Plans and Prophesy

O. T. #1560  "Plans and Prophesy "
Nov. 6, 2019
Introduction to Isaiah-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

You will recall that Israel divided into two nations after King Solomon died.
Isaiah's name means The LORD is salvation. He was a prophet which God called to inform His people in Israel and Judah what would happened to them if the didn't repent of their pride and idolatry. He ministered in and around Judah during the reigns of four kings of Judah-Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Previously, we gave an overview of what happened during their reigns.

This prophet condemned the empty ritualism of his day and the idolatry into which so many of the people had fallen. He foresaw the coming Babylonian captivity of Judah because of their departing from the Lord. (MacArthur)

The Northern kingdom of Israel went into captivity by Assyria some 135 years before Judah was conquered by Babylon. Isaiah was faithful to prophesy this would happen. Isn't it great to trust in a God who has control of events and knows what is next in His plans?

Friends, we need to be careful that things, people, governments do not take the place of God in our life. If something has captivated our thoughts and heart, something we spend more time thinking about than our Savior, then it may have become an idol for us. Dare we ask the Lord Jesus if we have any idols in our life?

LET IT GROW

God used other prophets during this time-Jonah, Amos, Micah, and Hosea, who wrote their own books of prophesy.

There is some good news found in this book. God had a remnant of people who continued to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him. Isaiah prophesied some 100-200 years before it happened that King Cyrus would conquer Babylon and send back Jews  to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the city.

Another thing we will find is the prophesy of the coming Messiah. How wonderfully planned out our God did details of events. Not only did Jesus come to earth to live a sinless life in order to qualify as the perfect sacrifice for each of us sinful people, but He endured a lot of mean people so He could accomplish it.
What an awesome Savior is Jesus our Lord!

LET IT GO

I am trusting in Your plans for my life in this new season.