by Rick Marin | Mar 25, 2021 | Isaiah
How does God describe the righteous?
(Isaiah 65-66; Mal. 4:1-3; Rom. 10:20-21; Rev. 19:6-7; 21:1-4) Blog 21-27 Mar. 2021
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: After confronting the hypocrisy of God’s covenant bride and giving direction to the leaders of Judah, Isaiah encouraged God’s people with promises of a glorious future brought in by a Divine Deliverer who through final judgment would bring salvation to the remnant of his people. God’s tender concern for his bride is based on the everlasting covenant that he made with her at creation. In chapter 40, Isaiah displays God’s omnipotent power and wisdom before introducing his chosen Deliverer in chapters 41-45. After pointing out the uselessness of other “gods” in chapters 46-48, he assures God’s people that Jesus, as God’s elect, will keep the covenant for the people, providing freedom for those captive to sin. Chapters 50-53 reveal that through suffering Christ will accomplish redemption and chapters 54-58 proclaim God’s covenant of Love, whose sign is the Sabbath. Then future history is outlined in chapters 59-61, presenting God’s final judgment that brings the blotting out of sins, the sealing of God’s people, and the perfecting Latter Rain. The marriage of the Lamb is depicted in chapter 62 followed by Christ’s second coming in glory and vengeance in chapters 63-64. Now what should we expect as Isaiah ends this litany of events?
Two Classes (Isaiah 65:1-25; 62:5; Deut. 32:20-25; Rom. 10:19-21; Rev. 7:17; 21:1-4)
1. To whom is God speaking in Isaiah 65:1? To his people, Israel.
2. How does the Apostle Paul apply the words of Isaiah 65:1-2? Paul applies these verses to rebellious Israel showing that the Gentiles would come to the light of the Gospel while the nation Israel is content on doing ceremonies without true faith.
3. According to Isaiah 65:5 in what was Israel trusting that was like smoke in God’s nostrils? They were trusting in their own righteousness & not in the righteousness with which God wanted to cloth them.
4. Who does God say will inherit his holy mountain? Jesus, the Seed of Jacob, & all who become elect through faith in him – his servants.
5. Who does God say will be hungry, thirsty, ashamed, sorrowful, and vexed in spirit? Those that forsake the Lord.
6. What promise does God give to the believing remnant of his people? That for them he will create “new heavens & a new earth” that will be an eternal joy to Jerusalem, his saved remnant.
7. Where in the book of Revelation are the two thoughts of Isaiah 65:19 repeated? In Revelation 7:17 the 144,000 are promised no more weeping & in Revelation 19:6-7 Jesus & the Father rejoice over the bride in the marriage of the Lamb.
8. How does Isaiah 65 picture life on the earth made new? As long-lived with building houses & planting vineyards, with no ferocity among the animals & no hurt or pain.
The Final Conflict (Isaiah 66:1-19; Deut. 32:20-25; Rom. 9:28-33; 2 Thes. 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:7-10; Rev. 13:16-17; 14:11-13)
9. While contrasting the fate of the wicked and the righteous in Isaiah 66, how does God describe the righteous? As poor, contrite, & trembling at his Word.
10. To what kind of people does God say he will send strong delusions? To those that refuse to answer his call & love evil rather than the truth.
11. What are Isaiah 66:7-9 trying to teach us? That the final conflict for God’s people will be severe like birth pangs but short-lived for God “will finish his work & cut it short in righteousness.”
12. What metaphor does God use to describe Jerusalem? That of a mother who feeds & comforts her children.
13. What natural element do Isaiah and Peter say God will use for the destruction of the wicked? Fire spreading like a whirlwind.
14. Just as Jesus wrote to the seven churches of Revelation what does Isaiah say he also knows about the wicked? Their works & their thoughts.
15. What does the book of Revelation call the sign of Isaiah 66:19 with which God marks the wicked for destruction? The mark of the beast.
The Deliverance of God’s People (Isaiah 66:19-24; Malachi 4:1-3)
16. What will those rescued from the nations do when they believe the truth of the Gospel? They will rush out to the unsaved & bring many into God’s church just before probation closes.
17. What titles does God give to the saved in the New Jerusalem? Priests & Levites & in Revelation 1:6 “kings & priests.”
18. What two worship celebrations does Isaiah say will continue eternally in the new heavens and new earth? The Sabbath & the New Moon.
19. According to the last verse of Isaiah and the first three verses of Malachi 4, what will be the final end of the wicked? They shall be burned up & become ashes under the saint’s feet, for while they die the eternal death their worm nor their fire do not die.
by Rick Marin | Mar 18, 2021 | Isaiah
Why does the Lord show great goodness to the house of Israel?
