Something Greater

Isaiah 18, Part Three: The Signal Isaiah had greeted ambassadors sent by a land of "whirring wings, beyond the rivers of Cush", probably referring to Ethiopia, south of Egypt. The alliance between Judah, Egypt and Ethiopia was condemned by God. Isaiah foretold that nothing would result except shame and disgrace for Judah. Now, Isaiah tells the ambassadors to look toward the east, to "a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering..." A People Feared Near and Far Isaiah 18:2 (ESV) Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide. Who were the people "tall and smooth, a people feared near and far"? This passage begins and ends with reference to a nation "tall and smooth...a people feared near and far": Isaiah 18:2 (ESV) Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people feared near and far, a nation m...

Isaiah 18, Part Two: Four Kings At this point Isaiah's book may seem confusing. Judah and Israel, as well as Egypt, Cush, Canaan, Syria and Assyria all experienced changing alliances, defeats and victories, conquests and exile. Isaiah was prophet during the reign of many kings, and he was given visions spanning many decades, each with different circumstances and players. It may be helpful to look at the pivotal events that occurred during the time of Isaiah. Isaiah and the Four Kings Isaiah lived during the years of 740 to 681 BC. He saw the rise and fall of at least six different kings of Judah, beginning with Azariah, and ending with Manasseh. The Book of Isaiah specifically deals with the days of four of these kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Uzziah And Jotham: Maintaining the Status Quo Uzziah, whose name was a contraction of "Azariah", was the son of Amaziah. During his reign over the southern kingdom of Judah, and later that of his son...

Isaiah 6: A Vision and a Commission Isaiah describes a vision of the LORD, holy and glorious, and it shook Isaiah to his core with guilt and fear. But the Lord forgave Isaiah's guilt and sin, and Isaiah gladly offered his life as servant to the Lord. The Lord set Isaiah on a mission to preach a warning of judgement upon the people of Israel. Cities would be ravaged and the land wasted, with only a tenth of the population remaining. HOLY IS THE LORD: Verses 1-7 Isaiah saw the Lord enthroned in a temple, attended by seraphim who sang of the LORD's holiness and glory. The temple shook and filled with smoke, and the Lord's robe covered the entire temple. Isaiah cried out in fear, knowing the depth of his dirtiness compared to the holiness of the King. But the seraphim touched Isaiah's mouth with a burning coal and pronounced his sin atoned for and his guilt taken away. Isaiah's vision was connected with King Uzziah: Isaiah 6:1 (ESV) In the year that Kin...

God Spoke Stephen's defensive argument began with a brief history of Abraham's life, firmly establishing the importance of maintaining faith in God's word, no matter the circumstance, distance or time it takes for God to fulfill His promises. This legacy of faith was passed from father to son , culminating in Abraham's great-grandson, Joseph. Joseph had risen from slave to ruler of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. But decades passed, Joseph died and the tide of favor faded . "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph." Acts 7:17-18 (ESV) The new Pharoah oppressed the people of Israel, made them slaves , forcing the abortion at birth of all Israeli male infants. (Exodus 1) This was the fulfillment of God's warning to Abraham: "God spoke to this effect...that his offspring would be sojourners i...

Worship and Prophecy Many Christians, as well as the world, believe that the word "prophecy" means only one thing: foretelling the future . Prophecy in our society forms headlines in tabloids and newstands. Palm readers and fortune tellers advertise in newspapers and the internet. Doomsday prophets are discredited every year . But the Bible describes prophecy as a gift of God , meant for the building up, encouragement and consolation of Christians. How can we reconcile the tawdry, false image of prophecy in our society, with the high place of honor in which Scripture places it? Does prophecy always mean foretelling the future? Can prophecy be communicated in ways other than by preaching or speaking? Overview Essential facts about inspired, genuine prophecy : Prophecy is one of four types of inspired communication: Prophecy, Revelation, Knowledge and Teaching. Prophecy can mean to speak OR sing by inspiration. Prophecy communicates truth, whether in pred...