Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

Isaiah is a unique book. It is the Gospel message of the whole Word in a single book. 66 chapters corresponding to the 66 books of the Bible, it has the thematic elements of the entire story of God’s love for His children from creation and fall to redemption and a new heaven. Isaiah is thought to have been from a prominent family, nephew to the king. Regardless of the judgment Israel (and Judah) brought upon themselves, God promised to restore them and even to lift them higher than at their previous height. God promised that in the end, their relationship (His to them and theirs to Him) would be faithful and true. It is important to note that Isaiah was not written with chapters and verses, but is a continual whole. Some scholars have tried to say that it was written by more than one person because some of the events described did not happen in the original Isaiah’s lifetime. However, the book was WRITTEN by Holy Spirit – who can see the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). It was only TRANSCRIBED by Isaiah. There is a supernatural author for EVERY book of the Bible and Isaiah is NO exception.

God is our Father and has been from the beginning. But like Adam in Genesis 3, His children (Israel) had rebelled against Him. They had knowingly turned from obedience to disobedience. As the Lord pointed out in Isaiah 1:3, even unspeaking animals of burden had more loyalty to their masters than the Israelites had toward God. God had been merciful to them, though. Like when he turned Adam and Eve out of the Garden before they could make their sinful state permanent. Or when He made them beautiful clothes to cover themselves and lend protection. Even in judgment He is merciful: like when He punished the four individuals involved in rebellion (Genesis 3) but at the same time proclaimed a Saviour to return Creation back to purity. In spite of Israel not responding to punishment, in spite of God knowing that further chances of repentance would be rejected, God STILL called them to repentance. He told them what could be the future if they would turn back to Him. But they still refused, so He promised a future restoration. Jesus is the future restoration of all things.

People who once knew Him, but had given themselves over to idols and self-congratulations would not remain that way. Everyone who had lifted themselves up, would find themselves brought low. God would judge their idols and prove them empty and worthless – just like He had with Egypt (who once knew Him, but departed far into idolatry and self-aggrandizement). God would bring judgment to show that nothing can stand against Him. Soothsayers and idolatry and the gods of the east are as so much chaff in the wind. They have no substance, and God would prove it. Jesus is the Rock that believers can hide in, that Israel could – as true worshippers of Yahweh in heart and deed – hide inside from the coming judgment. The proud would be brought low. The nation of idols destroyed. But Jesus would be the Rock saving out His people, His children, His obedient and humbly submitted people. He would bring them out of the judgment the same way He brought them out of Egypt.

“And this shall happen: He who is left in Zion and he who remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone written for life in Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 4:3)

There was famine and drought coming. No one would escape. Not the strongest fighters or the wisest people. Not even the leaders. The leaders would be held to the same standards as everyone. In fact, since they knew better they would be more responsible. But the Laws that were a burden and a thorn to the unrepentant would be a balm and solace to the obedient. Jesus was the Word spoken to protect and bless the righteous. He is the vine on which the branches (true believers, Jew first and then the Gentiles) could depend. All others would be judged lacking. The people had brought this on themselves. The leaders were tyrants. And the women were putting emphasis on the outside appearances and treasures, instead of the inner health and heart that is so vital for godly living (3 John 2). Just as the Law had been given on Sinai so that the people and their leaders could learn of their need for a Saviour, only those protecting themselves through obedience to the Word had a hope. They would be able to conform their behaviour to what God said was right and good. They could renew their minds to align with Messiah (Romans 12:2). Everyone else would experience total humiliation.

There would be judgment. There would be death and captivity. The punishment the people insisted on – by refusing to repent and align themselves with God as He consistently asked them to – would occur. But in that wasteland of judgment there would be a pillar of fire and cloud. Jesus would tabernacle with them. He would lift up Zion and cover it with glory. Jesus would be their place of refuge, a shelter from storm and rain, just as He was as they travelled in the desert. Just as He gave them water. Just as He purified the bitter. Just as He gave them food. Jesus would be a pillar to depend on, to follow, and a light to see by.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Isaiah

Key Verse(s): Isaiah 1:1-4, 18-20; 2:10-18; 3:10-11; 4:2-6