“Why Did God Grieve Over His People?” Day 1

Week 1

“Why Did God Grieve Over His People?”

The prophecy of Isaiah is filled with three themes that repeat over and over again: sin, judgment, and restoration.

During this first week of our study, we are going to focus on theme number one, sin, and we are going to ask Isaiah a question, “Why Did God Grieve Over His people?” We often see throughout the book that God’s people don’t live up to his ideal: they don’t worship Him alone, they don’t trust Him like they should, they serve only themselves, and they don’t look out for others. And God’s heart hurts because of it.

God loves his people and wants to have a proper relationship with them, but because He is holy their sins create distance between them and God. As you read this week’s devotionals, I hope you can feel God’s pain, because only then will you be able to understand why He judges them. It is only then that we will be able to appreciate the love and hope that the promise of God’s Deliverer brings. We will see throughout the book that God never gives up on His people.

Day 1

“Israel on Trial”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

Have you ever started reading a book in the middle? Or begun watching a movie 45 minutes in? Imagine telling the second half of your favorite story to someone else. How do you think the person would react? They would be asking lots of questions that would have been answered if they had heard the first half, right?

The book of Isaiah is “in the middle” of God’s great story of how He is rescuing this broken, sinful world from sin and death. We are jumping into the story where God is judging His people, Israel, because of disobedience, but was promising to redeem His people from judgment. This all takes place before Jesus came to earth.

We are going to see a side of God that is very unpopular today. We are going to see that sin has consequences. We are going to see that God never gives up on redeeming His people from their

1 sins. We begin our journey by going to a courtroom: God is bringing charges against His people, Israel, because she has violated His covenant. This isn’t going to be pretty, so brace yourself!

Read Isaiah 1:1-20.

For Discussion with Children: 1. God is telling His people He does not like their pretending to love Him. How does God know they do not really love Him? (Parents, see verses 4, 16-17.) 2. How do you think God feels as He speaks these words? 3. Read verses 18-20 again. Does God love His people? How do you know?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. God uses many metaphors to convey his frustration with His rebellious people. Which metaphor(s) stands out to you? Why? 2. Why does God no longer want Israel’s sacrifices (verses 11-17)? What does God want instead? 3. How do you know God loves His people, even as He expresses His anger and is forced to judge them? 4. What do you learn about God in this chapter?

In a Nutshell: God loves His people even though He is hurt by their disobedience to Him. Even though God must judge sin, His love for His people never changes.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

Day 2 “God’s Covenant People”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

Have you ever had someone say they would do something, only to later feel betrayed? What did that feel like? What did it do to your relationship with that person?

Today we are going to go back in time before God expressed His frustration through Isaiah for Israel’s disobedience to the time when God had shown His people His great love for them and promised to protect them if they would obey His Laws. This was what we call a conditional covenant: if God’s people obeyed (i.e. held up their end of the covenant), God was going to take care of them (i.e. hold up His end of the covenant). God had just miraculously rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and promised them a bright future ahead when their leader, Moses, talked to God up on Mount Sinai.

Read Exodus 19:1-8; 20:1-21.

For Discussion with Children: 1. God had told His people that they were special to Him. He was going to help them and show His great love to the world by how He took care of them. How would you feel if God said that you were special to Him? (Parents: remind your kids that God has said that about them!) 2. God told His people that they were to obey Him if they were to receive His help. Why do you think God wanted His people to obey Him? (Parents: just like you, God wants what is best for His children and knows more than children give Him credit for!) 3. The laws that God gave His people are called the Ten Commandments (though these were not the only laws God gave). Which of the commandments do you think are the hardest to obey? Easiest?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. God had rescued His people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 1-14 tells the full story) because He loved them (see Exodus 3:7-9). Now God tells them He wants them to be His “treasured possession” (19:5). Why would God do that for these people? 2. God makes a covenant with His people. If they obey Him, He will protect them and care for their needs. Why do you think God gave them laws to obey in the first place (Think of why parents do this)? 3. The first four of the Ten Commandments describe how God’s people were to relate to God and the last six describe how to relate to other people. What happens in a society, a family, or a company that disregards these laws?

In a nutshell: Early in the Old Testament story, God had rescued his people from slavery in Egypt and then made a covenant with them—they were to obey and if they did, He would bestow His favor upon them and meet their needs. He gave them laws (i.e. The Ten Commandments) to help them. This was a sign of God’s gracious love for His people.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

Day 3

“God’s Vision”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

Has someone ever made you a promise that contained the word “if”? “IF” you do your homework, THEN I will give you ice cream. “IF” you come to work on time every day, THEN the company will give you a raise. In the early part of the first book of the Bible, God made a

3 promise to Abraham that did not have any conditions. He promised Abraham that once he left his homeland for God, that He would give his descendants a beautiful piece of land for them to live in. Later through Moses, God added some conditions, some “ifs,” for remaining in that land.

The book of Isaiah is written to these descendants of Abraham (the people of Israel), at a time when they had not followed God’s conditions for a long time. Isaiah is reminding the people of Israel of God’s vision for them, and he is warning them that if they don’t return to God’s ways, then God will remove them from that beautiful land that He gave them. In our reading today we are going to see a list of these conditions which paint a picture for us of God’s vision for His people.

Read Deuteronomy 28:1-29, 49-52, 63-68.

For Discussion with Children: 1. What are some promises with “ifs” that your parents have made to you? How about your teachers? What happens if you don’t follow the “ifs”? 2. When your parents punish you for disobeying, is it because they don’t love you or because they want you to learn and become better people? How does being punished or disciplined help us to become better people? 3. Why did God take his people out of their land? What do you think God was trying to teach them?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Make a short list. Find and discuss five of the images that Moses uses to describe God blessing his people for obedience. Now find and discuss five of the images that Moses uses to describe God cursing his people for disobedience. What was God’s vision for His people while they were living in the land that He gave to them? 2. The old covenant (made to Moses) and its blessings and curses do not apply to us anymore. We live under a new covenant that was enacted by the work of Jesus. Does that mean that God has no expectations on believers today? What are some of those expectations? Does God discipline us when we fail? (read Hebrews 12:5-11). 3. What are some ways that we can demonstrate our allegiance to God alone?

In a Nutshell: The exile should not have come as a surprise to the people of Israel. God laid out his VISION for enjoying his “promised land” right from the beginning. He also sent them prophet after prophet to remind them of that vision and how they were breaking his conditions. If that weren’t enough, he even gave them hundreds of years and hundreds of chances to be a people that worshipped him alone and lived out his character on earth, but they didn’t listen. Therefore, God was disappointed with them and kept his promise to remove them from the land.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read the unconditional promises made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15: 18-21. What promises does God make to Abraham? What land did God promise to Abraham? When did they receive that land?

Day 4 “God’s Heartbreak”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

How do you take care of a plant or a flower? What do you need to provide for that plant, so that it can grow big and healthy? You probably need to get it the proper amount of sunlight, plant it in the right kind of soil, and make sure it gets the right amount of water. How would you feel if you worked really hard and provided everything that flower needed to grow, but it died anyway?

In our story today, we see that God did a lot of work to make sure that his people would live for Him in the land that He promised them, just like a farmer who plants a vineyard. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt, He parted the Red Sea so that they could get away, He gave them rules and promises to live by, and he defeated the Canaanites, so that they could have that “promised land.” After all that he had done, he expected them to worship and serve him alone, and that they treat people fairly. But God was hurt, because that isn’t what he got.

Read Isaiah 5:1-30.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Has anyone ever given you a big gift? How did you feel when you received that gift? Did you want to give that person something back that was just as good as what they gave you? 2. What are some ways that God cares for us? What are some things that God has given to us? How should we respond to all of these generous gifts? (Parents: use this as an opportunity to talk about how we obey God out of gratitude for what He did for us.) 3. What are some ways that we disappoint God and break His heart?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What did God promise he would do, because his vineyard wasn’t producing good fruit? Did God keep this promise? How? Can you think of a time when God might have disciplined you for not producing good fruit? 2. What did God expect from his people that He did not find? What would God have considered to be good, juicy grapes? Why do you think treating people fairly (with righteousness and justice) is such a big deal to God? What are some ways that we can make sure that we treat people fairly today?

In a Nutshell: God loves His people even though He is hurt by their disobedience to Him. God had worked very hard for the people of Israel. He had provided them with everything they needed to succeed spiritually in the land that He had promised to them, but instead of producing the righteousness and justice of God, they treated people unfairly and used them only for their own selfish purposes.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read Romans 12:1-3. Paul is arguing that because of the great things that God has done for us through Jesus, that we should we should do something for Him. What does Paul urge us to do?

