ensure that we are walking in the ways of the Lord and that we are bearing fruit that is pleasing in His sight. For then that day will be filled with joy, and we shall join the heavenly host in praising our blessed Redeemer who loved us and washed us from our sins with His blood (Rev. 1:5). However, if we are not saved by Christ’s blood, His coming will cause us to wail in terror (Rev. 1:7). If Christ were to come today, how would you greet Him, with praise or in horror?

There is much in this chapter to encourage the believer. When the enemies of the gospel seem to have the upper hand, we must look with expectancy beyond the present to that glorious and certain event when the Lord will be seen to reign in Zion. On that great day we shall surely declare with Isaiah, “O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (v. 1).

In this tragic and sinful world, death and weeping are the inevitable consequences of the fall. Yet how blessed will that day be when death is swallowed up in victory, God will wipe away all tears, and believers will feast with Christ (vv. 6–8)! The thought of this should spur us on to live for Christ now with steady perseverance in good works (1 Cor. 15:58). If the anticipation of the destruction of this world can help us to reject worldly lusts and fears (ch. 24), how can the hope of the resurrection help us to set our affections on Christ and His kingdom?

The Lord Jehovah is the Rock of ages (v. 4). In Him we need not fear. In Him is all our hope. Therefore, we must trust Him in every situation. The trials of life often bring doubts to our minds, but these we must cast off. It is only when our mind and thoughts are propped up upon the Lord, thinking of Him, that we will experience peace regardless of circumstances. What anxieties trouble you? How can you lean upon the Lord?

The resurrection of the dead is a strange doctrine to this world, but it is the center of the Christian hope. Christ’s resurrection raises His elect spiritually to a living hope and will raise them one day to physical glory and immortality. What practical difference should the doctrine of the resurrection make in our lives?

The Lord gives His people a double grace in Christ. First He pacifies His righteous anger against their sins and establishes a relationship of peace with them (vv. 4–5). Second, He purifies their souls of sin and idolatry so that they bear the fruit of good works for His pleasure and the good of the world (vv. 2,6). Justification and sanctification are distinct but inseparable, and we need both to be saved. Through both of these graces the Lord gives His people victory over their ancient enemy, Satan, their tempter and accuser (v. 1). One day grace will become glory when the trumpet calls Christians to the side of their King (v. 13). However, these great blessings belong only to those who receive God’s offer of peace by taking hold of Christ (v. 5). Faith is the hand that receives Him. Are you trusting in Christ alone for these blessings?

It is important to have a teachable spirit and to willingly be taught from the Word of God. We should never think so highly of ourselves as to regard the instruction of God as childish and beneath us. In reality, we are far beneath Him, for God’s wisdom is infinitely beyond our understanding (v. 29). Therefore, we should gladly submit to being taught like children. There is great benefit in the sincere milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2), and our faith is built up “precept upon precept; line upon line” (vv. 10,13). How can we approach the Word with true humility and openness?

The believer has a “sure foundation” in Jesus Christ (v. 16). He alone is our hope and stay. If we build on anything else, our structure will fall. Meditate upon each aspect of the description of Christ as the stone upon which our faith must stand. How is Christ proven and reliable? Extremely valuable? Fundamental and necessary? Solid and stable? How does seeing these qualities in Christ draw out your faith in Him? How does it fan into flame your love for Him?

The Lord’s indictment against hypocritical and man-made worship (v. 13) is a sobering reminder of the importance of worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). It is all too possible to be in a religious environment and to go through all the routines of worship and yet have a heart that is far from God and a form of worship never commanded by God. God rejects both heartless worship and humanly invented worship, for true worshipers worship God as the Holy Spirit engages their hearts with the truth of His Word. Those raised in the church must ask themselves two questions. First, am I giving God mere lip-service or worshiping Him with love and fear in my heart? Second, are the forms of worship we use in our service commanded by God’s Word or based merely in human ideas?

There is “a time to keep silence” (Eccl. 3:7). Great comfort is found in the words “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (v. 15). When we are in quiet trust before the Lord, we are better placed to hear Him speaking through His Word and to submit to His will for us. We receive confidence through the promises of God. They strengthen us in times of trial. Faith is always the best way, but too often the Lord must say “yet ye would not” (v. 15).

