Swhw Bible Reading Plan: AprilSample

Top Takeaway from Somer Phoebus:

I love the summary breakdown of these 4 chapters; did you notice it? 

Chapter 10: Judgment (The destruction of Assyria and neighboring countries who do not follow God) 

Chapter 11: HOPE! (The coming of the Messiah, Jesus,“the stump of Jesse” vs 1)

Chapter 12: Praise (The reminder that one day they will look back and see the goodness of God)

Chapter 13: Back to Judgement (The destruction of Babylon)

And you’ll see this pattern not only throughout Isaiah, but through most of Scripture because God’s judgment and wrath is always wrapped up in HOPE. How beautiful is that?

Listen, I completely understand that it’s hard to see beauty here. There are tragic prophecies being presented full of death and destruction. But it’s important we remember, the whole point of the death and destruction was not death and destruction, but so that God could give His children another chance to come back to Him.  And when they chose not to come, God had to be God. 

But don’t for one second believe that God enjoyed this. That’s not a true or proper view of God. Scripture tells us He was disappointed in His people, He loved them, and He didn’t want them to miss out on what was coming.

Because what was coming was incredible!

And now He doesn’t want us to miss out on what is. What has come! 

Jesus! We can have Him right now. That should be mind-blowing to us. 

Yes, it’s terrifying that God needed to go to these “extremes” but it also shouldn’t be surprising because Israel had been warned time and time, and time again. That was precisely the whole point of the prophets! 

So as we read, let’s remind ourselves that God’s judgement throughout the Old Testament is always about bringing His people back to Himself.  Then let’s remember that the Hope that God and Isaiah were desperately trying to communicate to the people has come for us!  We, as children of God, have full access to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

Take advantage of your access! 

Jesus came, He died on the cross, and rose three days later for you. He took your sin, He paid your debt, and now you get to live with Him forever. This is the Good News — this is what the prophets were so adamant about sharing, and today, we get to be the messengers. 

Don’t live in fear of God’s wrath; live in the freedom of the cross!

God, thank You for sending Your Son. Thank You for giving us an opportunity to come to You. Help us not to miss these hard warnings in Scripture that remind us that what You have for us is so much better than anything we could gather for ourselves. Help us not to have a weak faith like the people we’re reading about here. Fill us up with You so that there isn’t room for idols or earthly distractions. I love You, God! Amen.