Day 5 “God is Going to Act”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

Have you ever realized that fire has different effects on different types of materials? What does fire do to wood? What does fire do to paper? What does fire do to a precious metal like gold? Wood and paper are consumed by fire, so that they no longer exist, but metals are refined. Fire causes the impurities in the metal to come out, so that the metal is more pure than it was before.

In our passage today, God decides that He is going to act against His people who have disappointed Him. He is going to discipline them for not serving Him and not treating others fairly, but God’s punishment is intended to help the people of Israel to turn from their wrongdoing (repent) and come back to Him.

Read Isaiah 1:21-31.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Can you think of the last time that you were punished or disciplined? What was your parent or teacher trying to teach you? What do you think God was trying to teach the people of Israel when he made them leave the “promised land”? 2. Can you describe how Jesus lived? How did Jesus treat people? How did he treat people that didn’t have much money? How did he treat people that were different than him? How can we treat people like Jesus did?

For Discussion with Students and Adults:

1. What is the difference between punishment and discipline? When God judges people do you think His goal is to merely punish, or is it meant to get people’s attention and get them to turn back to God? 2. What are the reasons that God is angry with the people of Israel? Why do you think God cares so much about orphans and widows (read James 1:26-27 and 2:5-9)? Do you think that God still cares for them? How can we help widows and orphans today? 3. What kinds of impurities are in our lives today that you think God wants to purge? How does God purge these impurities in our part of God’s story? Is there a way that God points out these impurities in our lives? How can we stay sensitive to God’s leading?

In a Nutshell: God loves His people even though He is hurt by their disobedience to Him. God expected His people to act like Him. He wanted them to show His character to the world, but they didn’t. Instead they worshipped other gods and hurt people to advance themselves. Therefore, God decided that he was going to judge his people and remove them from their “promised land.” This exile, however, was never intended to be the end of their story, but to drive them back to a relationship with God where their lives were changed.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9. How can trials in our life have a refining influence on us? How can we prepare ourselves to see trials in this light?

Day 6

“God’s Holiness”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

Have you ever woken up to a completely dark room and been stunned by an unwelcome bright light invading your unadjusted eyes? Why do your eyes hurt when this happens?

What happens after a few seconds, however? Your eyes adjust to the light and you can see a bit more clearly again.

Today we are going to see the prophet Isaiah describe an amazing experience he had where he was overcome by the sense of God’s presence. But it wasn’t just God’s presence that was painful. It was the awareness that he was not qualified to be in the presence of God. Something was required before Isaiah could come rightfully into God’s presence. What was true for Isaiah was true for God’s rebellious people, Israel, and it’s also true for each of us. God provides the remedy so that we can come confidently into His presence!

Read Isaiah 6.

For Discussion with Children: 1. What did Isaiah say when he realized that he was standing in the presence of God (verse 5)? Why did he say that? 2. What does Isaiah call God (in verse 5)? What does it mean when we address God this way? 3. What did God do when Isaiah realized his sin? What was God able to do once Isaiah had been forgiven of his sin? (Parents: God gave Isaiah a mission!) 4. Go to the New Testament and read Hebrews 4:14-16. How is Isaiah’s experience like our experience with God because of what Jesus does on our behalf?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Isaiah’s experience takes place about 740 years before Jesus came to earth, but there’s foreshadowing happening. Let’s look at a couple. What was Isaiah’s reaction to being in the presence of God? 2. The creatures were calling God, “Holy”, which means “separate from.” In what way is God “holy”? 3. What does God do when Isaiah realizes his sin? What does God do after forgiving Isaiah’s sin? 4. What Isaiah realizes in God’s presence is what God wanted rebellious Israel to understand. How is Isaiah’s experience similar to our relationship to God now that Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, rose again, and is seated in the heavenly throne room at the right hand of God the Father? Read Hebrews 10:19-25 if needed.

In a Nutshell: The prophet Isaiah had the incredible opportunity to see the very presence of God. But he left a changed man. He saw that he was sinful, yet God provided forgiveness. And then God gave him a mission to accomplish. God still does this for us today because of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and position at the right hand of God.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

Day 7 “God Expects a Changed Heart”

Why Did God Grieve Over His People??

Can you tell someone you are sorry without meaning the words? How do you know you are really sorry for something you did or said and not just sorry you got caught?

In our passage today, we see that Jesus wants his followers to not just obey with the right behavior, but to have the right attitude. He doesn’t want us to just say that we are sorry about our sins and then continue to do them anyway. He also doesn’t want us to go through the motions of doing good things, yet remain stubborn and unchanged in our hearts and minds. When our hearts are changed, we realize the pain our sin causes God, others, and ourselves.

Read Matthew 15:1-20.

For Discussion with Children: 1. How would you feel if someone at school smiled and told you that they were your friend, but then said mean things about you to other people? Would you feel like that person really liked you? Why not? How is that like telling God that we love Him in church on Sunday, but doing things that he hates the rest of the week? 2. How does God want our hearts to change? What does He want us to care about? How do you know you really love God and other people?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Why do you think that God cares more about our hearts than he does about outward rituals? What are some ways that we can serve God and do what he commands, but with the wrong motives? How can we make sure we have the right motives when we obey God? 2. Do you think Jesus was throwing out all of the traditions of the Jewish people? What do you think he was trying to do? 3. How were the Pharisees in Jesus’ day the same as the people of Israel in Isaiah’s day? How does Jesus’ advice to have a changed heart apply in each case?

In a Nutshell: Jesus used the words of Isaiah to teach that God isn’t interested in people just SAYING that they are sorry about their sins, but really they aren’t. He also isn’t interested in people who just follow Him on the outside (like attending church, giving, and maybe even doing a good thing every so often), but in their hearts they only care about themselves. Jesus wants us to allow him to change our hearts, so that we love him and serve others because we know that he first loved us.

Weekly Memory verse: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read Matthew 5:21-48. What did Jesus say about his relationship to the Old Testament law? Was he throwing it all out or was he asking people to understand that all of the law’s teaching had to be understood in light of Him and his work? What is the difference?

Week 2

“Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?”

Over the next two weeks we are going to focus on the second main theme of Isaiah, judgment. It doesn’t take long to see that God’s anger at sin leads quickly to judgment. Not only does God judge foreign nations who stand opposed to Him, but He even judges His own people for not living up to their job description as God’s representatives. He wanted them to be a “light” to the nations, but instead of following and trusting in Him they began to worship false gods, trust in other nations, and care only for themselves.

At times this judgment might seem harsh to us. The point of God’s judgement, though, was never simply to punish the people for their sin. Instead it was always intended to get their attention. God never gives up on His people. God wanted them to know that His love and grace were always available to them, but they had to turn their hearts back to Him.

Day 8 “God’s Vision for Israel”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

Every job has a job description describing the kind of work and the kind of person they are looking to hire. If you were hiring someone to mow your lawn, what would you be looking for? How about someone to do your taxes? Each job has its own unique requirements.

In our passage today, we see that God had a job description for His people. He had a vision for what Israel could be and should be. He wanted them to be a light to the nations of the earth. God wanted people to see Himself when they looked at the people of Israel. He wanted his character reflected in their character. He wanted his splendor and justice to be seen in how they treated people. He wanted to spread his salvation to the world through them. However, Israel wasn’t a light to the nations, and they didn’t reflect the character of God, but instead became just like the nations around them.

Read Isaiah 49:1-13.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Did you know that the way you behave, often reflects on your parents? What if you or your brothers and sisters throw huge tantrums at the store when you don’t get what you want? How does that reflect on your parents? What if you lie and steal? Are you representing your parents and what they want you to be like when you do these things?

2. If we say that we are Christians, our behavior also reflects back on God. What will people think about God, if we treat them unfairly? What will they think about God, if we lie to them?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. God wanted Israel to be a light to the nations? What kinds of attitudes and actions do you think God wanted from them? What would have been the effect of Israel living this way? 2. We have jumped ahead here to a theme that we will look at more closely in week 4, the servant. Who do you think this servant is? What does God ask of this servant here in Isaiah 49? How do you think the servant makes this happen? How does the servant perfectly fulfill the job description for Israel? 3. Who is called to be a light to the world today (see Matthew 5:12-16)? What does Jesus expect of us as the light of the world?

In a Nutshell: God is disappointed with His people, because He wanted them to be a light to the nations. Instead they were no different than the nations around them. In this passage we get the reason why God judged the people of Israel so harshly, BUT we also get a glimmer of hope. One day he will commission a servant who will be that light and he will lead the people of God back to their job of being light as well.

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Jesus calls us, in our part of the story, to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Take some time and look around Matthew 5, 6, and 7. What is Jesus’ job description for being a light to the world?

