DAY 19: Isaiah 19

Day 19

Concerning Egypt: Ch 19

This chapter can be divided into 2 sections. The first, verses 1-15, depicts the judgment which will come from the Lord against Egypt. As we look through this section, what particular parts of Egypt does the Lord target? How is this similar to what the Lord does to Egypt during the Exodus?

The second section, verses 16-25, look forward to a day when things will be different in the land of Egypt. How will things change in Egypt? How is this similar to the way Israel was supposed to worship the Lord/how they worshipped the Lord?

As we look across this whole chapter, what picture do we get of the Lord and His sovereignty?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He can turn even enemies into worshipers; thank Him that His salvation reaches the ends of the earth.

2. Pray for new Growth Group leaders to be identified, trained and encouraged so that the Growth Group ministry can expand to include more people.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 18: Isaiah 18

Day 18

Emissaries from Cush: Ch 18

During the time of Isaiah preaching, there was a move by the nations surrounding Judah to put together an anti-Assyrian alliance between the states in Palestine, Egypt and the Ethiopians (Cush). This is why the envoys, in the opening verses, come from Cush. This oracle is spoken for Hezekiah and his court who would have been approached by these envoys.

What will happen to the rebellion against Assyria? How will God bring this about?

The envoys appear in the last verse, how is this different from the way they came to Judah at the start of the chapter?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He works in His perfect timing to accomplish His purposes among the nations. Give thanks that peoples from distant lands will come bearing gifts to honor the Lord.

2. Pray for our Seniors to persevere in trusting in Jesus and in loving his people. Pray that we might encourage our seniors in Christ and thoughtfully include them in church ministry and community.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 17: Isaiah 17

Day 17

Against Damascus: Ch 17

We now turn to the north of Judah, to Syria (whose capital is Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim). There is more to this oracle than just judgment; we see both judgment and repentance.

What does this judgment which has come upon Syria and Israel look like?

What is the repentance of the people like? How does the attitude of the people change?

How does the Lord fit into this?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that judgment leads people to look to their Maker and turn to the Holy One of Israel. Give thanks that through trials, hearts can be turned back to worship the true God.

2. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley: Ask God to provide a language helper and more gospel partners.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 16: Isaiah 16

Day 16

Moabites Flee Judgement: Ch 16

The people of Moab have been fleeing from the judgment which has come upon them (15:5-7). They now appeal to the people of Judah for refuge and protection, they do this on the basis of previously being part of the kingdom under David.

What is the image of Moab that we get in this passage?

How does this add to the picture we have in chapter 15?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He provides refuge for those who flee to Him in times of trouble. Give thanks that His throne is established in lovingkindness and faithful judgment.

2. Pray for more musicians to serve us as we worship God each week.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 15: Isaiah 15

Day 15

A Lament for Moab: Ch 15

The lament is raised for Moab, who are to the east of Judah. The cry and wail comes up across the country of Moab from the north to the south (all the locations mentioned are from all parts of the country). This lament probably concerns a period of time when the Moabites joined with other nations in rebellion against the Assyrians.

What is this judgment like?

How is the tone of this lament different to the judgments which have come before?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that even in judgment, He shows compassion and grieves over the suffering of people. Give thanks that His heart is moved with mercy even toward those who oppose Him.

2. Pray for UQES: Pray for those reading the Bible with unbelievers to persevere and bear fruit.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 14: Isaiah 14

Day 14

Judah Taunts Babylon; Assyria and the Philistines Judged: Ch 14

The Lord will show compassion to his people Israel, He will settle them back into their own land and they will bring with them people from other nations. As they do this they will take up a taunt against Babylon (v3-23). How does this add to what we saw in the previous chapter?

As we read through the oracles against Assyria and the Philistines, what do we learn about the Lord’s sovereignty?

What do these oracles show about what was happening in the nations surrounding Judah during the time that Isaiah was preaching?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He will bring rest and renewal to His people; thank Him that He brings down the arrogant and lifts up the humble.

