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Home , Isaiah 44, Isaiah 66

TIME WITH GOD I S A I A H P A R T 2

BIBLE READING NOTES, QUESTIONS AND PRAYER POINTS FROM THE BOOK OF , CHAPTERS 40-66

INTRODUCTION

God says in :2, ‘This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.’ These reading notes are designed to help us read and respond to God’s word in Isaiah. You can use them by yourself, with a friend or with your family. They follow on from ‘Time with God’ Isaiah part 1 which you can find on the HBC website. We’ve also included ‘Today’s Prayer Suggestion’ (TPS) to give you ideas on great things to pray for. Here’s a prayer you might like to use before each reading: Dear God, Thank you for giving us your word. Please helps me to be humble as I read it and respond with trust and obedience. In name, Amen Isaiah is a big book, so a quick recap might be helpful. 1:1 tells us it was written during the reigns of kings (Azariah), Jotham, and (about 740-700BC). You can read about this period in in 2 Kings 15-20 and 2 Chronicles 26-32. During this time rose as a world power and destroyed the Northern Kingdom () and seriously threatened the Southern Kingdom (). Chapters 1-39 explain how behind these world events was God – judging his rebellious people. The section ends with a that would be defeated by and the people sent into exile (39:5-7). Chapters 40-66 look forward beyond the exile to a time of comfort for God’s people. In these chapters a figure called God’s Servant emerges as the key agent of his redemption. As well as comfort for Israel, Isaiah’s prophecy speaks about hope for all nations and the eventual creation of a new heavens and new earth. There will be loads for us to reflect on and delight in! ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ (:31) DAY 1 ISAIAH 40:1-11

After the big messages of judgment in chapters 1-39, this section stands out as full of hope and good news. Many of the big themes of chapters 40-66 are introduced here. What is the tone or mood of the passage?

What big ideas are introduced about God, his people and his plans?

God did gather his people in Jerusalem when they returned from exile in 537 BC but Isaiah’s words were fulfilled in a greater way with the coming of Jesus. Read Luke 3:1-6. Who is the ‘voice’ in this section? What does that tell us about Jesus?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion (TPS): Thank God that the message of the of Jesus has come to us. Pray that God would show us great things about himself as we read his word in Isaiah.

DAY 2 ISAIAH 40:12-31

Isaiah’s first readers would have felt that their nation was pretty small compared to the great nations of Assyria and Babylon. This section draws their attention to the bigness of God. How many rhetorical questions can you find? What points are being made about God?

1 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “... The Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” How can the power of God (especially in Christ) renew our strength in weakness?

TPS: Bring to God your weaknesses and weariness. Ask that you might depend on God’s power in Christ for strength – even to ‘soar on wings like eagles’.

DAY 3 :1-29

This chapter talks about God raising up a military power to do his will. This is probably Cyrus of Persia (r. 559-530 BC). Persia was to the east of Jerusalem but its armies would have approached Judah from the north because the Arabian desert blocked the direct route (hence 41:2 and 25). How does God’s power over historical events compare with the power of idols?

What special place does Israel have for God?

How can we be encouraged from this reading?

TPS: Pray for the city of Newcastle – that God would bless people (even 30000!) by turning them from idols to trust in the true God.

2 DAY 4 :1-9

This is the first of what are traditionally known as the four ‘’ of Isaiah (the others are 49:1-7, 50:4-9 and 52:13-53:12). List out everything we learn about this servant. How does he compare to the ruler (Cyrus) in chapter 41 (41:2-3, 25)?

This passage is quoted or alluded to many times in reference to Jesus (see for example Mt 12:15-21 or Luke 2:32). What things about Jesus do you particularly love from this Servant Song?

TPS: Pray for Stu and Isabella and their children Sophia, James and Tim as they seek to bring the light of Jesus and the gospel to people in South Asia with CMS.

DAY 5 ISAIAH 42:10-17

In response to the ‘new things’ (verse 9) announced in the first Servant Song Isaiah moves to a new song of praise. God is not like the idols because he actually deserves praise (verse 8). Who or what does the praising in this passage?

Why do they sing?

