Isaiah

Reflection on Isaiah 11:1-10

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Scripture

In that day the heir to David’s throne

will be a banner of salvation to all the world

The nations will rally to him

and the land here he lives will be a glorious place.

Observation

A new Branch, a shoot from the stump of Jesse will come, carrying the Spirit of the Lord- a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might knowledge and fear of the Lord.

This man will be wise like Solomon and walk in justice, looking at truth not appearances. Yet his words will shake the whole world and judge the wicked.

He will affect the while of nature as well as human society. Lions and lambs will lie together, babies will play with snakes. The whole earth will be full of people who know the Lord, and nations will rally to the heir of David.

Application

As Christmas time draws near, we look to prophecies such as this one which speak of anticipating the Messiah. Jesus is the Branch coming out of the stump. He is the one on whom the Spirit of the Lord uniquely rests and who shakes the whole world with His words.

Part of this prophecy is not yet fulfilled. One day the whole of the natural realm will be transformed as the life of God overcomes the power of death and natural enmities will come to an end.

The truth of the earlier part of the prophecy is like a deposit that guarantees that the promises of the later part will one day come to pass.

Christmas reminds us that God is ultimately in control of human history. Much as we might feel overwhelmed by the signs of destruction and evil in the world, God is at work to put it all right.

Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, come. Come and complete the work you started back then. Help me to understand my part in your plan. Amen.

Robin McMillan: A Presence-Based Life Will Restore Cities and Is the Ultimate Purpose of the Anointing

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The first recorded sermon Jesus spoke originated from Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor” (verse 1).

In subsequent verses Jesus articulates the other benefits of that anointing: healing for the brokenhearted, freedom for captives, an experiential “jail-break” for prisoners, the year of our being delightfully accepted by God based on His vengeance having been fully satisfied, comfort for all mourners, and the divine exchange: beauty for ashes, joy for the mourning ones, and the garment of praise for all who are depressed.

The recipients become oaks of righteousness as God’s special planting that the great God might receive glory. The prophet Isaiah identified the ultimate goal of this anointing.

The newly anointed ones would be ones who “rebuild the old ruins”, “raise up the former desolations”, “repair the ruined cities”, which were the “desolations of many generations”.

 

Read the full article here

 

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Reflection on Isaiah 65:17-25

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Scripture

Look! I am creating a new heaven and a new earth, and no one will even think of the old ones any more.

Observation

the Lord is bringing about a new heaven and a new earth, a whole new creation. In this new state of being, there will be no weeping or mourning. Babies will no longer die, and even adults will live past 100 years.

 There will be no more loss at the hands of enemy invaders, and everyone will live in their own home enjoying the fruit of their land.

 Even nature will be different wolves and lambs will feed together and lions will eat hay. This is all God’s promise.

 Application

When God intervenes, everything changes. We know that this is true and we look forward to the future life when all aspects of sin and death will be vanquished for ever.

 The promise is not just for the future because the Kingdom of God is here now, even if only in a muted form. We should expect these promises to be seen in our lives now to some extent.

 Death will remain as a sign of the brokenness of creation, but God does heal. Fighting and violence are everywhere but God’s peace breaks into lives in surprising ways.

 Let’s look forward to the consummation of the Kingdom, but let us also equally celebrate God’s work in the here and now.

 Prayer

Thank you Lord for the promise of a whole new creation where storms and earthquakes, sickness and violence are banished for ever. Help me also to see your goodness in the present age and to celebrate your mighty works. Amen.