If repetition is an effective teaching tool, God, through Isaiah, is a master! Ten times in the span of four chapters, Isaiah pounds into our awareness: There is no other God but Yahweh.
Author: Eva Burkholder
This Idol I’m Holding in My Right Hand Is a Lie
Living in Indonesia brought me face to face with idols for the first time. Actual idols—carved manmade images of gods with bulging eyes, giant teeth, bulbous stomachs—grotesque, scary creatures stationed inside and outside homes and temples. Artwork, dances, colorful depictions of gods, gods, and more gods. Idol worship is indeed alive and well in the world.
God Won’t Break a Bruised Reed nor Snuff Out a Smoldering Wick
Feeling bruised, battered, bent? Like a fragile reed? Feeling useless and discarded? Like a smoking wick about to go out? Jesus—the Servant—will not break you. He will not cast you aside.
God’s Righteous Right Hand Calms Fear
According to a popular Bible app, the most highlighted, bookmarked, and shared verse in the Bible for the past three years is Isaiah 41:10. In context, it reads: But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Wait On the Lord for Renewed Strength
Have you ever complained to God, as the people of Judah did when they were exiled in a foreign land? I have. Isaiah’s answer is: Behold your God. Wait on him for renewed strength.
Comfort My People
Isaiah's tone, message, and focus change drastically at this juncture in his writing. After repeatedly warning about the impending consequences of their disobedience and pleading for repentance, Isaiah now looks into the future when the forecasted exile of Judah is almost over. Instead of harsh judgment, he offers comfort by speaking tenderly—“to the heart”—reassuring that sin has been paid for and redemption has come.
Prayer for Partners in the New Year
As we enter the new year, Mark and I want to pray for you—our partners—since you so faithfully pray for us:
Advent 2024 Fourth Sunday: Prince of Peace
(Oops! This title should be Advent 2-2023). My Advent ponderings this year are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah. The first Sunday, I pondered wonderful counselor. Next mighty God on the second Sunday. Then everlasting father. Finally Isaiah describes this one-who-would-reign-on-David’s-throne as the PRINCE OF PEACE.
