Year: 2021

Switchback–Blessing Disappears: Isaiah Devotional Journal 60

Therefore, the focus is not on the remnant, nor so much upon God’s promise, but upon the Stone, the precious stone, the costly foundation. The focus is also upon belief in him. With this Stone for a foundation, God himself accomplishes what he intended to do. Isaiah grants no blessing to rebellious Israel.  … Continue readingSwitchback–Blessing Disappears: Isaiah Devotional Journal 60

Israel’s Exile: Isaiah Devotional Journal 58

The added testimony of the New Testament, as presented in the several quotations above, gives the reader a distinct impression that Isaiah may have been speaking of more than a physical and temporary exile to Babylon. The strength of the vocabulary Isaiah chooses indicates that the passion and action of God were equally strong. What God does to Israel here is no light undertaking. … Continue readingIsrael’s Exile: Isaiah Devotional Journal 58

Already/Not Yet in Isaiah 27:6–Devotional Journal 57

As a Gentile believer in Christ, my preference coincides with the New Testament viewpoint that Christ is himself the fulfillment of all prophecy. Based upon the entirety of Isaiah’s message (which, Lord willing, we will get to) and the entirety of the New Testament, I believe that Isaiah foresaw this kingdom of Messiah and rejoiced in it. … Continue readingAlready/Not Yet in Isaiah 27:6–Devotional Journal 57

The Dragon and a Vineyard: Isaiah Devotional Journal 56

The Septuagint in 27:2 makes an immediate turn, however, departing from the Masoretic of that same verse. In the Septuagint, the city is in siege. Quickly, the speaker appears to change, although not identified. The text uses only pronouns throughout. The caretaker of the vineyard, possibly the Lord, waters it in vain. The vineyard shall be captured by night, and in the morning, its wall will fall (See 2 Kings 25:10-11).
Continue readingThe Dragon and a Vineyard: Isaiah Devotional Journal 56

Evangelistic Switchbacks: Isaiah 26-Journal 55

God through Isaiah employs the technique of literary and evangelistic switchbacks. Even a fast reading of Isaiah reveals the main themes of blessing for the repentant faithful in Christ, Messiah, and condemnation for the unfaithful, those who rebel against God’s word. Chapter 26 excels in its illustration of the rapid contrast of these evangelistic themes. … Continue readingEvangelistic Switchbacks: Isaiah 26-Journal 55

Isaiah’s Apocalypse Continues: Journal 54

In summary, Isaiah presents a long section on wrathful judgment in chapter 24, interrupted by a shorter section concerning salvation of the willing. Then, in chapter 25, he presents a long section rejoicing in salvation. He interrupts this by a short section to tell the end of the wicked. Next, in the section from Isaiah 26:1-27:1, Isaiah combines the two themes of judgment for the faithful (salvation) and judgment against the wicked (condemnation) in more rapid succession, interweaving these throughout. Finally, chapter 27 describes Israel’s future with metaphor. … Continue readingIsaiah’s Apocalypse Continues: Journal 54