Christ's Life Prior to His Ministry I: Sections 3 & 4

Section 3: Matthew 1:1-17--Christ's genealogy through Joseph

There are 3 groupings of 14 generations---thus 42 generations from Abraham to Christ.  Matthew's audience was Jewish, thus one of his primary goals was to show the connection and fulfillment of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenant through Jesus.  Matthew's lineage traces it through his father Joseph.

Some insights into Matthew's genealogy paraphrased from the BKC:

He chose to trace it through Joseph, Jesus' legal father.  This emphasized Christ's legal right to the throne.

He includes 5 women in the genealogy--Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.

There were more generations perhaps, but Jewish genealogy did not require the inclusion of all.

"Matthew’s genealogy answered the important question a Jew would rightfully ask about anyone who claimed to be King of the Jews. Is He a descendant of David through the rightful line of succession? Matthew answered yes!" -BKC

 Section 4: Luke 3: 23-38--Christ's genealogy through Joseph

Luke does not begin his gospel with the genealogy; instead, he introduces this component after the birth narrative, at the beginning of the public ministry period of his life. Scholarly consensus suggests that Luke traces the genealogy through Mary's line here even though she is not explicitly mentioned.  The other possibility is that he is tracing Joseph's line but through a different path than Matthew.

Whereas Matthew's genealogy traces to Abraham as its beginning, Luke's traces back to Adam, described as "the son of God."  Luke emphasizes the connection here between Christ and man, fully human. Tracing it back to Adam and God also expresses the universal application of the gospel to all of humanity, not exclusively the Jews.

"Luke 3:23-38 list 76 names including Jesus and Adam and excluding God. Contrary to Matthew’s genealogy, Luke’s genealogy begins with Jesus and works back to God. Matthew began with Abraham and worked forward to Jesus in three sets of 14 generations. Other differences exist between the two genealogies. Luke included 20 names prior to Abraham, and he stated that Adam was “the son of God.” -BK

Luke relates that Jesus was "the supposed" son of Joseph because he was not his biological son.

The difference between the two genealogies is best viewed through the different purposes and lenses for which they crafted their lists.  Matthew emphasizes Jesus's legal and covenantal  connection back to Abraham. Luke emphasizes Christ's human connection back to Adam as the son of God.

Is Love Enough?

 Love as a Watermark of Birth

This birth, "becoming sons of God" is characterized by love for one's brothers:

1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Of God (ek tou theou). Even human love comes from God, “a reflection of something in the Divine nature itself” (Brooke). John repeats the old commandment of 1Jn_2:7. Persistence in loving (present tense agapōmen indicative and agapōn participle) is proof that one “has been begotten of God” (ek tou theou gegennētai as in 1Jn_2:29) and is acquainted with God. Otherwise mere claim to loving God accompanied by hating one’s brother is a lie (1 Jn_2:9-11). -RWP

I've seen this verse tossed around a good bit by marginally aware Christians.  My gut is that they are drawn to the part about "whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."   The quick conclusion could be "Great, I love people, got it all covered.  Love people, love God," as if this were a qualification of eternal life in Heaven apart from belief in Christ. 

However, reading the commentary above, it seems the love is evidence, not cause of relationship.   And it is "persistence is loving," a bit more demanding.  What does he mean here?  I don't feel like wrestling with John this morning, but suspect that's where this is headed.

The philosophy of the true knowledge of God. “Everyone that loveth, knoweth God.” Not in creeds but through love shall come true knowledge of God. -B.J. Snell, BI

The BKC rightly points to the larger context of this conclusion--the continuance of this thought which was introduced in 1 John 2:

"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."   1 John 2:3-6

Notice that casual Christians do not pull this verse often, but I think it's significant that knowing Him is also linked to keeping His commandments.  Also, notice that the knowing is followed by the commandment keeping, not evidenced by.   Further powerful is the connection in the next verse that "whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected."

So, now we have this order:

1. It starts with knowing God.
2. This knowing is evidenced by keeping His commandments--with the strong qualification that a person is a liar if they say they know God and do not keep his commandments.
3. Most beautifully---"whoever keeps his word, in him him truly the love of God is perfected."

Clearly the following of the commandments and the love are evidences of the "knowing God" and not the other way around.  This frees both the legalists and the humanists.   The legalists are free to follow the commands as a result of the knowing, not in order to know.  The humanists are free to love incompletely because the love is a result of the relationship and not another form of works.

Some further insights from the BKC:

Love stems from a regenerate nature and also from fellowship with God which issues in knowing Him (see 1Jn_2:3-5). The absence of love is evidence that a person does not know God. Significantly, John did not say such a person is not born of God. In the negative statement only the last part of the positive one (in 1Jn_4:7) is repeated. Since God is love, intimate acquaintance with Him will produce love. Like light (1Jn_1:5), love is intrinsic to the character and nature of God, and one who is intimately acquainted with God walks in His light (1Jn_1:7).