(Isaiah 59-64; Luke 4:17-21; Eph. 5:27; Acts 3:19; Rev. 19:11-16) Blog Mar. 14-20, 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 because God had made an everlasting covenant with his people and its sign was the Sabbath of creation!
Judgment & Glory (Isaiah 59-60; Gen. 8:21; Zech. 3:1-5; Matt. 10:32; Heb. 7:25; 12:22)
1. What oft repeated word in Isaiah 59 indicates the subject of the chapter? “Judgment.”
2. What should we learn from Isaiah 59:1-15? That God’s people come to judgment as unworthy sinners whose only hope is in the mercy of God.
3. According to Isaiah 59:16, what did God see that humanity needed? An intercessor.
4. When God saw humanity’s need of an intercessor, what did he do? God provided a saving Redeemer/Intercessor who brought salvation for all who repent of their sins & who intercedes for those who confess him on earth.
5. What does God do when the enemy comes in like an overwhelming flood? The Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard against the enemy.
6. In Isaiah 60 what oft repeated word indicates the subject of the chapter? The word “glory” (& forms of it), telling us that the results of God’s final judgment bring the sealing of God’s people, the latter rain, & glorification.
7. According to Isaiah 60, what are the conditions on earth when God’s Spirit is poured out in Latter Rain? They are very dark.
8. Who does Isaiah say will join themselves to God’s people when they go forth filled with the light of present truth? Gentiles, kings, their wayward sons & daughters, multitudes from the sea of humanity, Iranians, & the sons of strangers.
9. After being forsaken, smitten by God, hated, and mourning on what basis does God bring favor, eternal excellency, glory, light, righteousness, and everlasting joy to his people? On the basis of his mercy.
A Blessed Marriage (Isaias 61-62; 42:1-7; Eph. 5:27; Luke 4:17)
10. Who, being our example, applied the words of Isaiah 61:1-3 to himself? Jesus on the Sabbath in Nazareth showing that we also should preach good tidings, bind up the brokenhearted, free those imprisoned by sin, explain Bible prophecy, warn people of coming judgment, & comfort those that mourn.
11. What other activities does Isaiah 61 list for the people of God? Those of building up fallen truth, repairing the desolations that sin has caused in their separated brethren, acting as priests of the Lord, & ministers of God, & being sealed in God’s everlasting covenant of love.
12. When God’s bride is ready to set her seal to God’s everlasting covenant, how is she attired? She is clothed in the pure garments of salvation – the perfect righteousness of Jesus – without spot or wrinkle.
13. What is the meaning of the two names God gives to his bride in Isaiah 62:4? Hephzibah means “my delight is in her” and Beulah means “married.”
14. To what event does Isaiah 62:11 point? To Christ’s second coming when he will take his bride to his father’s house for 1000 years.
The Second Coming (Isaiah 63-64; 43:25; Jer. 31:34; Acts 3:19; Rev. 6:9-11)
15. Who, clothed in bloody garments, is pictured in Isaiah 63:1-6? Jesus, the crucified Saviour coming to take vengeance on his enemies.
16. According to Isaiah 63:7, why does the Lord show great goodness to the house of Israel, his church? Because he shows mercy & lovingkindness towards his bride to be.
17. Has God suffered continually with his people since their fall? Most certainly so, for Isaiah says “in all their affliction he was afflicted.”
18. What New Testament passage is parallel to Isaiah 63? Revelation 19:11-16.
19. What New Testament plea made by God’s saints was previously made in Isaiah 64:1-4? That of the souls under the altar in Revelation’s fifth seal.
20. Of what great New Covenant event is Isaiah 64:9 speaking? The blotting out of the sins of God’s people when God will remember (deal with) them no more as promised previously in Isaiah & in Jeremiah & Acts.
21. From Isaiah 59-64 what outline of last-day chronology should we see? That God’s final judgment precedes the blotting out of sin, the perfecting Latter Rain, & the eternal sealing of god’s people which brings a great influx into God’s remnant church just before Jesus comes to execute vengeance on his enemies and take his perfected bride to his Father’s house in heaven.
by Rick Marin | Mar 10, 2021 | Isaiah
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.
by Rick Marin | Mar 3, 2021 | Isaiah
Why did Jesus not open his mouth when brought to judgment?
