The following are some study suggestions to help you get started.
LIMITED TIME:
- Read through Isaiah 43:22-44:23.
- 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:
- Read Isaiah 43:22-44:5. Last week we saw that God reminded His people of who He is and what He has done to rescue them in the past. He can be trusted. He is “doing a new thing (43:19)” for His chosen people. Isaiah 43:19 begins with “Yet”.
- What do you learn about Israel in the opening verses of this section?
- What reason does God give for blotting out their transgressions (v.25)? (see also Ezekiel 36:16-27)
- In Isaiah 44:3, God says He will pour His Spirit on Israel’s offspring. What do you learn after reading these related passages (Ezekiel 36:16-27; Jeremiah 3:31-33; Acts 2:17-18)?
- As you read Isaiah 44:6-20, observe the character of God, idols and idol worshippers. What do you learn?
- Read Isaiah 44:21-23. God calls His people to “Remember” (v.1), “Return” (v.2), and “Sing” (v.3).
- What are they to remember? Check out Psalm 78 if you have time!
- Why is Israel to return to God?
- This section ends with all heavens and earth worshipping God for His amazing grace shown in redeeming His people. How will you show your gratitude to God for the things He has done for you despite your sin?
GOING DEEPER (optional): For further teaching and application, do one or more of the following:
- Read chapter 32, “God’s Way to Revival (43:22-44:23)” 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.
“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist;
return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
~ Isaiah 44:22 ~