We are often impatient and find waiting hard. Why do our prayers seem to go unanswered for so long? Verse 18 gives us some of the answer: we are waiting because God Himself is waiting for the right time to give us the blessing He desires for us. We must trust that He is faithful and just to bless those who humbly hope in Him. We must also learn to desire that He will be glorified in the way He shows us mercy more than we desire to have the mercy exactly when and how we want it. How does this help you understand what it means to find strength in quietness and confidence (v. 15)?

The destructive nature of sin is such that it drives men and women to foolish would-be remedies. Judah’s sin kept them away from the only One who could help. They preferred to seek help from the nation that had once enslaved them and vainly opted for the support of Egypt’s horses and chariots rather than submitting to the will of the Lord and trusting in Him. Oh, that God would save us from such foolishness and hardness of heart! He alone can deliver us. Let us therefore always be looking unto Him. Why is it foolish to trust in men and their resources instead of in God?

Christ’s reign in the world is wonderful, and believers ought to rejoice that Christ reigns in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. Child of God, there was once a time when you could not see spiritual things, but now your eyes are opened to see the truth. Your ears were once deaf to the gospel, but now they hear. Your heart was once rash and foolish, but now the Lord has given knowledge so that you can speak plainly of what God has done through Christ. Take time now to praise and thank Him for His grace!

Peace is illusive to the world. It is impossible to find true peace from this passing world because sin ruins any possibility of doing so. Yet how blessed is the Christian, for the promise of God is, “My people shall dwell in . . . quiet resting places” (32:18). The child of God rests in the peace the Savior brings to the soul. He says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). In what ways do you need peace today? How can you seek it from God through Christ?

Let us never doubt the Lord’s ability to provide for our needs. He promises to be our hiding place and to provide all we need (v. 16). If God cares for the sparrow that falls to the ground, will He not also care for His children? Sometimes trials are brought upon us to shake us from our complacency in order that we might flee to the Lord, depend solely on Him, and renew our commitment to fear Him (v. 6) and obey His laws as the highest priority of our lives (v. 15). Rather than fretting over earthly concerns, let us seek above all to escape the fires of hell (v. 14) and praise the Savior.

We easily fix our eyes upon this passing world. We need to remind ourselves of this promise: “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty” (v. 17). This is the blessed hope of every Christian. Surely Christ should be the center of our thoughts. The most joyful heart is the one that delights to meditate upon the Savior, and the more we meditate on Him the more of His beauty we shall see. How can you work to set your mind upon things above, where Christ is seated?

God is remarkably patient, having waited thousands of years already to gather in His elect. However, the day of the Lord will come and completely destroy the heavens and the earth. All that worldly men have labored to accumulate and build as their treasures will be gone. The masses of wicked people that fill the earth will be exterminated. God will summon all mankind before His judgment throne and cast the wicked into the fire of His wrath, where they will suffer burning pain forever and ever. Therefore, do not presume upon God’s kindness. Repent of your sins now, and live for the kingdom of Christ that will endure forever. Receive Christ as your King and look to Him for the forgiveness of your sins.

The Lord’s judgment will come true, both in time and in eternity, exactly as He has promised in the Bible (v. 17). God’s almighty Spirit will see to it that this happens. So devote yourself to reading the Bible, studying it, and seeking the Lord in it.

This chapter paints a wonderful picture of what it is to be redeemed. Our sin and separation from the Lord caused us to become dry and parched like a barren desert, but the grace of God has been poured into His people. His Spirit satiates the soul, causing the good seed that He has planted to spring up and blossom. What a transformation God brings to the hearts of His people, yet He does much more: He prepares a highway of holiness to walk on, where His people are kept safe. When we stay on that highway, no harm can come to us. The path is so clearly marked that it is impossible to go astray except by deliberate detour. Let us be careful to follow the path with joy for what God has done for us. What in this chapter is most attractive or delightful to you? How does it encourage you to a life of hope and holiness?

