Reflections On Isaiah Chapter 59
Today, we study the Book of Isaiah Chapter Fifty-Nine, where separation from God as a result of INIQUITIES is emphasized.
Key Scripture
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it can not save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it can not hear.
But your iniquities have SEPARATED you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear” (Is 59:1-2)
Reflections
“Separated From God”
The Bible describes sin as a rebellion against God, and the consequences of sin include:
The Soul That Sins Shall Die
Because God is holy, He can not behold iniquity – Hence, the soul that sins shall DIE
(Ezekiel 18:20)
The Way Of The Transgressor Is Hard
Sin can take a physical toll on our body, affecting our blood pressure, sleeping patterns, or destroying our body.
Indeed, the way of the transgressor is HARD!
(Proverbs 13:15)
Emotional Turmoil
Sin can also result in emptiness, hopelessness, and brokenness.
Mercy At Work!
Almighty God mercifully solved the Sin Question by GIVING JESUS – His only begotten son, who died for our sins and fulfilled the requirements of JUSTICE!
Confess & Repent!
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our SINS and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:8-9)
Prayer
Father, we thank you for your mercy.
We pray that you grant us a HUMBLE & REPENTANT HEART in the Name of Jesus.
(Psalms 51:17). AMEN.
Thoughts on Isaiah 60
Isaiah 60:1-3 is a prophetic passage filled with hope and divine assurance, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s glory in the lives of His people. Here’s an exposition:
In verse 1 there is a call to action for God’s people. To “arise” signifies stepping out of passivity, darkness, or despair into a new season of divine empowerment.
The command to “shine” reflects the manifestation of God’s presence and glory in their lives. The phrase “your light has come” points to the fulfillment of God’s promises, with the “light” symbolizing God’s salvation, truth, and righteousness through Jesus Christ (John 8:12).
His glory, which is His divine presence and favor, has been bestowed upon His people, making them reflectors of His light to the world.
In verse 2, the prophet acknowledges the reality of global and spiritual darkness. The “darkness” represents sin, ignorance, confusion, and the brokenness of humanity.
Despite this, God promises that His presence will shine over His people, distinguishing them in the midst of chaos.
The contrast between the surrounding darkness and God’s glory highlights the transformative impact of His light, ensuring that His people stand as beacons of hope, peace, and salvation.
Verse 3 speaks of the universal appeal and reach of God’s glory upon His people. “Gentiles” (non-Israelites) represent the nations of the world, while “kings” signify leaders and influencers.
The “light” of God’s glory, evident in His people’s lives, will attract others, leading to salvation, unity, and reverence for God.
This foreshadows the global impact of Christ’s ministry and the spread of the gospel (Matthew 5:14-16). It is a call for God’s people to live in a way that draws others to Him.
Application for Today
Personal Revival: Believers are called to rise from spiritual slumber and embrace the identity and mission God has given them.
Living as Light: Christians are to reflect God’s glory in their lives, influencing their communities with love, truth, and righteousness.
Hope Amid Darkness: Even in times of global turmoil and despair, God’s promises assure believers of His protection, favor, and purpose.
Evangelism and Influence: The passage emphasizes the responsibility of believers to attract others to God through their transformed lives, leading to the expansion of His kingdom.
This passage serves as both an encouragement and a commission for believers to live in the power and glory of God’s presence, becoming His light in a dark world.
Thoughts On Isaiah 61
Isaiah 61:11 NKJV
“For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations”.
Isaiah 61:11 compares the natural process of growth in nature to the spiritual work of God among His people. Here’s an explanation:
The verse begins with a comparison to how the earth naturally brings forth its buds and how a garden causes seeds to sprout. This imagery highlights:
1. Just as plants grow when conditions are right, so will God’s purposes come to fruition.
2. A garden is cultivated and cared for, symbolizing God’s intentional work in nurturing His people.
The second part of the verse shifts to the spiritual work of God:
1. God’s righteousness—His justice, holiness, and salvation—will be made evident. It will “spring forth” as something vibrant and undeniable.
2. This is the natural response to God’s work. As He blesses and restores His people, they will praise Him, and this worship will testify to all nations.
Global Significance – the phrase “before all the nations” emphasizes that God’s work is not confined to Israel but is meant to be a testimony to the entire world. It foreshadows the universal nature of salvation and the coming of Christ, through whom righteousness is extended to all people.
Isaiah 61:11 is a promise of hope and restoration. We are encouraged to trust that God is at work in our lives, cultivating righteousness and enabling us to bear fruit. Our lives, like a flourishing garden, can reflect God’s glory, drawing others to Him.
Just as seeds take time to grow, God’s plans unfold in their due season. As believers, we must remain steadfast, trusting in God’s faithfulness to bring about His purposes in our lives and throughout the world.
