Imagine that you have an uneasy relationship with a close family member. You have your differences, your squabbles and fights but at the end of the day you are family. Then one day you discover that they have been working with someone else, a rival, an enemy of yours to bring you down. Imagine the… Continue reading It shall not stand
Tag: Lent
The idols must go
The things that we fear and the things that we put our trust in are the things that become our idols. They become our idols because we give power and authority to them. We think that they have control and influence over our lives. We are scared that if we do not do what they… Continue reading The idols must go
Introducing Isaiah
Backdrop The setting for the book of Isaiah is the reigns of four kings of Judah, Uzziah, Ahaz, Jotham and Hezekiah. The kingdom of Israel had split into two after Solomon’s death. Israel in the north was the larger, with most of the tribes joining and also the more prosperous due to its situation on… Continue reading Introducing Isaiah
Becoming like our idols
What is it that we most need in this uncertain and chaotic world? What is it that will change our perspective on everything? Isaiah ch 6 gives us some pointers! Read Isaiah 6 Uzziah had been a successful king but in his later years lost his way becoming puffed up with pride. He sought to… Continue reading Becoming like our idols
The Vineyard
Isaiah continues with the horticultural theme of vines, branches and vineyards. God is the farmer who plants a vineyard (Israel) but what does he find when he comes to it? Read Isaiah 5:1-7 This section takes the form of a song, a love song with echoes of Song of Songs, Isaiah sings of the Lord… Continue reading The Vineyard
purification
Reading through the early chapters of Isaiah, it becomes clear that the coming “Day of the Lord” when judgement and punishment will be visited on Israel is not just about punishment, not just about the destruction of wickedness but rather it is about purification and restoration. The aim is that through this refining experience that… Continue reading purification
chaotic folly
What does judgement look like? What would judgement on a church, a community, a nation? Read Isaiah chapter 3:1-4:1 Judgement for Israel and Judah involves the stripping away of all of their resources and means of support including food supplies. It then leads to the removal of leaders and protectors. The wise, experienced and strong… Continue reading chaotic folly
Compromised
We now find out why it is that God must act to restore and renew his holy city through refining judgement and why God’s people need to learn again what it means to walk in the light of God. Read Isaiah 2:6-22 The people’s rejection of Yahweh is seen in the way that they have… Continue reading Compromised
Come let us walk
Take a moment to pause and mediate on these words come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5 This is an invitation to the people of Israel and comes in the light of God’s promise that he will re-establish Zion as the place where he reigns “with justice and peace. It is also an… Continue reading Come let us walk
Established
We tend to associate the early stages of Isaiah with gloom and judgement. However, rifght from the start, warnings of judgement are framed by promises of hope. Read Isaiah 2:1-5 If the city of Jerusalem and the Temple there faces imminent destruction, this will not be a permanent state of affairs. God promises that a… Continue reading Established
Faithroots 