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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Is. 1-2
Biblical prophecies are quite cryptic. There is so much metaphor and other poetic language. Not to mention that they often blur and combine time frames. I often wonder what gets lost in translation from the original Hebrew language. I tend to think of Hebrew as the language of God. There seems to be so much in the language itself that gives added meaning to God’s message. For example, I notice a lot of word play in the footnotes, where a word or name sounds similar to another word or idea. Like ‘sun” and “son” in English. I know I’m not alone in my lack of understanding, though. Even the most learned scholars of Jesus’ time failed to get it.
Which is why I lean toward looking at prophecy with the 30,000 foot view rather than getting mired down in the details. From that perspective, and with the advantage of a little hindsight, I can see the overall theme of the Bible in these first two chapters of Isaiah. In chapter one I see the human condition – destitute in our unrighteousness – and God’s promise for our redemption. Chapter 2 then lays out our choice – the same choice that God presents to us over and over again throughout His word. Because of God’s offer of redemption, we can choose to live with Him in peace. We can alternately choose to reject His offer and face His judgment. We need God. It is up to us to acknowledge that need. God knows and provides for our need. And it is up to us to accept His provision.
Is. 3
“Note this: The Lord God of Armies is about to remove from Jerusalem and from Judah every kind of security” (Is. 3a). I love that! This is the transformation God makes in us for our redemption. It is the circumcision of the flesh, when we are stripped of everything we desire and rely on, and are left with only God. And when we reach that point, we realize that God is all we need and our only true security.
Is. 4
What a beautiful image of how Jesus covers those who remain in Him! Jesus is the beautiful and glorious Branch. His fruit in us is our pride and glory; we boast in Him alone. He purifies us and writes our names in the book of life. Then He becomes a canopy over us that protects us from sin and judgment. How grateful I am for that beautiful and glorious Branch!