One of the ways in which Isaiah 62:11-12 and Isaiah 63:1-6 function for the Church is by urging us to evaluate whether the future name of God’s people (“The Holy People”) is appropriate for us in part now. All along the study of Isaiah, Christians have been challenged to make sure a profession of faith is matched with corresponding holiness and righteousness. In Isaiah 63:1-6 the scene shifts from total deliverance to total destruction. It’s a warning for any of us Christians. Despite our profession of faith, we do not want to be caught on “the day of vengeance” (cf. Isaiah 63:4) on God’s bad side. So, this section provides the best news ever (Isaiah 62:11-12), the worst news ever (Isaiah 63:1-6), and leaves us readers with the decision to embrace the best news and so avoid the worst news. This means embracing the Savior pictured in this section. In Isaiah 63:3 the prophetic vision of our Redeemer shows Him stained with the blood of God’s enemies, including those who were in church. There was a time in history, of course, where our Redeemer was stained with His own blood as He gave His life for us. Faith in Christ is the starting point for a holy life and assures us that on His Day we, too, can be called “The Holy People” (cf. also 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 to see the necessity of holiness-in-process).
Isaiah 61 The Spirit in Jesus and in Us
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Once again, Isaiah teaches us through a prophetic description of what our Spirit-led Savior was sent to do and what His salvation does to us who believe. In Isaiah 61:1-3 we learn what the Holy Spirit in Jesus enabled Him to accomplish. Then, beginning in Isaiah 61:3-9 we learn what that same Spirit does in us. Isaiah 61:10-11 closes with a song that every, genuine Christian can sing. This chapter functions for the church by causing us to evaluate whether what is said about Jesus’ ministry has actually happened to us (or, better, is still happening to us who believe). Has Isaiah 61:1-3 happened to us? Is it still going on in some measure? Is it true that everyone of us who believes can truly “be called the priests of the Lord…the ministers of our God”? (cf. Isaiah 61:6) Can we say, “he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness…”? (cf. Isaiah 61:10). Isaiah’s prophecy functions by urging us to evaluate whether these things are somewhat true of us. If they are not, then our presence in worship or our profession of faith in Christ may be futile. Our Lord, of course, selects this section to read as recorded in Luke 4:16-22. Thankfully, Jesus stopped reading where He did! His sacrifice on the cross for our sins made it possible for us to experience His salvation. Certainly something to rejoice in!
Isaiah 59 Turning Rebels into Righteous Christians
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The bulk of Isaiah 59 describes the terrible state of God’s people (cf. Isaiah 59:1-2). Then, in Isaiah 59:16 God steps in to do what human beings could not do. Theology is being conveyed through prophetic description (what God promises to do for His people). So we have to ask ourselves: “Is this description true to some extent now in our lives?” However, before we get to our response, we should note Isaiah 59:17. Long before Paul instructs Christians to put on the whole armor of God (cf. Ephesians 6:11, 13), Isaiah tells us that our God put on the armor. The clothing tells what God was going to do–bring righteousness and salvation to His people. While God is ready to do battle against his enemies (cf. Isaiah 59:17-18), He is also ready to deliver those who repent (cf. Isaiah 59:20). Isaiah 59:21 explains what is true of every repentant Christian. It’s time to ask ourselves in church whether we’ll be on the receiving end of “repayment to his enemies” or “a Redeemer…to those…who turn from transgression.” Isaiah continues his assault on all who profess faith in Christ, but do not show evidence of a living faith at work. We have the desire and capacity for righteous living because, on the cross, our Savior experienced God’s wrath aimed at his adversaries (cf. Isaiah 59:18).
Isaiah 58 When Worship Doesn’t Work
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What drives the theology of Isaiah 58 is the commandment in Isaiah 58:1. Sermons that expose the sins of worshipers are not popular or fun to preach. God’s people are active in worship, but also just as active in sin. Cf. Isaiah 58:1-2. This chapter gives us an opportunity to evaluate our worship practices. Isaiah’s description of God’s people creates yet another negative example (“go and do otherwise”). We can’t afford to worship the way they do and live like the devil (cf. Isaiah 58:4). Isaiah 58:6-7, 9-10, 13 show the kind of “fast” the Lord chooses for His people. All the “if you’s” are followed by “then you’s” to show the kind of healing God’s true worshipers experience when God’s condition is met (e.g., Isaiah 58:8-911-12, 14). In this section sin is exposed, exchanged for true righteous acts, and results in salvation. We’re living in a time when morality in the church matches the morality in the world. And this is taking place while we worship. Apparently, many church-goers are engaged in deficient worship. In order for someone to become righteous, they must first look to the one to whom Isaiah pointed. On the cross our Savior did indeed bow His head in the greatest act of humility (cf. Isaiah 58:5; John 19:30).