3 Praise and singing have always been things God’s people do. Can you think of other great songs in the Bible? How can you grow in this emotional response of singing, praise and joy?

TPS: Pray for Pete Witt (our Magnifiaction Pastor) and Pete Munday (Music Director) as they lead us in singing, praise and joy in Christ.

DAY 6 ISAIAH 42:18-25

These verses come like a shock after the high notes of 42:1-17. In this case the ‘servant’ is not Jesus but the nation of Israel (cp 41:8-9). What has Israel done wrong?

What do we learn about God from this passage?

Notice that Isaiah includes himself among the sinners in verse 24 (cp Isa 6:5). Why is it important we remember our sin, even as we reflect on God’s grace and mercy?

TPS: Pray for one of your 5 non-Christians friends (at HBC we’ve given everyone the challenge of praying regularly for 5 non-Christians they know) . Ask God that you might have (and take) the opportunity to warn them about God’s judgment for sin.

4 DAY 7 :1-13

The previous reading was a brief note of judgment. Today’s reading begins with a great turnaround: ‘but now’ (like Rom 3:21!) and a message of hope. God promises to redeem and gather his scattered people. The ransom or exchange in verses 3 and 4 is probably talking about how God gave Cyrus many nations and people in return for him allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem. What does this passage say about God’s creative power, his saving power and his glory?

Why should God’s people not be afraid?

What is the witnessing role that God has for them?

Consider 43:10 and look up Philemon 4-7. How does ‘witnessing’ actually confirm and encourage our faith?

This chapter inspired the classic 80s youth group song ‘Fear Not’ by Phil Pringle. You might like to sing it with your family or flatmates to finish!

TPS: Pray for our Mission Pastor Sam Hilton and his family. Pray that Sam would lead us, train us and encourage us in being fearless witnesses to the one and only God.

5 DAY 8 ISAIAH 43:14-44:5

This passage contains at least 3 or 4 messages of encouragement for God’s people. What are they?

What are some of the past things God talks about? What are the new things he will be doing?

44:3 reminds us of God’s promise to to bless his descendants. It adds to this by linking the giving of the Spirit to the blessing (like Gal 3:14). From the Bible, what’s so great about having God’s Spirit?

TPS: 43:25 is a great promise. 1 John 1:7 says that the blood of Jesus, God’s son, purifies us from all sin. Take a moment to confess your sin and delight in the forgiveness of God.

DAY 9 :6-23

Chapters 40-44 have been a great encouragement to Israel in the midst of their suffering and exile. This passage then warns Israel about one of the great threats to them worshipping God – idolatry. Why is idolatry so foolish from this passage?

6 How does God compare to the idols?

Have a look back at the themes of creation, redemption and glory so far (41:16, 42:8,10-12, 43:1,7,21, 44:23). How do these ideas fit together?

How can we put into practice being witnesses for God rather than idolators?

TPS: Pray for the youth and kids of HBC – that they might grow up to know God and proclaim him. Ask that we as parents, teachers and leaders might set a great example for them.

DAY 10 ISAIAH 44:24-45:13

We were introduced to Cyrus of Persia back in 41:2 (although not by name). If you have the New Bible Dictionary it would be worth reading the entry on him. In this section of Isaiah we see how God is using Cyrus to complete his purposes. What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty (i.e. his kingly rule over everything)?

How does God address our tendency to question what he does (verses 9-11)? How does this compare to Romans 9:14-24?

7 What do we learn about God’s overall goals and plans for his creation and his people?

TPS: Pray for our leaders and government at Federal, State and local levels (as 1 Tim 1:1-2 tells us). They, like Cyrus, are there at this time because God wanted them to be! Ask that God might somehow use their rule to promote the spread of the gospel.

DAY 11 :14-25

One of the themes of Isaiah is the uniqueness of God. We see this in verse 18 ‘I am the Lord and there is no other’ and verse 21 ‘there is no God apart from me’ (see 41:4, 43:10-11, 44:6,45:5-6,22 etc.). Why does God repeat this idea for us so often?

Read :5-11. How does this fit with Isaiah 45:23-24?

What must all the nations and enemies of God do?

