How does God describe the overseers of his people?
(Isaiah 54-58; Gal. 4:27; Lev. 16:29-31; Rev. 2:20-23) Blog Mar. 7-13, 2021
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Isaiah confronted the hypocrisy of God’s covenant bride. He gave direction to the leaders of Judah for their protection. He encouraged God’s people with promises of a glorious future brought in by a Divine Deliverer who in judgment would conquer Babylon, their great enemy, and bring salvation to their remnant. All this is also applicable to God’s people today!
A Forsaken Woman (Isaiah 54-55; Ex. 31:13-17; 2 Sam. 7:8-16; Psa. 89:34-36; 113:9; Rom. 10:17; Gal. 4:26-27; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 21:18-21)
1. To whom is God speaking in Isaiah 54? To his covenant bride (his chosen people) who can rejoice because with him as her husband she should make room for many children – even gentiles.
2. To what women in the Bible does Isaiah 54 apply? To Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Manoah’s wife, Hannah, & Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
3. Why does God say that he will never reject his bride? Because he has made an everlasting covenant with her.
4. Why does the prophet Isaiah in chapter 55 recommend buying something when it is free? Because he is speaking of the water of salvation which was purchased by Christ but is free to us, the wine of the Holy Spirit which Christ won for us, & the milk of the Word of God, which is freely proclaimed to all, but we are to “buy” each of these with the currency of faith for they only become ours through a transaction of faith.
5. What should we learn from the counsel given in Isaiah 55:6? That only when God’s message is proclaimed to us can we come to him for our natural resistance would hinder us unless faith came by hearing.
6. Which verse in Isaiah 55 extols the power and effectiveness of God’s Word? Verse 11 – that’s why Paul says: “Preach the Word.”
7. When comparing verse 3 with verse 13 in Isaiah 55 what truth stands out? That God renews to his chosen people the everlasting covenant made with David & with it gives an everlasting sign (the Sabbath-56:1-2) for it is David’s Seed that is given as a covenant keeper (42:6; 49:8) for all who trust in him (cf. Ex. 2 Sam)
God’s Covenant (Isaiah 56-57; Acts 20:29-30; Rev. 2:20-23; 17:1-5)
8. To what unlikely classes of people does God say he will give an everlasting name? To eunuchs, children of strangers, outcasts, & “all people” who take hold of God’s covenant.
9. In Isaiah 56 how does God describe the overseers of his people when grievous wolves enter the flock? He describes them as blind, ignorant dumb dogs who are lazy, greedy, & without understanding, seeking personal gain & going after strong drink.
10. Who is “the sorceress” whose children have made covenants and slept with strangers rather than with God? She is called Jezebel & Babylon in Revelation & represents false religion.
11. Whom does God say will possess “the land” and inherit his holy mountain? To those who put their trust in him.
12. What two truths about God are portrayed in Isaiah 57:15? That he is transcendent (above all) & imminent (close to all).
13. What unpopular truth should we learn from Isaiah 57:17? That to have a sinful nature (being selfish by nature) is sin & unless guided by God’s Spirit they will always choose their own selfish way.
14. To what does Isaiah 57 compare the wicked? To the troubled sea when it cannot rest but rather stirs up mire & dirt.
Crying Aloud (Isaiah 58:1-14; Lev. 16:29-31; Eze. 9:4; Matt. 18:10-17; John 4:14; Gal. 6:1-2; Eph. 1:13-14; James 4:3-10; Jude 1:22-23)
15. Rather than acting as “dumb dogs” (Isa. 56:10) what does God desire the overseers of his flock to do? God desires them to wake up & bark loudly (“cry aloud”) when they see evil entering the fold (church), showing God’s people when & how they are going wrong.
16. If we are to point out the sins of God’s people what does this NOT mean? It does not mean that we are to go around telling other people about the private sins of their brethren, nor are we to approach those doing wrong in a condemnatory spirit (“trumpet” refers to the tender voice of the Holy Spirit), nor should our motive be their disfellowshipment but rather their restoration to righteous living & full church fellowship.
17. In Isaiah 58:2-5 how were God’s people preparing for the Day of Atonement? They were daily doing all the religious ceremonies including fasting, but they fasted during the daytime in order to gain God’s favor rather than seeking God’s mercy & cleansing their hearts in preparation for judgment.
18. How does God describe the kind of fast he desires his people to make? God desires them to sacrifice their time by setting others free from spiritual & physical bondage, to give the Bread of Life to the hungry & show hospitality to the poor while not neglecting their own families.
19. What does God say will come to those who bring freedom, food, clothing, & hospitality to those in need? Light, health, righteousness, & the glory, attention, & guidance of the Lord.
20. What important aspect of God’s covenant is involved in building the old waste places, “raising up the foundations” and “repairing the breach? The sign of God’s everlasting covenant – the sabbath.
21. How does God desire his people to observe his Sabbath? By making it the most delightful day of the week by finding pleasure in hearing God’s Word, freeing others from the burden of sin, & communing with God & his glorious creation.