The astounding results of Messiah's Death

 Read Isaiah 53.

This portion of Isaiah is one of the most sacred of all.  As one reads it, there is a sense of being on holy ground.  The immediate context for this chapter begins with 52:13.  The Servant, as this passage explains, is none other than the Messiah.  Keep in mind that this was written some 700 years before these events took place.

1. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
He was sinless.  He did nothing wrong.  We sinned.  We deserved the punishment.  But in the plan of God, the Son was sent to be the Savior of the world.  He took upon Himself what we deserved and became our substitute.
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

2. For whom did He die?
He died for "every one" (v.6) because every person who ever lived since Adam has the curse of sin upon them.  The description in verse 6 is that of sheep wandering off, going their own way, from the shepherd to whom they belong.  That is the essence of all sin.  It was "our transgressions," "our iniquities," our sin that put Jesus on the cross.
"He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
(1 John 2:2)

3. What are the results?
His death on the cross "brought us peace" with God (v.5).  It provided spiritual healing of our sin and the hurt that it causes.  It satisfied the righteous demands of a Holy God (v.11).  Instead of seeing us as sinners, the LORD declares those who place their eternal trust in Him as righteous or right with Him.  He now is our advocate in heaven, interceding on our behalf.

4. Was His death the end?
So many who claim faith in Jesus still see Him hanging on the cross bleeding.  In John 19:30, Jesus declared, "It is finished."  That was business term of His day indicating the debt had been paid in full.  And, the story does not stop there.  Verse 10 states that after Messiah's death, He will live.  There will be a spiritual family who will enjoy all the blessings of faith in Christ.  The resurrection of Jesus is the proof of His continuing ministry on our behalf.  He is our living Advocate in heaven.
"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

The Apostle John summed up much of this chapter's message.
"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:10-12)

Is there any good news Today?

 Read Isaiah 52.

The Jews have a discouraging history to say the least.  But each time an enemy sought to destroy them, the LORD intervened.  Because of the number of years involved there were and are those who lost hope in God's promises.  God never forgets what He said.  He acts exactly on His schedule to fulfill His plans.

Historically, the Jews were in Egypt for 400 years.  But God delivered them from slavery.  In this chapter, the northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered and the people were scattered at the hands of Assyria.  The southern kingdom of Judah had been taken captive by Babylonia.  They remained in Babylon for 70 years. 

The nation was in need of a comforting message; some good news of hope. 
The message is, "Wake up and get ready!  You are going home." (vv.1-2)

There are two aspects to this prophecy.  Immediately, in 536 B.C., the Jews returned to their homeland. This would take place at no cost to them.  The Persians paid for it and the nation was redeemed by God's free grace.  But the details in this chapter obviously speak of much more that has yet to happen.  Note the little prophetic phrase "in that day" (v.6).  What will that day be like?

1. Everyone will know the LORD. (v.6b)
No more will they be in doubt about who God is or turn to other forms of worship.  Spiritual allegiance will be to Him alone.

2. It will be a time of good news. (vv.7-9)
After decades of prophecies warning of God's judgment, here is news of peace, happiness, salvation, comfort, and redemption.

3. The LORD will reign. (vv.7b-15)
This is the key reason for the celebration.  There is no denying that Messiah will one day literally sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem.  As Isaiah wrote in 9:6, "the government shall be upon his shoulders."  The Messiah ("my servant" v.13) will assume world power.  He will "sprinkle" or startle the nations (v.15) and all the world's leaders will be silent before Him.

What a contrast from the first coming of Jesus.  Verse 14 prophesies His physical appearance after being beaten and crucified.  This description was written over 500 years in advance!

But another 2000 years have gone by since Jesus' ascension back to heaven.  That is not a problem for God.  He has not forgotten.  He will act in His time.  Our good news to a world without hope is that Jesus is coming!  Now is the time to get ready and be prepared. 

 

Conducting a spiritual Assessment

 Read Isaiah 51.

It is good for us to stop on a regular basis and take stock of where we came from and where we are headed.  Granted, we all have things in our past for which we are grateful for God's forgiveness and cleansing.  While we may not wish to dwell on all our history, we do need to honor our heritage.

God called on Israel to conduct a complete spiritual assessment.

1. Look back. (vv.1-2)
The people of Israel exist because of God's calling and unconditional covenant with Abraham.  They were to never forget their beginnings.    

Personally, I am grateful for the spiritual heritage of faith in Christ from my grandparents on both sides of our family.  In addition, there were those who taught me and encouraged my spiritual growth at church.  One's spiritual heritage may not be found in a physical family but from others who pointed us to live for Jesus.

2. Look ahead. (vv.3-8)
Next, God called them to focus on what He has planned for their future.  He will mete out His justice and make things right.  One day, all we have known here will be gone.  But forever we will enjoy our deliverance in Christ and our relationship with the LORD.  In the meantime, the Apostle Paul reminds us not to be discouraged with present circumstances.
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

3. Look Up. (vv.9-11)
Here the people respond to God.  They call upon the One who destroyed Egypt (Rahab) and Pharaoh (dragon), the One who dried up the Red Sea for them, the One who ransomed them and will bring them home singing with everlasting joy.  Remembering past deliverances by God encourages us to pray for His power to be displayed today.

4. Wake Up. (vv.12-23)
God's call to the people is "wake yourself" and "stand up."  Stop wallowing in your misery of what happened to you.  God promises to afflict the tormentors and offers His comfort to the afflicted.

 

What's the problem Here?

 Read Isaiah 50.