Christ's Life Prior to His Ministry I: Sections 1 & 2

Luke 1:1-4
Luke dedicated Acts and Luke to Theophilus, of whom not much is know except is was Greek and of a high official rank. Luke's preface, reassures all who seek hard evidence, facts.  His account promises to be faithful, to the documentation and first-hand experiences:

The careful language of Luke here really pays a tribute to those who had preceded him in their narratives concerning Christ.-Robertson's Word Pictures

The certainty (tēn asphaleian). Make no slip (sphallō, to totter or fall, and a privative). Luke promises a reliable narrative. “Theophilus shall know that the faith which he has embraced has an impregnable historical foundation” -Plummer cited RWP

 This Preface by Luke is in splendid literary Koiné and is not surpassed by those in any Greek writer (Herodotus, Thucydides, Polybius). It is entirely possible that Luke was familiar with this habit of Greek historians to write prefaces since he was a man of culture. -RWP

Koine Greek was a common form of Greek dialect.  It was used in most of the NT and early Christian writings and is still the liturgical language of the Greek Orthodox Church.

John 1:1-18

In the past, I've thought of John as more "big picture" mystical, free-wheeling in contrast to Luke's meticulous doctor-like approach.  However, reading through Robertson's Word Pictures for the beginning verses of John, it's evident that John was quite careful in his word choice, refuting bad schools of thought and understanding very intentionally.  He was precise in his globalism:

There is no argument here to prove the existence of God any more than in Genesis. It is simply assumed. Either God exists and is the Creator of the universe as scientists like Eddington and Jeans assume or matter is eternal or it has come out of nothing.-RWP

The power that creates and sustains life in the universe is the Logos. This is what Paul means by the perfect passive verb ektistai (stands created) in Col_1:16. This is also the claim of Jesus to Martha (Joh_11:25). This is the idea in Heb_1:3 “bearing (upholding) the all things by the word of his power.” -RWP

"The Word (ho logos). Logos is from legō, old word in Homer to lay by, to collect, to put words side by side, to speak, to express an opinion. Logos is common for reason as well as speech. Heraclitus used it for the principle which controls the universe. The Stoics employed it for the soul of the world (anima mundi) and Marcus Aurelius used spermatikos logos for the generative principle in nature." -RWP? or BI?

The Concept of Life in Christ

Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

In him was life (en autōi zōē ēn). That which has come into being (Joh_1:3) in the Logos was life. The power that creates and sustains life in the universe is the Logos. This is what Paul means by the perfect passive verb ektistai (stands created) in Col_1:16. This is also the claim of Jesus to Martha (Joh_11:25). This is the idea in Heb_1:3 “bearing (upholding) the all things by the word of his power.”


The Concept of Light and Darkness

"The Gnostics often employed these words and John takes them and puts them in the proper place."
-RWP

Joh 1:5  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Shineth (phainei). Linear present active indicative of phainō, old verb from phaō, to shine (phaos, phōs). “The light keeps on giving light.” -RWP

What a beautiful tense---progressively "keeping on giving light," in contrast to the shadow.

In the darkness (en tēi skotiāi). Late word for the common skotos (kin to skia, shadow).

The imagery here reminds me of James 1: 17:

"Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning."


More on Light

John 1:9  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Lighteth every man (phōtizei panta anthrōpon). Old verb (from phōs) to give light as in Rev_22:5; Luk_11:35.  -RWP

Revelation 22:5  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

On "Becoming Flesh"

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

One is at liberty to see an allusion to the birth narratives in Mat_1:16-25; Luk_1:28-38, if he wishes, since John clearly had the Synoptics before him and chiefly supplemented them in his narrative. In fact, one is also at liberty to ask what intelligent meaning can one give to John’s language here apart from the Virgin Birth? What ordinary mother or father ever speaks of a child “becoming flesh”? -RWP

1. Where was Jesus in the beginning?
In the beginning, Jesus was with God (v1).

2. What part did Jesus have in the Creation?
All things were made through Him (v3).

Christ as the Creator

1 Corinthians 8:6 We have only one God, and he is the Father. He created everything, and we live for him. Jesus Christ is our only Lord. Everything was made by him, and by him life was given to us.

1Co 8:6  yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; and one Lord, Yeshua the Messiah, through whom were created all things and through whom we have our being. -CJB

John 1: 10  He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.

The language here is nearly as wonderful as the thought. Observe its compact simplicity, its sonorousness—"the world" resounding in each of its three members—and the enigmatic form in which it is couched, startling the reader and setting his ingenuity a-working to solve the stupendous enigma of Christ ignored in His own world.  -JFB

Col 1:17  He existed before all things, and he holds everything together. Col 1:18  Also he is head of the Body, the Messianic Community—he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might hold first place in everything.

 The third characteristic of Christ is that by Him all things were created. In fact all things were created by Him (di’ autou, instrumental Cause) and for Him (eis auton, final Cause), and in Him (en autō) they hold together (He is the constituting or conserving Cause). Christ is not only the One through whom all things came to be, but also the One by whom they continue to exist. Two other New Testament verses parallel this description of Christ: “Through Him all things were made” (Joh_1:3), and Christ the Son is the One “through whom [the Father] made the universe” (Heb_1:2). The Father, then, is the ultimate Source (efficient Cause), and the Son is the mediating Cause of the world. The Son was the “master Workman” of Creation, “the beginning (archē) of the Creation of God” (Rev 3:14 2, NASB).

The Son’s Creation includes “all” things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. These indicate the entire universe, both material and immaterial. The hierarchy of angelic beings - thrones (thronoi) or powers (kyriotētes) or rulers (archai) or authorities (exousiai) - indicate a highly organized dominion in the spirit world, a sphere in which the Colossians were engaged in the worship of angels (Col_2:18) and over which Christ reigns supreme (cf. Eph_1:21; Eph_3:10; Eph_6:12; Php_2:9-10; Col_2:10, Col_2:15).