Day 9 “The Coming Destruction”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

What would happen in our country, if there were no laws? What would happen if people could steal, and they wouldn’t be punished for it? If people could hurt others and not have to go to jail? Do you think that there would be more crime or less crime? It is in the best interest of society that people who break laws be disciplined in some way. Would letting a murderer go free be a loving thing to do or society as a whole? God is a perfect God, and because of that, he also must also judge sin and wrongdoing.

In our passage today, we see that God will one day judge the entire world. We have seen how God was going to judge the people of Israel by removing them from their land, but this passage 11 looks even further into the future. It looks forward to a time that is even still future for us, when God will judge the whole earth. At that time the wicked will be punished, but those who put their faith in Jesus will be with the Lord forever.

Read Isaiah 24:1-23.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Have you ever gotten in trouble for hitting someone? Do you think you deserved to get in trouble? What would happen if people could hit each other and no one ever got in trouble? Do you think that we would be safe? Why does someone who hits others need to be punished? 2. Why do you think God will one day punish people? Do you think that God’s punishments are fair? Did you know that Jesus died to take the punishment that we deserve for our own sin and wrongdoing?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What are some details in this passage that give us a clue that this coming punishment hasn’t happened yet? When will this happen? 2. Why will God bring another worldwide judgment on the earth (like the flood)? Read 2 Peter 3:7-13. Does this help answer the question? What comes after this destruction? How should we live for God in the meantime?

In a Nutshell: The exile of the people of Israel is not the end of their story, nor is it the end of God’s judgment. Isaiah gives us a glimpse into the far future, when God will come and judge the whole earth. The wicked will be punished for how they have harmed God and others, while the righteous will be refined and rewarded (see chapters 25-27).

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read Matthew 13:24-30. What does this vineyard symbolize? Why does the farmer allow weeds to grow up alongside of the wheat without pulling them? How is this like the world we live in today? Who are the wheat and who are the weeds? What will happen to each when God judges the world?

Day 10 “The Self-Indulgent are Judged”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

What are some symptoms that point to the fact that you are sick? What are some symptoms of a cold? What are some symptoms of the stomach flu? What happens if you just treat the symptoms? Does that cure the sickness? If you take cough medicine, it might make the cough go away for a few hours, but it won’t kill the sickness in your body.

In our reading over the next few days, we see symptoms that something was wrong in the hearts of God’s people; they suffered from the sickness of sin. Every person that has ever lived suffers from this disease. We all have sin in our hearts and it comes out in our attitudes and behaviors in many ways. In our passage today we see that the sickness of sin came out in the behavior of self- indulgence. The people of Israel did not care about God and what he wanted, instead they just sought after their own pleasure without giving Him a second thought.

Read Isaiah 28:1-29.

For Discussion with Children: 1. How do you feel when your friends always want to play what they want and never play what you want? How do you feel when they always play with the best toys and never share? What would you call these types of actions? 2. What are some other selfish things that we often do? Why do you think God is unhappy when people are selfish or do selfish things? Do you think Jesus was selfish?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What are some signs of self-indulgence that we see these verses? What does God say about their self-indulgence? What are some images used to describe God’s judgment of this self-indulgence? 2. How were the people abusing alcohol? How is alcohol abuse at its core selfish and self- indulgent? What happens to our behavior when we are drunk? 3. What does the agricultural argument in verses 23-29 teach us about the physical world we live in and what it can teach us about God and His character? What does it teach us about the reason why God judges?

In a Nutshell: Isaiah is pronouncing woes on people who are being disobedient to God. The word “woe” was often used in funerals as an expression of grief. Instead of turning to God, they were repeatedly turning to themselves and other nations for solutions to their problems. This disobedience and self-indulgence is a symptom of the sin in their hearts. The core of the teaching of Jesus is that we love God and that we love others, and this is the opposite of self-indulgence. Instead of looking to satisfy our own selfish pleasures, God wants us to selflessly look out for the needs of others.

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read 1 Peter 2:4-10. Why does Peter quote from Isaiah 28? What point was he trying to get across? How does Jesus fulfill the promise that God makes in Isaiah 28?

Day 11

“Those Who Won’t Listen to God are Judged”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

Why does an error message appear on your computer screen or tablet? Why does a service engine light appear on your dashboard? Why do weather forecasters interrupt our favorite shows with warnings? What is the purpose of these things? What does each warning ask us to do? What happens if we don’t pay attention to these warnings?

In the reading today we see that when Israel was mired in their sin, God sent them warning after warning, but they didn’t listen. Our Old Testament is filled with these warnings: Amos and Hosea warned the northern kingdom of Israel, while Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, Micah, Habbakuk, and Zephaniah warned the southern kingdom of Judah. Each prophecy was tailored to specific circumstances, but overall they pointed out the sin of God’s people and the judgment that was soon to come, if they didn’t turn back to God, but instead of listening to the prophets, the people rejected them.

Read Isaiah 29:1-24.

For Discussion with Children: 1. What are some harmful thing that your parents warn you about? Why would your parents warn you about those particular dangers? What would happen if you didn’t listen to them? 2. What are some things that God warns us about? What are some dangers that God points out? What happens if we refuse to listen to God? Why do you think that God gives us warnings? (Parents: this is an opportunity to talk with your kids about why God says that certain things are wrong. It is because they are harmful to Him, harmful to ourselves, or harmful to others in our lives)

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Why couldn’t anyone read the words of God? What does this mean? In what way was God’s word shut out of their lives? What were the consequences going to be for refusing to listen to God? 2. Isaiah cannot go very long without offering some glimmers of hope. What glimmers of hope do we find in Isaiah 29? What does this teach us about the nature of God’s judgment on His people?

In a Nutshell: Isaiah is pronouncing another set of woes on the people. He says that they should be grieved not only by their selfishness, but also by the deception that resides in their heart. They say with their lips that they love God and serve Him alone, but they betray their words by their actions. Isaiah reminds the people that ignoring God’s voice is dangerous.

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read Romans 9. What is Paul trying to teach about God’s decision making? Why does he quote Isaiah 29? How do Isaiah’s words fit into Paul’s argument?

Day 12

“The Skeptical are Judged”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

If your best friend asked you to stand up on a table, close your eyes, and fall backwards off the table, would you do it? What if they absolutely promised to catch you when you fell? These are called trust falls. I know only a few people that I would trust to catch me. The rest I would be scared that they wouldn’t catch me, because I would be skeptical of their catching ability.

In the passage today we see another symptom of the sin in the life of the people of Israel. They are skeptical of God. They don’t believe that God can or that God will rescue them from the problems that they encounter in life, instead they are turning to other places to find their security. They are trusting in their own intelligence, their own power, and even in a foreign nation, Egypt. God just wanted them to trust in Him and to believe in His promises.

God always is waiting to pour out his blessing. Even though God is judging the people for their skepticism and sin, He is begging them to turn back to Him in repentance, and He promises them that as soon as they cry out to Him for help, that he will be gracious to them, bless them, and guide them. God never gives up on His people.

Read Isaiah 30:1-22. For Discussion with Children: 1. When you lay down on your bed at night do you trust that it will hold you and you won’t fall on the floor? Why? Do you wake up in the morning worried about what you will eat, or do you trust that your parent’s will feed you? Why? 2. God wants us to trust him? What are some things that we can trust God with? (Parents: talk about salvation, getting us through tough times, etc.)

For Discussion with Students and Adults:

1. What nation was the people of Israel trying to align with? Why do you think God pronounced woe on them for this alliance? What did it say about how they felt about God? Are political alliances wrong today? Why or why not? 2. Buried in this chapter God relates to the people the course of action they should have taken instead of trusting in political alliances. What was the right course of action? What does Isaiah say would be different if they had followed that plan instead? 3. What are some places that we look to for safety and security today, rather that trusting in God? What do you think this radical trust in God should look like today?

In a Nutshell: Isaiah is pronouncing another woe on the people for trusting in political alliances rather than trusting in God. Instead of relying on the power of God, they were looking to the powerful nations of the world to protect them and provide them with safety. God wanted to be the only one that they looked to for security.

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read Isaiah 31:1-3. Why was trusting Egypt a bad idea? Now read Isaiah 32:9-20. Why would trusting God be far better?

Day 13

“The Faithful are Delivered”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

Have you ever seen someone perform a magic trick? What was it? Have you ever seen someone sawn in half or somebody pick your card out of an entire deck? Magicians use illusions and distractions to trick your eyes and ears. They can be fun to watch, but they aren’t really doing something magical. What do you think the difference is between a magic trick and a miracle?

