The nation of Judah faced an impending invasion from two neighboring nations. This threat left them shaking like the trees in the forest in a windstorm. So King Ahaz made an alliance with an even larger nation—Assyria—rather than run to the Holy One, God Almighty. Then God gave Ahaz and Judah a promise, a sign, a reminder that he had not abandoned them and they should rely on him alone.
Isaiah
I Am Holy Because He Is Holy Holy Holy
“In the year that King Uzziah died,” [Isaiah] saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on the throne” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV). But while Uzziah left his earthy throne vacant, someone still sat on that throne. The Apostle John identifies that someone. “Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him." Isaiah goes on to describe the Lord/Jesus.
Let Us Walk in the Light
"Needs further explanation" my editor commented in the margin of my book manuscript, "The general public will not understand this phrase even though it's in the Bible." Again and again, she forced me to creatively explain Biblical phrases that seem second nature to Christians. We say them but we might not know what they mean or how to live them out. One of these phrases caused me to pause in my study of Isaiah.
Obey Because, Not So That
I first studied Isaiah in high school. I can’t remember what it was about the prophet that I loved, but this class instilled in me a love for this book of the Bible. Now I am starting a new walk through with the ladies in my church. I am older. I am in a new season of my life. I have continued to grow, change, and learn new things and Isaiah is striking me in new ways. Uncomfortable ways. I hit my first snag in chapter one.
Come Into My Shade
I limped slowly to a nearby playground, my journey labored due to a sauce bottle which landed on my toe a few days earlier. I lifted up my heart to the Lord: What does my soul want to say to you, Jesus? And what do you want to say to my soul, Jesus?
Pain and Hope
How does one accept the reality of pain and disappointment without losing hope? How do we surrender and face reality and yet not give up? How do we trust that God might never answer our prayer the way we want it and yet still keep asking for a miracle? How does one continue to experience loss and yet still have faith?
Meditation on Isaiah 32:1-8
READ See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Then the eyes of those who see will no … Continue reading Meditation on Isaiah 32:1-8