Paul goes to great lengths to emphasize that all things were created through Christ, whether things in heaven, or things on earth. This leaves no loopholes for anyone to suggest that although He created some things, He Himself was created originally. -BB

He is the beginning. We understand this to mean the beginning of the new creation (see Rev_3:14), the source of spiritual life. This is further explained by the use of the expression the firstborn from the dead. Here again we must be careful to emphasize that this does not mean that the Lord Jesus was the first to rise from the dead. There were cases of resurrection in the OT as well as in the NT. But the Lord Jesus was the first to rise from the dead to die no more, He was the first to rise with a glorified body, and He rose as the Head of a new creation. His resurrection is unique, and is the pledge that all who trust in Him will also rise. It proclaims Him as supreme in the spiritual creation.-BB

Heb 1:2  But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son.

To begin with (Heb_1:2), the Son is the designated Heir of all things. This is obviously as it should be since He is also their Maker - the One through whom He made the universe (tous aiōnas, lit., “the ages,” also rendered “the universe” in Heb_11:3). The reference to the Son’s heirship anticipates the thought of His future reign, of which the writer will say much.-BKC

3. For what purpose was John the Baptist sent?

• He was sent from God (v6)
• He came as a witness to the light (v7)

In SUM:

1. Jesus is Co-Creator of all visible and invisible.
2. Jesus sustains the creation, today.
3. Jesus is the 1st born of the new creation.

4. Of whom is it said "He was in the world...and the world did not know Him"?  Why was this said about Him?

It was said of Christ---because the world (the religious leaders, the Jews, even his own disciples) did not recognize who He was.

5. What did Jesus give to those who "received Him"?  What does that mean?

John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

He gave them power "to become the sons of God." or more correctly "children of God," which is a mammoth concept to unpack.  John elaborates that these are "born of God," in contrast to being born of "blood, or the will of the flesh or the will of man." (v13)

There is a progress of thought in the three following clauses, describing the proper origin of a believer's new life. Children of God are begotten, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man. “The new birth is not brought about by descent, by desire, or by human power” (Westcott)  -Vincent's Word Studies

The efforts and exertions of our own human hearts and natures may reform, but can not regenerate, the life--Jn 3:6--Fourfold Gospel

6. What comparisons did John the Baptist make between himself and Jesus?

John says that Christ "ranks before me" because he precedes him (v 15).


7. In contrast to the law given through Moses, what is said to have come through Jesus Christ?

Grace and truth

It is grace in contrast with law as Paul sets forth in Galatians and Romans. Paul had made grace “a Christian commonplace” (Bernard) before John wrote. It is truth as opposed to Gnostic and all other heresy as Paul shows in Colossians and Ephesians. The two words aptly describe two aspects of the Logos and John drops the use of Logos and charis, but clings to alētheia (see Joh_8:32 for the freedom brought by truth), though the ideas in these three words run all through his Gospel. -RWP

The glory of Christ was not in pomp and worldly grandeur, but in the holiness, grace, and truth of his daily life.-Fourfold Gospel     

My New Study: The Fourfold Gospel

Moving on from Isaiah, it makes sense to go back to the New Testament, and the gospels specifically.  I haven't done a strong comparative study of the gospels since college--1989-1990--when I wasn't a Christian.   After some research, I discovered The Fourfold Gospel published in 1918 by J.W. McGarvey.  It combines the four gospels so that they are chronologically interwoven with each other.

More perhaps later, but for today, this is where I'm headed

Ending Isaiah

I wish the last lines of Isaiah were not so grim:

"My people will go out and look at the dead bodies of those who turned against me. The worms there never die, the fire never stops burning, and the sight of those bodies will be disgusting to everyone." Isa 66:24

But, we are to receive the Word with reverence and thought, not change it to suit our preferences. 

I've been in Isaiah since mid November--it's now mid February--3 months of Isaiah.  A rich journey, I've come away with many "old" favorite verses fresh in my mind and new things to ponder.

The biggest realization I've had is the crazy extent to which Jesus pulls from and references Isaiah.  Or, as Briggs prefers to put it, the extent to which Isaiah pulls from Jesus.  Either way, many of the seeds of Jesus' parables and principles are sprinkled throughout Isaiah.  Here are two fresh on my mind, but there are many more:

• The strong emphasis on the quality of a man's thought life--not just his actions.  I knew this was touched upon in the Old Testament, but thought Christ was the first to draw that distinction so strongly.  Actually, the thought issue goes all the way back to Noah.

"...their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity." Isaiah 59:7

• Isaiah references and anticipates God as Father in these verses, a perspective that I thought began first with Christ:
  
  "Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting." Isaiah 63:16

"But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." Isaiah 64:8

•  The idea of thirst and everlasting water which Jesus brings up with the woman at the well:

If you are thirsty, come and drink water! If you don't have any money, come, eat what you want! Drink wine and milk without paying a cent.  Why waste your money on what really isn't food? Why work hard for something that doesn't satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods. Pay close attention! Come to me and live. I will promise you the eternal love and loyalty that I promised David. Isaiah 55:1-3

Painted image of Jesus reading from Isaiah

• Isaiah anticipates Jesus' wheat/tares parable with this grape imagery:

Isa 65:8  Here is what the LORD says: A cluster of grapes that produces wine is worth keeping! So, because of my servants, I won't destroy everyone. Isiah 65:8

Again though, this concept goes back to Abraham--ever since and including Abraham, God has chosen to work with a remnant, to preserve a remnant.  In this sense, Christ's ministry is broader, though there is still a divisive split. 