As God’s witnesses, what part can we play in his plans?

8 TPS: Pray for our mission partners Mike and Katie Taylor and their children Harry, Miriam, Sammy and Isabella as they serve God at Munguishi Bible College in Tanzania (an example of the ‘ends of the earth’!). Pray that God would raise up faithful pastors to teach and lead the people of Tanzania.

DAY 12 :1-13

In this passage God once again explains the weakness of idols and the foolishness of idolatry. In what ways is God so much stronger and wiser than idols?

What do you think is God’s righteousness in 46:12-13?

Read Romans 1:16-17 and 3:21-26. How has God’s word in Isaiah been fulfilled - especially in regard to righteousness (Isa 46:12-13)?

TPS: Pray for Jenny Jefferys and her family (Mark, Lucy and Edmund). Ask that she might do a great job leading the women of HBC and helping them grow in Maturity. Pray that Women’s Growth Group would continue to grow and be a fruitful ministry.

9 DAY 13 :1-15

Chapters 47 and 48 sit together as ‘a tale of two cities’ – Babylon and Jerusalem. You could look up Babylon in the New Bible Dictionary. The Babylonians, lead by King Nebuchadnezzar, were the ones who eventually destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC and took the Jews into exile.

List out the many sins of Babylon from this chapter (cp 47:8, 10 with 45:5).

Babylon’s condemnation and punishment comes up elsewhere in the Bible (eg Isa 13-14, Jer 50-51 and even Rev 17-18). While the city certainly received these punishments in history there seems to be more to it. In what ways is Babylon symbolic of human rebellion against God?

TPS: Pray for Christians around the world – especially those suffering at the hands of human powers and authorities like Babylon. Updates from Barnabas Fund are a good place to go for information and prayer points.

DAY 14 :1-11

In chapter 48 the focus turns back to Israel. How have God’s people responded to the LORD – the God who speaks?

10 Verses 9 and 11 tell us that God acts for his own name, glory and praise. Why is it wrong for us to work for our own glory, but right and good that God acts for his glory?

How can we be in danger of making the same mistakes as Israel?

TPS: Pray for Dave Allen and his family as he leads us in the area of Membership. Pray for the people joining church and doing NextStep together – that they and us would be living partners in the gospel of Jesus.

DAY 15 ISAIAH 48:12-22

Have a look at 48:1a, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18. What is the common theme? Why is this so important?

Chapter 48 is a great passage about God’s redemption. In this case he has (or will) redeem the Israelites from exile in Babylon so they can return to Israel. Now, with Jesus, we know we are redeemed from the guilt and penalty of sin (Eph 1:7). How can we apply some of the language of joy in this chapter to our own redemption?

11 Verse 17 is a great verse to consider when our hearts don’t want to go with God. Have a think about an area of your life you’re resisting change and resolve to live God’s way in this area.

TPS: Pray for the area of change in your life. Pray also (by name) for the people in your Growth Group. Ask that they would rejoice over their redemption and trust God enough to obey him in the difficult areas.

DAY 16 :1-13

This passage is the second of the four ‘Servant Songs’ of Isaiah (the first was 42:1- 7). In 48:16b we probably had a brief introduction to ‘the sent one’ who has God’s Spirit. What is the Servant like? What images stand out for you?

What is his mission or work? How does that compare to the first song of 42:1-7?

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” How does the Great Commission fit with Isaiah 42:6 and 12?

12 TPS: Pray for Kingsley and Veronica Box and their children Samuel, Zac, Timothy and Sophia. They are seeking to evangelise people in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

DAY 17 ISAIAH 49:14-50:3

These verses take us back to Jerusalem, the city that continues to feel defeated and hopeless. How does Jerusalem’s present situation compare to her future?

What does this tell us about God’s faithfulness and affection for his people?

50:1-3 make reference to the Israelite divorce practice (see Deut 24:1-4). God is saying that although their relationship was seriously ruptured there was never a point of formal divorce. This means that God’s salvation is a bit like a husband and wife reconciling and coming together again.

TPS: This passage says a lot about children. Pray for the ministry of Compassion as they seek to love children across the world and share the gospel with them. Pray also for any particular children you sponsor.

