Another one of the most commonly asked questions is, “What is humanity’s goal?” This seems to be a “purpose” question, but one that specifically asks if we’re pursuing some kind of unity. Many have tackled this question, and most of them are far more qualified to deal with it than I am. But the ancient writings God gave humanity have proved reliable for millennia, so I’ll lean on its principles in this abridged look at our unifying goal(s).
The concept of a “unity” has been explored for a very long time. It serves as the foundational principle for many world religions because we all have an intuitive sense that we’re connected somehow, or that we all come from a common source. We understand that all of us together are greater than any one person, so our destiny must be just as awesome!
The short answer (from a believer’s perspective) is: Humanity’s goal is to see God.
We believe that the Logos created our planet and made it habitable. The universe is the creative expression of his nature and power.
Humanity’s original goal was the explore the Earth and enjoy it (Gen 2.1-15).
We were in a state of perfect harmony with the Creator and his creation.
We lost that when we chose to pursue forbidden gnosis.
All of history (and what remains of our future) is a story — its unifying narrative is our journey back to that initial harmony. This story is only possible because the Creator sacrificed himself to change our inevitable destiny!
Our immediate goal is to emulate the Creator’s character as much as we can. This necessarily means we acknowledge his existence and primacy. He is light and love, so we try to be the same. Done properly, this benefits all people (especially people who struggle). Why voluntarily pursue other peoples’ needs over our own? Why struggle against the body’s impulses? Why view other people as more important than self? Why hold on so tightly to a belief in a God no one has seen? He promised us a return to perfection, an eternal life without any suffering, and a fully-repaired, personal relationship with the Creator (cf. II Pt 3.13; I Jn 3.1-3, Rv 21.1-2).
Now I am coming to you. I will not stay in the world, but these followers of mine are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name — the name you gave me. Then they will be one, just like you and I are one (Jn 17.11).
A person has only one body, but that body has many parts. Yes, there are many parts, but all those parts are still just one body. Christ is like that, too (I Cor 12.12).
There is one body and one spirit, and God chose you to have one hope. There is one master, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God and Father of us all, who rules over everyone. He works through all of us and in all of us (Eph 4.4-6).
Dr. Ralph Wilson has noted “that Isaiah is quoted (or alluded to) in the Gospels approximately 21 times, 25 times in Paul’s letters, 6 times in 1 Peter, 5 times in Acts, 4 times in Revelation, and once in Hebrews” (jesuswalk.com). A great many of these are Messianic prophesies, including two in Isaiah 42. Isaiah focuses on a picture of the Messiah which he most fully presents of all the Old Testament writers, and that is the picture of “servant.” This chapter looks ahead to what God will accomplish through this servant for the good of His people.
THE SERVANT OF GOD (1-4). Isaiah writes of His choosing (1-2) and His character (2-4). God speaks possessively, “my servant…my chosen…in whom my soul delights…my Spirit” (1). Concerning His coming work and walk, the prophet speaks of His balance of humility and strength, a gentle judge! Matthew takes these verses and applies them to Jesus in Matthew 12:18-21, as proof of His identity as the miraculous healer who confirms His message and confounds His opponents in the region of Galilee.
THE WORK OF GOD (5-12). Who would bring forth this Servant? Isaiah describes God, the Lord, through His voice in this paragraph. He is the One who stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth (5). He is Creator. He is the One who set man’s spirit in him (5). He is the Animator. He is the One who sustains man (6-7, 13). He is the Sustainer. He is the One who speaks with splendor (8-9). He is the Revealer. He is the subject of song (10-12). He is the Worshipped. In the midst of this depiction of God’s works, we have another fulfilled prophecy. Paul quotes verse six to justify his taking the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47), the apostle explaining to the Jews, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us…” (Acts 13:46-47a).
THE HEARTBREAK OF GOD (14-25). If Isaiah’s audience mistook the gracious patience of the Lord for weakness or indulgence, the prophet corrects such thinking. God’s response to His people’s repeated rejection was perfect displeasure. His broken heart is revealed by His wrath (14-17), His words (18-20), and His wonders (21-25). His wrath was displayed to His unfaithful people who trusted in idols; He would allow them to wallow in self-destruction. He speaks to the spiritually deaf and blind, knowing they will persist in their ignorance. He magnified His glorious law and ignited His fires of judgment, but the people refused to turn to Him.
Isn’t this the all-too-frequent picture of man’s hardhearted refusal to accept the gracious guidance of God? As Isaiah foresees the coming of the Messiah, God in the flesh, mankind had the opportunity to receive their King. Instead, they rejected Him and put Him on a cross. Through His apostles and prophets, He gave us His written will. Yet, the majority refuse to believe and/or follow it. Tragic as it is, God foresees it even here in Isaiah 42. The thoughtful and righteous “Sing to the Lord a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth!” (10).
According to Egyptian and Greek myth, the sun was put in a chariot and everyday the god Helios would drive that chariot all across the sky. Phaethon was the son of the god Helios who secretly took the sun chariot out one day in an attempt to drive it all by himself. However, since he was young and inexperienced, he wrecked it. He wrecked the sun. In one version of the story it’s said that he drove the chariot too close to the earth, scorching it, and then too far from it, freezing it. That’s a bad day…or night? It’s not clear— Phaethon wrecked the sun.
Even though the story and the gods in them are fictional, the moral of the story rings true in many ways for us today. When we try to take control from the true God of heaven, we often end up wrecking our own lives. God wants us to willingly let Him lead but some will still attempt to take the reins away. The Bible is full of accounts, parables, and poems that try to get into our (sometimes thick) heads that we have no businesses in the driver seat.