In the reading today King Hezekiah became very ill and God sends the prophet Isaiah to him to tell him that he was about to die. Hezekiah immediately turns his attention to God, and he pleads with God to heal him. In response, God promises to give Hezekiah fifteen more years of life, to save him and the nation of Judah from the Assyrians, and he even gives Hezekiah a miracle as a sign that his life would be extended. God loves it when His people trust Him, and He always stands ready to help His people when they depend on Him.

Read Isaiah 38:1-20.

For Discussion with Children: 1. What are some miracles that you can remember from the Bible? Who really performs all miracles? Why do you think God performed this miracle for King Hezekiah?

2. What should we do with bad times come into our lives? How can we imitate the faith of Hezekiah? How will God help us, if we trust in Him?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Take some time and read Isaiah 37. What are the similarities between the ways in which Hezekiah approached the Assyrian problem (37) and his health problem (38)? Can you see any differences? How did God respond in both of these situations? What does this say about how God wants us to act in the difficulties of life? 2. Notice that God not only promises to heal Hezekiah, he also promises to save the land from the Assyrians as well? Why do you think King Hezekiah’s individual actions helped the nation?

In a Nutshell: Hezekiah becomes a paradigm here for those who seek deliverance instead of judgment. When King Hezekiah encountered illness, he immediately took his situations before God, and by faith pleaded with Him to save him, and God extended his life by fifteen years. Earlier (chapter 37), when Hezekiah encountered a foreign army, he also took the situation to God in faith, and God rescued the nation. The lesson is simple: God desires us to trust Him in the difficulties of life. Do you trust God when life gets difficult?

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read Isaiah 7. There is an intentional contrast in Isaiah between where Ahaz turned when he encountered trouble and where his son Hezekiah turned. How did each of them handle similar situations differently? Which actions did God prefer? Why?

Day 14

“The Faithless are Judged”

Why Must God Judge His People So Harshly?

What is boasting? Have you ever boasted to a friend that you had something that they didn’t have? Why did you boast? Why do you think people in general boast? Isn’t it to make ourselves look good? Is there anything wrong with that?

In the reading today we see that after the great successes of faith that Hezekiah just had, he couldn’t resist taking the credit for himself. Hezekiah had a wonderful opportunity. Messengers from the nation of Babylon came to see the man that was healed by his God, but instead of directing their attention to the marvelous power of God, Hezekiah ends up boasting about his possessions. He showed by his actions that he didn’t care about God, instead all thatl he cared about was looking good in front of others

Every human being makes mistakes. We live in a broken world where sin separates us from God and from each other, but there is hope. God promises that even though humans, even human kings, will fail, that one day he is going to send a perfect king, who will never fail.

Read Isaiah 39:1-8.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Why do we like to look good in front of our friends and family? Why do you think Hezekiah wanted to look good in front of the people from Babylon? Why didn’t God like this? (Parents: help your children understand that God wants us to make Him look good first) 2. What are some ways that we can boast about God? What are some things that we can point out about God’s goodness and greatness?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What does Isaiah predict will happen as a result of Hezekiah’s boastfulness and refusal to give glory to God? Does Hezekiah care about this prediction of judgment? How do you feel about Hezekiah’s reaction? How should he have reacted to this news? 2. What was so wrong with Hezekiah boasting about his things to Babylon? Do you think Hezekiah was trying to bolster his chances of making an alliance with Babylon? How would this go against everything Isaiah was trying to teach about alliances and trust in God? 3. Why do you think that Isaiah ends his retelling of Hezekiah’s life on this negative note? How do Hezekiah’s actions relate to the Babylonians arrival in the future and their destruction of Jerusalem? Was the exile entirely Hezekiah’s fault?

In a Nutshell: Isaiah is closing out the first part of his message (1-39) which has focused us on the ideas of judgment and deliverance. When kings such as Ahaz trusted in themselves or foreign armies, God predicted judgment, but when kings such as Hezekiah trusted in God, He brought them deliverance.

Weekly Memory verse: I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read Numbers 20:1-13. What did Moses do that was wrong in this passage? How is it similar to what Hezekiah did in Isaiah 39? How can we make sure we don’t fall prey to attributing God’s work to our own abilities?

Week 3 “Is Judgment the End of God’s People?”

During week three we are going to continue to talk about God’s judgment, but we are going to see a sharp turn in these passages as well. Even though God judges the people for their sin, He always preserves for Himself a remnant--a group of righteous individuals who stand out from the crowd. In spite of the tide pulling at them to reject God, they continue to be faithful.

Unfortunately, they were judged right alongside of the wicked. They might cry out to God that this isn’t fair, but these passages remind them that even though things may be tough, there is very good news on its way. God doesn’t tell them when he will act, but he promises them that he will. God never gives up on His people. He promises that he won’t forget them, and that one day he will send a “servant” who will bring justice to the world. Judgment will not be the end of God’s people, but they can look forward to a time in the future when everything will be set right.

Day 15

“Good News is Coming”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

What would happen if you came home from vacation one day and your home was destroyed, the courthouse in your community was destroyed, the churches and businesses were destroyed, and you had no job to go to anymore—no more income. Life as you knew it would never be the same. What would you miss the most if there were no more buildings or homes in your community?

As we imagine ourselves in the Israelites’ shoes of losing their identity, their institutions and freedoms that we all desire, and their sense of despair about their future, we will read the words of God to them which include a confident hope that God will bring “Good News” to their pathetic plight. God doesn’t tell them when He will act, but He tells them that He made promises to His people and He will faithfully act on their behalf (even though they disobeyed Him) because there still remained a righteous remnant of people who did want to obey Him.

These words are spoken hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth. They helped Israel understand that God had to judge His people because of disobedience, but God had a better future in store for them still!

Read Isaiah 40:1-11.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Here is a prediction that a certain cousin of Jesus will come out of the wilderness before Jesus begins his public ministry (verse 3). He ate bugs and honey and baptized Jesus. Do

you know his name? (Parents: read Matthew 3 to learn about John the Baptist, as he was called.) 2. God is called a shepherd in verse 11. He cares for his sheep. Who are the “sheep” that God cares for? Do you know who called himself “The Good Shepherd” in John 10? (Parents: Jesus uses this same image of his being like a shepherd who cares for us!)

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. In the midst of losing their homes, their freedom, their sacred temple, and life as they knew it, God was promising that His judgment for disobedience would not last forever. There would be an end to the punishment for their sins (verses 1-2). Have you ever felt like the punishment for your sins will last forever? Will they? 2. God says that people are going to let him down, but His word endures forever (verses 6- 8). What is a promise God has told us in the Bible that is true regardless of whether you let Him down or not? 3. “Good news” will be proclaimed from Jerusalem. Jesus would begin his public ministry by proclaiming “Good News”? Read verse 10, then read Matthew 4:23 and Mark 1:15. As Jesus adopts this language of Isaiah, what is he saying to Israel when he begins his public ministry? 4. God is likened to a shepherd who cares for His sheep in verse 11. Who is the “Good Shepherd” in the New Testament? Read John 10:1-21. What is Jesus trying to say, assuming his Jewish audience was familiar with Isaiah 40:11?

In a Nutshell: As Israel is discouraged because they suffered because of God’s judgment for their disobedience, God promised that He was still present with His people and would bring “Good News” in the midst of their difficulties. We even see God hinting at the ministry of Jesus with a promise that John the Baptist would precede Jesus and that the Shepherd would care for His sheep!

Weekly Memory verse: Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Isaiah 49:13; NIV)

Day 16 “God Never Forgets His People”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

Have you ever accidentally been left behind somewhere by your parents or a group of people and became scared that you wouldn’t know how to find them again? What did you do? How did you feel when you were reunited?

As Israel is judged for her disobedience, the righteous remnant probably thought that their suffering was not fair. Have you ever been punished for the disobedience of other people? God wants the righteous remnant to know that He will take care of them because He still loves them. This is an example of when we don’t understand what God is doing, so He asks us to trust Him. Have you ever had to trust God when you don’t understand why difficult things happen?

Read Isaiah 40:12-31.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Have you ever been to the mountains or the ocean and felt really small because God’s creation is so big? When we look at God’s big creation, what do you think He wants us to remember? 2. Read verses 27-31 again. What is a difficult situation that God wants you to remember that He will give you strength? (Hint: bullies, loved one passing away, moving to a different state, etc.)

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. God reminds us that when we don’t understand what He’s doing, we should remember that even the creation itself is under God’s dominion. How does this help when circumstances in your life seem to be more than you can handle? 2. If you could ask God one question, what would you ask? If He gave you His honest answer, do you think it would actually help you trust Him more? Why or why not? 3. Read verses 27-31 again. What do you think God wants you to do when you feel at your “wit’s end”?

