Isaiah 10-12
March 15, 2009
Three R's for Living
God’s frustration is ferocious, His wrath is real, and His vengeance is vast (Rom 12:19), but it is always justified (Is. 1:2-4) and a means to an end (Heb. 12:5-11). His harsh judgment is for those that reject His love and refuse to worship Him in Spirit and in true service (John 4:24). Isaiah prophesies about the acts of God against those nations who stiff-arm His love (His Enemies: Col. 1:21, Rom 5:10). Yet in the midst of such harsh prophesy we find the gift of hope in the three R’s for living.
1) Remnant (10:20-22) – While God’s love is universal; man’s true reciprocal acceptance (Heb. 8:6-13) finds only a remnant. Only a remnant will “return to the Mighty God” and “truly rely on the Lord”. Matt. 7:13-14
2) Rescue (11:1-3a, 15-16) –
a) From the stump that remains comes a fruit bearing Branch in the Person of Jesus (Is. 9:2-7). The Spirit “rest on Him” until He releases it on us (John 16:7). The Spirit promotes respect for the Father and a desire to bring delight (glory) to the Lord.
b) From the appearance of something bad is found something good to those who love the Lord. A cross becomes a bridge! (Romans 8:28)
3) Relationship (Chapter 12) –His wrath is only surpassed by the magnitude of His love (1 John 4: 8, 16, Romans 5:8)
a) Praise
i) Anger to Comfort
ii) Trust and not be afraid (yet maintaining fear?)
iii) Joy unto Salvation, Salvation into Joy
b) Thanks
i) Make known what He has done
ii) Proclaim Exaltation
iii) Sing & Pray a New song. | 