2. Pray that we might truly relate to one another as family, that we might care for, and partner together as parts of the same body. Pray that visitors might know that we are disciples of Jesus by the way we love one another.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 13: Isaiah 13

SECTION 2: THE LORD OF THE NATIONS

Day 13

Babylon: Ch 13

Our new section opens with Isaiah being given an oracle concerning the Babylonians. This starts a series of oracles that goes for the next 10 chapters concerning all the nations surrounding Judah and Judah itself. As we work through these chapters we need to keep asking ourselves; what does this show us about the Lord and His sovereignty? And what does this show us about the Lord’s judgment?

In this chapter, what does the Lord say will happen to Babylon?

What do we learn about the day of the Lord and from this chapter, what will it be like?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He is Lord over all nations and holds them accountable for their actions. Give thanks that the Day of the Lord will bring perfect justice and establish His righteous rule.

2. Pray for J&R: Ask God to sustain local leaders facing opposition and spiritual challenges.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 12: Isaiah 12

Day 12

Praise the Lord: Ch 12

As we come to the end of the first section of Isaiah we also come to its climax with 2 short songs praising the Lord which follow on from chapter 11. Both of these songs are sung as personal songs of praise to the Lord. How do these songs fit with what we have already seen in Isaiah so far?

As you read these songs, how do they apply to us as Christians in our post-cross world?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He is our salvation and strength, the source of our joy and confidence. Give thanks that we can draw water from the wells of salvation and proclaim His deeds among all peoples.

2. We have a goal to see 60% of our church family serving in a range of ministries by year’s end. Pray that God would raise up over 100 new people to serve at church this year—for the good of the church and the glory of Christ.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 11: Isaiah 11

Day 11

The Shoot from Jesse’s Stump: Ch 11

Today we come across the promise of a great leader who will come from the stump of Jesse (that is the house of David). This leader will be unlike any other leader who has come before him. How is this leader described?

What will this leader become for Israel and the nations around Israel?

How do we see this fulfilled in the NT? What are we still awaiting from this chapter?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God for Jesus, the shoot from Jesse's stump, who rules with perfect righteousness and justice. Give thanks that through Him, the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth as waters cover the sea.

2. Ask God to strengthen Linda McKerrell's connections with her supporting churches.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 10: Isaiah 10:5-34

Day 10

Assyria in God’s Hands: Ch 10:5-34

In this chapter, we see Assyria very much at the centre of the action as the Lord uses them for his own purposes and as well as judging them.

How does the Lord plan to use Assyria?

Why does the Lord judge Assyria for their actions?

We also see Israel in this chapter fairly prominently. We see that there will be a remnant of Israel which will turn back to the Lord, yet at the same time the Lord carry out the destruction that he has decreed on the whole Land. How are the people who live in Zion to feel towards the Assyrians?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God for His absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers throughout history. Give thanks that He preserves a remnant and that those who trust in Him need not fear worldly powers.

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: People across the region are in shock after the earthquake in Myanmar. Pray for those grieving in Myanmar to find comfort in Christ.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 9: Isaiah 9 - 10:4

Day 9

Light Shines into the Darkness and the Lord’s Anger: Ch 9 - 10:4

Our passage today opens with the promise of a great light which will come into the world.

As we read through verses 1-7, how do we see this fulfilled in the NT? From this promise what do you think the Jews would have expected the Messiah to be like?

We then turn back to what was happening in and around Judah, and the judgment which the Lord will bring about. How do the images that we have in 9:8-10:4 build upon all that we have read in this section of Isaiah?

There is a repeated refrain (v12, 17, 21 and 10:4), what does this refrain add to the description of judgment?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God for the great light that has shone on those walking in darkness through Jesus Christ. Give thanks for the Prince of Peace whose government and peace will never end.

2. Give thanks for those that help us to get into and understand God’s Word. Pray that as we gather around the Word on Sundays and at Growth Groups that we would be growing in faith and love.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 8: Isaiah 8

Day 8

The Darkness Closes In: Ch 8

Chapter 8 follows on from the encounter between Isaiah and Ahaz, speaking figuratively about what is happening in Judah.

What picture do we get with regards to what is coming for the people of Judah in v1-10?