In a Nutshell: There are times when we feel lonely and forgotten, but God asks us to trust that He is bigger than our feelings, our circumstances, and our pain. He will take care of us and give us strength when we “hope in the Lord”!

Day 17 “God’s Servant Will Make Things Right”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

If you could have someone wave a magic wand and fix any problem, what would you want fixed? This sort of thing happens in fictional stories, but not in real life.

God’s method of fixing this world of sin, injustice, and broken relationships is more subtle and takes a longer amount of time than we’d prefer. He doesn’t wave a magic wand and fix everything the way we prefer, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t serious about making things right!

Today in our reading, the righteous remnant is promised a “Servant” who would come and bring justice to the world. The result would be rejoicing from God’s people because they see God’s great love through this Servant. Any idea who this Servant is who comes to earth hundreds of years after God’s promise to His people?

Read Isaiah 42:1-17.

For Discussion With Children: 1. Read verse 8 again. What does God want you to remember about who He is? Though you may not have a god that is a statue, what would another possible god in your life look like? (Parents: this could be anything that becomes more important than God like sports, a job, entertainment, school work, friends, etc. The reason these are gods is that we use them to bring happiness and self-identity when only God can do that adequately.) 2. Read verse 10 again. What gets you so excited that you want to get excited and sing or dance?

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. God promises to send a “Servant” who would bring justice to the world (v. 1). He would metaphorically set prisoners free from bondage and bring sight to those who are blind (v. 7). Does it seem like this “Servant” has fulfilled this promise in our world today? How do you know? 2. Verse 8 tells us that God is possessive of His “glory”! What are the potential gods in your life that provide a sense of security, identity, or fulfillment that only God can provide? Why does God want you to find these things in Him only? 3. God uses metaphor to describe the cosmic excitement when the “new things” arrive. Why will the creation be excited when justice finally arrives on the earth?

In a Nutshell: God promised a Servant who would bring rejoicing to the whole world because he would make things right. Even as the righteous remnant suffers, God promises that a “new thing” is coming which will cause the whole creation to get excited.

Day 18 “God Is Committed to His People”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

Have you ever had something that you thought was going to be unbearable happen to you that you didn’t think was so bad once it was over? Sometimes we think that if we would have known ahead of time how something would play out, we might not have been quite so stressed about it.

What if God wanted you to think like that every day of your life? As the righteous remnant is living the nightmare of judgment for Israel’s disobedience, God promises that He is committed to protecting them.

Read Isaiah 43:1-13.

For Discussion With Children: 1. God tells His people not to be afraid—ever (verses 1 and 5). What does it mean to not be afraid when you begin to feel afraid? 2. What are some of the reasons God tells His people not to be afraid? (Parents: notice the phrases like “I am the Lord your God” [v. 3], “I love you” [v. 4], and “I am with you” [v. 5])

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. Which of the metaphors God uses to express His commitment to the righteous remnant do you like the best? What does it mean to you in your own words? 2. Why is God so insistent that there are not other gods beside Him?

In a Nutshell: God is committed to protecting His people, even when it looks like He is absent. He tells us not to be afraid and to trust Him because the day will come when we can look back and see that He was in control after all and that He is the only God with the power to meet every need we have.

Day 19 “God Wields His Power in Unexpected Ways”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

Is it difficult to respect people in high places (i.e. government, employers, etc.) who do not follow Jesus, nor care to even pretend to follow Jesus? What makes it so hard to take orders from such people?

Today, we will read about a time when God declares that even the actions of a Persian king, Cyrus, were under the dominion of God. These pagan (aka non-Israelite) kings owed their success to God. And the reason God gives them success is ultimately to point back to His own power and purposes.

Read Isaiah 44:24-45:7.

For Discussion With Children: 1. God tells us that the success of Cyrus, a wicked king, is the result of God’s hand. Does this mean that all the wicked things that kings (and presidents) do is approved by God? (Parents: Of course not!) 2. God tells us in verse 7 that good things and bad things in other countries come from Him. Does this mean that God loves Americans more than, for example, Haitians because we are rich compared to them? (Parents: Just because a person is American doesn’t mean they are rich [and vice versa]! The answer is complicated, but we do know that Jesus wants those of us with material resources to help those with less. This could be an opportunity to share about how your family already does or could begin to help the poor.)

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. How could God take credit for the success of a wicked king, Cyrus, without approving of his wickedness? 2. Read verse 7 again. If God takes credit for good things that happen and the bad, does God love certain countries more than others? For example, does He love Americans more than Haitians because we are filthy rich compared to most Haitians? How do you reconcile your view of God with the obvious differences between the two countries?

In a Nutshell: Though we may not understand how, God has a role in the scheming of wicked people in power. Even these acts will ultimately bring glory to God.

For additional study: 3. Read Romans 13:1-7 and Philippians 3:20-21. In light of the disheartening changes we are witnessing in our own country, what might these words of the Apostle Paul mean for us today?

Day 20 “God Brings the Arrogant Low”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

What is your favorite kind of competition? Is it a particular sport, a reality show, or some other way of determining a “winner” and those who are not “winners”? Whether we like it or not, competition is a part of life.

When God’s people were struggling in exile, watching the other nations and their gods rule over them it would be easy to believe that those gods were more powerful than…well, GOD! But what seems true is not always true. Today we will see that God describes His power over those false gods, even when it seemed the complete opposite were true. There would be a time when the false gods would look very weak and the true God of Israel would be revealed to be all- powerful over all the world.

Read Isaiah 46.

For Discussion With Children: 1. Have you ever witnessed someone who was powerful at one moment and weak the next? This is what God says it will be like for the Babylonian gods who represented the people who had conquered God’s people, Israel. What do you think it is like to “lose everything”? (Parents: Think of an appropriate example and help your kids see what it is like.) 2. Read verse 10 again. What is God saying about Himself that helps you trust Him more?

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. Do you ever get angry because the “wrong” person is in a position of power and you want justice? God promises that the gods of Israel’s captors, Babylon, will themselves be hauled off into captivity just like the Israelites had been years prior! What would it have been like to hear this if you were an Israelite? 2. Read verses 9-10 again. What does this mean during those times when injustice seems to prevail in your life and around you? 3. Read verses 12-13. God says these words as His people are exiled to a foreign land with no temple of their own and no evidence that God will keep His promises. They only had the word of the Lord. Do you think God can be trusted when you only have His promises in the midst of difficult circumstances?

In a Nutshell: God will bring the seemingly mighty gods of the Babylonians low by having them hauled off into exile just as God’s people had been previously. God has a plan and has the power to execute His plans. He wants us to trust Him because we risk missing out on the incredible things He will do through the righteous remnant.

Day 21 “God Will Bring Justice to the Entire World”

Is Judgment the End of God’s People?

It is painful to watch people we care about suffer hardship or life’s cruelty, isn’t it? There are many times we wish we could wave a magic wand and make things better. If you could wave such a wand, what circumstance would you change for someone else?

Today we will read that God has declared a time when He will step in to help His people, Israel, in the future. He hasn’t told them when, but promises that He will! He even promises that those who hurt His people will be dealt with fiercely, as well. Listen to the language God uses to tell His people that they can begin rejoicing now, knowing that God will have the last word.

Read Isaiah 49:8-26.

For Discussion With Children: 1. Can you remember a time when it felt like God was far away from you, not helping when you needed Him? What did it feel like? 2. Have you ever told God that you love Him, even when you weren’t sure He was listening? Why do you think God would be pleased if you did? (Parents: If this is too abstract for your child, try telling them a story in your life when God surprised you with His blessing after it felt like He was far away.)

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. Read verses 14-18 again. Why does God want His people to burst into rejoicing when they are obviously stressed and discouraged about their circumstances in exile? 2. How is the picture of God as a nursing mother helpful to your understanding of who God is? 3. Read verses 24-26 again. What does God promise to those who harm His people, Israel? How does this fit with your picture of who God is?

In a Nutshell: God tells His people to rejoice even when their life is disrupted with hard things because He will help them at a future time. He will bring justice to the wicked and better days for His people.

For additional study: 4. Read 1 Peter 3:8-18. How does God want us to treat those who seek to harm us?

Week 4 “Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?”

Over the last two weeks we are going to focus on the last major theme in Isaiah, restoration. God never gives up on His people. Even though they sin and are subsequently judged, that doesn’t stop God from continually reaching out to them. Even His judgment was intended to reach out to them.