Isaiah 57:14-21 Theology through Positive and Negative Exemplars
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Despite what some say about exemplar preaching, it’s impossible to avoid it entirely in a preaching portion like Isaiah 57:14-21. Surely, Isaiah addresses the Church by showing us a good example to follow (the “go and do likewise” of Isaiah 57:15). Just as certainly, Isaiah also addresses us by showing us a bad example to avoid (the “go and do otherwise” of Isaiah 57:20-21). Where exemplar preaching breaks down in my opinion is when the exemplars are held up by themselves and God’s people only hear the preacher say at the end of the sermon: “Now, go and do likewise or go and do otherwise.” Better to begin the end of the sermon by point out that our Lord was presented in Isaiah 53:5, 10 as being “crushed” (same Hebrew term translated “contrite” in Isaiah 57:15). When a person receives Christ as their Sovereign Savior, He transforms them into one “who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.” He turns the wicked into the righteous. The exemplar works after the Gospel has done its work. Isaiah continues to urge the Church to leave worldliness behind and ready itself for the return of the Servant/King who will completely destroy all who rebel against Him and completely deliver all who trust Him. The catch: all who trust Him must look like Him. In this case, they must share God’s perspective on their sin and need of redemption.
Isaiah 56:9-12 Theology through Negative Example
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Isaiah 56:9-12 presents a stern warning for church leaders. Theology is presented through the extremely negative example of Israel’s spiritual leaders. Unlike the feast of Isaiah 55:1, the feast of Isaiah 56:9 is one we want to avoid at all cost! We do not want to to be the main course at that feast. One way to avoid that is to follow our Lord’s example and instruction in places such as 1 Peter 5:1-4. Our Lord lived out the opposite of Israel’s shepherds and faith in Him gives us the desire and capacity to shepherd like Him. God help us to do so!
Isaiah 56:1-8 Saved by Faith, But Judged by Works?
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Isaiah 56:1-8 is driven by the commandments and conditional elements in Isaiah 1-4, 6 such as keeping God’s Sabbath. These obligations of righteousness become our ticket for entering and remaining in God’s feast or banquet (cf. Isaiah 55:1). The end of Isaiah 56:1 explains why the conditions must be met. Isaiah 56:5, 7 explain what the righteous will enjoy. An angle on the gospel is found in the fact that Jesus experienced what the foreigner and eunuchs feared in Isaiah 56:3. It’s very interesting to me that in a system where we are saved by faith, we are judged according to our works. Isaiah now helps me understand James a bit better, especially being justified by works which proves the authenticity of our faith. In their new book, Puritan Theology, Beeke and Jones include an insightful chapter on the subject of judgement according to works by Thomas Manton.
A.B.I.T. – Your First 3 Hours of Study
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How is your Sunday sermon conveying theology?
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Recently, I enjoyed a full afternoon conducting a preaching workshop with 20 other pastors and lay teachers. One thing we explored was how theology is conveyed in a preaching portion (the amount of Scripture you select for your sermon). I commented that theology is conveyed in Scripture through the structure of the preaching portion. It is common, however, for preachers to stray from the logic or flow of thought created by the Author/author. So, take a look at your sermon for this Sunday. How is your sermon conveying theology? Is your sermon somehow following the logic conveyed in your preaching portion or have you changed it? If you changed it, what theology are you communicating? The most important part of my study is the first half hour that I devote each week making sure I can identify the logical flow of my preaching portion.
Isaiah 55 hinges on the invitation given to professing Christians
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One of the fun things about preaching through a book of the Bible like Isaiah is the opportunity to learn famous verses in their context. Virtually every Christian that has read Isaiah 55:1 or heard it mentioned in church hears it as an invitation for non-Christians. The invitation, then, is for all of us to leave our worldliness behind (cf. Isaiah 55:7). Each week we’re all tempted to adopt the ways of the world as our ways, as the right way. Each weekend we come together and affirm our desire for our Lord (cf. Isaiah 55:6). Another famous verse is found in Isaiah 55:11. Whenever God’s call to repentance is announced, that word always accomplishes God’s goal. Those with ears that can hear in the Church hear God’s call and respond by forsaking their wickedness. You might make sense out of the chapter this way: 1. Our condition (vv. 1-2a). 2. God’s offer (vv. 2b-5). 3. Our reaction (vv. 6-11). 4. Our new condition (vv. 12-13). The main thing is to be sure that the offer in Isaiah 55:1 is connected to the instruction in Isaiah 55:7. Those who respond to the offer will one day inhabit God’s new world in Isaiah 55:12-13. Oh, and it’s all possible because our Lord experienced the thorns during His crucifixion. That is why we can purchase sustenance “without price” (cf. Isaiah 55:1). It’s free to us because it cost Him everything.