Isaiah

One of the challenges with reading a book like this in one sitting is that throughout the reading, I'm thinking of clever stuff to say in reflection on what I've read. Then, I have to get past that so to not let the message and content of what I'm reading get lost on me.

The benefit, on the other hand, is that I see thigns that I had not seen before. For example, in Is. 6, Isaiah states "I'll go, Send me." He states this almost directly after having an encounter with God that helped him see his own sinfulness. Fast forward to Is. 59:15b-16 - "When the Lord that justice had disappeared, he became very displeased. It disgusted him even more to learn that no one would do a thing about it."

For me, I see these two statements as sort of a parenthesis to the entire message of Isaiah. God waslooking for someone to send a message, and Isaiah said yes. Isaiah was used by God not because he was special or holy, but because he was willing. that's it.

I find it interesting that throughout what I've read so far, an key indicator of a society's sin is how it treats widows, orphans and those in need (Is. 1:16-17). Then, as a society is made whole and becomes more like God, it defends the helpless, the widows, their families and those in need.

I have to say I wasn't looking forward to reading Isaiah. I was anitcipating poetry and imagery. It wasn't so bad. Isaiah starts out saying that his message was during the kingships of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Much of his message is judgement on Judah for doing wrong. Some is historical and quite a bit (mostly at the end) is God's promise of blessing, if they obey.

There are quite a few glimpses of jesus throughout the book, but again, most of it is towards the end. I am confused by a couple of things: in Is. 6, God says to make the people stubborn so they do not understand; don't let them be healed. In Is. 37, God says to Sennacherib: "And you don't even know that I alone am the one who decided that you would do these things." This is referrignt ot he evils he did. Then, in Is. 63, Isaiah asks: "Why did you make us turn away from you, our Lord? Why did you make us want to disobey you?" A couple times throughout the book, God stated that he did things because of who he is (48:11). Later, in 55:9, God says, "Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours." So, I guess it's okay that I don't get it.

There is much to say about idols as well. My favourite, though, makes it terribly simple in 57:13: "Ask your idols to save you when you are in trouble. Be careful though - it takes only a faint breath to blow them over." Go God!

But throughout the judgetment, there is hope. It shines through. Even in the midst of the punishment, there is the promise of Jesus and God's commitment: "I won't forget you" (44:21). When his people are whole in in right relationship with him, there will be peace and justice. The poor and needy will be taken care of. God describes what right worship is: "The people I treasure most are the humble - they depend only on me and tremble when I speak" (66:2). Is. 58 describes it in more detail - injustice, abuse, hunger, nakedness and homelessness no longer exists. God's light will shine.

And it's funny, because in the next chapter, God says "all you think about is sin." But in the midst of that, there is hope.

I thought Isaiah was going to be filled with things I didn't understand. There was a little bit of that, but I think I got the main message loud and clear. It's the same message God was declaring almost right after creation, that if his people obey him, they will live and prosper; if they disobey, they will die (sometimes very creatively). But even then, God will not forget the promise he made to his people, and he will take the onus of making the relationship right.

Song of Songs

I know I should, but I don't get it. It's a love story. A man and a woman, with some friends making comments throughout.

I've read in some comments that it typifies the love between Christ and the church. I don't see it. It simply looks like two lovers being romantic.

I never really enjoyed poetry. The narratives are easier. Yet, I'm now headed into the Prophets, so I'd better get used to it.