Day 203 – Isaiah 28-30

Talking Points

• The chapters start by discussing the woe of those “overcome with wine” (Isaiah 28:1). The people and their leaders and even the priests and prophets are called drunkards. If we are paying attention, we can see how many sinful situations are linked to drunkenness. Maybe it is people’s desire to numb themselves to the voice of God and the conviction that comes with it, their attempt to numb themselves from the pains of life, or their way of trying to quiet the consequences of sin, but the sin of drunkenness almost always leads to an escalation of sin.
• Judah makes plans and allegiances outside of God’s directing. It is a revelation of their lack of trust in Him. Be sure, plans made out of fear, in obstinance, or even in rebellion without consulting God are destined for trouble. May we learn to quickly and consistently consult God in our daily lives. The faster, the better!
• The Lord is not impressed with religious traditions, loud proclamations, or impressive offerings. In fact, He has had enough of them. God wants our hearts — hearts thoughtfully, deliberately, and totally given to Him. “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me…” (29:13).

Thoughts

What we know of God matters. How we see God is important. I wonder how many times our preconceived and sometimes wrong ideas of God keep us from easily turning to Him. I wonder if the image of God as a legalistic taskmaster or a disappointed, disapproving parent causes us to be reluctant in our fellowship with Him.

Be sure and see the reality of our Lord. “Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you” (30:18). God is pure, holy, and perfectly just. He is also kind and compassionate to those prone to sin. He tells us He longs to show us breathtaking grace. He takes joy in being compassionate to each person who would look to Him. Far from being a father who waits to catch and crush us in our failings, He is ready to gently receive us home — as if we’d never left.