13 DAY 18 :4-11

This is the third ‘Servant Song’ of Isaiah (the first two were Isa 42:1-9 and 49:1-7). How is the tone and mood of this one different?

What from this passage reminds you about Jesus?

Reflect (and maybe commit to memory) this simple instruction: ‘Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on his God’ (Isa 50:10b).

TPS: Give thanks for our kids pastor Andrew Horsfield and his family. Pray for wisdom, godliness and energy as he oversees our many ministries to children. Pray also for parents of young children at HBC that they would take prime responsibility for teaching them about God.

DAY 19 :1-11

This passage is addressed to people who are longing for the restoration of Jerusalem and wanting to return there from Babylon. Who is the rock from which they were cut? What is the point of this comparison?

14 Who else will gather with the Jews when God’s salvation comes?

Compare verse 8 to 50:9. What does this repetition tell us about the Servant, enemies and ourselves?

Barry Webb writes, ‘As so often, Isaiah’s vision reaches far beyond the particulars of history to its end; beyond the return from Babylon to the consummation it foreshadowed’ (pg 202 of his BST commentary). How do you see this passage pointing forward to Jesus and also the end of history?

TPS: Pray for Dene and Rachel Hughes and their boys Elliott and Simeon who are evangelising and encouraging university students in Japan. Pray for help in learning the language and culture. Give thanks for the friendships they’re developing with neighbours and school families.

DAY 20 ISAIAH 51:12-23

Compare this section to 40:1-2. What do you notice?

Why do think Isaiah so often reminds us of God’s creative power (51:13-16 , also 40:12, 21-28; 42:5; 48:13)?

15 What is the comfort for God’s people?

How can get rid of our ‘fear of mortal men/mere mortals’?

TPS: Pray for the single men and women at our church. Thank God for their ministries and encouragement and ask that they be growing in Christ-likeness. Pray that HBC would be a church community where there is great mutual love among people of all kinds of home and family situations.

DAY 21 :1-12

What do you think have been the big themes of Isaiah 40-66 so far?

How do you respond emotionally to this passage?

Have a look at Revelation 21-22 which describes the final future in God’s plans (especially 21:1-4, 27). How do you see Isaiah looking forward to that future?

TPS: Romans 10:15 quotes Isaiah 52:7 about being bearers of good news. Pray that God might use us to bring good news to the people around us. Pray especially for one of your ‘5 friends’ whom you’re hoping will come to Christ this year.

16 DAY 22 ISAIAH 52:13-53:12

We’ll look at this famous passage (the fourth servant song) over two days. Have a think over the context of this song. What problems, plans or people have been raised in Isaiah so far that build up to this?

What are the ways the servant is described?

What happens to him?

In the next reading we’ll look at the impact of his service but for now, read Acts 8:32-35. How do you think Philip would have begun with that passage and told him the good news about Jesus?

TPS: Give thanks and praise to Jesus – especially remembering how he suffered for us.

DAY 23 ISAIAH 52:13-53:12

Read the passage again. How have we benefited from the life, death and resurrection of the servant?

17 What does ‘justify’ mean in verse 11 (see also Romans 3:21-26)?

Sometimes as Christians we are ashamed of Jesus (like 52:14 or 53:3) and sometimes we can be brave speakers of the message (53:1). Why do you think this is? How can this section in Isaiah spur us on?

TPS: Pray for Sam Hilton, Rach Hearn, Rob Hungerford, Scott Curtis, Doug Grosser and Dave Robertson and others involved in the Life ministry. Ask that they’d always be improving it and working well with regulars to partner in evangelism.

DAY 24 :1-17

The servant of chapter 53 brought us peace because he took our punishment (53:5). In this chapter that peace (Hebrew Shalom) is celebrated (esp 54:10 and 13).

What are all the wonderful things about this peace?

