Prayer: Father, teach me today about one of Your great servants and prophet, Isaiah. May I emulate a life lived unto You. Amen.
The Bible Project: Overview of Isaiah https://youtu.be/d0A6Uchb1F8?si=LnWLOBpK0kaX_b1w
Reading: 2 Kings 19 key: vs. 1-7 “When King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the House of Adonai. Then he sent Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the scribe and the senior kohanim, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet son of Amoz. Then they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: This day is a day of distress, rebuke and contempt. For children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength for giving birth. Perhaps Adonai your God, hearing all the words of the Rab-shakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to mock the living God, will rebuke the words which Adonai your God has heard. So offer prayer for the remnant that is left.” When the officials of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, Isaiah said to them: “Thus you will say to your master, ‘Thus says Adonai: Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the boys of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I am putting a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumor, and will return to his own country; then I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’” TLV
Attention: There have been many great men who have entered God’s story contained in the Bible. In our scriptures today, the prophet Isaiah is introduced. His name means “Yahweh saves.” His message is one of repentance, exile, and a New Jerusalem. Isaiah served primarily in the southern kingdom of Judah, “all though he was interested in the affairs of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the demise and ultimate fall in 722/21 B.C. (pg. 837 the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary).”
Isaiah’s message to king Hezekiah, “do not be afraid of the words” which the king of Assyria said mockingly of Adonai. Adonai is going to take care of him, by “putting a spirit in him” which will lead to his demise. Adonai intervenes and takes care of the immediate problem of the siege upon Judah. While Assyria later takes the Norther Kingdom of Israel into exile, Judah is protected for the time being. Assyria will not be the instrument of judgement upon Judah and a remnant will be protected.
We will study the book of Isaiah next year and hear more from Isaiah in the following chapters in 2 Kings as he warns Judah of the impending judgement.
Any nation who forsakes Adonai, is risking judgement. Any person who forsakes Adonai is bringing judgement upon themselves. The writer of Hebrews says it this way, “Anyone who rejected the Torah of Moses dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. How much more severe do you think the punishment will be for the one who has trampled Ben-Elohim underfoot, and has regarded as unholy the blood of the covenant by which he was made holy, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know the One who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “Adonai will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:28-31).” TLV
Hopefully, we will learn the lessons which the nation of Israel did not. Isaiah is warning us today. May we listen.
Action: I choose to listen to the warnings of Isaiah the prophet and repent for our hard hearts.
Yield: I choose to heed the warning of Isaiah and the words of Adonai.
Engage: I choose to engage with the Holy Spirit in transforming my life, heart, and mind.
Relationship: I choose to live in intimate relationship with Adonai.
Prayer: Father, forgive my stubbornness of heart and my rebellion as your Holy Spirit seeks to refine me and transform me. Fill me with Your Spirit. Amen.
Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:31 “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Music Video: Elevation Worship—Give Me Faith https://youtu.be/SjFIhTNDyz0?si=mLXNBdvT6JHAJxfk
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”