LIVING HOPE - Reading With the People of God: Part 18Sample

The LORD’s Obedient Servant

Isaiah chapter 50 starts with a harsh and graphic indictment of the behaviors and practices of the people who inhabited the land that God gave to Israel. It seems the Holy Land has been in turmoil throughout history, but God uses his eternal Word to assure us of his righteousness and salvation, even in the face of the disobedience of his beloved Israel. God makes very clear through Isaiah’s prophecy why He is allowing the enemies of God’s people to wipe out their cities and carry off their people. The narrative from verse 4 forward is a soliloquy describing “The LORD’s Obedient Servant” that many have seen as a lament of personal circumstances and also a type of the incarnate Christ; dedicated and obedient, suffering yet triumphant, with a ray of hope and a warning of the folly of pride.

Who is Melchizedek?

This chapter of Hebrews gives us great insight into the order of Melchizedek, and why Jesus is referred to “our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” These verses carry great meaning to the Jewish faith, and for our understanding too. The historical and priestly connections are made to show plainly that Jesus is Messiah, now and forever, the Perfect Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

Primer contributed by Matt Harry, older elder, Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.