The proud and overconfident Rab-shakeh instructed the men on Jerusalem’s walls to ask Hezekiah in whom he trusted (v. 5). This is a question to which each of us needs to give a clear and unequivocal answer, and this is especially so when we are in the midst of severe trials. The world may challenge our faith in the Lord and mock Him as weak and worthless (v. 20). Or it may claim that He is against us, an evil and fickle God (v. 10). The mockery of the wicked is all the harder to bear when they are more powerful or successful than we are. Our King teaches us to bear it quietly and patiently, as He did when He went to the cross for our sins (v. 21; 1 Peter 2:19–25). Let us trust in the Lord, persevere in doing good, turn away from anger, and wait for Him (Ps. 37:1–11). The Lord will save us and glorify His holy name. Whom do you hear mocking the Lord and His people? How do you need to respond?

Hezekiah provides a pattern to follow in dealing with our problems. First, he recognized the seriousness of his need (vv. 1,3). Second, he sought a word from the Lord (v. 2). He had Isaiah; we have the complete Bible. Third, he spread the matter before the Lord in prayer (v. 14). Note that his prayer begins with worship (v. 16), proceeds to petition (v. 17), and argues for God’s glory (v. 20). Fourth, he receives the answer (v. 21), assuring him of deliverance even though he would have to wait twenty years for the full outworking. How can you follow this pattern in dealing with your problems?

Though the great men and women of the earth mock at the Lord, the Lord will have the last laugh. He is the supreme King and the only God. Other gods are worthless and cannot save, but the Lord both saves and destroys. Therefore our greatest ambition should be that “all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only” (v. 20). Make this your guiding principle and constant prayer.

Hezekiah was going to die, and he was told to set his house in order. This was fearful news to him, and he pleaded with the Lord that it would not be so. God heard his cry and granted him another fifteen years. Hezekiah therefore voiced this testimony: “The LORD was ready to save me” (v. 20). Surely this is the testimony of every true child of God. The Lord has saved His people, and He will continue to keep us unto the end, saving us from all that would destroy us. Are there not many times that we can look back to in our lives when He saved us from harm and delivered us from all our fears? Cannot we be sure that He will save us to the end since He has already cast all our sins behind His back? Therefore, like Hezekiah we should give the Lord praise and thanksgiving, even in writing if we have the skill. Believer, how are you glorifying God for answering your prayers, especially your prayers for salvation?

This chapter provides a somber lesson to us all. Hezekiah, one of the most godly kings to ever sit on the throne in Jerusalem, in a moment of weakness became puffed up in his pride, revealing to the Babylonians all of his treasures. How easily the human heart behaves unwisely! No wonder the exhortation comes, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). We need to be on our guard, watching and praying vigilantly against pride, especially after experiencing great success. How can we recognize the first motions of pride in our hearts? How can we put them to death by the blood and Spirit of Christ?

In this ever-changing world it is good to know that “The word of our God shall stand for ever” (v. 8). That Word is reliable in every circumstance of life. When we are facing trials and affliction, it is good for us to rest upon the certain promises of God. When we fall into sin, what a comfort it is to know the way to confession and forgiveness. The immutable Word of God stands firm for every situation. The Lord will never change His mind or go back on a promise. How is that a solid ground for comfort?

It is good to reflect on the absolute greatness of God, who is infinite in all His perfections and beyond our highest thoughts of Him. In an uncertain world we have confidence in the God who made the world and all that is in it and governs even the things that may cause us to fear His own glory. This infinite Lord has come to us in human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Though no man-made image suffices to honor Him, the fullness of His deity now dwells in a man who is His living image. Thus we have a divine and sympathetic Shepherd. If Christ is all this to us, it makes sense to wait on the Lord with the full anticipation and confident expectation that He will supply our needs, enabling us to soar as the eagle. What does it mean, practically, to wait upon the Lord by faith in Christ?

Christians may fear when they fail to appreciate the wonderful relationship they have with the Lord. Child of God, there are many precious promises in the Word that we need to appropriate to ourselves; how wonderful is the promise that the One who is incomparably great is always with His people (v. 10). The nations of this world are “as a drop of a bucket” (40:15), so what have we to fear when the Lord says “I will uphold thee” (v. 10)? Not only is the Lord’s presence with His people, but so is His strength. He says, “I will strengthen thee” (v. 10.) Fearlessness is appropriated by faith in the promises. If you are a believer, how do you need to apply these promises today? How does this show to unbelievers how good it is to be a Christian?