Saul would attempt to “drive the sun chariot” when Samuel told him to wait for him to arrive so that he could lead the Israelites in sacrifice before a battle with the Philistines. However, Saul became afraid that Samuel was taking too long and offered the sacrifice himself. After his arrival, Samuel told Saul that he had acted foolishly and disobeyed God’s command. Samuel said that if Saul had kept God’s wishes, God would have established his kingdom over Israel forever. The outcome? The Lord rejected him as king because of his disobedience. Saul wrecked his future! (1 Samuel 13).
God has developed a perfect and holy hierarchy, and He’s at the top. He’s always been and He always will be at the top— even if we’re blind to that reality. He doesn’t want to push anybody down though, in fact He’s always taking His humble servants and raising them up! We serve an awesome God.
“…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – I Peter 5.5
“Fear Not, For I Am With You; Be Not Dismayed” (41:1-29)
Neal Pollard
We are not certain if Robert Keen or George Keith penned the hymn, “How Firm A Foundation.” Whomever wrote it, we know they drew their inspiration for the second verse from Isaiah 41. The song says, “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.” Compare those lyrics with verse 10. Isaiah writes those words in the midst of declaring God’s greatness once more after having done so in the previous chapter. The context now is in the face of other nations and other gods, with His own people tempted to trust both instead of Him. Yet, they can rest assured because of who God is.
They should not fear because of God’s providence (1-7). God begins by inviting the nations to approach and draw near (1). He declares His active involvement in the whole world, the one who stirs, gives up nations, tramples, makes, pursues, performs, and calls them (2-4). He says the coastlands to the ends of the earth fearfully acknowledge His involvement (5ff). Isaiah’s report of the nations’ trembling should be seen as a comfort to His own chosen ones.
Those heathen ones trust their idols, who could not prevent what God was determining to do.
They should not fear because of God’s strength (8-16). This passage reminds me of what Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:13, as he gives the trustworthy statement that “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” They had notoriously chosen gods and nations instead of “the Lord,” Redeemer,” and “Holy One of Israel” (14). They should not fear because this omnipotent God has chosen and called them (8-9), sustained them (10), defended and protected them (11-14), and enabled them for victory (15-16). Because of God’s strength, His people could be strong! That was the only way they could be.
They should not fear because of God’s blessings (17-20). The goodness of God is an opportunity for humanity to look up and appreciate Him as Creator and sustainer. Isaiah isolates the poor and needy, those most helpless, noting that even these are not beyond His benevolent gifts. At the height of their need and despair, God says He will answer them and not forsake them (17) by providing what they need (18-19) “that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this” (20). God’s blessings exist not for our indulgence, but for our enlightenment. He wants us to appreciate that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (Js. 1:17). If we grasp that, we will make the right choice of Master in life.
They should not fear because of God’s control (21-29). God shifts His attention and voice to the impotent idols of the nations. Smith says that He addresses them: “He urged them to (1) make known former things; (2) make known future things; and (3) do good or evil, i.e., do something” (The Major Prophets, 126-127). They are unable to do so, of course. So, God distinguishes Himself from all rivals by declaring things to come (25-27). These idols are powerless and mindless, and they cannot declare what is front of them much less what is to come (28-29). Later in Isaiah, the prophet will show through his words that God gave him a clear message about future events that would be verified in time. Only the Holy One of heaven can do such things.
The word was used of politicians and prostitutes, and neither in flattering ways. It referred to “those who, demeaning themselves and their cause, are busy and active in their own interests, seeking their own gain or advantage” ( Büchsel, TDNT, 660). The Greek word, eritheia, translated either as “selfish ambition” (Rom. 2:8; Phil. 1:17; 2:3; Js. 3:14,16), “disputes” (2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20), or “selfishness” (Phil. 2:3), “may be rendered as ‘what they do is just to make themselves look bigger’ or ‘what they do is just for themselves’” (Louw-Nida, 760). Is there anyone exempt from the temptation to want to be better than others or make people think we’re better than others (ibid.)?
There are other principles warning and exhorting an unselfish mindset.
“Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor” (1 Cor. 10:24).
“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification” (Rom. 15:2).
“Love…does not seek its own” (1 Cor. 13:5).
“For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 2:21).
God wants us to trust Him to be involved in our lives and bless us with what we need. This applies not only to material things (Mat. 6:19-34), but also any area of perceived needs in our lives. Especially must we leave it in His hands when we wrestle with the fleshly desire for others to praise, admire, or envy us. Or with the fleshly desire for others to meet our needs, fit our schedule, submit to our will and wishes, and the like rather than our being oriented toward meeting theirs and accommodating them. We may find ourselves angry if our schedule or plans are interrupted or hurt if our good deed goes un-praised or seemingly unnoticed. We may resort to selfish, even sinful tactics to make sure we gain the upper hand in a situation.
So, Scripture directs us to dig down to the heart level in our lives. Weed out self interests and selfish ambitions. Separate yourself from the perceived need to be right. Really, examine every corner of your heart to clean out selfish ambition and selfishness. Jesus emphasized service (John 13:12-17). Scripture touts Christ as the master example of this, saying, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). He will help us accomplish the rooting out of self-focus so we can better see Him and His will for our lives!
Isaiah appends an event to the end of his historical interlude which also appears almost verbatim in 2 Kings 20:12-19 and is referenced in 2 Chronicles 32:31. The latter historical book says, ” Even in the matter of the envoys of the rulers of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.” The event involves the emerging empire of Babylon, whom their king, Merodach-baladan, sends envoys to visit Hezekiah.
The reception (1-2). Scripture says the envoys came on a good will mission and Hezekiah received them gladly. Hezekiah showed them everything, his treasure house, all that was in his store houses, and, in fact, “There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them” (2b). It is hard to interpret Hezekiah’s action as anything other than pride, a display of all that his nation possessed under his reign. Isaiah is going to show Hezekiah the futility of such self-reliant trust.