I always knew that Isaiah foreshadowed the events of Christ's life quite heavily; my newer revelation is the extent to which Christ's philosophy and perspective toward many things is anticipated in Isaiah.  If I had weeks to pull out as the examples, I would---would probably have to go back and re-read the whole thing again with an eye to document just that.

In some regards, Isaiah is just as I remembered it--full of sweeping imagery, promises you long to curl up and rest in, "those who wait upon the Lord...." "I am the potter and you are the clay"  "a new Heaven and new Earth...the former will not come to mind..."

Yet, Isaiah never lets us curl up.  Instead we also have to take in the kings on the beds of maggots, the waywardness of His people, the worms and the fire at the end.

How does one reconcile these facets of our Father? It's never clean.    I can hold His great mercy in one hand, his perfect justice in the other.  I know both are true and lovely.  What I don't know is how they reconcile themselves and become something beyond them.

Isa 61:8  I, the LORD, love justice! But I hate robbery and injustice. My people, I solemnly promise to reward you with an eternal agreement.

Isa 61:11  The LORD will bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth, like flowers blooming in a garden.

I know God's plans are perfect and beyond me.  I know mercy triumphs over justice.  That verse in particular guides my heart and actions when the way seems hazy.  Mercy wins.

When Paul talks in 1 Corinthians about seeing God someday face-to-face it reminds me of this passage in Isaiah:

"Though Adonai may give you but bread and water, and not very much of that; your teacher will no longer hide himself, but with your own eyes you will see your teacher."  Isaiah 30:20

This time through Isaiah has been my favorite time thus far---the connections between Isaiah and Jesus, the New Testament and Old are in themselves, deeply reassuring.

Isaiah, Week 12, Days 5 & 6: Isaiah 63-66

Day Five: Read Isaiah 63-64

1. What is the answer to the question in 63:1? I thought it would be The Messiah, Jesus, but the commentary below asserts it is Jehovah specifically.

The solitary Figure who speaks in Isa_63:3-6 is not the servant of the Lord, or the Messiah, but Jehovah Himself (comp the parallel, Isa_59:16); the blood which reddens His garments is expressly said to be that of His enemies; and the “winepress” is no emblem of the spiritual sufferings endured by our Lord, but of the “fierceness and wrath of Almighty God’ (Rev_19:15) towards the adversaries of His Kingdom. While it is true that the judgment is the prelude to the redemption of Israel, the passage before us exhibits only the judicial aspect of the Divine dealings, and it is not permissible to soften the terrors of the picture by introducing soteriological conceptions which lie beyond its scope.

The image presented is one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring in the Old Testament, and it is difficult to say which is most to be admired, the dramatic vividness of the vision, or the reticence which conceals the actual work of slaughter and concentrates the attention on the Divine Hero as He emerges victorious from the conflict. (Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.) (Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.)

 2. From verses 7-14, what and who should Israel remember?

"I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD." Isaiah 63:7

 3. What remembrances do you have of the Lord's loving kindness?  Many--often in the most difficult of times in particular.  I'm not sure if this is because of my heightened need in such moments, or if it's the contrast of extreme emotions.  He has also expressed love in everyday moments and small gestures that could only be understood in significance by me.

 4. From chapter 64, what two earthly relationships used to describe the relationship between God and His people do they need to recognize?  He is our father.  He is the potter.  We are his clay.

Isa 64:8  But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

 Day Six: Read Isaiah 65-66

"In several ways the Lord’s response to the remnant’s prayer sums up the message of the entire Book of Isaiah...Throughout the chapter, as well as throughout the book, the prophet implicitly pleaded for the people to place their trust in the Lord, their covenant God, and to live righteously.." -BKC

 1. To whom does the "new wine" refer and what does the Lord call them? (65:8-10) 

According to the Believer's Bible:
65:8-12 Jehovah promises to spare a good cluster of grapes (the faithful remnant) in an otherwise bad vineyard (the rest of the nation). This preserved remnant will dwell in the land.

In verse 9, the Lord calls these people "my elect."

2. From 65:13-16, contrast the future of God's servants with the evil ones who have forsaken him (vv 11-12).

Servants--eat, drink, rejoice, sing for joy of heart The Lord will call them by another name.

Those who forsake Him--hunger, thirst, ashamed, mourn for sorrow, howl for vexation of spirit.  They shall leave their name as a curse word to His servants, the Lord will slay them.

"In that day, when the wrongs of earth are righted, people will use the name "the God of truth" when they bless themselves or when they take an oath. In other words, God will be acknowledged as the One who brings His plans to pass, who does as He says He will do." -Believer's Bible

Believer's Bible: "As for the apostate mass, it is a different story. They have forsaken the temple and worship Gad (meaning Troop, Fortune) and Meni (meaning number, Destiny)."

Fortune and destiny---money and "fate"

 3. What does the Lord promise to create and what will it be like? (65:17-25)

He promises to create a new Heaven and a new Earth.  The previous shall not come to mind.  He will create a new Jerusalem filled with joy.  People will live out their lives fully, to a hundred.  They will build houses and live in them, gardens and enjoy their fruit. The wolf and the lamb will be together, and the lion eat straw.  No one shall hurt or harm on His holy  mountain.