Barry Webb makes two really interesting points about this chapter. First, it subtly makes reference to 3 of the Bible’s great covenants: the one with Abraham (barren woman, tents, descendants in verses 1-3), the one with Israel at Sinai (Maker and Redeemer in verse 5) and the one with (verses 9-10). Second, God’s people are called here ‘servants of the Lord’ (54:17) and share many things

18 with the Servant of chapter 53. We are both taught (50:4, 54:13), afflicted (53:4, 54:11) and will be vindicated (50:8, 54:17). God promised the Servant offspring (53:10) and that means us!

TPS: Think about what you’ve been reading and learning in Isaiah. It would be great to encourage a Christian friend by sharing that with them. This could be a friend in your Growth Group, or your spouse or children, or a missionary you pray for. Pray for them and make a plan to talk, Skype or email them about God’s great messages in Isaiah.

DAY 25 :1-13

Like most of Isaiah, this passage is full of rich images. Reflect on these, possibly by sketching what you imagine. What ideas are being conveyed?

This chapter is significant for bringing together the figure of the Servant with the promised Davidic king or Messiah. Some links are see (52:13, 55:4), covenant (42:6, 55:3), nations or Gentiles (42:6, 49:6, 53:15, 55:4-5) and kingly rule (42:4, 49:7, 53:12, 55:4). This was a link that the Jews of Jesus’ time had not anticipated! Thankfully we can see in the how he fulfils both OT figures and is our true and great Servant King.

TPS: Pray for our MTS trainees Mick Woodley, Flick Sheridan and Warwick Allen that they would learn heaps while doing their apprenticeship. Ask that God would use them in evangelising Newcastle and growing his people.

19 DAY 26 :1-8

After a celebration of God’s peace, this section begins to address those who are waiting for God’s redemption. Which people does 56:1-8 encourage? How?

There are many calls for godliness in these verses. Reflect on them and consider your own life. How have you been changing over the last month? How do you still need to change?

TPS: Pray that you wouldn’t be a Christian in name or appearance only. Pray for costly growth while we wait and put our hope in the Lord.

DAY 27 ISAIAH 56:9-57:13

In these verses we return to some of the darker tones of Isaiah and to problems that were probably around before, during and even after the exile. The Israelite sinners of this section are a complete contrast to the godly eunuchs and foreigners of 56:1-8. What seems to be the connection(s) between the evils here: idolatry, sexual immorality and false sacrifice?

What has been the failure of Israel’s leadership (the watchmen in verse 10)?

20 The character of the godly can be summed up in one line: he/she makes God their refuge (57:13). What is beautiful about this?

TPS: Pray for HBC Youth – that they would take refuge in God and stand out in the crowd. Pray for Andy Pearson and the other youth leaders that they would be faithful leaders – setting an example and spurring the youth on to Christian maturity.

DAY 28 :14-21

God is calling his people back to himself – ‘preparing the road’ is about returning from exile to Jerusalem. As always, though, this is foreshadowing a bigger spiritual return from sin and separation from God. Reflect on verse 15, especially in the light of your own struggles and brokenness. What is amazing about God?

Another great verse on this theme is Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

TPS: Pray for yourself and others you know who are contrite, lowly, mourning, brokenhearted, or crushed. Ask God that he would revive them, heal and comfort them. Pray that they would know God’s peace.

21 DAY 29 :1-14

Whereas Chapter 57 challenged idolatry, chapter 58 challenges hypocritical religiosity. Why is God not impressed by their fasting?

What sort of ‘fasting’ is God actually looking for?

What promises does he give for those who God truly?

Look up Matthew 6:16-18. How did Jesus also criticise people fasting for show?

This chapter picks up the theme of true worship of God rather than religiosity (compare 56:1-2 and 57:15). In what aspects of our life might we be putting on a show of while neglecting things that God really values?

TPS: Confess to God your sin and remember that God promises to answer our cries of help (58:9)

22 DAY 30 :1-21

Chapter 59 continues to challenge us about sin and call us to repentance. The ‘arm’ and ‘ear’ of the Lord (59:1) follow on from the ‘mouth of the Lord’ (58:14). It’s a goldmine of practical theology!

59:2-3 (and 58:4) speak about the connection between our actions (especially with our hands) and God’s responsiveness to our prayers. How might this help us understand 1 Timothy 2:8: ‘I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing’ (or also 1 Peter 3:7)?