Here we have a rich mine full of the sparkling gems of Christ’s glory. Let us meditate on just two precious truths. First, God sent Christ to produce justice (“judgment”) in the world (vv. 1,3,4). This means that He came to change the way we relate to each other, so that our relationships conform to His laws (Ex. 21:1; Lev. 19:37). If we would claim Christ as our King and His Spirit as our life, we must demonstrate the reality of Christ’s saving work in our lives by walking in obedience to His commands. Christians bear the mark of the Servant of the Lord. What evidence do you see in your life of being a servant of God like Christ?

Second, Christ will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking wick (v. 3). He is tender and compassionate with those broken by suffering, especially those contrite under sorrows over their sins (57:15; 66:2). He will not snuff out the faith of weak Christians but will work in them that their faith and love may burn brightly. How can this promise encourage believers going through times of spiritual darkness?

It is both a blessing and a challenge that God says to His people, “Ye are my witnesses” (v. 12). It is a blessing that the Lord’s people have tasted of His goodness and have experienced His saving power. It is a blessing to speak of His goodness and faithfulness. However, it is also a great challenge, for we have a responsibility to tell the lost and perishing that there is hope in Christ. How do we measure up to this challenge? How can this chapter help us to be His witnesses?

God says to His people, “I . . . will not remember thy sins” (v. 25). We may look back on our own lives with shame that we could ever have done the wicked things we did. We may find it difficult to get such shameful thoughts out of our minds and find ourselves confessing the same sins over and over again. Our heart may condemn us, but God is greater than our heart. How can believers rest their consciences in the truth that their forgiveness is complete?

God’s Spirit is poured down from heaven through the ascended Mediator, Jesus Christ. He comes like a heavenly river to give life to dead souls. He satisfies all the thirsts of God’s elect and causes them to prosper in the inner man, and one day in visible glory. There is nothing more important than having the Spirit of God dwell in you, for if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him (Rom. 8:9). A defining mark of the people renewed by the Spirit is their public and personal confession, “I am the Lord’s.” They belong to the Lord and identify with His church. What practical effects does this produce in your life?

Isaiah’s diatribe against idolatry (vv. 9–20) shows the incredible stupidity and blindness of giving our adoration to objects (v. 18). This applies not just to images and statues of divine beings but also to sinful lusts after riches and pleasures. Why is it foolish and degrading to give your heart to any mere object instead of to God?

A wonderful promise is found in v. 22: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Faith is a look of utter dependence and need, and this is the only way to be healed of our sins and their just punishment (Num. 21:8; John 3:14–15). God’s gospel call goes out to all nations, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved besides that of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). God will be glorified. We may either turn to Him now and be saved or His glory will compel us to honor Him even when He punishes us for our sins. How should this motivate us to repent and believe now? How should it motivate us to work together to bring the gospel to all nations?

God will glorify Himself against all the idols of man. The things the nations worship are burdens for them to carry, but God is not so. He is the Lord of all events, carrying out His eternal plans without fail. Even pagan kings serve Him without realizing it. Certainly then we can be confident that He will bring complete salvation and glory to His people. Why do people tend to trust in idols? Why should they trust in the Lord?

There are many times when discouragement springs from our many failings and weaknesses and the difficulty of our way. The Lord promises His people, “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (v. 4). Believers can persevere because the Lord will persevere with them.

Babylon had become used to the good life (v. 8) and lived as though it would last forever, feeling safe and secure. Nebuchadnezzar expressed such pride before God humbled him (Dan. 4), and Belshazzar hosted a party on the very night of destruction (Dan. 5). It is easy to grow comfortable with the things of life and assume that nothing will ever interrupt the flow of pleasure and contentment. Such is the presumption of horrendous pride. Babylon did not bring to heart or mind the latter end (v. 7)—and suffered extreme consequences. Let us all be warned that security is not in the things of this life but only in God. Thinking about our latter end should lead us to trust the Lord, for the things of this world will surely pass away.