Isa 65:23  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

"There shall be a new generation rising up in their stead to inherit and enjoy these blessings (Isa_65:23): They shall not labour in vain, for they shall not only enjoy the work of their hands themselves, but they shall leave it with satisfaction to those that shall come after them, and not with such a melancholy prospect as Solomon did, Ecc_2:18, Ecc_2:19. They shall not beget and bring forth children for trouble; for they are themselves the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and there is a blessing entailed upon them by descent from their ancestors which their offspring with them shall partake of, and shall be, as well as they, the seed of the blessed of the Lord. They shall not bring forth for trouble; for, 1. God will make their children that rise up comforts to them; they shall have the joy of seeing them walk in the truth. 2. He will make the times that come after comfortable to their children. As they shall be good, so it shall be well with them; they shall not be brought forth to days of trouble; nor shall it ever be said, Blessed is the womb that bore not. In the gospel church Christ's name shall be borne up by a succession. A seed shall serve him (Psa_22:30), the seed of the blessed of the Lord."  -Matthew Henry

May our children see the fruit, the succession of our labors magnified and blessed by the work of the Lord.

This is especially lovely---the transparency of thought and communication:

Isa 65:24  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

"But from the text we learn explicitly that man is encouraged to call upon and speak unto God. “Before they call, I will answer.’ God perceives and realizes the desires of the Christian heart. Amid all the complex movements of the universe, He sees the unfolding of the praying heart, and, swifter than the lightning flash, the answer comes. David found it so (Psa_32:5), so did Daniel (Dan_10:12), and we have found it so (Mat_6:8). “And while they are yet speaking I will hear. God is willing to listen to the articulated wish of the Christian hearts. Amid the clash of nations’ strife, the busy hum of struggling humanity, the hoarse cries for sensual pleasure, the blasphemies of the lewd, the groans of the crushed and disappointed, He listens to the speaking of His children, and hears the faintest whispered want." -Believer's Bible

 4. According to Isaiah 66:1-2

 a. To whom does the Lord "look"? Give verse.

He will look to the man who is poor, contrite in spirit, who trembleth at his word (v2)

"The people I treasure most are the humble— they depend only on me and tremble when I speak." CEV

 b. What does it mean to "tremble" at the Lord's word?

To have reverence for it, give weight to it and to God.

 6. According to Isaiah 66:3-24

 a. What two kinds of people exist in the world?
Those who ignore the Lord, his regulations, and do their own thing, pursuing pleasure.
His people, those who worship Him and seek Him.

 b. What will be their future?
Those who seek him will worship him and their seed shall be blessed.
Those who reject him will be rejected with worm and fire.

Isa 66:24  And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcass of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Isaiah, Week 12, Days 3-4: Isaiah 60-62

Day Three: Read Isaiah 60 

1. Who is the "you"/"your" being spoken of in this chapter? Give verse.

Jerusalem (v1)

Your people will live right and always own the land; they are the trees I planted to bring praise to me. (v21)

2. Compare Isaiah 60 with Revelation 21, listing passages that contain parallel thoughts.

A. God's presence with his people is woven through both these passages:

Isa 60:13  Wood from Lebanon's best trees....It will be used in my temple to make beautiful the place where I rest my feet
Rev 21:3  I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: God's home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people.

B. God is their source of light in both:

Isa 60:19  You won't need the light of the sun or the moon. I, the LORD your God, will be your eternal light and bring you honor.
Rev 21:23  And the city did not need the sun or the moon. The glory of God was shining on it, and the Lamb was its light.
Rev 21:24  Nations will walk by the light of that city, and kings will bring their riches there.

C. Both are "city" centric:

Isa 60:1  Jerusalem, stand up! Shine! Your new day is dawning. The glory of the LORD shines brightly on you.
Rev 21:2  Then I saw New Jerusalem, that holy city, coming down from God in heaven. It was like a bride dressed in her wedding gown and ready to meet her husband.

D. Nations and Kings coming to the city and honoring God are involved:

Isa 60:3 Nations and kings will come to the light of your dawning day.

Rev 21:24  Nations will walk by the light of that city, and kings will bring their riches there. 
E. Riches and treasures are brought to this city:

Isaiah 60:5-6--Treasures from across the sea and the wealth of nations will be brought to you. Your country will be covered with caravans of young camels from Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and spices in praise of me, the LORD.
Rev 21:24  Nations will walk by the light of that city, and kings will bring their riches there.

F. The city's gates will be open day and night:

Isa 60:11  Your gates will be open day and night to let the rulers of nations lead their people to you with all their treasures.
Rev 21:24  Nations will walk by the light of that city, and kings will bring their riches there.
Rev 21:25  Its gates are always open during the day, and night never comes.

G. It's an exclusive city:

Isa 60:12  Any nation or kingdom that refuses to serve you will be wiped out.
Rev 21:27  But nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be in the city. 

H. The city will be known for its justice and peace:

Isa 60:18  Violence, destruction, and ruin will never again be heard of within your borders. "Victory" will be the name you give to your walls; "Praise" will be the name you give to your gates.
Rev 21:27  But nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be in the city.

Day Four: Read Isaiah 61-62 

 1. Read Isaiah 61:1-2 with Luke 4:16-22

Luke--Jesus comes to Nazareth and upon the Sabbath reads in the temple.

a. Why did Christ stop His reading of Isaiah 61 at "the LORD's favor" (v 2a) instead of continuing?

BKC: "When Jesus read from this passage He stopped in the middle of the sentence, after the word “favor” (Luk_4:18-19). By doing this He was showing that His work would be divided into two advents. In His First Advent He did the things mentioned in Isa_61:1-2; in His Second Advent He will do the things in Isa_61:2-3."

b. What was Christ's mission at that point (See John 3:16,17; 5:22-29 for help with your answer)?

