Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Isaiah 1:11-20 (NIV)
Read by: Eric Peterson
Often when we think of prophets or prophecies, we think of just a prediction of the future, like in Harry Potter or a crystal ball—a mysterious divination that creates a plot twist in the story. But in the Bible, prophets are much more than fortune tellers. In fact, the primary role of the ancient prophets was to say hard things—to tell the truth about sin and to warn people of coming judgment, should they choose not to repent. They were close to God, filled with his Spirit, a vessel for his voice. Oftentimes they performed miracles like healing the sick or multiplying food for the hungry. But always, always their primary role was to call people back to God.
And so we enter the book of Isaiah: “a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Israel is failing. They no longer recognize their Maker. They have forsaken their God, turned their backs on him. They have lost all integrity and given up their calling to bear God’s image in the world, to show the nations the face of their Creator. Something must be done, because God is not giving up.
Listen now to Isaiah chapter 1, verses 11-20.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What thoughts and feelings surfaced in you as you listened to the passage?
2. If you’re a Christian in the West, it might not be too hard to put yourself or your community in the shoes of the Israelites. Our culture is different, but the temptations are the same. In what ways do you or your faith community need to hear these words today?
3. Being devoured by the sword seems like pretty harsh language. But what’s being indicated is the Lord releasing his protection and allowing foreign kingdoms to conquer Israel. Again, there’s this choice between obedience, leading to flourishing, and rebellion, leading to judgment. Is there an area of your life in which the Lord is asking you to obey him today?
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Isaiah 1-39 >>
BP Exploring My Strange Bible Podcast: The Meaning of Hope >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Isaiah >>
----------CONNECT----------
Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Start an InterVarsity Chapter >>
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