2020 Bible Vision

Eric Fox

8.1.2020

Isaiah 58-62

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

From true fasting, sin, confession to his redemption and the glory of His coming, and the year of His favor.  Just gotta love how basic the truth is. 🙂

What is one key verse?

Isaiah 58:2-3

For day after day they seek me out;
    they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
    and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
    and seem eager for God to come near them.
³ ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,
    ‘and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
    and you have not noticed?’

“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
    and exploit all your workers.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Continue to read the Word daily, spend time with God, Pray continuously on all matters.  Basically when issues arise think to myself “what would Jesus do?”

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

Same as above.

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

Same as above.

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

Isaiah 59:20

“The redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord.”

John Demsky

7.31.2020

Isaiah 52-57

Summary:

There is a lot in these chapters! God reveals His future servant (spoiler alert: Jesus!) who, although innocent, will be afflicted with God’s wrath to make intercession for sinners. God reveals that this servant brings about a new covenant with not only all of Israel but extends an invitation of compassion for all who thirst and would come to Him. God then rebukes the leaders of Israel who have led the people astray and also those who have trusted in idols instead of Him. God then reaffirms that He will offer healing, restoration and peace for those who will repent and turn to Him.

Key Verse:

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

Vision of God: 

These passages reaffirm for me the truths in Isaiah 55:8-9. In this time empires are striking down nations all around and would even conquer Israel and Judah. Yet God’s plan to restore everyone through Jesus went so beyond all the things happening in that time and continues to endure forever. When we view COVID-19, racial injustice, political division, or anything else happening in the world right now through worldly vantage points it seems very demoralizing and chaotic. But if we look through the scope of what Jesus has done for us and what He offers to all people we can see that He and His Kingdom will restore all and endure through our time and onward through eternity! 

Vision of self/others:

When looking at how great God’s perspective and thoughts are it only reinforces how much smaller our perspectives and thoughts are than His. 

Go with God:

I want to go in faith with God beyond what I can perceive or even what will transpire during my time on the earth. Even if I do not see or perceive the full fruit of God’s plan or results of what He asks me to do during my time on earth I want to trust in what He will do that is just so much greater than what my limited perspective can perceive.

Jesus:

Jesus was all over these chapters as God’s servant who would make everything right. He would take on God’s wrath to intercede for and restore transgressors. The people in Isaiah’s time would not live to see that day but God nonetheless revealed His plan to them that they could hope in. Likewise even though we are looking back in history to Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross we are still hoping for many things that have not come to fruition yet. But we can trust that He will come through!

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.

Stacy Carstensen

7.29.2020

Isaiah 44-48

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Isaiah prophesies to Israel.
Chapter 44: Reminders to Israel: God has chosen Israel. There is only one true God, and that is God! Worshiping idols is foolish. God will redeem Israel.
Chapter 45: God says that he will use Cyrus, King of Persia, to send them back to their homeland. God is the only Savior, and will save ALL of those on the earth who turn to him.
Chapter 46: Again, God tells Israel to stay away from idols! He is the one true God.
Chapter 47: God explains that the Babylonian Empire will fall after rising to the top.
Chapter 48: God reminds Israel that he knows all and knows best, even though they will think they are wise. God is telling them to stay close to him and remember these things. They will need to be strong in their faith as God takes them out of Babylon back to their home.

What is one key verse?

Isaiah 45:23 “By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me that God is love. He has a love for all of his people on the earth. He will do what he said he will do. If we will only remember who he is and what he said he’ll do, we can have hope to be a part of returning to him to bow and confess that he is Lord.

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

I need to constantly humble myself and remember what is truly important in life – who God is and what he says he’ll do! God is the only wise one so that is who I should be listening to and filtering advice and decisions through. I shouldn’t judge anyone, only love them – because that is what God does!

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

I will share my faith with others so that they can learn, love, and grow closer to God in this life. I will try daily to not judge others, but love them, because that’s what God did with Israel so he could fulfill his purpose of bringing all people to him.

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

As Israel got these reminders on how to live while they waited to be sent back to their homeland, it made me think of us waiting for Jesus now. It will happen, we just can’t understand or know when. We have the Bible and the church to help us with reminders along the way so that we can be strong when the day comes for us to be with Jesus forever. Also, just as God said in Isaiah “all the ends of the earth” and “every knee and tongue”, Jesus came and showed people just what that meant.

