Introduction
Text - Isaiah 56: 1- 12
Isaiah 56: 1 - 8 is an introduction to the final major section of Isaiah 56 – 66 which presupposes the text for our study forms a distinct section of the prophecy of Isaiah over a long historical period. But the circumstances are a long period of witnesses to the struggles of hopes... What is important to note is that this section of Isaiah is a prophetic exhortation in which the prophet gives instructions to those who wish to live according to God`s covenant. Likewise, our week of consecration highlights the conditions placed upon us as God`s people, just as the Israelites who are God`s covenant people to maintain justice and right judgment which is an excellent illustration of Jesus teachings [Luke 18: 7-8; Matt. 5: 21-28].
It is well to say, our text and Micah have complimentary themes because Micah`s time during the eighth century witnessed the emergence in Israel and Judah of a commercial civilization of great material prosperity. Its foundation was laid in the peace and security which Jeroboam II [783 - 743] won for Israel and Uzziah [778 - 740] for Judah during their reigns, and in the extension of the borders of their kingdom which gave the Israelites a long command of the trade routes of ancient days. But it was a civilization displayed with all evils of a society, making haste to be rich, greed and covetousness, recklessness, unscrupulous competition, lack of pity, showing disregard of the claims of sympathy, charity, and brotherly consideration.
We all know, punishment is inescapable when we continue to neglect God`s call in His word for justice, mercy, and love. In other words, the Lord`s expectations are for us to have our arrogance removed from us and be fair, reasonable, and honest, always discerning what is fair, reasonable, and sincere because God is just, and no human righteousness provides escape from divine judgment [Romans 2: 1-11].
Interactive Questions
The greatness of the statements in Isa. 56: 1 and Micah 6: 8 lies in the fact that what the prophets said are essential elements of the Christian faith and detaching from what they have said is to set ourselves in contrast to what God intends clearly about those who follow Him and about true worship.
A. Reading from Micah 6: 8, the prophet replies with a sublime statement of the simplicities of God demands. Explain.
B. Identify the similarities of Isa. 1: 27; 5: 5 -9; 9: 6 -7, 16: 5; 28: 16 -18; 32: 1; 42: 1- 4 that attest to the truth or validity of the reply in Micah. 6: 8 to remove any doubt that it is an occurring theme in the Bible.
C. God wanted to sink something deeply into our religious consciousness in Micah 6: 8. Discuss how God links ethics with piety and elaborate on Micah`s message about believers’ duty towards man and God and what makes both co-equal factors in matters of religious practice.
Our text is a struggle of what God hopes that Israel as God`s people should not exist for themselves. But as light to the nations should bring God`s salvation to the ends of the earth [Isa. 49: 5 - 6]. Accordingly, Isaiah invites the Israelites to keep the Sabbath and worship God with a heart of obedience that is not self-justifying and self-serving.
A. Considering the theme of universalism in Isa. 49: 6, examine and discuss the idea that the Eunuchs along with others had originally been excluded from community of the Lord in Deut. 23: 1 – 6; Neh. 13: 1- 3.
B. Reference to the Sabbath in Isa. 56: 2, 4, 6, consider the conditions Isaiah placed upon the people that is important and clarify on the meaning of Amos 4:4.
C. The imagery in Isa. 56: 9 shows how foreign nations are invited to ravage and devour Israel. Use verse 10 - 11 to explain what was responsible and demonstrate from Isa. 1: 1 – 9 how it starts earlier until it developed.
Today, before our very eyes, issues of injustice are trending in the news and social media. But people could feel relieved from the pressure of injustice if believers chose to conduct themselves and practice righteousness because justice is concerned with righteousness and the flourishing of all people [Amos5: 24].
A. List or mention and comment on any story related to biblical injustice that is commonly seen in our world today.
B. Discuss the call of Isaiah in Isa. 6: 1-13 and his faithfulness to the divine commission. In view of that, discuss the theme of universalism as is being developed in Matt. 20; 18-20 and explain how righteousness could flourish as a result.