Isaiah, in this chapter, is groaning on behalf of his people under the weight of sin. It sounds a lot like the grim chapters of Romans 1-3 (verses 7 and 8 are quoted in Rom 3:15-17). Is our hope in ‘trying to be better’ or from is it from God?

The ‘armour of God’ section of Ephesians 6 is probably better known than Isaiah, yet we see here that it is God who first puts on righteousness as a breastplate and the helmet of salvation. What’s great about having God as our mighty, rescuing warrior?

TPS: Pray for the city of Newcastle – that God would redeem for himself 30,000 people. Pray for other churches and ministries in our city that they would be preaching the Word of God through his Spirit (59:21). Pray that people would be saved and matured through their ministry.

23 DAY 31 :1-22

The darkness of chapter 59 (esp verses 9-10) now gives way in chapter 60 to the light of the glory of the Lord. What are all the good things this chapter looks forward to?

This chapter looks back to creation in that God brings light into darkness (Gen 1:1- 2) and God’s people are fulfilling the creation mandate to fill and subdue the earth (see Gen 1:28. In Isaiah this is expressed as nations bringing tribute from afar). The chapter also looks forward to Revelation 21-22. What references to Isaiah can you see in Rev 21:10-11, 24-26; 22:5?

Of course it is Jesus who brings about the fulfilment of this passage, in his first and second comings (the gifts of the Magi in Mat 2:11 are hinted at in 60:6). Give thanks and praise to God for him!

TPS: Pray for our Unichurch congregation – especially for new students, new Christians and international students. Give thanks that nearly 240 young men and women are gathering each week in Growth Groups to grow together in their love and knowledge of God.

24 DAY 32 :1-11

Into the hopeful message of chapter 60 comes the voice of a special person in 61:1-3. If we compare 11:2 and 42:1 we can be sure this one person is both the Messiah and the Servant. Jesus confirms this as he applies 61:1-2 to himself in Luke 4:14-21. The ‘year of the Lord’s favour’ is probably the fulfilment of the year of Jubilee (1 year in 50 when slaves were released – see Lev 25:8-55).

As always, there’s so much to reflect upon in this chapter! But for a special treat we’ve pinched a comment from a prayer letter from 3rd Moore College student Josh Allen (MTS@HBC 2010-11)

A taste of the gospel in Hebrew...

This beautiful phrase (sounds like p’eir tahat eipher) is taken from Isaiah 61:3, and means something like ‘beauty instead of ashes,’ or ‘honour instead of ashes.’ Hebrew is read from from right to left, and you might notice that the first word is an anagram of the third word, while the middle word is palindrome (reads the same backwards and forwards). The balance of the textual symmetry visually reflects the balance of the exchange that it speaks about. This is the good news brought to us in Christ (Isa 61:1 c.f. Luke 4:16-21), that God will give his mourning people ‘honour instead of ashes,’ replacing our sorrow with joy, and our beaten-downness with honour. I found this particularly helpful when reading about and praying for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq.

TPS: Pray for Josh and other MTS grads you know at college or in the workforce. We could take up Josh’s suggestion too for praying for Christians in Iraq.

25 DAY 33 :1-12

The great themes of God’s redemption continue. What are some of the very personal ways God talks about his relationship with his people?

How do 62:1 and 62:6-7 give us permission to pray big prayers?

TPS: Pray for Chris and Karen Webb and their children Ezra, Daniel and Emily who are teaching the gospel to Aboriginal people in Broome. Pray for Broome People’s Church that many Christians will be gathering around his word and praying big prayers.

DAY 34 :1-6

Even though God’s judgment was mentioned in 61:2, ‘this terrible scene bursts upon us almost with the suddenness of the day of judgment itself’ (Barry Webb). Why do you think God’s ‘year of redemption’ and ‘day of wrath’ are just two sides of the one coin?

Read Romans 12:17-21. How should God’s judgment affect our response to being hurt?

26 TPS: Give thanks that Jesus rescues us from judgment. Pray also for Growth Group leaders at church (including your own) that they would keep reminding us of the whole truth from God’s word. Pray that they would be deeply reliant on God in life and ministry.