The rebuke (3-7). Isaiah begins by questioning Hezekiah about what happened. The king reports to the prophet, then Isaiah asks his quotable question, “What have they seen in your house?” (4). Hezekiah says these envoys had seen everything. This prompts the prophetic warning that some day this nation, Babylon, would carry all that is in his house back to their country along with his descendants. They would even be made eunuchs there (6-7). Nothing would be left! Hezekiah’s prideful heart contributed to the future consequences that would be visited on his people.
The response (8). Hezekiah’s reaction is really baffling. Was he being smug, was he giving God glory, or was he expressing thanksgiving at God’s goodness? Perhaps he is humbled by Isaiah’s message from God that these men he gladly welcomed and showed off for would some day be the means whereby his people would be taken into captivity.
It is a pretty compelling application to ask ourselves the question that Isaiah asked Hezekiah. What do others see in our house? Do they see parents who look to God rather than possessions, status, and the like? Is that reflected in our choices, making Him a priority as we make our home a place where His Word is the unmistakable foundation and where our actions reflect that we are led by the truths found in it? If we decide poorly, we will negatively impact the generations that follow us. Let’s make our homes a haven where God and His will are clearly trusted and relied upon!
In 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a seventeen-pound rock while fishing in Little Meadow Creek. Not knowing what it was made of, his family used it as a doorstop for three years. In 1802, his father, John Reed, took it to a jeweler who identified it as a lump of gold worth about $89,000. That lump of gold, which was used as a doorstop for three years in North Carolina, is one of the biggest gold nuggets ever found east of the Rockies. Until its composition was determined, its value was unknown.
Until the composition of our faith is determined, its strength is unknown. God will give you the opportunity to prove your faith. What kind of faith will we have? James 2:20-26, “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
These two examples could not be any different to the Jewish mind. Abraham, the father of faith, and Rahab, a Gentile prostitute. Abraham was justified by works.
When was he justified? When he physically took his son to a physical mountain, and placed his physical son on a physical altar. HIS FAITH LED HIM TO DO SOMETHING IN THE WORLD AROUND HIM. What is your faith causing you to do? At some point your faith needs to move from your mind to the world around you. Rahab was justified through the “working of her faith.” Faith demands action.
It requires Intellect, Emotion, and ACTION.
Noah had a devoted faith so he believed and obeyed. God told him what was going to happen, and how to avoid the destruction of the world. And Noah believed and obeyed. God has warned us what is going to happen, and how to avoid the destruction of the world. Do you believe that? Then have a devoted faith. A belief that will lead you to devote your life to God. A faith that acts on the word of God. What is the designed end of faith? Why are we to have faith? Because true faith leads to justification (salvation)
Just like Noah obeyed, and Abraham and Rahab obeyed.
If Abraham didn’t offer Isaac, what kind of faith is that? If Noah didn’t build an ark, what kind of faith is that? God expects us to have a work of trust. Abraham didn’t know what would happen to Isaac, but he knew God made a promise to Him. Noah spent 100 years building a boat on dry land, but he knew that rain was coming. What will we do with our faith?
God has warned us of the destruction of our world with fire one day; are you gonna build a boat? He has told us how to be saved–through His son. Many will struggle with dead faith. All talk, no action. Many struggle with demonic faith, God has their intellect and emotion, but He doesn’t have their life. Some have a devoted faith. A trust that is seen through the life they live. What kind of faith do I have? If I don’t have works, if God doesn’t own my life, my faith is no good.
My belief in God is useless. The only thing that comes from that is regret, because one day we will know exactly why we aren’t in paradise with God.
The events of Isaiah 38 are recorded in 2 Kings 20 and 2 Chronicles 32:24. But these events seem to take place before the invasion of chapter 37 (see vs. 6), perhaps to show a contrast between Sennacherib’s failure and murder as he trusts in false gods and Hezekiah’s success and recovery as he trusts in the Holy One who rules the world. The chapter begins with Hezekiah being sick and at the point of death, Isaiah coming into his presence and saying, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover” (1). Rather than accept that this was the final verdict, Hezekiah prays (2).
His prayer is humble (3)–“Please, O Lord.” A correct view of self and our limitations and God and His limitlessness leads to this kind of prayer!
His prayer is bold (3)–“Remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” How audacious to pray such to an all-knowing God! Could I pray that?
His prayer is emotional (3)–“Hezekiah wept bitterly.” He had reached the end of himself and reached up desperately to God.
His prayer is powerful (5)–The Lord sends word to Hezekiah through Isaiah: “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears.” Could there have been sweeter words for this king? What did James say? “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Js. 5:16b). God assures him that He will add 15 years to his life (5) and deliver him and the Jews from Assyrian invasion (6). God gives Hezekiah a sign to know that He would favorably answer (7-8).
His prayer is grateful (9-20). Isaiah records the beautiful writing of Hezekiah after God heals him. While not a part of the prayer in verse 3, it is addressed to God and reflects on the prayer. He tells us more about what he prayed, and the theme is predominantly gratitude and thanksgiving. After viewing his life as desperate and hopeless before God’s intervention (10-16), he acknowledges God’s greatness and goodness. “It was for my welfare” (17). “In love you have delivered my life…” (17). “You have cast all my sins behind your back” (17). His concluding summary? “The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness” (19). As an added note, his prayer is trusting. He confidently ends, “The Lord will save me…” (20).
Isaiah had brought the king word of God’s favorable response and what He wanted Hezekiah to do (21). This is a bad chapter break, ending with Hezekiah’s follow-up question, “What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the Lord?” (22). Chapter 39 gives the rest of the story and the end of the historical interlude involving Hezekiah.