The great motive and highest aim of all God’s actions is to make people know and praise His glory (vv. 9–11). He does not seek this out of any need, for He is all-sufficient in Himself. However, it is right for Him to glorify Himself, it is His delight, and it is the most loving gift He can give to His people.

Afflictions should bring us nearer to the Lord, for they are His furnace to refine believers like precious metal (v. 10). We should not fear the fire, for He will be with us (43:2). His purpose is to make us pure and holy, so that our peace may be like a river and God’s children may multiply and fill the earth (vv. 18–19). When we face the furnace of affliction we do not walk alone, any more than Daniel’s three friends were alone in the fire (Dan. 3:1–30). How can viewing suffering as refining help believers to endure it? 

Christ was fully qualified and powerfully gifted to do His Father’s will, but His glory was hidden and His ministry strangely wrapped in weakness, frustration, and rejection. Nevertheless, God not only saved His elect among the Jewish nation through Him but also redeemed people from all over the world. Under Christ as their shepherd, the international church experiences deliverance from its former imprisonment and is beginning to enjoy the satisfaction of His kingdom. If believers ever question Christ’s love for them, they should remember that He is more closely united to them than a mother is to her nursing child. Just as surely as His wounds pierced His hands for their sins, so they themselves are engraved upon His loving heart forever. Therefore, let us never despair, even if our lives are strangely wrapped in suffering and rejection. Let each Christian learn to say, “Christ loved me and died for me, and nothing can separate me from His love” (cf. Rom. 8:35,39; Gal. 2:20).

Christ is the Mediator of God’s truth and a model of patient suffering and persistent witness. He willingly gave His human body to the torments of His enemies, and yet did so with an unflinching determination to declare the Word of God and an unwavering hope that His Father would vindicate Him in the end. How does Christ’s suffering assure us that His message is true? How does He set an example for believers?

The closing verses teach important lessons about faith. The object of faith determines its value. Saving faith puts all its trust (confidence) in Christ, leaning on Him for support and safety. Trusting in Christ never fails. So many spend their efforts trying to kindle their own light that would give the appearance of safety and calm. But all those who trust their own efforts are doomed, regardless of the sincerity or fervency with which they have worked up their own religion. Make sure that you are trusting the only sure Savior. To walk in the true light is salvation and fellowship with God. To walk in one’s own light leads to eternal darkness.

It ought to be a great source of encouragement to every believer that the Lord says, “On mine arm shall they trust” (v. 5). There is no mightier arm than the Lord’s. His strength can never fail or diminish. When we lean upon Him we shall never fall; hence Jude writes, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 24). What a folly it is, then, when we seek to walk in our own strength or depend upon those in the world rather than leaning wholly upon the Lord. Remember that He commands us to depend and lean upon Him.

It is surely a sad affair when Christians suffer and yet fail to go to the One who has said, “I am he that comforteth you” (v. 12). Why suffer and mourn alone? Why seek the help of those who cannot alleviate your sorrows, when there is One who bids you come and be comforted? Remember this: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32). Does this not bring comfort to your soul?

The gospel announces that God rescues sinners from the slavery and oppression into which the guilt of their sins has plunged them and brings them into peace with Himself. Just as the Lord promised to save Israel from its exile in Babylon, so He promises today to save believers in Christ out of this present wicked world. The preachers of this gospel are precious gifts from God. How are you supporting and encouraging them in their labors?

Though Christ humbled Himself as God’s servant, His very sufferings won Him the ability to cleanse unclean sinners from every nation. God the Father has exalted Him to the highest place, declaring that Jesus is our Lord and God. The kingdom of God is invading this dark world with the good news that our God reigns! Has Christ washed you with His blood? Are you trusting in Him and confessing Him as Lord?

This chapter presents one of the most wonderful declarations of the gospel in all the Bible. It should affect us deeply and eternally. We should be amazed that the holy, pure, and loving Lord was despised and rejected by men. How blind we are to the things that really matter! We should tremble that the horrors of Christ’s cross reflect God’s hatred of our sins, and that Christ willingly carried them at His Father’s command. Truly this is a love beyond all human comprehension. We should rejoice that Christ’s perfect obedience is counted to believers as their righteousness before God and that they are welcomed into His spiritual family to enjoy the riches of His glory forever. Most importantly, we should trust in Christ alone to save us from our sins and misery. If He has done all this in order to save sinners, will we dare to ignore Him? Far be it from us to insult Him in such a way. Let us instead rest our entire hope and confidence in Christ, the righteous Servant of the Lord. How does this chapter help you to trust Him more now than ever before?

