Isaiah notes from 1/14/2009

Ch 37

Report to king Hezekiah, it distressed him he repented (humbled himself) and went before the Lord, and sent for Isaiah messengers repentant. An earnest prayer through Isaiah about the current situation. God's answer -words were against Him, reassurance of protection and a prophecy. God stirred up another enemy against Assyria just as Isaiah said, but the Rabshekah didn't think it was serious or from God so he restated his position that Jerusalem would fall- this in opposition to what the Lord said. This time he said God couldn't protect them, and was in fact deceiving them he basically said the Assyrian will was greater than God's.

What things are we so confident in that we neglect God's rightful place and ignore His leadings. Those things are our idols.

Just like us the king of Assyria was so confident, enough so to put it in writing. God was already working in the fact that with overwelming odds, they still did not attack Jerusalem. Similarly God has protected Israel 60 years in the same fashion. These people may claim to hate the jews but they fear God enough that they aren't willing to die. There is enough doubt (for now) that they don't act.

Its interesting how people say they love Jesus but don't act, and there are some seemingly opposed to God's plan that don't act. Selfishness cuts both ways.

Hezekiah spread it out before the Lord and prayed, Isaiah took him God's answer. God is in control and we are grass- Assyrian forces will no longer be a threat, and a sign given. He will defend His city for his sake.

The Assyrians became proud of their God given success, and pride elevated them in their minds to a godlike status. They became arrogant. The Assyrians led people into captivity by hooks or bits (to humiliate them), so the reference that God would do the same to them is interesting. A time line is also given for God to act.

If we humble ourselves and pray to God with our concerns He will at least sometimes give a timeline of His actions. As in this case. Another is Soloman building the temple. There are others. It seems to be that if people will see it (in this life) a timeline is given. Abraham did become the father of nations, but not in his lifetime. The generation that saw Israel reborn would not die until they see Jesus- a real timeline.

Angel of the Lord came and killed most of the army, the king of Assyria returned home and was killed worshipping in his temple.

Ch 38 happened before ch 36 and 37 Hezekiah healed

Hezekiah told put affairs in order he would die- God tells most people when their end (in this life is near) - look for that as you read in old testament- particularly the faithful to Him. Due to his faithfulness he asked for favor- and was very earnest. He prayed and was given 15 more years, and promised the Lord would defend the city. A sign was also given- shadow backing up- another real time sign.

Do we ask God for things and not walk before Him in truth, with our whole heart, doing what God shows us to be good? Are there certain aspects of our lives we want to control, and yet how futile is our control if it isn't what God has for us.

2 Chron 33 Manasseh was 12 when he took the throne of his father Hezekiah. Hezekiah's life was extended 15 years, so Manasseh was born after the healing, they are both in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew).

Hezekiah's writing after his illness. Felt he would be deprived of life -in the middle. He will not see the Lord acting in this life- do we see Him acting in ours? This life is like a tent reference, Peter refers to it as such in Hebrews- its in other places as well. This life is temporary and short term in the grand scheme of things - in heaven is a mansion. How does a mansion compare to a tent?

He acknowledges God is in control and death is the end- hope is lost for the soul (Those in pit cannot have hope for faithfulness, must submit to God in this life for it to go well. He acknowledges God who forgave his sins, kept him from depression. So God instructs Isaiah what must be done to heal him. God instructs doctors (those who listen to Him) on how to make patients well.

Ch 39 Hezekiah shows treasure.

Hezekiah healed. Babylonian empire starting to grow in influence, but the Assyrians were still in power. Word of Hezekiahs healing gets to Babylon, they thought it was remarkable and sent envoys to see him with presents. The Assyrians probably knew what was going on. Hezekiah shows treasures to Babylonians, which word of probably got to the Assyrians, and been another reason for them to attack Jerusalem.

The exile of Judah is predicted (which means it has to be taken- Isaiah had a vision of it at one point earlier), but not in Hezekiah's lifetime.

Hezekiah interprets it as a positive- but he is only thinking of himself, and peace in his time. Not long term peace for his progeny. Something we as a nation have done is spend our childrens futures. Debt is spending ours and our kid's futures - economic crisis? Like Hezekiah we sometimes only concern ourselves with our needs and our immediate future.

Isaiah saw the Assyrians slowly strangle Jerusalem, and then God act on behalf of His city. Isaiah also saw that eventually Jerusalem would be taken. He sees it as accomplished (dead chicken) and now looks beyond the captivity to a glorious future. Babylon (the world's system) would eventually come against Jerusalem, public opinion in our days is certainly gaining more anti-semitic ground. Isaiah looks to the glorious future beyond captivity - some of which hasn't happened yet.

Ch 40 voices of comfort- after long affliction

Comfort for His people, voice calling make way,

earthquake world wide, then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it.

We can see God in spirit now, see Him moving in our lives, but one day it will be plain.

We are grass, we whither at the Lord's breath, but His word stands forever. End of world- terrifying thought- we are fragile (plagues, volcanoes, asteroids, nuclear war, global warming), but the Lord is in control. God is also timeless, where we are temporary.

Let Zion proclaim the good news -lift it up do not fear. Witness to Judah cities. Carry the gospel to the ends of the earth which would wrap around and back to Jerusalem- where it started.

Verse 12 the majesty of God- He alone is God and has no counsel. Yet for us there is proverbs 11:14 - success comes from many counselors. We are not God, and yet we sometimes act and maybe even think a little like we are. God has no equal. We work hard and create idols, and our idols make us feel like God. He created us as God, and when we create (our works) we are elevating ourselves in futility. God has no equal.

Heavens are like a tent- life is temporary. God is in control of the governments and the rulers.

God calls out the stars by name, a very large number (feels like infinity to us) yet all numbered.

God sees all the true injustices we suffer, along with those we inflict on others through our selfish actions.

Lord doesn't tire, those that wait upon Him (recognize their place, their helplessness, and submit to His timing) will mount up on Eagles wings.