7.30 Isaiah 49-51

Doug Reaves

7.30.2020

Isaiah 49-51

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

So much of the book of Isaiah refers to Jesus but chapter 49 is where it starts to get much more abundant. What you read is referring to Israel itself but ultimately to Jesus. Jesus will be the solution to all of our problems. He will restore us to God, he will make a way for the gentiles, he will be our comforter. It does not leave out the reason Israel and we have gotten into the difficult situations. It was because of Israel’s sin and disobedience and our sin and disobedience that we end up in dire circumstances. Jesus will come in full obedience and make a way for all to be made right again.

What is one key verse?

Isaiah 50:10 “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant?”

In the time of the prophet Isaiah there were not many people who feared the Lord and obeyed. Jesus says the way is narrow. It is likely that times now are similar to times then. We have to be honest with ourselves when we ask ourselves this question. Do you obey the voice of Jesus?

How does what you read change your vision of God? 

I just continue to marvel at God’s relentless pursuit of us. God is holy and can’t just be okay with our sin and disobedience. But he continues to go to great links to give us the opportunity to be holy as well.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

What I read inspired me to never give up. Never ever give up on people, on God and on the mission.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

The prophet Isaiah himself is such a great example. He was sent to stubborn and blind people who would not listen. Within Isaiah though you have the example of Jesus himself. As you read it you get inside information to some of the thoughts and struggles that may have been going on in Jesus’s head. In some cases we get more detail then even in the gospels. I’m trying to live my life following Jesus and by reading Isaiah I get insight and inspiration from to do that.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

In 50:6 it says “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;”

Jesus was whipped in the back. No doubt he was familiar with this passage and knew it was referring to him. I bet he read it to ready himself for the time it actually happened. So that in the moment he would be prepared for the suffering and remain sinless.