INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAHIsaiah lived under the cloud of rising Assyrian world domination. He lived in Jerusalem and was a counselor of the kings. He prophesied during the reigns of the four kings (Isaiah 1:1). He received God's call in the year of King Uzziah's death (740BC). Kings put their trust in political, military strength, and even pagan religions rather than God, and the people followed them. Many people were tempted by the materialistic culture of the powerful nations that surrounded Judah. Isaiah proclaimed the sovereignty of God who is the ruler of all nations. He called God's people to put their trust in God and to obey him. He warned that failure to obey God would bring down God's wrath and national destruction. Salvation could not be found in foreign alliance, but in the sovereign God. Isaiah prophesied about events that happened long after his death. He spoke about the Babylonia exile and he wrote words of comfort and hope to the exiles. Isaiah also looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, a descendant of David who would usher in a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. Isaiah described the Suffering Servant and looked forward to his coming. Chapters 1-39: God's judgment on Judah and the nations Chapters 40-55: God's Servant Chapters 56-66: Repentance and restoration
COME NOW, LET US SETTLE THE MATTER
1. My people have rebelled (1-17)
Isaiah spoke during a time of national decline in Israel, but the main problem he dealt with was a spiritual one. The real problem in Israel was that God's people were in rebellion against the Lord. They turned their backs on the Lord and invited judgment on themselves. Though animals like oxen and donkeys know their masters, Israel rebelled against her Maker and became a nation without understanding.
2. Let us settle the matter (18-23)
To the rebellious nation God sent the invitation to come to him to have their sins forgiven. This is true obedience that leads to forgiveness and life. The Lord invited his people to be made new. But if they persisted in their rebellion, they would be devoured by the sword. Coming to the Lord out of our sin and rebellion is the hope of life for sinners.
Application: Lord, thank you for coming to me with your word of forgiveness. Help me to come to you as I am, settle the matter of my sin with you and be made new.
One Word: Come to the Lord