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Listen "Isaiah 28"
Episode Synopsis
Summary
(Isaiah 28-33) Isaiah 28 returns to the theme of distrusting human powers, rulers, or nations. Because though it seems like a good idea to build an alliance with Egypt now, things will change. They need to rely on God who won't change on them even when things change. We have fast forwarded past the time of King Ahaz who was facing conflict from local neighbouring nations. Now the big threat of Assyria, which Isaiah was talking about all along, is finally here.
(Part 1 - vs 1-15) Posture of the heart. Once again, God's people are not cooperating and the leaders are acting like drunken fools. Ephraim, north of Jerusalem, is being offered God's rest, but they want to do it their own way. Jerusalem is worse acting cynical and acting like nothing bad will ever happen to them.
(Part 2 - vs 16-22) To the instability of the leaders and the current world they find themselves in, Isaiah's solution is God's setting up a sure foundation where he will establish justice. Then when the storms come and everything is washed away, those who put their trust in God will be only ones remaining (a little like the ark story). God will not be rash - but will move at his pace. Something we, and Israel, are not always comfortable with. But if God is eternal, his pace will be longer, and bigger, than ours.
(Part 3 - vs 23-29) Isaiah concludes with a parable about a farmer who has wisdom about all things horticulture. He understands the process. He has a time and plan. There is a progression in farming from cultivating, to preparing, sowing, and then planting. The farmer knows what he is doing and will grow crops. God is wise, has a plan, and knows what he is doing.
God
God has a plan.
God is wise.
God can be trusted.
God offers rest. God is not rushing.
God rules and calls people to be built on his kingdom of justice and righteousness. This shows that God is not corrupt or crooked.
Gospel
It is good news that we can build our lives on a more stable and secure foundation. God has laid the foundation for us by giving us Jesus. Instead of us needing to build our own foundation, or to make something of ourselves, God has offered us security and certainty. God built the foundations. God gave his revelation. God gave his law. God showed his plan of salvation through the temple. But God kept his promises and made it possible by giving us His Son.
Reflection
What might it mean for you to trust in Jesus today?
(Isaiah 28-33) Isaiah 28 returns to the theme of distrusting human powers, rulers, or nations. Because though it seems like a good idea to build an alliance with Egypt now, things will change. They need to rely on God who won't change on them even when things change. We have fast forwarded past the time of King Ahaz who was facing conflict from local neighbouring nations. Now the big threat of Assyria, which Isaiah was talking about all along, is finally here.
(Part 1 - vs 1-15) Posture of the heart. Once again, God's people are not cooperating and the leaders are acting like drunken fools. Ephraim, north of Jerusalem, is being offered God's rest, but they want to do it their own way. Jerusalem is worse acting cynical and acting like nothing bad will ever happen to them.
(Part 2 - vs 16-22) To the instability of the leaders and the current world they find themselves in, Isaiah's solution is God's setting up a sure foundation where he will establish justice. Then when the storms come and everything is washed away, those who put their trust in God will be only ones remaining (a little like the ark story). God will not be rash - but will move at his pace. Something we, and Israel, are not always comfortable with. But if God is eternal, his pace will be longer, and bigger, than ours.
(Part 3 - vs 23-29) Isaiah concludes with a parable about a farmer who has wisdom about all things horticulture. He understands the process. He has a time and plan. There is a progression in farming from cultivating, to preparing, sowing, and then planting. The farmer knows what he is doing and will grow crops. God is wise, has a plan, and knows what he is doing.
God
God has a plan.
God is wise.
God can be trusted.
God offers rest. God is not rushing.
God rules and calls people to be built on his kingdom of justice and righteousness. This shows that God is not corrupt or crooked.
Gospel
It is good news that we can build our lives on a more stable and secure foundation. God has laid the foundation for us by giving us Jesus. Instead of us needing to build our own foundation, or to make something of ourselves, God has offered us security and certainty. God built the foundations. God gave his revelation. God gave his law. God showed his plan of salvation through the temple. But God kept his promises and made it possible by giving us His Son.
Reflection
What might it mean for you to trust in Jesus today?
In God we trust