In these passages we see that God promises to refuse to allow them to remain in judgment. He will send to them a deliverer. This future person will be God’s ideal king who will be perfectly righteous, and he will bring with him the kingdom of God. This kingdom will be characterized by perfect righteousness, justice and peace. God promises that this king will rescue His people from sin once and for all. He will rise up from the dynasty of David, perfectly fulfill Israel’s mission to be the “light” of the world, provide a way for the people’s sins to be forgiven, and show them how they can have a right relationship with God once again.

Day 22

“The Messiah”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

We have seen that God takes sin very seriously! He must judge rebellion because it is offensive to Him. But God had a plan to redeem His people from sin and bring them back into His family. But it would cost Him something—His Son. Long before Jesus came to earth, God was promising that a Messiah—a King!—would rescue His people once and for all. Even though it seemed like the kings of the other nations were powerful, they pale in comparison to God’s Messiah!

Read Psalm 2.

For Discussion With Children: 1. Read verse 4 again. How does God respond when an earthly ruler tries to destroy God’s people? Why do you think God responds this way? 2. Read verse 6 again. God was promising that the Messiah would be His son. Who is this referring to? (Parents: Jesus!)

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. How does God respond when godless world rulers try to destroy God’s people? How might this help our perspective about wicked happenings around the world today? 2. God declares that the Messiah who would rescue His people would be his son. Who is this son who came to earth hundreds of years after this was written?

In a Nutshell: God mocks wicked rulers who try to destroy His people and thwart His plans. He promised that His son would be a mighty king who would rule over all the earth. Jesus came to earth hundreds of years later to fulfill this promise.

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read the Apostle Peter’s sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2:14-41. The mighty Messiah God had promised, “my son” in Psalm 2, rules by virtue of conquering sin and death on the first Easter morning. Jesus now rules from the heavens and is “exalted to the right hand of God” (Acts 2:33). People from every nation are invited to come to him in faith (note that these are his “inheritance” referred to in Psalm 2:8).

Day 23

“The Root of Jesse”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

Can you think of a time in your life when things didn’t turn out as you had planned? Maybe you invited people to a party at your home, and hardly anyone showed up. Maybe you thought you had interviewed well for a job, but in the end you didn’t get it. Sometimes life is disappointing. We plan for something to happen, and it just doesn’t work out the way we intended it to.

In our passage today, we see that even though the kings of Judah (like Ahaz) were disappointing to God, because of their failure to trust Him and to lead His people in righteousness and justice, that their failure was not the end of God’s story. God still had a bigger plan. He promises us here that one day he will send a perfect king. An ideal descendant of David who will be filled with the Spirit of God and who will rule over God’s people with fairness, justice, and peace. Even though the royal house of David had been such a disappointment to God, He promises to one day revive from its roots the perfect king, who will preside over a kingdom of everlasting righteousness.

Read Isaiah 11:1-16.

For Discussion with Children: 1. How do wolves and sheep feel about each other? Do you think they can really get along? What about calves and lions? When God tells us that in his perfect kingdom that the wolf will get along with the sheep, what do you think he is telling us about that kingdom? 2. What are some of the bad things that go on in our world today? Do you sometimes wish that these things didn’t happen? Did you know that one day Jesus will return and we will

live in His kingdom where those things won’t happen anymore? How does that make you feel?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Make a list of five of the images that Isaiah uses to describe this perfect kingdom that lies in our future. What do each of these images represent? 2. Go back to that list. How will Jesus completely fulfill these promises when he comes again in the future? How can we as the church see a partial fulfillment of these promises in our lives today? 3. The kingdom of God is something that has both come and is still yet to come. We live in a time between Jesus’ two comings. The perfect fulfillment of this promise here in Isaiah 11 won’t come until Jesus’ second coming, but in another sense many of these promises have already begun to be fulfilled. How can we, with the power of the Spirit, work toward righteousness, justice, fairness, and peace today?

In a Nutshell: God wanted the righteous remnant who might have been disappointed in the actions of their severely flawed kings to know that He wasn’t done yet. The failure of these Davidic kings was not going to stop His plan, but God was still going to fulfill his promise to send a deliverer from the line of David. This ideal king will rule with righteousness, fairness, justice, and faithfulness. He will gather the righteous remnant of Israel together once again and reign over a perfect kingdom of peace. All of the injustice and unfairness in this world will once and for all be done away with, and God will allow all of us who believe in Him to experience the world as he always intended it to be.

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read 2 Samuel 7:4-16. Here we see God’s original promise of a perfect king in the line of David who would reign forever. How is this similar to Isaiah 11? When will this promise be fulfilled completely? Do you think there is any sense in which it is fulfilled right now?

Day 24 “Immanuel”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

Are you afraid of anything? What are you afraid of? I know that I am afraid of tight spaces. They call that claustrophobia. What are some things that bring you comfort when you’re scared? Does it help if someone says encouraging words to you? Does it help if someone just squeezes your hand or gives you a hug to remind you that they are there? Fear can cause us to do things that are not very wise, if we aren’t careful.

In our passage today, King Ahaz is afraid. Two nations to the north of Judah (Israel and Syria) are teaming up and threatening him and his people. God begs Ahaz to trust him through this difficulty, but Ahaz won’t trust him, instead he puts his faith in an even bigger nation even further to the north (Assyria). In spite of Ahaz’s failure to trust, God gives the nation of Judah a sign that he is with them: a baby named Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” The baby was a squeeze of the hand, a gentle hug, a reminder that God had not forgotten about them, but that he would protect them from Israel and Syria.

Read Isaiah 7:1-25 and Matthew 1:18-24.

For Discussion with Children: 1. How can you let people who are scared know that you are there to help them? How can you encourage them and give them strength? 2. Did you know that God is there for us when we are scared and that we can trust Him? How does God show us that he is always there for us when we need Him the most? 3. What should you do next time that you feel afraid?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Why does God tell Ahaz to ask Him for a sign? What excuse does Ahaz give for not asking for that sign? Was this actually a sign of piety or was it a lack of faith in God? Explain your answer. What did Ahaz do that was wrong enough to be judged? Do you think we can make the same mistake today? 2. Even in the midst of deliverance, Isaiah predicts more trouble for Judah. What does he predict in these verses? Who is going to be the perpetrator of Judah’s future trouble? How is this filled with irony as it relates to King Ahaz? 3. In this passage we find a clear instance where a prophecy has a double fulfillment, a near fulfillment (Hezekiah? or Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz?) and a far one (Jesus). In what sense are each of these children signs that “God is with us” (Immanuel)?

In a Nutshell: God wanted Ahaz and the people of Judah to know that He was them, so he sent them a sign, a baby called “Immanuel.” And God promised the people that they did not need to be afraid, because before the child is old enough to know right from wrong (probably 12), neither of the two nations that they were afraid of would even exist anymore. God wanted the people of Judah to trust Him and no one or nothing else. Matthew picks up on this theme and points to an even greater child who is a symbol that “God is with us,” Jesus. We don’t need to fear the sin that separates us from God, because God sent his own son to deliver us. Jesus is Immanuel, a sign that God is present with us. He is the deliverer who comes to save us from all of our greatest enemies: sin, death, and Satan. He is more than a squeeze on the hand when we are scared, because He is the solution to our biggest problems and fears. Therefore we can put all of our trust in Him.

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read 2 Kings 16. How far did King Ahaz go to show the King of Assyria that he trusted him rather than his own God? Why do you think he had no faith in the God of his forefathers? What happened as a result of his misplaced trust?

Day 25

“The Light”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

Have you ever been in a cave? Is it light in a cave or dark? When I was in a cave, I couldn’t even see my hand right in front of my face! Darkness might be entertaining for a few minutes, but can you imagine living in that kind of complete darkness for days? How about for week or years? Wouldn’t you be longing for even just a little bit of light?

In our passage today, Isaiah talks about a light that is going to come and shine down hope in the darkness. The righteous remnant of God’s people felt hopeless. They kept waiting and waiting for God to fulfill his promise of a righteous king and a perfect kingdom, but it never seemed to happen. Even when they thought that God was finally fulfilling his promise, their hopes were soon dashed. We see in our reading today that God hadn’t forgotten about his promise. A light was coming who would once again give hope to the nation. Read Isaiah 9:1-7 and Matthew 4:12-17.

For Discussion with Children: 1. What does “treating people fairly” mean? Do you think that people treat you fairly? Do you treat others fairly? 2. Our world is broken and sometimes people don’t treat others like they should. When Jesus returns, he promises that everyone will treat each other fairly. How can we start treating people fairly today?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What do you think the righteous remnant would have thought when Isaiah told them that their coming deliverer would be a child, a son? Does this tell us anything about the nature of God’s kingdom? See Mark 10:41-45. 2. Do you see any hints about this future deliverer being both God and also man? What are the hints that he will be a man? What are the hints that he will be God? This idea might seem like old news to us, but it would have been shocking in Isaiah’s day. So shocking that the Jewish people never really saw these clues about their Messiah being both God and man. 3. What do you think that this passage teaches us about the nature of God? What about the nature of God’s judgment? What is God’s hope for the world?