So much of the first part of Isaiah has built toward the realization of this threat. Assyria was the subject of the prophet’s inspired warnings, even when the prophets and priests were not listening. Now, with the righteous king Hezekiah on the throne and trusting God, His moment of deliverance has come with which He will show His weak and wayward people that He is trustworthy even when they are not.
THE PRESSURE (1-13). Assyria intensifies its intimidation campaign by reiterating its threats in written form. After the oral threat is relayed to Hezekiah and they convey to Isaiah the distress and disgrace of it all, the prophet reassures him through his message to his envoy that all will be well. Meanwhile, the Rabshakeh reunites with the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, where the latter composes the letter which is dispatched to Hezekiah. Hezekiah takes it and spreads it before the Lord (14). This is undoubtedly the lowest point for the holed up people of Judah, bracing for a deadly siege. The more powerful Assyrians, ravaging nations and now cities within their territory, is on the doorsteps of Jerusalem and the temple.
THE PRAYER (14-20). Hezekiah acknowledges God’s power as Creator (16), His compassion and deliverance (17), His inclination for justice (18-19), and His ability to save (20). It is full of pleading, as the king calls God “O Lord” five times in these five verses, in addition to “God” three times. It is full of pleas, like “incline,” “hear,” “open your eyes,” “see,” and “save.” It is a call for God to vindicate Himself. The king’s heart and emotion are on full display, as is his total dependence. It is an incredible, if brief, prayer.
THE PROPHESY (21-35). It is harrowing and horrific to imagine what it would be like to be Sennacherib. God turns the attention of His fury on the wicked king who thought to destroy His children! In essence, He says that the pagan potentate attacked Him in going after them (22-23). God noted his mockery and threats (24). He determined his destruction with perfect foreknowledge (24-27). He saw his wicked ways before Him and would turn him back from Jerusalem (28-29). There is also a sign for Hezekiah and Judah; it “is not of the sort which comes before the event in order to create faith for the event, but rather after the fact to demonstrate that God was indeed at work” (Oswalt, NICOT, 664). When they saw Assyria retreat rather than invade, they would know that God did this (30-35). When they saw their life return to normal and prosperity, they would have opportunity to give credit where it was due.
THE PUNISHMENT (36-38). The state of affairs change abruptly for Assyria and its ill-fated king. That very night, 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrians are annihilated by the angel of the Lord (36). Sennacherib slinks home, where he is promptly assassinated by his own sons in the act of practicing idolatry (38). Another son, Esarhaddon, takes his place.
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” Almost every word in this practical passage can provide even more helpful insight— so let’s dissect some of them!
Refrain:
“sink down, to let drop, to abandon, to be quiet”
These are the steps that must be taken in order to avoid the damage that is certain to follow if ignored.
Anger:
“to blow through the nostrils”
This is the kind of anger that dulls the sensible mind. The choices (words/actions) made under the influence of anger are the just the beginning of coming destruction.
And:
There’s anger and there’s wrath. Anger can easily bring forth wrath. The command is to avoid that which makes you flare the nostrils as the natural progression of anger is escalation, referred to as wrath.
Forsake:
“to let loose, leave behind”
Drop it. Let it go. Do what needs to be done so that the command to “forsake” can be carried out. Leave, breathe, pray, reevaluate. Do it quickly and do it each time so that it becomes instinctual.
Wrath:
“hot displeasure, heat, rage, poison (as that which burns the bowels)”
The Absolutes of Wrath
Our wrath gets us in trouble when we think we are the owners of it (1 Sam. 28:18)
The answer to wrath is humility (2 Chron. 12.7).
Our wrath is based in ignorance (2 Chron. 34.21).
If you’re consumed by your own wrath, you’ll be eaten alive twice (Ps. 21.9).
Eaten by your own &
Consumed by God’s
Fret not:
“to kindle, heat oneself in vexation, to begin burning, to grow warmer”
Tends only:
“a one way path, the most likely outcome”
The phrase “tends only” shows up in Judges 16 where Samson asks God to grant him one final request. This helps us see how the word can mean a “one way path.”
“Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” – Judges 16:28
Psalm 37.8 is telling us that human wrath is a path that can only lead to one end— evil.
Evil doing:
“shattered, broken in pieces”
Old Hebrew is a pictorial language and looking into a biblical word can really make a passage come to life. It doesn’t take any stretching of the imagination to see how “shattered” and “broken” so accurately describes the end result of “evil doing.” Evil is that which breaks and destroys our lives and the lives of others. The consequences are devastating but thankfully God is our guide to godliness.
There is no question that the Holy Spirit, as an everlasting personality of God, is unlimited in power. He can do whatever it is possible for God to do, for He is God. It is interesting to read or hear religious people, from preachers to other members, claiming or asserting things the Holy Spirit is doing in churches and lives today. In fact, several of these claims demand an answer, principles from scripture that must be considered before such claims are believed and embraced. What are some things the Holy Spirit will never do?
The Holy Spirit will never override our free will. John Calvin, a 16th century protestant reformer, went to an extreme that placed salvation solely in God’s hands. He contended that man did not have a part in it at all. From this premise came five broad religious ideas that eventually became identified as Calvinism. One of these tenets is called “irresistible grace,” the idea that those God chooses for salvation are led to faith by the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart. Tragically, this false idea is supported by many in religion today. Yet, Scripture makes it clear that even in the first century, when the Holy Spirit operated miraculously in confirming the spoken message of Christ, His apostles, and other early Christians, He never directly operated upon the human heart in a way that overtook or overwhelmed the free will of the individual. Cornelius received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:48-49), but how was he saved? Acts 11:14-15 indicates that it was words told to him whereby he and his house were to be saved. 1 Corinthians 1:18 tells us that God chose to save souls through the message preached. One can look in the Bible from cover to cover and never find a statement or implication that God acts directly upon the human heart in a way that overtakes our will and leads us to belief and salvation. Scripture repeatedly urges man to choose for himself, if he wills (Rev. 22:17; Matt. 11:28-30; etc.). The Holy Spirit works powerfully upon the human heart to persuade man to obey God, but He does so through the powerful word (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16). This message is so compelling and convicting, but God has left it to our free will to decide whether to accept or reject this message.
