DAY 31: Isaiah 31

Day 31

Repentance and Salvation: Ch 31

Central to this passage is the idea of repentance and salvation. There is also a similarity to the previous passage. How is this passage similar to our previous passage?

In verses 4-5 we see that the Lord will be the protector of Jerusalem, like a shepherd who cares for his flock. This is the salvation that the Lord will bring for them. Why is Isaiah calling the people of Jerusalem to repent? What are they to repent from?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He is our defender and protector; thank Him that He calls us to turn from worthless trust and find salvation in Him.

2. Give thanks for the gospel opportunities that Dan & Rachel Djamaludin have and pray for new believers to grow.

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

DAY 30: Isaiah 30

Day 30

Rebellion Versus Grace: Ch 30

There is a strong comparison between the rebelliousness of the Jews and the Lord’s grace to His people. How are the Jews rebelling against the Lord? What will happen to them if they choose to follow their own plans and not the Lord’s?

In verse 18 we see that the Lord longs to be gracious to his people. The second half of this chapter shows us what this grace will look like. What two aspects do we see of the Lord in his grace?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He longs to be gracious to His rebellious people; thank Him that He waits to show compassion and guide us by His voice.

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 29: Isaiah 29

Day 29

David’s City: Ch 29

The focus of Isaiah now turns more specifically to Jerusalem (see note below). What is the Lord going to do with Jerusalem?

Note: Ariel means hearth or the hearth of an altar. This is significant because it points to Jerusalem as the centre of Israel’s worship as well as what God intends for the city.

The worship of the people comes into focus in this chapter as well. What is the problem with the way that they worship? Where are the prophets and seers in this?

What hope is there for the Lord’s people?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He sees through empty religion and renews the humble; thank Him that His wisdom confounds the proud and lifts the lowly.

2. Pray for the Fraser family and ask God to save young people in Slovenia and strengthen the faithful.

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

DAY 28: Isaiah 28

SECTION 3: HUMAN SCHEMES AND GOD’S PLAN

Day 28

Woe to Jerusalem: Ch 28

This chapter opens with woe to Ephraim (v1-13) as we are given a description of what the leaders of the Northern Kingdom are like; of how they have chosen to seek their own pleasure (v7-8) and ignore the words of prophets like Isaiah (v9-10). Yet this chapter is actually directed towards the leaders of Jerusalem (see v14). What is the message that the Lord is trying to get across to the leaders of Jerusalem?

Isaiah tells a parable at the end of this chapter (v23-29). What does this parable show about the way that the Lord works throughout history?

Note: It is worth noting in verse 21 that when the Lord rises to judge his people this is not a normal thing for him. It is a strange work and an alien task.

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that His word is firm and trustworthy; thank Him that He lays a foundation that will never be shaken.

2. Pray for follow-up courses that we are running for new Christians. Ask God to use these courses and relationships to build strong foundations in his Word for new believers.

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

DAY 27: Isaiah 27

Day 27

The Lord Sings: Ch 27

The Lord now takes up the song about Israel, who are key to the plans of the Lord. We see that the Lord will rescue his people from the places which they have been scattered to. He will make atonement for them and will remove all other false beliefs from the land. Those who trust in idols and false gods will be judged and the Lord will show them no favour. He will gather Israel up from the threshing floor one by one and they will come to the holy mountain and worship.

How does this chapter pull together all the threads of this section of Isaiah?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He will gather and atone for His people; thank Him that He uproots idols and brings His people home to worship Him.

2. Pray for unity and joy in our serving teams. Pray that all our ministry teams would be united in heart and purpose. Ask that as we serve, we would grow in love for one another, reflect the character of Christ, and be a compelling witness to those around us.

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

DAY 26: Isaiah 26

Day 26

The Song is Taken Up in the Land: Ch 26

The song of praise is now taken up in the land of Judah. The first part of the song (v1-6) describes the strong city in which the people of God dwell, those who trust in him, and those who dwell on high whom are humbled. The main body of this song (v7-19) is all about the tension between trusting in the Lord and waiting for his salvation to fully come.

How do we see this tension about what is to come and what is happening in the present in this part of the song? How does this help us to think about what it is like to live as a Christian now?

The last 2 verses of this chapter looks forward to the judgment which is to come while at the same time it points back to what happened at the exodus.

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He keeps in perfect peace those who trust Him; thank Him that we can wait in hope for His final victory.

2. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne: Ask God to bless the new media work recording Scripture readings.