(Isaiah 50-53; Matt. 23:38; Rom. 10:15-16; 1 Tim. 3:16) Blog Feb. 28 – Mar. 06, 2021
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Isaiah was God’s prophet to the nation of Judah. God sends prophets to his people to encourage them, to direct them, and to correct them. All these things Isaiah did. He confronted the hypocrisy of God’s covenant bride, he told the leaders of God’s people how they were to respond to the attacks of their enemies, and he promised a Divine Deliverer that by means of judgment would bring a glorious deliverance to the faithful remnant of God’s people. When God’s chosen Deliverer comes in final judgment he will conquer Babylon, the great enemy of God’s people, and bring salvation to true believers.
A People Rejected (Isaiah 50:1 – 51:23; Deut. 24:1-4; Psa. 75:8; Jer. 3:8; Matt. 19:7-9; 20:22; 23:38; Rev. 3:16; 14:9-11)
1. Is it possible that God could reject his chosen people? Yes, for he rejected Israel (the northern kingdom) in Isaiah’s day, he rejected the Jewish nation just before the cross, he told the church of Laodicea that he would reject her if she didn’t repent, & here in Isaiah 50 he speaks of the possibility of divorce from Judah.
2. If God did separate himself from his people what would the reason be? It would be because of their continual, unrepentant, spiritual adultery (the same reason that Jesus allowed divorce).
4. According to Isaiah 51:16 who does God call his people? Zion, which is a codename for the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary where God’s redeemed remnant gather for his salvation & protection.
5. Who took the cup of trembling from the hand of God’s people in order that he might drink it in their place? Jesus, who fulfilled the New Covenant by drinking the bitter cup that our sins deserve.
6. Who also will drink the cup of God’s wrath even though Jesus drank it for them? Those who reject Jesus & the great sacrifice he made for them.
7. What does Isaiah 50:11 promise to those who walk in the light of their own imagination? They shall lie down in sorrow.
A People Redeemed (Isaiah 50:2 – 52:12)
8. Which of his powerful acts does God recount in Isaiah 50:2-3 as proof that he is able to redeem his rebellious people? His drying of the Red Sea, his turning the Nile River into blood, & his placing darkness on the land of Egypt.
9. Of whom does the prophet speak in verses 4-9 of Isaiah 50? Of Jesus whom God awakened every morning so that he might speak encouragement to the weary, who let evil men smite his back & yank out his beard while spitting in his face, & who was justified in the spirit (not like we who are justified in a Substitute).
10. How does the Lord comfort his people in Zion? By restoring their original glory in giving joy, gladness, thanksgiving, & melody; by giving them his law & saving judgment; by giving them saving righteousness in the person of their Substitute & covenant Surety; & by calling them his covenant people (his bride).
11. How does Isaiah 52 describe God’s people in Zion when they are finally delivered from their captors? Isaiah describes them as strong, holy, & clothed in beautiful garments; as unshackled & redeemed; as hearing the voice of God who reigns over them; & in perfect unity.
12. According to Isaiah 52:7, who is responsible for the joyous state in which God’s people eternally dwell? Those who went about proclaiming good tidings of redemption & release – their busy feet are beautiful.
God’s Servant (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12; Rom. 3:19; 10:15-16; 1 Tim. 3:16)
13. In Isaiah 52:13-15 how is God’s Servant pictured? As a high & holy being who in humble wisdom allowed himself to be disgraced more than any man & by whose blood a ransom was made for all nations.
14. How does Isaiah introduce chapter 53? By asking the question as to who believes the incredible Gospel story that follows (just as Paul does in Romans 10).
15. How does Isaiah 53:1-3, describe God’s Servant? As starting life as a tender baby in an inhospitable environment without any natural attractiveness who would be despised & rejected by men & experience sorrows & grief.
16. Whose sorrows and griefs did God’s Servant carry? Ours (those of every human being that ever lived).
17. What is there about us that requires such ill treatment as Jesus bore? Our sins & iniquities – the sin of our nature & the sins of our actions (even those of going astray from God).
18. What popular “Christian” error is refuted in verse 6? The Calvinistic error that Jesus only died for the elect — for if ALL went astray then ALL their sins were laid on Jesus in Gethsemane.
19. Why did Jesus not open his mouth to defend himself when brought to judgment? Because “he was numbered with [counted as] the transgressors” & there is no excuse for sin “so every mouth [must] be stopped.”
20. What does Isaiah 53:10 say we must do in order to receive the salvation that Jesus purchased for us? We must make Jesus’ soul our sacrifice for sin before God, for neither our good deeds nor our repentance can atone for our sins.
21. Beside Christ’s suffering and death what other offering must we present to God in order to be saved? His perfect life experience (“knowledge”) for our obedience falls short of God’s glory.
by Rick Marin | Feb 23, 2021 | Isaiah
What brings peace to a person’s life?