In a Nutshell: God wanted his people to know that even though they were in darkness, under the hand of his judgment, that it wouldn’t last forever. God was not going to give up on them. He promised to send a light into their dark world who will deliver them from judgment and establish a kingdom of righteousness and justice. Jesus is that deliverer. Matthew reminds us of Isaiah’s words here and tells us that Jesus is that great light that came to save the world from darkness and sin and bring with Him God’s kingdom.

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

Day 26

“The Righteous Servant”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

We have all done something we know we shouldn’t have, only to wait and see how someone responds to our wrongdoing. When we sin against other people—our parents, our spouse, our friends, our employer, etc.—the painful anticipation of the offended person’s reaction can make time feel like it is standing still. How will the person respond? Will we get in trouble? Will they forgive us? Will this change our relationship? Can you think of a time when you felt the agony of waiting for a person’s reaction to the news that you had sinned against them?

God had punished His people because of their rebellion—their sin—against Him. Yet He would send a “servant” to restore their relationship with God. This servant would have to endure much pain, though there would be no wrongdoing from him. God wanted His people to know that the servant would be faithful to them even when they were unfaithful to God.

Read Isaiah 50.

For Discussion With Children: 1. How do you feel when someone (like a parent or a teacher) forgives you, even when you disobey many times? 2. How do you think it feels for that person to have to forgive you over and over again? Is it easy and enjoyable or is it hard and painful? Why?

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. God is promising that a righteous servant will come and put an end to the righteous remnant’s agony from the sins of the nation. How can God be faithful to His people and plan when His people are faithless? What if the faithless take advantage of Him? 2. Will the servant have an easy or difficult task ahead of him? Why do you think it has to be this way?

In a Nutshell: God reminds His people that her sin has resulted in God’s judgment, but He will be faithful to them even while many are still faithless. The servant to come will have a difficult road ahead, but will be faithful to the task.

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

Day 27

“The Suffering Servant”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

Have you and another person ever done something you know you shouldn’t have, only to get caught after it happened? When confronted, you have a choice to confess to your wrongdoing or to deny your wrongdoing. Either way, you are still guilty. One way leads to reconciliation and the other to carrying guilt around until it is confessed.

God has declared that every person is guilty of sinning against Him and deserves punishment from Him. He is perfect and we are not—even you! The Suffering Servant was going to bear the weight of the sin of the world and die as a sacrifice for that sin. But the only way to benefit from that sacrifice is to confess to God what He already knows—“I am a sinner in need of a Savior.” This was true for Israel and it is true for you today. We don’t have to carry around the guilt of our sin any longer. We can confess it to the One who already knows it, but wants you to acknowledge it to Him.

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

For Discussion With Children: 1. God predicted hundreds of years before that Jesus would come to earth and suffer a painful death. The punishment for sin was death. Why did Jesus die on the cross? (Parents: Because He didn’t want us to die separated from God because of our sin! Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God now and forever!) 2. What do you think it was like for God to watch His son die on the cross? What does it tell you about His love for you? (Parents: There is also the question about how God could send His son to die as well. This is complicated, but we know that Jesus willingly did this because He loves us too!)

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. What does God tell us about what it will be like for the servant to atone for our sins? Why do you think Jesus chose to endure this suffering?

2. Based upon what you know from the rest of the Bible, why was it necessary for Jesus to die in order for sin to be removed from those who place their faith in Him?

In a Nutshell: The servant who would end the suffering of God’s sinful people who himself have to suffer a gruesome death. This was God’s plan promised to His people in exile and executed by Jesus when he died on a cross 2000 years ago. The result is forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God!

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read 1 Peter 2:21-25. Peter tells us that there are times we suffer because we follow Jesus, but we should remember that Jesus suffered for us. How did Jesus respond to being treated unfairly? How should you, then, respond to being treated unfairly?

Day 28 “The One Who Pardons”

Who Will Deliver God’s People from Judgment?

Have you ever blown it so badly that there was no going back to the way things were previously? We all do things we later regret and wish we could have a fresh start, a new beginning.

Today we will read that God invites all people—Israel and the nations of the world—to come have a new beginning with Him. He wants to pardon those who come of their sin and let them learn to trust and obey Him, rather than continue in the selfish habits they previously practice.

Read Isaiah 55.

For Discussion With Children: 1. God desires us to trust that obeying Him is always better than doing things our own way. Why do you think God doesn’t want us to do things our own way? (Parents: God created us and knows what is best for us. He doesn’t give us rules to make us miserable; He gives us a way of life that produces joy and peace.) 2. Read verses 8-9 again. God knows so much more than we could ever know and understand. Why can’t we ever know as much as God? (Parents: Because He’s God and we are creatures made by God!)

For Discussion With Students and Adults:

1. God uses the metaphor of being thirsty and hungry without Him. What is it like being parched of thirst of so hungry that your stomach growls? How is this like living without God in our lives? 2. God wants to “pardon” people from their sins? Read verses 6-7 again. What is required for people to be pardoned of their sin and receive God’s mercy? (Hint: it isn’t just admitting that you sinned!) 3. Read verses 8-9 again. Are there times when you think you know as much as God and want to correct Him? What should you do when you feel this way?

In a Nutshell: God desires that we seek Him and receive His pardon. We can then learn to trust and obey Him because He knows far more than we ever could. He is God and will meet every need if we trust Him and not ourselves.

Weekly Memory verse: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5; NIV)

Week 5

“What Promises Has God Made?”

We conclude our study this week by focusing on the theme of God’s restoration. He will not only provide salvation to His people through the work of the perfect king, but the work of this deliverer will also lead to an entirely different world order, a new kingdom. In these chapters we see some amazing promises that God makes about this future kingdom.

He promises to redeem and restore His own people for good. He promises a worldwide multi- cultural kingdom. He promises a remade heavens and earth where suffering, sin, and death are no longer present. And He promises salvation and restoration to anyone who will repent of their sins and believe in Him.

Day 29 “Good News for the Weak”

What Promises Has God Made?

There are many ways to feel weak and unable to have the freedom to make your own choices in life. Sometimes people are weak because of circumstances they were born into or had thrust upon them at some point in life. Sometimes people are weak because of their own poor choices. Sometimes it is combination of both. What kinds of people would you call “weak” and why do you think they are weak and feel unable to make their own choices?

Today we are going to read a passage in Isaiah that would have been delightful for the weak to hear, yet even more delightful when Jesus says that he will make the weak strong!

Read Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:14-21.

For Discussion With Children: 1. What would it be like to be blind your whole life and suddenly be able to see for the first time? Jesus not only does this while he walked the earth, he does it for us invisibly, spiritually. How do you think Jesus helps us “see” who He is when we were “blind” before? (Parents: When we understand our sin offends God, when we understand Jesus died for us, when we see that Jesus loves us, when we understand that God wants us to tell others about Him are all examples.) 2. Jesus came to announce “Good News” to those who are weak. We call this “Good News” the “Gospel.” Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and see if you can repeat the “Good News” about Jesus. (Parents: Jesus died for our sins, Jesus was buried, and Jesus rose again. By holding firmly to this truth we are saved and made part of God’s family.)

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. Read Luke 4:22. What would it have been like in the synagogue the day Jesus stood up to read Isaiah 61 and claimed that he was the bearer of this “Good News” to the weak? Would you have a difficult time trusting him? Why or why not? 2. Jesus not only demonstrated his healing power by the miracles he performed while on earth, but he spiritually brings “Good News” to the weak. Who are the “weak” people to whom Jesus brings “Good News”? What is significant about being “weak”? 3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. The Apostle Paul gives us his explanation of the “Good News” or “Gospel” about Jesus. We are “saved” when we believe what about Jesus, the Bearer of “Good News”?

In a Nutshell: Jesus was the bearer of “Good News” to weak people. We are all weak and in need of God’s healing, but only when we see ourselves as weak can we receive God’s healing power in our lives.

Weekly Memory verse: Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22; NIV)

Day 30

“God Promises Redemption”

What Promises Has God Made?

Have you ever owned something that you really loved that broke? What did you do? When something breaks you can do a variety of things. You can go purchase a new one, but sometimes what was broken was one of a kind. You could also just throw it away, but then what you love

36 would be gone forever. Or, you could fix it, hoping that whoever repairs it makes it as good as new.