In verse 11, Isaiah is told “not to follow the way of this people”. What will it be like for this people?

What is the contrast drawn between Isaiah and his disciples compared to the rest of the people (v16-22)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:

1. Praise God that He is our refuge and sanctuary even when darkness surrounds us. Give thanks that we can wait for the Lord and put our hope in Him when others stumble.

2. Pray for the Frasers: Give thanks for Cece and Freddy, and pray for gospel-shaped parenting.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 7: Isaiah 7

Day 7

Immanuel: Ch 7

We now come to a chapter consisting mostly of prose as the kings of Syria and Israel assemble to fight against the kingdom of Judah. Judah is led by Ahaz who refuses to join in Syria and Israel’s opposition to the Assyrians (v1-2). The rest of the chapter is dominated by the encounter between Isaiah and Ahaz.

What is the message that Isaiah gives Ahaz? How should Ahaz have reacted to this message?

What does the Lord say will happen because of the faithlessness of Ahaz and Judah? How is this fulfilled (think both in the short term and the long)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His faithfulness in giving the sign of Immanuel - "God with us." Give thanks that this promise was perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Savior.

2. Give thanks for new members. Pray that God would grow our church not just in numbers of people in the building, but of people coming to trust in Jesus and live lives shaped by the gospel in community with the Body of Christ.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 6: Isaiah 6

Day 6

Isaiah’s Calling: Ch 6

Unlike many of the other prophets the calling of Isaiah comes well into the Book of Isaiah, giving his calling a central position in the first section. It is worth looking at 2 aspects of what happens here.

First, what is the image that we get of the Lord? How does Isaiah see himself in relation to the Lord?

And secondly, what is the message that the Lord has given Isaiah to preach? How does this relate to what we have already read in Isaiah?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1.Praise God for His holiness that fills the temple and causes the seraphim to cry "Holy, holy, holy!" Give thanks that He cleanses our lips and calls us to serve Him despite our unworthiness.

2. Give thanks for our NCK & NCY leaders. Pray that they might keep growing in their love for Jesus and in their love for sharing him with the next generation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 5: Isaiah 5

Day 5

The Lord’s Vineyard: Ch 5

Isaiah opens this chapter with a song about the vineyard of the Lord (v1-7). What picture of Judah do we get from this song?

Verses 8-25 goes through a series of 6 woes spelling out the ‘bad fruit’ that Judah has been producing. What kind of picture do we get of what is occurring in Judah around Isaiah?

What is the final image in this chapter (v26-30)? What can we expect to happen to Judah in the future (from Isaiah’s point of view)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His patience and care in tending His vineyard, providing everything needed in Christ for good fruit. Give thanks that even when we fail Him, His sovereignty ensures His purposes will be accomplished.

2. Give thanks for the growth we have experienced at Ann St and the impetus this provides for church planting.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 4: Isaiah 4:2-6

Day 4

Beyond Judgement: Ch 4:2-6

Although this is a short reading it is jam packed with wonderful images of what will come when the Lord has judged his people.

There are 4 major images including, the branch of the Lord, a fruitful land, the holy city and a canopy of glory. What do each of these images show about what the Day of the Lord will look like? And how do these images relate to other parts of the Bible (in particular consider the Exodus and the use of the branch in the NT)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1.Praise God for the promise of the Branch of the Lord who will bring beauty and glory being fulfilled. Give thanks that He will make His people holy and dwell among them with His protective presence.

2. Pray that we might welcome newcomers and warmly include them in church ministries and relationships

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 3: Isaiah 3-4:1

Day 3

Poor Leadership and the Lord’s Judgement: Ch 3-4:1

In this chapter the Lord is pictured in two ways, firstly, as a warrior (v1 RSV translates it as ‘Lord of Hosts’ where hosts means armies) and secondly in v13, as the judge presiding over a court.

In verses 1-12, what picture do we get about what is happening in Jerusalem? What is the leadership like?

In the second half of this chapter, we see the judgment that the Lord will bring on the leaders (v13-15) and their wives (3:16-4:1). Why would the Lord judge both the leaders and their wives? What is the connection between the leaders and their wives?

NB: It is worth noting the glimmer of hope for the righteous amongst what is happening in v3:10

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that He is the righteous Judge who sees all injustice and will hold leaders accountable. Give thanks that even in judgment, there is hope for the righteous who trust in Him.

2. Pray for Taste & See that will run again next Term. Pray for good relational connection, honest questions and clear gospel presentation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 2: Isaiah 2

Day 2

The day and the mountain of the LORD: Chapter 2

There are 2 major images that we get today which look forward to the last days. First, we have the mountain of the Lord. What will happen at the mountain of the Lord in the last days?

The second image we have is that of the day in which the Lord will judge. What are the people like? What do they trust in?

What will this day be like? What will happen?

In both of these images what do we learn about the Lord in regard to His actions/words and how people will view Him?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His promise that all nations will stream to His mountain in the last days. Give thanks that the Lord will judge with perfect justice and bring lasting peace where swords become plowshares.

2. Pray for a Culture of Gospel-Driven Service: Ask that more people in our church would see serving not as a task to complete, but as a joyful response to the grace of Jesus—an overflow of worship and love for others.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 1: Introduction and Isaiah 1

INTRODUCTION

‘They have forsaken the Lord;
They have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.’
(Isaiah 1:4b)

This verse from the first chapter sums up the problem that the book of Isaiah is all about. The people of both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) have rejected the Lord and chosen to follow other gods and to not put their trust in him. The question for Isaiah becomes, how can the Holy One of Israel dwell with a rebellious people?

As we read prophesy we should also be asking ourselves the question how does the Lord fulfill his promises in the short term, in the New Testament? And how will he fulfill them in the future?

These notes and prayer suggestions are designed to help you to read through the Bible in your own time. The studies are designed to take about 15mins to complete depending on the passage. It is best to read the passage first and then read the notes and questions. There are 43 readings in this series, depending on how many you do each week it should take you about 2 months to complete.

Context

As we read any book of the Bible it is important that we understand the context in which the book was written. This is particularly important as we read prophesy in the OT. This helps us to understand both what is being said in the book and to whom.

Isaiah was written during the reigns of the kings Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, you can read about these kings in 2 Kings 15-20 and also 2 Chronicles 26-32. The book of Isaiah covers a period of about 40 years from late in Uzziah’s reign to late in Hezekiah’s reign (about 740-700BC).

During this time, Judah had been prosperous under King Uzziah and had for some time enjoyed some level of peace in the region. But Assyria to the north began to reassert its control over the region. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) tried to shake off the control of the Assyrians along with other surrounding nations with the support of Egypt. Because of this, the Assyrians destroyed Israel and carried them off into exile scattering them among the other nations. This also led to the crisis during the reign of Hezekiah, when Sennacherib invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. It was into this difficult situation in which Judah found itself, and Isaiah spoke his words of prophesy.

Map of Assyria during the time of Sennacherib

Note: Notice how dominant the Assyrians were?

SECTION 1 THE LORD IS KING

Day 1

Isaiah’s Vision: Chapter 1

The opening chapter of Isaiah sets out a great vision in which all the Heavens and the Earth are to listen to what the Lord is saying (v2). This vision in the first chapter sets out what the rest of Isaiah is going to be about.

How are the people of the Lord described in this chapter? Who are they like? What things are they doing?

What is the offer that is made to the people of Israel by the Lord (v18-20)? How is it received? What will the Lord do?

The Lord (described as the Holy One of Israel v4) is one of the major themes of the book of Isaiah. The Lord is contrasted with his people, which leaves us with the question that occupies the rest of Isaiah, how can a Holy God dwell with a sinful people?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray that Ann Street Presbyterian will be a church that united in Christ, that we will be like minded having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose and in humility, considering others better than ourselves.

2. Pray for wisdom as Linda McKerrell plans the mission exposure trip with OMF and Ann Street.

3. Good News Week with Glen Scrivener is not far away (August 10-17). Think of 3 people in your life who don't know Jesus and pray for courage to invite them to one of our GNW events with Glen.