(Isaias 41-49; Mat. 5:17; 12:15-21; Apoc. 16:12) Blog 21-27 Feb. 2021
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Isaiah promises a Divine Deliverer that not only confronts the hypocrisy of God’s covenant bride but also brings her final deliverance by means of judgment – even deliverance from the pride of the human heart. He promises future glory for God’s remnant that has long suffered captivity to Babylon, while all the while desiring to comfort his people and encourage them to trust in his greatness.
Israel, God’s Servant (Isaiah 41:1-29; Dan. 9:15-19; Matt. 5:17; 12:15-21; Luke 10:2; Eph. 1:3; Rev. 16:12)
1. What principle of Bible prophecy must we keep in mind in order to rightly understand Isaiah? That Bible prophecy with the exception of Daniel & Revelation which are apocalyptic in nature (having a prophetic continuum from the prophet’s day to the apocalypse) can have multiple applications.
2. To what climactic events concerning literal Israel is Isaiah 41:1-16 pointing? To God’s judgment on oppressive Babylon by a deliverer from the east who God’s people support with their prayers.
3. To what final, climactic events is Isaiah 41:1-16 pointing? To God’s judgment on spiritual Babylon (false religion) by a Deliverer from the east who God’s people support with their prayers.
4. What prophecy of Revelation points to the deliverer from the east that Isaiah introduces? That of Revelation 16:12 in which “the kings of the east” come to rescue God’s people when the river of Babylon’s support is died up.
5. How does Isaiah 41:1 and 42:1 describe the method that God will use to accomplish the deliverance of his people? Isaiah calls God’s method “judgment,” a judgment in which God comes near to his people for deliverance while his wrath is poured out on the oppressors of his remnant.
6. What dual application should be understood when God tells his people Israel that they are called and chosen to be a harvesting instrument? Since “chosen” refers to election & Jesus is God’s ELECT according to Luke 23:35 then we are to understand that the term “Israel” refers both to God’s people & to their Federal Representative (Jesus) in whom they are found by faith. They are to work with the Lord of the harvest!
7. How does Isaiah describe the results that come with deliverance? For the righteous the dry land will be full of springs of water & God will fill the wilderness with all kinds of beautiful trees & the opposite for the wicked (see also Isa. 42:15; 43:20 & 44:3-5).
8. When God challenges all other gods in Isaiah 41:21-29 what test does he give for proof of Divinity? That they can accurately foretell the future by making happen what they predict.
9. How does Isaiah describe the conquest of God’s deliverer from the north that comes from the east? As one that tramples princes like a potter that tromps on his wet clay preparing it for his wheel.
Jesus, God’s Servant (Isaiah 42:1 – 44:24; Dan. 5:28-31; Zech. 6:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; )
10. In Isaiah 42 why is God’s elect servant given for “a covenant of the people”? Because God’s elect servant is Jesus who promised in covenant with the Father before the foundation of the world to be substitute & surety for the human race & who in life & death fulfilled that role by taking our place.
11. How will God’s elect servant treat weak, suffering human beings? He will patiently deal very gently with them so as not to extinguish their spirits nor frighten them away from him.
12. How does Isaiah 42:21 show that Jesus was to provide a perfect life for our imperfect one? By saying that he would “magnify the law and make it honorable.”
13. How does Isaiah 42:22-25 show that Jesus was to provide a vicarious death for our forgiveness? By saying that he would bear the “fury of [God’s] anger” against sinners.
14. Why does Isaiah 43:1-7 say that God redeemed us and protects us when in danger? Because we are precious in his sight.
15. According to Isaiah 43:7-13 & 21 why were we created? So that we would give glory to God being his witnesses.
16. In Isaiah 43:25-26 what does God promise to do in the day of final judgment? He promises to blot out the sins of his people & not bring them up again for he will grant them justification full & finally complete with glorification (see also Isa. 44:21-23).
17. In Isaiah 44 how does God describe the things that people worship other than himself? He says that they cannot see, nor know, nor understand, nor deliver, nor point out sin.
Cyrus, God’s Anointed (Isaiah 44:24 – 49:26; Dan. 5:28-31; Zech. 6:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; )
18. How does God say that he will use Cyrus the Persian to accomplish his will? God says he will use Cyrus to subdue nations; to dry up the Euphrates River that supports Babylon, even leaving open the brass, river gates for him; to bring fear to Babylon’s kings as happened with the writing on the palace wall; to free God’s captive people; to decree & support the rebuilding of Jerusalem & its temple; & to demonstrate that God is the only true God for he knows & brings to pass the future (Isaiah wrote all this 150 years before the fall of Babylon).
19. What do verses 17-25 of Isaiah 45 teach us about salvation? They teach that salvation comes by looking to the Lord & by being found in him.