Sharon Knox

7.28.2020

Isaiah 40-43

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Chapters 40-43, God’s people are still in exile in Babylon due to their sin and rebellion against Him.  In these chapters, God speaks comfort, care, mercy, and hope over His people.  He also reminds them of His absolute power and sovereignty over all nations, all “gods” and all creation. These chapters also contain prophesy fulfilled in the New Testament about John the Baptist and of Jesus, the Messiah. We get a glimpse into God’s plan to restore, redeem, and reconcile His people to Himself.

What is one key verse?

Isaiah 43:4

“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God’s people were going through such an intense time of pain and discipline due to their own sin.  Even in those times, God chose to bring words of hope, comfort and mercy to His people.  He is fully just AND fully merciful. This helps me to see that God does the same for me.  When I sin, and suffer consequences for it, God still sends words of hope, comfort and restoration through His Word and through others.

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

In Isaiah 43, God calls His people precious, honored, and loved (though clearly they were a rebellious, disobedient people). Wow!  Their lives were still precious to God.  God has not changed so He feels the same about us (His people) today.

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

I will strive to see people the way that God sees them and treat them as precious and valuable, no matter what they have done against me and whether I feel they deserve it or not.

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

Isaiah 42:1-4 points to the coming of the “Servant of the Lord”. This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 12:17-21 through Jesus! The second half of Isaiah 43:4 reads “…I will give people in exchange for you.” Jesus’ life was literally given in exchange for mine (and yours).  Because of my sin, I deserved death (Romans 6:23). He died and was raised so that I could be reconciled with God!

Chris Knox

7.27.2020

Isaiah 36-39

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Isaiah 36 – 39 are great chapters that focus on having faith in God and going to him in prayer when we have great challenges.  Sennacherib king of Assyria had attacked and conquered all the fortified cities of Judah. Sennacherib sent his field commander and a large army to deliver a message of destruction to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem (Isaiah 36:8-11).  The message challenged God’s power directly and said He will not be able to save Jerusalem.  They were outgunned and underprepared by worldly standards.   The commander of the Assyrian army even said in Isaiah 36:10, “Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this land without the Lord? The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.’” Hezikaiah brought this challenge before God. He did not try to address it without Him. After God gave him the victory, Hezekiah got deathly sick and went back to God and asked for more time to live.  God provided healing. God gave Hezekiah the victories in his lifetime.  He will do the same for us.  Like Hezekiah, we need to be righteous and focussed on God.  Our job is to obey God and bring those things that challenge us in our life to him in prayer and righteous counsel that can help us.  Our prayers should be real, pouring our heart out to God. 

What is one key verse?

Isaiah 37: 33-35

“Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria:

“He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. 34 By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,” declares the Lord. 35  “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is powerful enough for any challenge.

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

I need to go to God in prayer and pir out my heart no matter what the problem is.  I also need to point that out to other people that God is the answer.  He can help everyone overcome!

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

I will start lifting up the Goliath challenges in my life to God and train myself through the answered prayers to know there is nothing too big for him?

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

When threatened with death Jesus did not back down.  He knew God would give him victory over the Grave.

Clay Carstensen

7.25.2020

Isaiah 31-35

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Sorrow of the ungodly and joy of the redeemed!

These chapters are a warring to those who live unrighteous lifestyles and do wicked things. God’s wrath is ignited by that. Just like today, people go throughout their days thinking they can go on without God, like they are the king. There is a promise of God winning and God erasing all of the ungodly idol worship and reigning as the true king for all of eternity.

What is one key verse?

All of chapter 35 was key to me because it speaks of the joy that will be had by the redeemed of God. It seems like there is so much going wrong in our world constantly and it can seem hopeless. But there is a time coming, like chapter 35 talks about, when we can see hope fulfilled.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me and reaffirms that God is in control. There is a reason to have a lot of hope because of that.

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

It reminds me to not buy in to all of the negativity that is going on around me, and not let that control my life. And encourages me to reach out to the ungodly so they can experience the joy of the redeemed.

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

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)Chapter 35:4 “Be strong, do not fear, your God will come. He will come with vengeance, with divine retribution. He will come to save you.” Jesus was God coming to earth to save us. I see Jesus as the glory of our Lord and splendor of our King.

John Carlson

7.24.2020

Isaiah 28-30

Summary: Just like today, thousands of years ago the Israelites were leading double lives – they were hypocrites.  Showing and saying all the right things that they thought would make them look good it the eyes of God, but then doing whatever they wanted in the ‘world’ – sinning.  They were total hypocrites in that they knew what they were doing themselves was wrong, but they would then look down on others doing the same thing.  Isaiah challenges his fellow Israelites to change their ways and get on the one path of goodness.