To draw people to believe in Him so they might have everlasting life.

c. What did Christ tell His listeners in regard to the passage He had just read? Give verse.
That it was fulfilled this day.

Luke 4:21  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

*****************************************
There is care and comfort in this image of God clothing his people properly:

Isa 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isa 61:11  For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth 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.

This is especially true in contrast with the earlier image of the evil trying to clothe themselves:

(Isa 59:6 KJV)  Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

One takeaway---let God do the clothing or the effort is futile.

2. From Isaiah 62 

BKC on the significance of names:

"In the ancient Near East names often signified one’s anticipated or present character. So Jerusalem’s having a new name means it will have a new righteous character. Like a crown or diadem (a large metal ring worn on the head) adorning one’s head so Jerusalem will be an adornment to the Lord. She will display His splendor, that is, her inhabitants will manifest His character in their conduct."

a. What are the "old names" by which Jerusalem/Zion has been called? forsaken, desolate (v4)

b. What will be her new names?

Isaiah 62:3, "...and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name."

Isaiah 62:4, "Thou shall be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah."

Hephzibah (for Palestine)--"my delight is in her"

Beulah--to master, to marry

Isa 62:5  For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:12, "And they shall call them, The holy people, (sacred, a holy place or thing) The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, (to seek or pursue, ask, question) A city not forsaken."

3. What are God's appointed watchmen to do?  WE are appointed to speak, "never be silent" until He comes back and establishes His kingdom.  We are to remember or recall Him and His works.

From Andrew MacLaren:

There is distinctly traceable before a reference to a two-fold form of occupation devolving on these Christ-sent servants. They are watchmen, and they are also God’s remembrancers. In the one capacity as in the other, their voices are to be always heard.

"The second point to be noticed is the remarkable parallelism in the expressions selected as the text: ‘I will not hold My peace’; the watchmen ‘shall never hold their peace.’ And His command to them is literally, ‘Ye that remind Jehovah-no rest (or silence) to you, and give not rest to Him.’So we have here Christ, the Church, and God all represented as unceasingly occupied in the one great work of establishing ‘Zion’ as the centre of light, salvation, and righteousness for the whole world."

We are too apt to regard our Lord’s real work as all lying in the past, and, from the very greatness of our estimate of what He has done, to forget the true importance of what He evermore does....So we have not only to look back to the Cross, but up to the Throne. From the Cross we hear a voice, ‘It is finished.’ From the Throne a voice, ‘For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest.’

On another point--the necessity of prayer:

Isa 62:6  On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest,
Isa 62:7  and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. 

The BKC comments:

The “watchmen” were to hold God to His promises, knowing that is what He desires. God’s people should pray for things even when they know God has promised them. Jesus made this clear when He taught His disciples to pray that the kingdom will come (Mat_6:10).

And Andrew MacLaren:

Our voices should ever be heard in heaven. They who trust God remind Him of His promises by their very faith; it is a mute appeal to His faithful love, which He cannot but answer. And, beyond that, their prayers come up for a memorial before God, and have as real an effect in furthering Christ’s kingdom on earth as is exercised by their entreaties and proclamations to men.

My thoughts:

One of God's great mysteries is the way that He asks us to participate in His work in ways that don't seem logical chronologically to us.  Here we are asked to pray for his coming kingdom even though it is inevitable.  If He knows it and has done it, why are we asked to pray and look for it?

The line between fate, providential will, or whatever  you term it, and our involvement in that process is mysterious.  It's clear we have a role though in the realization of His kingdom even though this strikes us as illogical---we are not passive pawns. My thought is the God, being outside of time, is able to understand dimensions of chronology fate and free will that we are not capable of discerning.  I do think we will be given full understanding someday.

Isaiah--the web of sin: Isaiah 59:5-8

Ottoman Viper, Montivipera xanthina

"None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.  The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."  Isaiah 59:4-8

Spider Web, Jeff Small Wood, Flicker

I'm stopping here because I think the cockatrice's eggs and spider's webs are images pregnant with truth worth stopping for.  There are several good commentary pieces worth sharing too.

cockatrice--adder, viper

Instead of stamping out evil in the egg, the sinful heart hatches it out, and it yields the poison of vipers, Isa_59:5. Ah, the hapless state of the ungodly! Their feet, and their thoughts, and their paths, are fatal to the peace of others and to their own. The way of peace can be entered only at the Cross, and maintained only by constant watchfulness. See Luke 1:79 -F.B. Meyer

 "...and see sin in its consequences, sin exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and so separating us not only from all good, but to all evil."  M Henry

 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.  -Luke 1:79

They trust in vanity; literally, in chaos; i.e. "in a mass of false and vain statements." The whole basis of the dealings between man and man was unsound, corrupt, chaotic. Where truth and plain dealing are set aside, all shortly becomes ruin and confusion. They conceive mischief, etc. (comp. Psa_7:14). -Pulpit Commentary

 They hatch cockatrice’ eggs. (On the cockatrice, see the comment upon Isa_11:8.) The meaning here is that the people gave themselves to brooding on and hatching purposes which were as pernicious and destructive as the eggs of venomous serpents. And weave the spider’s web; i.e. "their purposes were as flimsy and unsubstantial as the web of the spider." -Pulpit Commentary

