WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17Sample

A VISION OF THE REAL KING

There are times in our life when a fresh view of the Lord is vital for us. Chapter 6 in Isaiah is one of those times. This represents a huge shift in Judah’s history and marks a new beginning in the preaching of the prophet. Once King Uzziah died, things began to unravel. He was king for 52 years. If you know anything about a long-serving CEO in a business or a pastor who has served for a lifetime, there is always a little instability that follows. Although Jotham (Uzziah’s son) would reign next, Chapter 7 will show us Ahaz, who would be known for war and wickedness.

Enjoy this glimpse into heaven’s throne room, reading each section slowly. As Isaiah is commissioned, he will be tasked to harden the hearts of the people. For other times like this in Scripture, refer to Pharaoh in Exodus 10 and 11, the sinful people of Shechem in Judges 9:23, and disobedient Saul in 1 Samuel 16:4; 18:10; and 19:9. God is sovereign, and unfortunately, some people are too stubborn to listen to the Word of the Lord. Notice that Isaiah did not hesitate when the Lord called him, unlike Moses or Jeremiah. “Here I am! Send me.” (v. 8, ESV)

We will read the story of the widow giving two small copper coins. What an example of one who is rich toward God, not anxious about life, and seeking God’s kingdom first. Jesus, speaking in the temple, will also foretell its destruction. What we will read will be the third and largest pronouncement of Jerusalem’s destruction in Luke. This again goes hand-in-hand with God’s plan and Israel’s rejection of the Messiah. He is the focus, not a building. He is the central theme, not a guess of when the end will happen. Christ is all!

Primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder