This week we are focusing on Isaiah 28:1-29. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started. Note: Again, it might be helpful to read these chapters in the NLT version .
LIMITED TIME:
- Read through Isaiah 28:1-29.
- Meditate on and/or journal the answers to the following questions.
- What does this passage teach me about God and His character?
- How does this aspect of God’s character change my view of myself?
- What should I do in response?
MORE TIME:
Today, we start a new section in Isaiah (chapters 28-35). Isaiah’s overall message has been to trust in God for your security and salvation. Do not trust in yourself or others. Do not trust in the power and wealth of nations. We will see is Isaiah 28 that God calls His people to rest in Him alone (28:12)! He has the power to fulfill His saving purposes in this world.
- Isaiah compares two crowns (vs. 1-6). What do you learn about each?
- The rulers of Jerusalem are condemned for scoffing at God’s prophet and disregarding his message (vs.14). What do you learn about these people? How might you be like them? How might you be different?
- Isaiah 28:16 speaks of ‘a foundation’ and ‘a precious cornerstone’ that God Himself will lay. See what you learn about this ‘foundation stone’ from these cross references: Psalm 118:22; Matt. 21:42-44; Rom. 9:30-33; Acts 4:7-12; 1 Peter 2: 4-8; Eph. 2:19-22.
- See what God did for His people in 2 Samuel 5:17-21 and Joshua 10:1-11 as relates to the history behind Mount Perazim and the Valley of Gibeon in v.21. Do you trust that God can take care of your circumstances, no matter how bad things may seem?
- In these final verses (23-29), Isaiah uses the metaphor of planting and harvesting. What do you learn about God’s dealings with individuals? Does he treat every person the same? (see John 21:20-23 for further understanding.)
GOING DEEPER (optional): For further teaching and application, do one or more of the following:
- Read chapter 17, “Our One Security: God’s Sure Foundation (28:1-29)” in Isaiah: God Saves Sinners or listen to Ray Ortlund’s sermon series on line. (Most of the sermons correspond to the chapters in his book.)
- Listen to the sermon(s) from Pastor Liam Goligher’s sermon series on Isaiah that go along with this week’s reading.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ~ Romans 8:28-29~