DAY 35 ISAIAH 63:7-19

In 62:1, 6-7 Isaiah encouraged prayer and now in this chapter (and the next) he prays a great intercessory prayer himself (intercessory prayer means praying for someone else – something the prophets and Jesus did especially). What are the problems Isaiah brings to God?

On what basis does he appeal to God?

What does he ask for?

How does this chapter (esp verse 17) help us think through things like prayer and God’s sovereignty in evangelism?

TPS: Pray for Greg and Emma Lee and their family. Pray that Greg would faithfully live as a godly growing Christian and teach us from God’s word. Pray that we would submit to his leadership that his work would be a joy not a burden (Heb 13:17).

27 DAY 36 :1-12

Isaiah’s prayer continues. In 63:15 he called God to ‘look down from heaven’ but in 64:1 he calls God to actually rend/tear the heavens and ‘come down’.

Consider those same questions from the previous reading: What are the problems; on what basis does he appeal to God; and what does he ask for?

How does the ministry of the Servant deal with some of these problems (Isa 53)?

Verse 64:6 is pretty dismissive of our ‘righteous acts’. How might this verse help us with the questions, ‘why don’t good people go to heaven?’

If you have time, look up 1 Cor 2:6-10. How does Paul use Isaiah 64:4?

TPS: Pray for our MTS trainees Anthony Allen and Lucy Knights. Pray that they would be growing greatly in their character during their apprenticeship. Ask for opportunities for evangelism and lots of learning experiences.

28 DAY 37 :1-16

Isaiah 65 is God’s answer to Isaiah’s prayer. God won’t keep silent (64:12)! What are God’s acts of judgment and rescue in this chapter?

There’s great promises for God’s chosen people and servants. How is this a comfort to us?

Paul uses Isaiah 65:1-2 in Romans 10:20-21. How does people’s response to Jesus reflect their relationship with God?

TPS: Pray for the city of Newcastle and for the many people who are not seeking God. Ask that God might reveal himself to them (Isa 65:1).

DAY 38 ISAIAH 65:17-25

God’s plans in Isaiah are not a continuation of the OT cycle of localised judgment and rescue; the scope is something entirely new – a new heavens and new earth.

What is God’s vision for the future for his people?

29 How is his relationship with them described?

How do we see a reversal of the curse of Genesis 3 and the fulfilment of God’s original purposes in Genesis 1 and 2?

The hope of the new heavens and earth is picked up in Revelation 21 and 22 but also in 2 Peter 3:11-14. What applications does Peter draw out from this idea?

TPS: Pray for our AM and PM congregations, that the adults and kids would lift their eyes beyond current struggles to hope in God. Pray that together they would be leading holy and godly lives.

DAY 39 ISAIAH 66:1-11

After Israel return to the land from their exile in Babylon the temple was eventually built. However, the problem of people using it for show and religious ceremony would continue. Eventually, Jesus would come to the temple in judgment (John 2:13-22) and the physical temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

30 What is the problem with external religiosity?

What is the true worship God is looking for in this passage?

What do you think is the birth and delivery Isaiah is talking about in verses 7-11 (compare 54:1, Gal 4:24-28 and Rev 12:17)?

TPS: Give thanks for the work of Lincoln and Leah and the Hope Myanmar Partnership. Pray for strength and encouragement for them and that their work would bear fruit.

DAY 40 ISAIAH 66:12-22

Isaiah 1:2 spoke about the problem of God’s rebellious children. Now in 66:13 we have the image of parent and child in perfect relationship. The comfort God spoke about in 40:1 is repeated here as the prophecy concludes. In the midst of final judgment and salvation, what is the urgent missionary agenda in these verses?

31 Jesus quotes verse 24 in his description of in :48. Revelation, in a similar way to Isaiah, has descriptions of Hell in its conclusion (Rev 21:8 and 22:15). Why is it important for us to not forget about Hell, even as we remember and hope in God’s perfect salvation?

TPS: Reflect on some of the big themes of Isaiah 40-66. What areas in your life have you been convicted about? Pray that we would tremble at God’s word and change our lives so as to conform to his ways.

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