The Holy Spirit will never contradict revealed truth. Increasing claims are made in churches today about what the Spirit is working in churches to accomplish. Often, the Spirit has been given credit for a church’s change of policy in women’s role, how or on what to spend money (such as for a grandiose campus), or even a strange, new doctrine. Such assertions, however, ring hollow. If these contentions were true, such would reflect most negatively on the character and nature of God. The result of God revealing one thing in scripture, then revealing something else directly, is contradiction and confusion (cf. 1 Cor. 14:40). God claimed that He was giving us His will for all people of all time (John 14:26; 16:13; Jude 3, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). If He is still revealing new truth through the Spirit, was He right in those passages? If He is still revealing new truth through the Spirit, how does this not reflect on His honesty? God cannot lie (cf. Ti. 1:2), but those who claim Holy Spirit guidance in revealing new truth today, if they are correct, make Him such.
The Holy Spirit will never assert what cannot be confirmed. Considering the work of Moses, then the later prophets, Jesus, His apostles, and others who asserted that their message was directly from God, one finds miracles being performed which confirmed without doubt the source of the message. Without such tangible confirmation, how does the one who receives the claim know that claim to be true? Anyone can claim that the Spirit revealed something to them or told them to do something, but how can anyone know they are right without clear confirmation? That is what Aaron’s rod was for. Isaiah (7:14), Jeremiah (44:29), Zechariah (3:8), and others all pointed to a sign that would confirm the veracity of their message. History bears witness to the truthfulness of their claims (cf. Deut. 18:22). After the church was established, Paul was already teaching in the first century that the miraculous gifts would not be needed once the written word was completed (1 Cor. 13:8-12). God has never left Himself unsubstantiated. How do we confirm doctrine? We go to the Word God breathed. It reveals His thoughts and His will. He will not sanction men’s unconfirmed claims, and we are wise not to rest our hopes on such. It is a dangerous and unfounded precedent to simply claim divine guidance without proof. With such an approach, every person can claim a certain revelation, guidance, and heavenly message. Without confirmation, no one’s claims can be tested!
The Holy Spirit is Divine, living, and powerful. As God, He is at work in lives today. He indwells the Christian (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; etc.). He strengthens the inner man (Eph. 3:16). However, may we never fall prey to the false ideas that man creates and that cannot be verified by scripture (cf. 1 John 4:1). The Bible exists for the reason of testing such ideas as these. It must be the standard that proves and disproves men’s claims today. Know for certain that the Holy Spirit does not today, nor has He ever, overtaken man’s free will. He will never lead one to a conclusion or teaching that contradicts the Word He inspired holy men of God to pen. If one claims a Holy Spirit-given message that is more, less, or different from scripture, it must be rejected! If the alleged Holy Spirit-given message is the same as scripture, then why would God have given us scripture in the first place if He was going to directly dispense the same message apart from the Word? Finally, He will never allow men to pass off as truth that which they cannot confirm in some way that proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the message is divinely given. Let God’s people be diligent students of the Bible and as such able to discern right and wrong in such matters as these!
There is a historical interlude in this prophetic book, from chapters 36-39. 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32 are parallel accounts, even filling in some details such as King Hezekiah’s capitulation to Sennacherib’s demand for tribute. The Assyrian king changes his mind and decides for invasion after receiving payment.
This chapter records the perspective and taunts of the Assyrian Rabshakeh (a royal official in their government whose name literally means “cupbearer” but whose role is obviously an important military position; Allen C. Myers, Eerdmans Bib. Dict., 870). He comes against the fortified cities of Judah after having taking off their brethren, Israel, into captivity in a devastating invasion (see 2 Kings 17). It is a frightening situation for Judah and Hezekiah, as they view this “great army” (2). There are several reasons for Judah to be intimidated and afraid.
First, they were greatly outnumbered. Their army numbered at least 185,000 (2 Ki. 19:35). These were vicious, victorious men who had overwhelmed every enemy they had faced.
Second, they were intimidating. The Rabshekah up to the wall around Jerusalem and begins speaking to the Jews there in their native tongue, Hebrew (11). He offers to make a wager with Judah to stake everything on a chariot race, knowing full well Judah was not close to being a competition (8). He contends that Judah couldn’t defeat even a single captain of his army (9).
Third, they were insulting. Not only did they insult Judah, but more catastrophically and foolishly, they insulted God. The Rabshakeh unknowingly compliments Hezekiah’s righteousness by pointing out the good king had removed the high places of worship which God disapproved of (meaning God was pleased with Hezekiah)(7). He equated Jehovah with the gods of the peoples they had already defeated (19-20). Speaking Hebrew rather than Aramaic was as insulting as it was intimidating.
The Judean officials who received the Rabshakeh’s taunts brought word to Hezekiah. The next chapters reveal his response and Isaiah’s involvement. Hezekiah is handed a five-alarm crisis. It was no doubt bigger than him and left him with precious little to do in response. Have you been there, with your back against the wall facing an earthly enemy much bigger than yourself? It is tempting to resort to responses that do not honor God, but we learn much from Hezekiah in what follows.
The Last “Woe” And The Magnification Of The Almighty (33:1-24)
Neal Pollard
Chapter 33 is the last of five “woes” (“ah” in the ESV). It focuses on Assyria’s destruction, the fulfillment of which we read about in chapters 36-39 in Hezekiah’s righteous, faith-filled stand against Sennacherib. This chapter contrasts the incredible fall of the Assyrians with the absolute exaltation of the Lord.