The Bible teaches us that we are all broken. God created us in His image and wanted us to reflect His image and character by how we lived. Unfortunately, we break God’s image is us when we sin. So, what does God do? In our reading today, we see that God promises to not leave us broken, but to redeem us. Redemptions means that God promises to fix what is broken in us. He promises to rescue us from the sin that keeps us from Him.

Read Isaiah 63:7-19.

For Discussion with Children: 1. If your pet fell into a big hole, what would you do? Would you just leave it there? I hope that you would rescue it? What kind of hole are we in that Jesus rescues us from? 2. What are some of the great things that Jesus did for us? What are some other things that God has done for us? How should we respond to these good things that God has provided?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What are some of the illustrations of God’s grace that Isaiah lists in this passage? How to God’s people respond to all of this grace? How should they have responded 2. What does this passage have to say about Moses? Do you think that Isaiah is not only looking back at Moses, but also looking forward to the other prophet, like Moses? Why or why not? 3. What are some of the things that God has done for us? Do we take them for granted? Do we continue in rebellion? How should we respond to God’s grace?

In a Nutshell: God showed His people kindness, grace, and undeserved love by redeeming them from slavery in Egypt and leading them to a new land flowing with milk and honey, but they still rebelled and followed after other gods. Their sin and rebellion were magnified because of all the grace that God had already shown to them. But God wasn’t done with them yet. He wasn’t going to allow them to remain broken, so he sent his own son, Jesus. Jesus came to redeem all of us through his death and resurrection. Through Him and His work God’s promise of redemption is fulfilled once and for all. What is broken can now be fixed.

Weekly Memory verse: Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22; NIV)

For additional study: 4. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and Ephesians 2:11-22. What are the results of Jesus’ work that we see in these passages? How does this relate to God’s promise of redemption?

Day 31 “God Promises to Include ALL people”

What Promises Has God Made?

Do you know people who are very different than you? What are some of things that are different about them? How do you feel about these differences? Unfortunately, many people in history have thought that God is only accepting of people who are just like them. The Bible teaches us that God’s plan was always to call people to Himself from every tribe, nation, and language. It doesn’t matter what color you are, whether you are a boy or a girl, whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a Jew or a Gentile. God wants all people to come to him in repentance and faith.

In our passage today, we have a transition. We are moving into the third part of Isaiah’s prophecy. In this last part of the book, Isaiah points us forward to God’s future perfect Kingdom, led by the righteous servant and populated by those who believe in Him. We see here in this first chapter that the criteria to be part of the kingdom is different than perhaps many expected. They expected the kingdom to be populated by people just like them, but God’s kingdom is a worldwide kingdom. God says that it is open to any who will believe in and obey Him.

Read Isaiah 56:1-8 and Acts 10:19-16, 27-19.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Why wouldn’t Peter eat the animals that God provided for him? Why did God want him to eat something that he previously told him that it was wrong to eat? What do you think God was trying to teach Peter? 2. What are some ways that we can reach out and share about Jesus with people who aren’t like us?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. What does God promise here in Isaiah 56? What kind of pedigree do you have to have in order to receive the benefits of this promise? God is looking for more than just the right kind of genetics. What is he looking for? 2. Read Galatians 2:11-14. What was Peter doing that Paul was concerned about? Why was what he was doing wrong? What was he saying with his behavior about those who weren’t Jews by birth? 3. Read Ephesians 3:4-13. What is Paul trying to teach here that might not have been clear to some of the early Jewish Christians? Should they have known already from the Old Testament that God’s kingdom was always meant to be a worldwide kingdom?

In a Nutshell: It is often easy to assume that God only likes people who are just like us. People who look like us, talk like us, dress like us, and live like us, but Isaiah reminds us here that God is looking for people from all walks of life. All the way back in Genesis 12, God promised Abraham that ALL the nations of the earth would be blessed through the work of his descendant. That descendant is Jesus. Everyone who repents and believes in Him will be delivered from sin and death and will be able to look forward to this perfect kingdom of righteous and justice.

Weekly Memory verse: Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22; NIV)

Day 32

“God Promises a New Heavens and Earth”

What Promises Has God Made?

What are some things that are wrong about the world that we live in today? What are some things that you wish didn’t exist? If you were to create a paradise, what would it be like? How would it be different from the world that we live in today?

In our passage today, God promises us that this current heavens and earth that we live in is not the end of God’s story either. This world is filled with the effects of sin. People take advantage of others. People lie, they cheat, and they steal. Those who follow God often have to suffer just like those who don’t follow God. And perhaps worst of all, people die. God promises those who believe in Him a new heaven and a new earth where suffering, death, and injustice will be done away with. A beautiful kingdom where God’s people who have believed in Him and followed Him in obedience will be in paradise forever.

Throughout the book of Isaiah, we saw a great deal of God’s judgment. God was displeased with men like Ahaz and Hezekiah, with the oppressive foreign nations of the world, and especially with His own people for not living up to their job description as the light of the world. So, God judged them. The purpose of that judgment though was always restorative. God wasn’t giving up on His people, instead He was trying to get their attention and point them to a grand future that He was going to make possible through the atoning work of His righteous servant.

Read Isaiah 65:17-25 and Romans 8:18-27.

For Discussion with Children: 1. Do all evil people get what they deserve today? Do all good people get rewarded today? Why do you think God allows bad people to get away with bad things? When will God make things right? 2. What are some ways the new heavens and earth are going to be different than the world that we live in today? What are you looking forward to the most?

For Discussion with Students and Adults: 1. Does the fact that God will one day usher in a new heavens and earth diminish the world that we live in today? Do we live in a throw-away world? How does it actually add value to the world that we live in today? 2. Why is the world that we live in today frustrated? What is wrong with it? How did it get the way that it is? What is God’s plan to save the world from its frustration? How did he do this?

In a Nutshell: God points us forward to a vision of a renewed heavens and earth. God promises to one day destroy the effects of sin in the world and bring in a perfect world of righteousness. A place where God’s people can experience joy without weeping, building without destruction, and 39 life without death. A place where predator and prey can lie down together in perfect peace. This kingdom is what we have to look forward to as God’s people. Even now we can experience some of the benefits of the kingdom here on earth though the work of the Spirit in our hearts and because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Weekly Memory verse: Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22; NIV)

For additional study: 3. Read Revelation 21:1-22:5. Here is a further description of this new heavens and earth. What are some ways that it reminds you of the Garden of Eden? Why do you think the new heaven and earth will be reminiscent of Eden? If Eden and the New Heavens and earth are bookends of God’s ideal world, what was the problem in the middle?

Day 33

“Salvation for Anyone Who Repents”

What Promises Has God Made?

We have come to the conclusion of our study in the book of Isaiah. We now see that it all points forward in history to Jesus, God’s son, who was the servant whose death paid the penalty for all sin. We also have seen that his resurrection made him the world’s most powerful king who sits at the right hand of God in heaven. He will return in the future to rule visibly in the “new heavens and new earth.”

There is coming a day in the future when every person will see Jesus as the only Rescuer from sin and death. Each of us is invited to receive God’s salvation from sin and become part of the family through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

We are also given a new set of priorities as God’s children—to live as Jesus lived. We conclude our study with one last look in Isaiah and a passage in the New Testament that picks up on the language in Isaiah, bringing it into sharp focus for us to see Jesus in a fresh light. You’ll notice that Philippians 2:10 borrows from Isaiah 45:23.

Read Isaiah 45:15-25 and Philippians 2:1-11.

For Discussion With Children: 1. What does Philippians 2 say all people will understand someday in the future? (Parents: Verses 10-11 tell us that every person will see that Jesus is God’s Messiah who conquered sin and death.) 2. Read verses 3-5 again. What does this mean when you are playing with other kids? Wanting to say something mean? Wanting to be served dinner before others?

3. What have you learned about how God treats His people throughout the study of Isaiah? What have you learned about trusting God?

For Discussion With Students and Adults: 1. Our study has been challenging because we’ve immersed ourselves into the middle of God’s story of judgment against His people, Israel, and His splendid plan to send a Messiah to rescue His people from sin. What have you learned about the character of God throughout this study? 2. What have you learned about yourself throughout this study? 3. God desires that we come to believe in Jesus and learn to trust and obey Him. Why does Paul in Philippians 2 tell us to imitate Jesus?

In a Nutshell: Jesus is the Messiah who came to earth to rescue sinful people from sin and death. He obediently died on a cross, rose again, and will return and acknowledged as “Lord” over all the universe in the future. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are then to learn to imitate the attitude of Jesus because this is how we experience the love, joy, and peace of God in our lives.

Weekly Memory verse: Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22; NIV)