Problems and solutions

Isaiah 9

Isaiah's prophecies largely deal with the fact that God's people have turned away from Him, and there lies a forgotten covenant and a people with seemingly no inclination to revive it. God punishes them, in the hope that they will see their need for Him again and return to Him, but all the spiritual leaders are corrupt and the picture is less than hopeful (16).

That is why the prophecy about Jesus is so wonderful. His birth brings relief from distress (1), joy and freedom from oppression (3-4), and the end of bloodshed (5). He is a perfect leader- He will be called 'Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace' (6). These are clearly divine qualities, and yet He will be a man born to us. His kingdom is everlasting (7).

Jesus fulfils God's promise to David, that one of his line would have an eternal kingdom. And Jesus is better than David or any other human leader, because He rules in perfect righteousness and justice. (7)

Panic attack

Isaiah 7

'If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.' (9)

This is the resounding message of this chapter. Ahaz panics at a military threat, and Isaiah reminds him that God is in control, and he needs to have faith.

God wants to glorify Himself by a sign, and Isaiah prophesies Jesus' birth. He speaks of a time when Israel would experience pillaging and shame, and this would be fulfilled in the exile to Babylon and the coming of the Romans.

But throughout all these things, God would be with them, and the fact that Jesus is called Immannuel shows this unique presence as God amongst His people.

The right choice

Isaiah 1

When Israel was established with the law of Moses, God challenged the people to:
- Choose life and obey My commands
- Disobey and perish
(See Deuteronomy 30:19)

From then until the days of Isaiah, the people of Israel have been in an endless cycle of idolatry and sin, then sorrowful repentance.

Isaiah speaks to Judah in a divided nation, at a time when God has allowed cities to burn with fire and be stripped by foreigners (7) as an act of judgement upon the people. They have 'rebelled' (2); they are 'loaded with guilt' (4); they have 'turned their backs' (4) on God.

But these acts of judgement are meant to work as signposts to point the people back to God. He tells them through the prophet that He has 'no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats' (11), and they must stop 'bringing meaningless offerings' (13). God doesn't want people going through religious motions, but for real change in their hearts and conduct.

'Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed' (16-17).

'Come now, let us reason together... Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' (18-20)

God is willing and able to forgive the sins of His people. He again reminds them of His covenant promises:
-Obey and be blessed
-Rebel and perish.

Given such a choice, the right path seems obvious, but we need to constantly fight our pride and sinful nature in order to follow God whole-heartedly.