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

DAY 25: Isaiah 25

Day 25

The Lord’s Banquet: Ch 25

We now enter the end of this 2nd section of Isaiah. This ending goes over three chapters and includes a series of songs of praise to the Lord. This chapter opens with Isaiah singing a song of praise to the Lord (v1-5). How does this song fit with what we have seen throughout this section of Isaiah?

Isaiah then sings about the feast that the Lord will prepare on his mountain (v6-8). How does this feast point towards the NT and ultimately Jesus’ return?

In the last part of this chapter, the people at the feast take up the song of Isaiah. What does this show about the Lord?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He will destroy death and wipe away tears; thank Him for the promised banquet and our salvation in Him.

2. Pray for the Worship Pathway team who look after the music in our 4 different congregations.

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

DAY 24: Isaiah 24

Day 24

The Lord’s Judgement: Ch 24

The Lord’s final judgment comes into view now, as we move beyond the immediate context of Isaiah’s day and look forward to the Lord’s final judgment on the earth.

What will this judgment be like? How does this relate to other images of the Lord’s judgment and when the Lord has brought judgment in the Bible?

At the same time as this, we see that the Lord will be given glory through all of this, that there will be a remnant who will raise the shout of joy and that the Lord will reign in Zion. As we think about our world today and what we see around us, how does this prophesy of the Lord’s judgment make us feel?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He is the righteous judge of the whole earth; thank Him that amid judgment, He preserves a joyful remnant.

2. Pray for Rev. Thang Bwee: Communications amongst the network of churches in Chin state is difficult and often impossible. Pray that God would open new pathways for gospel ministry despite the communication barriers.

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

DAY 23: Isaiah 23

Day 23

Tyre the Prostitute: Ch 23

The long series of oracles against the nations draws to a close with this final oracle against Tyre. The city of Tyre was a place of great wealth with many merchants who traded goods all across the Mediterranean Sea, even establishing colonies in Tarshish (in modern Spain).

What will happen to Tyre? How far will this news travel? What kind of effect would this have in the ancient world?

Later in this oracle we see that the Lord will raise Tyre up again. Only for them to not change their ways and for all their wealth to ultimately go to those who live before the Lord.

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that earthly wealth and commerce are under His sovereign control. Give thanks that ultimately all treasures will belong to those who dwell before the Lord.

2. Pray for our elders as they exercise oversight and care over church members and ministries. Pray they would do so with love and faithfulness.

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

DAY 22: Isaiah 22

Day 22

Jerusalem: Ch 22

Isaiah prophesy’s against Judah and what will happen to them. As we read through the first half of this prophesy (v1-14), what is happening in and around the city of Jerusalem? How do the people react to their situation? Where should they have turned?

The second half of this prophesy concerns two specific men who have high profile positions in Judah. What are the differences between Shebna and Eliakim?

What will ultimately happen to Eliakim (v25)? How does this reflect what the people of Judah are like?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He sees the hearts of His people; thank Him that He calls us to trust Him and not our own strength or planning.

2. Pray that God would work through Taste & See when it next runs, to bring people to trust in Jesus.

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

DAY 21: Isaiah 21

Day 21

Babylon and the Desert People: Ch 21

We now turn to another of Judah’s potential allies, the Babylonians. At this time in their history, the Babylonians were in rebellion against the Assyrians. Later we will see that the Babylonians sent emissaries to Judah to ask them to join their cause.

What will ultimately happen to the Babylonians? How might this affect what the people of Judah were thinking at the time?

In verses 11-17 we have an oracle spoken against the desert people (these tribes are referred to as Kedar collectively) who live in the desert region between Judah and Babylon. It is likely these people were allies of the Babylonians. How is their fate similar to that of the Babylonians? What does it show about those who ally themselves with Babylon?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He reveals the downfall of proud nations; thank Him that His word is true and will not fail.

2. Pray that students Linda McKerrell mentors will be equipped to serve well cross-culturally.

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

DAY 20: Isaiah 20

Day 20

Isaiah Stripped Bare: Ch 20

This chapter ends the section concerning what will happen to Egypt and Cush. The Lord has called Isaiah to walk around barefoot and stripped (most likely only stripped of his outer clothing) for three years as a sign of what will happen to Egypt and Cush. It is at this moment that the Lord speaks through Isaiah about the fate of Egypt/Cush.

What will happen to Egypt/Cush? What will it be like for them?

At this time Judah would have been tempted to receive support from Egypt/Cush as the Assyrians threatened them from the North. How would this warning make them think twice about this?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He speaks warnings through His prophets; thank Him that He alone is worthy of our trust—not worldly powers or alliances.

2. Ask God for wisdom for the Djamaludins as they care for the vulnerable in their community.

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

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!