The preamble of the chapter (1) is a warning to Assyria that their days are numbered. They have ravaged, a “destroyer,” a “traitor,” and a “betrayer,” but now they will be destroyed. After this statement, Isaiah reveals what his people will say to the God they remember to trust and lean upon for rescue.
The prayer of Judah (2-6). Notice the contents of the prayer. It is a cry of help–“be gracious” (2). It is a pledge of trust–“we wait for you” (2). It is an expression of praise–“The Lord is exalted” (5). It is a grateful acknowledgement of His greatness–“he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure” (5b-6). When their enemy was removed from before their eyes, they could see God in His full splendor without any obscurities.
The praiseworthiness of God (7-13). Before this hoped-for deliverance, Judah stared down the prospect of treachery and destruction from the hands of the Assyrian people they had petitioned nations like Egypt to protect them against. That was wrong and foolish. Gary Smith writes, “Four geographic locations are specified: Lebanon, the Sharon plains, Bashan, and the Carmel mountains. These are areas that were renown for their fertility and lush green trees and crops. Now these areas are withered and look more like a desert” (NAC, 356). Judah is languishing in fear and defeat. God says that, in such conditions, they will be better able to see Him in His true splendor–“Now I will arise,” says the Lord, “now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted” (10). The contrast is stark! The Lord says, “Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge my might” (13).
The perspectives of the wicked and righteous (14-22). What about the sinners in Zion? They’re afraid and tremble (14). What about the righteous? They dwell on the heights with ample bread and water (16). But more importantly, the godly do not have willful sin blinding their eyes to God’s greatness. Not only will they see God in His beauty, they will see the land in its sufficiency, the disappearance of the Assyrian threat, the restoration of the place of worship, and the delivering power of God (17-22).
The promise of the future (23-24). Despite the abiding threat at the time this is written (23a), things would change. Prosperity would return, sickness would recede, and redemption would be restored. Assyria was going down, and the people should see the goodness and mercy of God in the wake of it.
During the mask era, while I was playing on social media, I found this inspirational speech made by Navy Seal Admiral William H. McRaven during the 2014 University of Texas in Austin commencement.
Most of you are aware that the Navy Seals make up the tip of the spear for our military. Although I do not have the distinction of having trained with them, I have known a few and I can tell you they are some of the most tested, battle hardened, and confident men you will ever encounter.
Wouldn’t it be great to have similar confidence, spiritual fortitude, and faith like a seal has? I believe this is the faith described by Jesus in Matthew 17:20 and displayed by Peter as he steps from a boat of full of scared men out on to the waves of the lake in a storm expecting walk on water to his Lord.
I highly recommend you listen to the admiral’s speech. His 10 key points are very similar to a lot of Bible lessons.
1. Start off by making your bed. This may sound a little silly, but the premise is that if you complete something simple it can build a level of confidence. This confidence carries with you through the day as you attempt to overcome harder tasks. -This is a lot like little prayers before you start on a difficult task. Just like Nehemiah asking for direction, protection, and strength, I guarantee a short plea to God will be way easier to accomplish than anything else you do. And the knowledge that you have requested the assistance from God, the one entity that can make you overcome all obstacles is quite comforting. His will might not be for you to succeed every time, but by asking you have a better opportunity than not asking and it will bring you closer to the Lord.
2. Find someone to help you paddle – This is a lot like Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”.
3. Measure a person by the size of the heart, not the size of their flippers – This is a lot like Matthew 7:15-20 where Jesus says to measure a person by their fruits.
4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. When the admiral failed in BUD/S training, he ended up wet and covered with sand or, as he referred to, as a sugar cookie. -Basically, sometimes no matter how hard you try you still fail. And even though you fail we must be like Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting what lies behind” and “press on toward the goal”.
5. Don’t be afraid of the circuses. Circuses are the extra work that the would-be seals must do when they fail a test to build strength. – And like in James 1:2-4 these extra trials produce steadfastness and make you complete.
6. Sometimes you have to slide down an obstacle headfirst – basically you must use your personal skills to do things more efficiently. In Matthew 25:14-32 the 5 and 2 talent men illustrate this point.
7. Don’t back down from the sharks – This story exemplifies overcoming fear like Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.” Or Isaiah 41:1-20, which says, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you”
8. You must be your very best in the darkest moment- This lesson is similar to what Paul provides to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11-16 “Fight the good fight of the faith”
9. Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud- Singing can help lighten a mood and strengthen your resolve. I believe this is why Psalm 96 teaches us to sing to Lord, daily.
10. Don’t ever, ever ring the bell. – Never give up. Look at the stories of Job, the apostles, and Jesus. All went through great adversity and never stopped praising God.
Although most of us will never be a navy seal, we can take the admiral’s stories along with what the Bible has taught us to do our part in changing the world and make us better Christians.
In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul states, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” This concept speaks to the core of what it means to follow Jesus and to experience a true relationship with the Father.
Identity
To be “crucified with Christ” is identification with Jesus in His death on the cross. This concept is not merely theoretical; it speaks to the reality of what happens when we follow Christ. It involves a change where the old self—marked by sin and separation from God—is put to death. In this sense, it represents a fresh start, a new beginning in our life
Freedom
One of the most powerful implications of being crucified with Christ is the freedom it brings from the power of sin. As Christians, we believe that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer bound by our sinful nature. Instead, we are free to live in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness. Romans 6:6 emphasizes this by stating, “We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” This freedom allows us to break free from guilt and shame, and serve God with everything in us!