Their webs shall not become garments. The unsubstantial fabrics which they weave shall not serve them in any way as garments, or be of any real value or utility. Their devices shall not take objective shape in such sort as to afford them "cover" or protection. Their works are works of iniquity; rather, works of nothingness, works that make a mere pretense of being works at all, and are in reality mere shams, impotent and delusive. And the act of violence is in their hands; rather, and it  is an act of violence that is in their hands. Violence creates nothing. At the best, it destroys. -Pulpit Commentary

 The way of peace they know not. They have no desire for "peace," and neither "seek" it nor "ensue" it (1Pe_3:11). Peace can only be obtained through righteousness (Isa_32:17). There is no judgment in their goings; rather, no justice—no recognition of other men’s rights, no endeavour to observe right in their own acts and proceedings 

The quality and role of our thought life, Isaiah 59:7

 "...their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity."  Isaiah 59:7

The emphasis on the Bible given to the quality of our thought life plays out in both the Old and New Testaments.

Pro 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure.

Pro 24:9 Fools incubate sin; cynics desecrate beauty. (MSG)

Gen 6:5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Gen 8:21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth.

Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Act 8:20-22 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Mar 7:15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”

Mic 2:1 Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Jas 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death

Jas 4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Tit 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

Pro 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Psa 139:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

Psa 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:6-8

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Isaiah, Week 12, Day 1 & 2: Isaiah 58-59

Day One: Read Isaiah 58

 1. On what day was a fast required in Old Testament law? (For your answer see Lev 23:26-32)

The only fast required was on the annual Day of Atonement.  10th month, 7th day  They are to fast and offer sacrifices.  Also, no work is to be done on this day, like a Sabbath.

2. In your own words, tell us what was wrong with the kind of fast being practiced? 

The problem with the fast was that it was an outward fast that had no impact on their inward condition.  In verse 3, he says that the people only think of themselves and treat their workers poorly.  God does not value outward observance apart from inward connection.

3. In your own words, tell us the kind of fast the Lord chooses. 

He is pleased with removing the chains of prisoners unjustly jailed, freeing those who are abused, sharing and giving to those in need, including your relatives.

4. Isaiah 58:13-14 contains a conditional promise regarding the Sabbath. 

a. What are the conditions and what is the promise?

If you respect the Sabbath as a joyful day of worship and don't go around just doing whatever you please on that day, then you will truly enjoy knowing God.  He will let you rule from the highest mountains and bless you with the land of your ancestor Jacob.

 b. How can you trust the promise will be kept if the conditions are met?

"For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."  v 14

Day Two: Read Isaiah 59

 1. What has separated the people from God?  Their iniquities and sins.  Their hands are defiled with blood.  Their lips have spoken lies and perverseness.  It's interesting to think about the weight God gives to words here. They are on equal par with bloody hands (sinful actions).  None call for justice or plead for truth (v.4).  They trust in vanity, speak lies, and bring forth iniquity.

They are held accountable for not "calling" for justice---suggests there is sin associated with being a bystander too.

Iniquity--"avon" moral evil, perversity, to pant after nothingness (?) hard to get to the sense of this word here through Strongs.
'âven
From an unused root perhaps meaning properly to pant (hence to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol: - affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners (-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked (-ness.) Compare H369.

A noteworthy consequence:

"Sin prevents prayer from being answered (cf. Psa_66:18). Those sins included murder, lying, injustice (cf. Isa_59:9, Isa_59:11, Isa_59:14-15), and planning evil (Isa_59:3-4)." -BKC

Another reflection on sin in the Bibilical Illustrator:

The sad issues of sin

I. IT BRINGS SEPARATION. Instead of running to God, we flee from Him. His dazzling majesty appals us. His righteousness and purity compel us to hide from Him.

II. IT BRINGS DISENCHANTMENT AND DISILLUSIONMENT. For a little we arc fascinated, beguiled, befooled; but soon there is a rude awakening. “Their webs shall not become garments,” etc. (Isa_59:6). The mirage fades await and we discover to our dismay that there is nothing around or within us but a desert of sand and thorns.

III. IT BRINGS BEWILDERMENT AND PERPLEXITY (Isa_59:9). We are in doubt regarding the most elementary matters of belief and behaviour. (A. Smellie, M. A.)

2. Of what specific sins are they guilty?  Bloody hands, untruthful lips, a disregard for truth and justice.  Their paths are crooked with no peace.

 3. How will the Lord's demand for justice be satisfied

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense.  -Isaiah 59: 16-18

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19

 4. Who is the "He" of verses 17-20 and what clothing will "He" put on?  Jesus, garments of vengeance and zeal.

"He realized there was no one to intercede on her behalf. Isaiah was not saying that the Lord did not want to get involved, but that Israel was totally incapable of helping herself. Only God could help her. This is true of salvation in any era. No one can save himself. Only God can forgive sin and change a person’s heart." -BKC

"Like a warrior God goes forth to fight for His people. Righteousness is His breastplate and salvation is His helmet (cf. Paul’s use of this imagery in Eph_6:14, Eph_6:17). God’s other garments are vengeance and zeal. This verse (Isa_59:17) means that God supplies righteousness and salvation (cf. Isa_59:16) for His people as He zealously executes vengeance on His enemies (Isa_59:18)." -BKC

