July 13: 2 Chronicles 27, Isaiah 9-12

July 13, 2 Chronicles 27, Isaiah 9-12

2 Chronicles 27 per the timelines and the way that we are studying the Bible Chronologically, we jump back to 2 Chronicles 27 which references 2 Kings 15. Jotham was now the Kin of Judah, after taking over for his dad who was struck with leprocy from the Lord. The people were still following corrupt practices. He ruled good in God’s eyes, but he didn't enter the temple of the Lord. His military success and power were due to the Lord’s hand, not his. Jotham seemed to prioritize well, because he seemed to put God’s ways above his ways. He died after 16 years of service and his son, Ahaz, reigned in his place.

Isaiah 9 begins with Isaiah explaining the Israel is under God’s discipline. There is a picture painted of people walking in darkness who have seen a great light (Jesus) that has shined on them (future/prophetic is only beginning!).

Then we learn about the divine gift that will be given to all and a section of Scripture that is typically recited every year and Christmas pageants. We may have heard it 30 times, but let us not just read past it as if it was just old adage. 

“For to us a child is born…” Jesus will be born and given to be wise, able, strong and He is Mighty God & the Prince of Peace. At the perilous times of the Israelites, this would be nothing but good news. Jesus will also fulfill the Messianic prophecy of David’s line continuing and will not be just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) as well. Jesus will rule forever with justice and righteousness. 

Then Isaiah moves into showing how God will be bringing judgement and oppression, with the intent of showing that Grace can come through judgement. God is clearly against evil and is quite angered by it. Even when their was hardship, “The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts” so, the Lord will be cutting them off. Why? “…for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up… for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly.” That is why. They are a selfish people and greedy, going against what God has called them to. 

Isaiah 10 Woe to the greedy and the unjust! They have no fear of judgment the ruin that is coming their way. God’s hand is against them.

Now Isaiah tells us about the judgment from God against Assyria - the nation that is now the rod of God’s anger! The Assyrians are a godless nation, arrogant, and wicked. God uses their evil for His plans (just like today) - everything is under the Sovereign rule of God and that is a good thing for those that have surrendered their lives and trust Him. Then we learn about the King of Assyria - a very arrogant and boastful man (who we are not to emulate). God used the evil of the King and his people. God will punish the Assyrians, and they actually fall in 612 BC. God will not be made a fool of. 

Then we get some hope… “In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For the Lord God of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth..” There is still hope and God is going to do as He says he will. Those that lean on the Lord will be saved - not those that lean on themselves or others. We are God’s - so live like it! Isaiah does have a vision of the Assyrians attacking Israel, but assures that God always has His ways - only God has His ways. 

Isaiah 11 This is another section of Historic Scripture often quoted. We are learning about the Messianic Reign that will someday happen. Jesus Christ, from the line of David (from Jesse). His (Jesus) delight shall be in the fear of the Lord and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him.  “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” What does all of this mean?  Hope. God will do what He says He will do & we can trust that Jesus fulfilled this in Matt 3:16-17 when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the ‘form’ of a dove. Oh what a Glorious Day that would have been.  

Then Isaiah gives a prophetic word for a future time of restoration of order. The lion sleeping with the lamb… This will be a return to a previous state, before sin, and a restructuring. This is the power of God and the earth will have full knowledge of the Lord. “In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah nailed it - this will be a sign for all and the resting place in Him shall be glorious!!! He finished up the chapter by saying the God will actually be using the Assyrian land for a highway for the remnant to return on! God’s humor:)

Isaiah 12 Grace Experienced. When God call His remnant back, they will rejoice in the Grace of God and give thanks. He will comfort them and they will declare that His is their salvation and song. So give thanks!

To sum it all up:

• The good news of Jesus coming is just as relevant for us today. We also live in perilous times and are in much need of a Savior to save us. 
• As a side note, unless you are Jewish in decent, you are a Gentile… FYI:)
• Remember, everything is under the Sovereign rule of God and that is a good thing for those that have surrendered their lives and trust Him.
• Have you surrendered your life to the King of Kings? Would you like to? It’s simple. Repent for trying to do your own thing and surrender your life to what He wants from you - then live for Him. You may be asking, Is it that simple? My answer: Yes. If you would like to know more, please email me and I will happily tell you about the magnificent God I serve. 
• Can you take comfort in the fact that God is your Salvation? That is, after all, what this is really about.