Israel’s sins and covenant-breaking could not stop the purpose of God’s covenant love to multiply a people for Himself. He would fill the world with the children born of His spiritual union with the church, and they would inherit righteousness and glory. How does this chapter look back to the finished work of Christ described in chapter 53? How does it look forward to a glorious hope?

Believers are in a blessed state, for they are the bride of Christ (v. 5) and the heirs of beauty and riches (vv. 11–12). Their future is secure beyond the reach of any enemy or accuser (v. 17) because God’s covenant of grace is unconditional and everlasting (vv. 9– 10). God Himself will teach the hearts of His elect to believe and obey (v. 13). How should these promises motivate the church to sing (v. 1)?

This whole chapter is full of encouragement to come to the Lord. Man cannot earn God’s grace but must turn back to the Lord in humble faith and repentance in order to receive life and forgiveness without cost. At the heart of the gospel is the Son of David, who has paid the price for salvation and now serves as the great Prophet and King, calling the nations to Himself. He promises nothing less to believers than a return to paradise. His very words are powerful to give life, though we are barren and fruitless. Why not come to Him now? If you are not yet a Christian, what holds you back? How does this chapter answer that with its call?

Leaders, both religious and civil, have significant responsibility and are liable for their failures. Isaiah indicts those who are blind, dumb, and sleeping. They are not watching for signs of danger. Sadly, there are many in the ministry today who are like this, and they must bear a large measure of responsibility for the weakness and ineffectiveness of much of the professing church today. We need to pray that the Lord would deal with those in leadership, that either He would awaken them and give them a holy zeal for the gospel or remove them from office. If the Lord has blessed you with a faithful pastor, pray for him continually.

This is a chapter of great contrast between the depths of man’s sin and the greatness of God’s grace. Were it not for God’s grace, sinners would have no hope. The statement in v. 18 highlights the wonder of grace as God says, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him.” What God sees is sin and depravity, nothing worthy of His love and goodness. But in spite of what He sees, He is willing to save and make peace. That is what makes grace what it is: God’s favor that He gives to those who are so undeserving of it. It is not by works of righteousness that any are saved but only because of His grace. How does God’s grace motivate believers to praise Him?

It may seem strange that the Lord should rebuke His people for seeking daily to know His ways and delight in Him (v. 2). However, this seeking was not being done from right motives but in proud hypocrisy. They were not taking care of the poor, who lacked food and clothing. They were oppressing those in servitude (Ex. 21:2; Deut. 15:12). We learn here that outward devotion without a true change of heart is worthless in the sight of the Lord. Let us ensure that our worship is real and born out of a heart of gratitude to God for His grace and mercy to us. To that end, learn how keeping the Sabbath is a safeguard to spiritual worship. If we observe the Sabbath as the day of rest and spiritual delight that God has designed for our good, our worship will be spiritual and not perfunctory show. What does it mean to call the Sabbath a delight?

Sin separates us from God because He can have nothing to do with iniquity. Do not think that God will bless you if you continue unrepentant in sin. Sadly, mankind is conquered by sin. No one seeks justice and truth, but the entire race is quick to sin, meditating on iniquity, and in constant strife with God and each other. No one in the entire human race is qualified to save himself or another person from sin. The Lord saw this, and He took on the full responsibility to come and work salvation and judgment as the divine warrior. Christ, the Son of God, is the only Redeemer of God’s elect. If you are trusting in yourself or in another person to save you from evil and bring you happiness, you are like one leaning on a spider’s web to keep you out of hell. How does this chapter call us to trust in Christ alone for salvation?

What glorious prospects there are for every child of God! How wonderful that day will be when we truly walk in the full Light of the Lord, where no shadow of sin can fall upon us and where no darkness of any kind can hinder us. On that great day all sorrowing and mourning shall cease. How this thought ought to lift us up out of any present sorrows and fill us with the hope of that which is to come. Such thoughts of future bliss should therefore encourage us now to be faithful to the Lord and not hiding the light He has given us under a bushel (Matt. 5:15). Whatever light we have let us by God’s grace display for all to see. How has the light of God’s glory already come to the church? How does it draw the nations to the Lord?