20. To what does God compare himself in Isaiah 46? To the gods of gold & silver that men make to worship, which represent any precious person or thing that we value above God.
21. What New Testament picture of fallen Babylon is very similar to that given in Isaiah 47. That given in Revelation 2:20-23; 17:16-18; 18:1-24.
22. According to Isaiah 48:8, when did we become sinners? Before we were born – when we were still in our mother’s womb because in Adam every child of his became a sinner.
23. According to Isaiah 48:18-22 what brings peace to a person’s life? Heeding God’s Commandments, for the wicked have no peace.
24. What characteristics of Jesus are enumerated in Isaiah 49? He was called from his mother’s womb, the sword of the Spirit came out of his mouth, he glorified the Father & the Father glorified him, he was chosen (elect) of God but despised by the people, he was given for a covenant of the people, he set prisoners free, & he is a Comforter to God’s people.
by Rick Marin | Feb 17, 2021 | Isaiah
What unlikely group of people shall faint and fall?
(Isaias 40:1-31; Mat. 3:1-3; Luc. 3:4-6; Juan 1:23; 2 Cor. 1:1-5; Apoc. 22:12) Blog 14-20 Feb. 2021
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, like in the 39 books of the Old Testament, we have looked forward to a Divine Deliverer. The hypocrisy of God’s covenant bride has been confronted, the pride of the human heart has been condemned, the promise of future glory for God’s remnant has been made, and deliverance has been promised. Now in chapter 40, like the entrance of the New Testament God comes to comfort his people.
Comforting Jerusalem (Isa. 40:1-11; Matt. 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 1:1-5; Rev. 7:15-17)
1. What is the codename of God’s people? Jerusalem.
2. How can the prophet Isaiah say that the warfare of God’s people “is accomplished”? Because he is foreseeing the battle that Christ will wage & win on earth – he who bore the double penalty for all our sins.
3. What preparations for Christ’s advent does Isaiah next outline? Those of making a straight path to the Savior by opening his Word to the people, of removing the obstacles of human pride that prevent people from coming to Jesus, & of smoothing out the rough places that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God & slow people down from coming to him (or as in the parable of the sower: having the soil of human hearts well plowed so that the seed of truth may take root) – this was especially the work of John the Baptist.
4. How does Isaiah 40:6-8 apply to the source of authority in God’s church? It pits human reason against God’s Word & concludes that neither the magisterium of the church, nor its leaders, nor its councils hold a candle to the clear statements of the Bible & therefore all these must submit to a “thus saith the Lord.”
5. How are God’s people to comfort and encourage one another? They are to repeat the truth that in Jesus they have the victory over pride, passion, & the devil; that in him there is forgiveness for every sin; that he gently helps the weak while providing all their needs; & that God will come to rule over all, bringing rewards for his faithful people.
6. When does the New Testament, like Isaiah 40:11, say that God will be responsible to feed his people? Revelation 7:15-17 says he will do this when his people are sealed.
7. What do God’s promises of future victory and deliverance create in God’s people? Hope!
8. What book of the New Testament especially deals with God’s comforting of his people.
God’s Nature is an Encouragement (Isaiah 40:12-26)
9. In Isaiah 40:12-14 what characteristic of God is emphasized for our encouragement? That of his omniscient wisdom for no one taught him.
10. What characteristic of God is Isaiah emphasizing when he says, “the nations are as a drop of a bucket” for God? That God is infinite, far beyond our wildest imaginations.
11. To what does Isaiah say that we can compare God? There is nothing that we can compare God to, even though many degrade his majesty by trying to make images of him to enhance their worship.
12. What should we learn about God from Isaiah 40:22? That as Creator of our globe & far above it, God views all – he is omnipresent (not in the pantheistic sense of inhabiting all, but rather as seeing all).
13. What is Isaiah 40:23-25 trying to teach us? That God accomplishes his will in the earth & is always holy in doing so.
14. What characteristic of God is Isaiah emphasizing when he writes of him creating, ordering, and naming the stars? His omnipotent power.
God’s Personhood is an Encouragement (Isaiah 40:27-31)
15. What truth should we learn from Isaiah 40:27? That we are never out of God’s loving sight.
16. What encouraging characteristic of the all-wise, everlasting Creator God does Isaiah 40:28 emphasize? That he never gets tired nor becomes weary of hearing from his people.
17. How are we encouraged by the words of Isaiah 40:29-31? By being assured that God strengthens his people.
18. What unlikely group of people does Isaiah say shall faint and fall? The young people.
19. Whom does Isaiah say shall renew their strength and mount up like eagles? Those that serve God.