Change
Being crucified with Christ also speaks to the transformation that occurs in our lives. When we follow Christ, we are not only forgiven but also made new. This transformation is an ongoing process, allowing us to reflect Christ’s character in our lives. The Spirit works within us, producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc. Crucify yourself with Christ, and what used to define you will be no more. You are a totally new person in Christ!
Perspective
Living out the truth of being crucified with Christ requires daily surrender. It means recognizing that life is no longer about our own desires but about living in accordance with God’s will. This surrender can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth. It forces us to let go of our worries and fears, trusting that God is in control.
Ultimately, being crucified with Christ calls for a life of faith. It means trusting in Jesus for every aspect of life, knowing that He is present and active. Living by faith helps us to navigate life’s uncertainties with hope and confidence, rooted in the promises of God.
It is difficult to say whether or not the king in verse one is Messianic, especially since he is mentioned in tandem with princes who also rule. Yet, his coming is mentioned in connection with the Spirit being poured upon God’s people from on high (15). The princes may refer to those subordinated to this king, whether apostles or disciples. Of course, there is a contextual meaning as with previous Messianic passages (7:14; 9:6,7). The more immediate application, if this is dual-fulfillment, could apply either to Hezekiah or Josiah, since the general time line is close to the invasion of the Assyrians in 701 B.C. Contrasted with a more hopeful future is the disastrous leadership of the current rulers.
The hope of a better day is set against the spiritual troubles of the present. Whereas there is wind and drought (2,13), blindness and deafness (3), hastiness and deficiency (4), folly and dishonor (5), sin and error (6), and weak women (9-12), Isaiah says these will be done away by a better day. He also writes of the turning point that will happen with the coming of the Spirit (15-20). The blessings include fruitfulness (15), justice and righteousness (16), peace (17), security (18), and prosperity (19-20).
Is Isaiah referring to the spiritual blessings to come in the day of Christ? I believe so. Yet, I also think in the more immediate sense that Isaiah portrays the day that would come after the oppression of foreign invaders when the nation returns. They were about to endure some intensely frightening things as a means of turning their hearts back to God (9-14). What Isaiah holds forth would come after this. Ultimately, the spiritual blessings that would come with the appearance of the Messiah would bless “the people who walk in darkness [that] will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them” (9:2; Mat. 4:16)!
This week’s question is a new one for me: What is beauty? A follow-up question some of you may ask is, “What does that have to do with Christianity?” More than we might think! Beauty is a powerful evidence of intelligent design, an aspect of reality that inspires both fear and wonder.
God shows us what he’s like through what he created. As Paul puts it, “There are things about God that people can’t see — his eternal power and all that makes him God. But since the beginning of the world, those things have been easy for people to understand. They are made clear in what God has made, so people have no excuse for the evil they do” (Rom 1.20).
Inquisitive minds have marveled at the beauty/symmetry of nature for millennia. A pattern is obvious in so many seemingly-unrelated things! The “Golden Ratio” under various names has been important to our study of reality for thousands of years. It can be seen in the number of leaves on a stem, in the pattern of a nautilus shell, and even the proportions of our faces.1 Not all of us are remotely mathematically minded (at least I’m not), but I don’t need to understand the properties of Φ to appreciate its role in nature’s beauty! I have eyeballs and some level of consciousness, so it’s self-evident.
The question wasn’t, “Why is beauty important to a believer?” Some consider this topic irrelevant or unimportant or even repulsive, but beauty plays such a powerful role in showcasing God’s unlimited power and love!
So what is beauty? In nature, it is symmetry and something that inspires awe. Snowcapped mountains and roaring seas each have their own beauty (see I Cor 15.40-41 for other examples). Awe is fear with beauty, the goosebumps we might get when we see something truly incredible or terrifying.2 God made nature and people beautiful as an expression of himself! From almost the very beginning, humanity’s enemies hijacked beauty to interact with it in ways God never intended. There’s nothing new under the sun — beauty is just one of a few things God created for good that have potential for abuse.
In the abstract, beauty is (at least in part) whatever we might call “good” or “beneficial”. When someone helps another person we call that “beautiful”. When a person’s actions and disposition align with what is good, we call that “beautiful”. It is difficult to describe, but God has written a moral code in each person’s heart. Some listen to it, many do not. But we don’t have to delineate this code to know when something is beautiful! Anything done by that ethic is beautiful.
So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. … God looked at everything he had made. And he saw that everything was very good” (Gen 1.27-28, 31).
1 Examples of the golden ratio you can find in nature. (n.d.) Sacramento State University. https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/mirzaagham/math1/SQ5.pdf 2 See also Mcphetres, J. & Zickfield, J. (09.2022). The physiological study of emotional piloerection: A systematic review and guide for future research. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 179 (pp. 6-20). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.010
This fifth woe again centers around the foolish choice of trusting man instead of God. We sometimes sing, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own” (cf. 3). The sentiment of Isaiah’s words in this relatively brief chapter supports such an admonition.
The call of the first three verses is to look to and call upon God rather than trust in the Egyptians for refuge and protection. Everything they desired from Egypt they already had in God. What Judah wanted from this nation it could not deliver, but those very things were ready resources available from One whose resources are inexhaustible. How foolish to misplace trust like that! There is no infallible human helper. Once again, Isaiah uses the imagery of God with an outstretched hand. When He does so, men feel His omnipotence. So, what does God want from Judah?
Faith in God’s rescue and protection (4-5). Isaiah urges this through two examples from the animal kingdom. God would be as fierce as a lion honed in on its prey, undeterred by any action by human shepherds to keep it from its goal. God would be as protective as birds which hover over its eggs or chicks, keeping away predators. God’s fierce love and care for Judah is illustrated with both power and tenderness!