Key Verse:

Isaiah 30:18 “… the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion…”

Vision of God: This necessarily didn’t change my vision of God, but it reinforced what I already know about him – he is Merciful, Gracious & Loving; no matter how much I screw up

Vision of Me: I need to be more intentional of living for God and not let myself slip into ‘double life’ situations.  It is super easy of me to be critical of others when, in all actuality, I should be critical of myself.

Go w/ God: Because of this reading, I think for me ‘Go with God’ more I need to be less critical of others and be more like God – merciful, gracious and loving.  I need to realize that, just like me, others struggle with everyday life and handle situations differently that what I think how “I would do it”.

Jesus: I saw Jesus in this reading just as I always see Jesus – showing others respect, compassion and love.  These are things that I long for in my own life and I need to show these to others in order to receive them ☺

Ariel Buckhannon

7.23.2020

Isaiah 24-27

Summary: 

Isaiah 24-27Chapters 24-27 discuss Isaiah’s prophecy about how God’s judgement on the earth will be the dismantlement and destruction of the earth by God to teach the people of the world what is right and how to be righteous. Those who are righteous are given hope as seen in chapters 26 and 27.

What is one key verse? Why?

Did the Lord strike Israel as he struck the one who struck Israel? Was he killed like those killed by him?  Isaiah 27:7

This verse stood out to me because it can be seen to instill hope among Isaiah’s audience and even for myself when I look at the times I sin- God promises me a future like Israel, if I choose to change, repent, and continue being with him. The same can not be said about Israel’s opponents who were not given the same hope.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This passage shows me how important God values us to seek and continually learn how to be righteous. Also how God is always looking out for us when we don’t deserve it-providing us with continued hope.

How does what you read change yourself/ your view of others?

This reading encouraged me to check myself to see if I am continually seeking God’s righteousness- Isaiah 26:9, ” My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.”

How will you go with God because of this reading?

I will follow Isaiah’s warning to the people and evaluate what I love and find glory in to align with what glorifies God.

Where did you see Jesus in these Chapters?

Jesus came to be the bridge for us to God, to one day help us be with him during the ultimate time of destruction. He helps us understand how to live out the righteousness God desires us to pursue.

Robert Buckhannon

7.22.2020

Isaiah 21-23

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Bad news for five nations! Babylon, Dumah, Arabia, Jerusalem and Tyre have judgment pronounced against them by means of beautiful poetry and the expanding empire of Assyria. Babylon’s gods are shattered in the dust. Dumah’s watchmen watch all night and only have reprieve from worry for the day, until the next night. While the inhabitants of Jerusalem tear down their houses to fortify the siege on their city wall; their Shibna (a title of a high up individual who is a steward under the king) picks out a nice tomb to be remembered by. God has plans for this selfish guy! (Read 22:15-21!) Tyre’s pride in a strong trade economy will be humbled. 

What is one key verse?

“The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea” Isaiah 21:1

Hebrew poetry is so good! The “wilderness” is an uninhabitable desert and the “sea” is a wild dangerous place. The author overlays hopeless and frightening miles of sand on the image of overpowering waters.The dry and the wet, both so intense; put them together it just makes sense!  Every name and image in the poem has meaning like every Disney movie has easter eggs and themes that resonate with the zeitgeist. (See what I did there?) Really look to appreciate the poet’s work to bring deeper ideas and feeling into the poem.

Here is a helpful video on Biblical Poetry from the Bible Project: https://youtu.be/q9yp1ZXbsEg

How does what you read change your vision of God?

I used to be confused why God dealt out judgment and allowed for cities to be wrecked by invading nations; but after understanding these poems I see God’s perspective and goal. When humanity builds cities that worship idols, military might, selfish glory and riches He turns them over to be broken down so they can return to Him. 

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

I am stubborn to turn from my comforts and crutches of security that I think are good. That is a scary place to be. It’s better to let God define good and evil than myself. 

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

I need to really consider how to listen to “prophets” and the spirit to honor God and avoid being humbled. I will take some time to look at myself and repent from the things I trust or give allegiance to over God.   

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

All these nations had the rock fall on them instead of falling on the rock. I am so grateful for a meek and mild Jesus who I can relate to and understand me. Jesus by means of discipleship and the Spirit offers to help me love God. That give me a lot of hope! 

“And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” – Matthew 21:44