With Israel's loss of the land and God's blessings, doubtlessly the people asked, "Why?  Why did this happen to us?  We thought God would protect us?"  So, the LORD answered those questions with a few of His own.

1. What is the problem? (vv.1-3)
God wanted them to know it was not because He could not protect them by His power.  Indeed, He allowed this to happen to Israel at this time because of their sin.  He faithfully sent the prophets with His message but they would not listen nor repent.

2. What is the solution? (vv.4-9)
Here Messiah speaks for Himself.  In some detail, the sufferings of Jesus are given.  Matthew 26:67 tells of the fulfillment of this prophecy: "Then they spit in his face and struck him.  And some slapped him."  The Son of God voluntarily laid aside His rights and withheld His power to suffer and die on the cross in full and final payment for our sins. 

3. What is the need? (vv.10-11)
This is a direct challenge to those who trust in something else for life-guidance.  They can use whatever "light" they can imagine but it will only lead down a path of torment in the end.  The LORD calls out to "trust" and "rely" on Him.  Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Choose life!

When feeling Forsaken

 Read Isaiah 49.

The Messiah speaks to the Gentiles.  He calls out, "Listen to me" and "give attention."  His message is sharp as a sword.  (Compare Hebrews 4:12-13).  While, for a time, there were great crowds following Him, ultimately Jesus was rejected.  "I have labored in vain" (v.4). 

Most of the chapter looks forward to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel at the second coming of Christ.  Then, there will be prosperity and abundance.  All world leaders will come and "bow down to you" (v.23).  Given the history of Israel since the death of King Solomon to this very day, those promises seem almost unreal.  The Jews have been the object of ridicule, scorn and threat by so many world leaders and groups. 

But God is committed to keeping His unconditional promises to Abraham (Genesis 12).  He "will contend with those who contend with you" (v.25b).  When the nation is completely and spiritually restored as people of God, "Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame" (v.23b).

In the meantime, many Jews today feel as if the LORD has forsaken them, that He no longer cares.  That sense is in this prophecy.  "But Zion said, 'The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me" (v.14)  The Apostle Paul asked in Romans 11:1, "Has God rejected his people?  By no means!"  

Being rejected and forgotten is a terrible emotion for anyone, but to feel that God has forgotten can be terrifying.  Here is Messiah's answer to anyone who feels alone, with unanswered prayers, and alienated from the presence of God.

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."  And then comes the most powerful statement the Messiah could ever make on this subject, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." (vv.15-16)

The crucifixion of Jesus paid for all sin once and for all.  He gave His life for each of us.  His promise then is "'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me.'" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

 

God's purpose in Prophecy

 Read Isaiah 48.

Being conquered and captured by a foreign power, meant the people of Israel suffered the loss of everything.

Those events should not have come as any surprise to the nation.  Through His spokesmen, the prophets, God repeatedly warned them with specifics and called upon them to repent of their sin. But they would not listen.

In prophetic messages, God foretold of the 70 years of Babylonian captivity, Babylon's defeat by Cyrus, and of their return to the land.  Why did the LORD tell Israel about all these happenings in advance?
1. So, God alone would get the credit. (v.5)
The people had placed their trust for guidance and their future in other things.  When the prophecies became reality, the only explanation would be God's word.

2. So God could display His foreknowledge. (v.7-8)
He knows and controls the future.  No one else does.

3. So God alone would be praised. (v.9-11)
He reveals His truth and implements His plans for people to stand in awe of Him.  The reasonable response is to praise and worship the LORD.

The error the Jews made was to think that because of their heritage and because they used the right words they were in right standing with God.  God's view of them on the other hand is described with these words: hypocrites (v.1), obstinate and hardheaded (v.4), spiritually deaf (v.8a), rebel (v.8b).

How many people have held to the same erroneous thinking about their relationship with Christ?  Just because a person has parents who were believers in Jesus or because they went to church no more fits one for heaven than walking into a garage can turn someone into a car.  Reciting certain words does not make one right before the LORD.  He wants our exclusive, personal faith and trust in Him.

"Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments!  Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness live the waves of the sea." (v.18)

 

 

4 thoughts that will destroy your Life

 Read Isaiah 47.

This is an amazing prophecy regarding the end of the Babylonian Empire.  Dethroned and disgraced, the once powerful kingdom that ruled from India to Africa will be no more.  God had used the Babylonians to discipline the kingdom of Judah and take them captive for 70 years.

Babylon's demise happened quickly, as the LORD foretold in verse 9, "In a moment, in one day."  Daniel 5 needed only two verses at the end of the chapter to recount what took place.  Immediately, the Medes and Persians came to world power.

What was behind the downfall of this mighty empire?
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

Notice the quotes from God concerning the Babylonians.  This reminds us again that God hears our every word, knows the thoughts of our hearts, and watches our every action.
1. "You felt secure in your wickedness." (v.10a)
They thought they could sin and get away with it.

2. "You said, 'No one sees me.'" (v.10b) 
They thought, if there is a God in heaven, He is far removed and does not care about what I do.

3. "Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray." (v.10c)
They thought they knew better than God about how to live and what guidance they should follow.

4. "You said in your heart, 'I am and there is no one besides me.'" (v.10d)
They thought that they arrived where they were by their own doing and they would be the masters of their fate.  False thinking led them to believe they could live with no accountability to the LORD.

So, God challenged them to go on and depend upon their own made up spiritualism (v.12) and their belief in astrology (v.13).  See if they can save you in the time of trouble and terror.  All of it will prove to be futile and a waste of time when real help is needed.

There is only One who can save. 
"'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'  Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:6b-8a)