In considering the wonder of salvation, Isaiah breaks forth with rejoicing (v. 10), and we should as well. Christ’s blood has cleansed us and clothed us in the garments of salvation. We have been covered with the robe of righteousness, which is Christ Himself. So when God the Father looks upon us, wretched, unworthy sinners as we are, He remembers our sins no more and instead sees the absolute perfection of Christ covering us. Beloved in Christ, how blessed we are! Believers ought to praise God with joyful adoration. We should draw near to the Lord with boldness, for Christians are priests in Christ. How can you use this chapter as fuel for heartfelt praise?

One of the most beautiful pictures given to us of Christ’s relationship with His people is that of a marriage of mutual love and delight (vv. 4–5). Salvation is not just a matter of legal verdicts and rescue from danger but of bringing people to the Lord so that He may love them forever. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy in the Lord. How should the Christian life reflect this spiritual marriage?

In their prayers to God Christians should “give him no rest” until He builds up His kingdom and church throughout the earth (v. 7). Before we even ask for our daily needs, we should pray “Thy kingdom come” (Luke 11:2). God welcomes such bold prayers for revival and missions; indeed, He commands them. Why is this the duty of every believer? Why is it especially the duty of those whom He calls to be the “watchmen” of His people (v. 6), their office-bearers?

Verse 9 makes this marvelous statement: “In all their affliction he was afflicted.” How tender is the union between Christ and His church! When the Lord’s people suffer, His compassion is deeply stirred too, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Not only is the Lord able to sympathize, but He is able to help us in the time of anxiety and needs. We can cast our care upon Him because He cares. We never suffer alone, for the Lord is always with us in our afflictions. How can we find comfort and strength in this truth when we are suffering?

The Lord’s presence and power ought to be the desire of every believer. There are times when the Lord seems to have hidden His face from us, and that ought to drive us to prayer, as it did Isaiah. In the previous chapter the prophet prayed for God to look down from heaven (63:15). Now he prays for God to tear the heavens apart and come down. We should plead with God to remove every impediment to knowing the fullness of His presence. Things will be remarkably different when God appears in His glory and power. Let us wait upon the Lord, earnestly expecting Him to bless His people, that by faith in the gospel we may see what God “hath prepared for him that waiteth for him” (v. 4). How does this kind of prayer seek awakening and revival by the Holy Spirit? How does it ultimately seek nothing less than the return of Christ?

God’s redemption of sinners will ultimately result in the transformation of the universe into a new creation unharmed by the curse against man’s sin. If this fallen world retains much beauty and pleasure, to a much greater degree will the new heavens and the new earth be a paradise of happiness for the church. All our desires will be satisfied by the God who made us. However, before we can enter into the new creation, the new creation must enter into us. We must be created anew in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. One fruit of this new creation is a new joy in the Lord Jesus, a spiritual delight in the loveliness of Christ. Another fruit is that we truly become one of the servants of the Lord, doing His will. Are you part of God’s new creation? How do you know?

Isaiah concludes his prophecy with an awe-inspiring vision of the eternal state of all mankind (vv. 22–24). Every human being will either end up worshiping the Lord in the new creation forever or suffering horribly in hell without intermission or end. There is no third option. This reality presses upon us two other great truths of this chapter.

First, it calls us to consider whether we are saved by grace. Salvation is not about external things like being in a church building or bringing an offering. It is a matter of a heart humbled by God’s majesty, broken under the weight of one’s sins, and submissive to God’s Word (vv. 1–2). Is this a description of you? Are you headed for eternal worship and joy or for eternal damnation?

Second, it calls us to consider the great mission of the church to all nations (vv. 18–21). It began with faithful Jews, the apostles, and other disciples of Jesus Christ, who gave themselves to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Yet the mission continues for the church today. The only way for sinners to escape hell and gain heaven is by the gospel of Christ. How are you using your abilities and resources to send the gospel to all nations?