Genuine return and repentance (6-7). Look at the elements of repentance called for here. First, there must be a turning to Him from defection or revolting. This describes an awareness that we have been disloyal and disobedient, but that we understand how wrong this is! It also involves a turning away from the sinful actions that grieved God in the first place. Here, it was casting away idols of silver and gold (7). What a useful illustration of what true repentance is, turning from wrong and turning to God.
Patience to wait for God’s judgment (8-9). That God is behind the coming punishment of Assyria is made clear by the close of this chapter. They will fall by God’s sword of judgment, whoever the men are who may be holding it. God is the fire and furnace that will consume Assyria when He says the time is right. God’s character is trustworthy, and He will do what is right when it is best.
These are timeless principles. We have a choice about who to trust for our help and strength. It is easy to rely on ourselves, our nation, or some earthly resource which we can see, but we are called to lean on the Everlasting Arms. It is essential to return to God from wherever we have wrongly gone to find refuge. It is enlightened to rest in God’s sure response to the wicked!
The writer of 2 Kings is constantly diverting his attention from Israel to Judah and vice versa. So, he introduces us to Azariah, also known as Uzziah, anointed king over Judah at age 16. We will read much more about him in 2 Kings 15, but he seems to be referenced here only to give us the chronology for when Jeroboam II is anointed king of Israel. It is in the 16th year of Uzziah’s reign that Jeroboam comes to the throne. This will be the next-to-last generation in the dynasty of Jehu, but his son, Zechariah (2 Ki. 14:29), will be murdered after six months. When he ascends to the throne, Israel only has about 70 years left before they are destroyed by the vicious Assyrians. God has been patient with Israel for almost 150 years, as king after king behaves just as Jeroboam will behave: “He did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin” (2 Ki. 14:24).
He will reign 41 years over Israel, an evil king over a wicked and disobedient people. But, these are God’s people, Abraham’s descendants and once part of the United Kingdom. If we do the impossible and try to put ourselves in God’s place, can we imagine giving to and doing for a people who are continually unappreciative, rebellious, and unfaithful? How long could we go before we ran out of patience? How many times could we be betrayed and hated by the recipients of our generosity before we gave up on them? Or, having God’s power, how long before we destroyed them all? God will go over 200 years, restraining Himself as His people served other gods and gratified their flesh.
Isn’t it amazing how much grace and kindness God shows to this faithless people? The Jonah who God graciously sends to the Assyrians to preach repentance (Jonah 1:1) is also sent to Israel (2 Ki. 14:25). Despite Jonah’s flaws, his ministry seemed to be to extend God’s grace to an unrighteous people. Then, read what the author says about God and Israel next. “For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel. The Lord did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash” (2 Ki. 14:26-27). You want insight into the heart of God, as He deals with our sins? He cares when His people suffer. He views us with compassion, sympathy, and concern. He doesn’t want to reject us or let us go. God sent His prophet Hosea to this very people and speaks His mind on this subject: ” How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me, All My compassions are kindled. I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath” (Hosea 11:8-9).
No one will be able to legitimately say at the Judgment, “God, you were harsh, hasty, and hateful!” No, even in the face of faithlessness, God shows His matchless grace! His patience can be exhausted and His justice will not allow impenitence to go unpunished (read Exodus 34:7). But let no one accuse God of reckless wrath! He is the God of unending love. May this lead us to repentance (Rom. 2:4) and faithfulness (Rev. 2:10)!
Studies have shown that the average person thinks about four times faster than they talk. This can be a blessing, or a curse. Chances are, when it comes to listening to others, you may struggle to pay attention.
Research suggests that in a single day, you will hear around 20-30,000 words. But of those 30,000 words, you will only remember about 17 percent. Let me illustrate. Last week my sermon was 2,779 words. The chances of someone remembering what it was about are slim. I’d be blown away if they could tell me 15 percent of what I said!
With all the words we hear in a day, we get to decide what we will remember, and what we will let in one ear and out the other. The power of listening, what problems could be solved if we put our focus on listening to those around us. Most people listen to respond, rather than be an objective listener. Have you ever heard of effective listening? This is a skill that takes practice and effort to achieve. A person that hasn’t worked to develop good listening skills is likely to understand and retain only about 50 percent of any conversation, and that is immediately after the conversation. 48 hours later, average retention drops to less than 25 percent.
Here’s the difference, I know you can think of conversations you’ve had with your spouse, children, or a friend. Maybe it was last month, last year, or 10 years ago, but you still remember every word. Why is that? Because you were being an effective listener in that moment. Whether it was good news, or bad news, you remember because you were truly listening. Most of our conversations fly by and we are on auto pilot, or trying to make conversation, or preoccupied.
The Power of Listening.
Our relationships would be so healthy if we practiced good listening to those we love. Healthy relationships are built on communication, and a vital part of good communication is listening. You get the point, but I hope you are listening when I say this…It is no different with God. We’ve got to tune out the distractions, and listen to our God. Satan would love nothing more than for you to tune out God.
He would love for your life to be so busy and hectic that you fail to remember your Father above. The words around us shape who we become. Studies have shown, 85 percent of what you know and who you are as a human being comes directly from the words of your parents, teachers, spouses, and friends.
Don’t leave God’s Word out of that equation.
Let His words transform and shape you. But in order for this to happen, we’ve GOT to listen! Imagine being in a noisy room, filled with the sounds of laughter, talking, music, and glasses clinking. And above the noise you hear the sound of a familiar voice calling your name. They’re trying to tell you something, so what do you do? You tune everything out, and focus in on their voice.
We live in a noisy world, and it is a world that God is trying to call us out of. The only way you’ll hear Him is if you tune out the distractions and focus on His voice. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” How can we be called Christians if we don’t listen to our Savior? The power of listening can be seen through the fact that we found salvation through hearing the word of God! “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
Are you listening? Focus on God through the chaos, and you will find peace and joy through it all!
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