Isaiah, Week 11, Days 5 & 6: Isaiah 56-57

Day Five: Read Isaiah 56:1-8 

 1. What does the Lord expect of those He invites into His Kingdom?

 2. What two groups of people, previously excluded from God's people, will now be included? (See Deuteronomy 23:3, 7-8

3. How has the Servant's work made this possible? (See Colossians 1:21-23; 2:13-15)

"We are not to burden ourselves with anxious cares about the future, but neither are we to pledge our future income to meet our present expenses. Nor are we to use, as bread for to-day, what God has sent to be sown as seed for the morrow.
We ought to study the law of proportion, and to live in proportion to our income, to give in proportion to our income, and to save in proportion to our income and the position of responsibility in which we are placed, either as to family or work-people." -A. Clarke, Biblical Illustrator

Forecasting is ever close by foreboding, hope is interwoven with fear, the golden threads of the weft crossing the dark ones of the warp, and the whole texture gleaming bright or glooming black according to the angle at which it is seen. So is it always until we turn our hope away from earth to God, and fall the future with the light of His presence and the certainty of His truth. We have an unchanging and an inexhaustible God, and He is the true guarantee of the future for us.

 Day Six: Read Isaiah 56:9-57:21

 1. Who are Judah's "watchmen"? Describe their attitudes and actions.  Judah's watchmen are their priests and religious leaders who are likened to dogs, described as blind, without knowledge, silent, love to lay down and slumber.  They are greedy, each turning to his own way and gain, without regard for the flock they were to tend.

 2. According to Isaiah 57:15, where does the Lord live?  In a high and holy place but also with those of a contrite spirit

 3. God will heal, lead, and restore comfort to the contrite.  In contrast, the wicked are likened to a restless sea that cannot be quiet, that tosses up dirt and mire...no peace for the wicked.

Isaiah, Days 2-4: Isaiah 55:6-13

Day Two: Read Isaiah 55:6,7 

1. What steps is the reader exhorted to take and what will be the result?

Steps:

*Seek the Lord.

To ‘seek the Lord’ is to direct conduct and heart to obtain possession of God as one’s own. Of that seeking, the chief element is calling upon Him; since such is His desire to be found of us that it only needs our asking in order to receive.

*Call upon Him while He is near.
*Let the wicked forsake his way.
*Let the righteous forsake his thoughts.
*Let him return to the Lord.

Result: "for He will abundantly pardon" (v.7)

 Day Three: Read Isaiah 55:8,9 

 1. Why does verse 8 begin with the word "For'? In this sense, the word "for" means because. The word signals a difference between the Lord's perspective and our own.  The comparison continues with the idea that as far apart as the heavens and the earth are, that's how far apart God's perspective is from our own.

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

"God’s compassion on those who turn to Him (Isa_55:6-7) comes because His thoughts and ways are far superior to human thoughts and ways, which in fact are evil (cf. Isa_55:7). God’s plan is something people would have never dreamed of."  -BKC

"Mark also that the order of comparison is inverted in the two successive clauses in Isa_55:8. God’s thoughts have not entered into Israel’s mind and become theirs. The ‘thinkings’ not being regulated according to God’s truth, nor the desires and sentiments brought into accord with His will and mind, a contrariety of ‘ways’ must follow, and the paths which men choose for themselves cannot run parallel with God’s, nor be pleasing to Him."-Andrew MacLaren

Day Four: Read Isaiah 55:10-13

 1. Isaiah 1:20 and 40:5 say, "For the mouth of the Lord has spoken" What is the significance of this phrase or others like it in relation to Isaiah 55:10-13?

Isaiah 10-13 speaks of His Word going forth and producing fruit.  It "shall not return to Him empty" and "shall accomplish what he purposes." The significance is that as God has spoken, this sequence of events has been set in motion.

 2. What encourages you about God's promise of verse 11?   The inevitability of God's plan unfolding

 3. What do the metaphors of the thorn bush/cypress, nettle/myrtle represent? Sin/evil was my thought.  The commentary from Grace Bible Church says the thorns/nettle are unbelievers and the cypress/myrtle are the moral and spiritual conversion of such a life.

Isaiah, Week 11, Day 1: Isaiah 55:1-5

Read Isaiah 55:1-5

1. Verses 1-2 issue three invitations to "come."

 a. Who is to come and where? Everyone who thirsts--to the waters.

 b. Who is to come, buy and eat?  He who has no money.

 c. What else are they to buy? Milk and wine

 d. How are they to pay? Everything's free.

They are to delight themselves in rich foods.

 2. To whom are they to come? What prompts them to do that?  To God.  God.

 3. What will be the future of those who come? Their souls shall live.  They will inherit an everlasting covenant.

 4. Link God's covenant with David (verse 3b) to verses 4-5.  God made a covenant with David.  He was a witness and leader.  God says "You shall call a nation you do not know because of the Lord God

Nathan tells David that his house will be made sure forever,his throne established forever. 2 Samuel 7:16-17

The psalmist recounts how God has established David's kingdom and throne forever.  -Psalm 89:1-4


Luke 1:30-33--The angel's prophecy to Mary is that God will give her son David's throne forever and he will rule over the house of Jacob and his kingdom will have no end.

Acts 13:34  "I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David."

Some interpreters say the “everlasting covenant” refers to the New Covenant (Jer_32:40; Heb_13:20). That is possible but the reference to David points to the Davidic Covenant, which also is said to last forever (2Sa_7:16). Just as God promised to keep His good hand on David, so He assured those who come to Him that He will never remove His good hand (His blessings) from them. He will always be with them and consider them His people.