Daily Devotional
Sunday: The Nature of True Leadership: Isaiah 32:1-8
Isaiah 28-29 spoke of false leaders, and Isaiah 30-31 spoke of their false counsel. But here we find the characteristics of true leadership—a God-sent “king” who will reign in righteousness and justice. Leaders governing under this King are characterized as a “hiding place,” as a “covert” (a shelter), as “rivers of water” in dryness, and as “the shadow of a great rock” in a weary land” (shade in the desert).
Monday: Consequences of Complacency: Isaiah 32:9-20
Behind the scenes of Judah’s selfish rulers were the “at ease” (aristocratic) women of Jerusalem, who used their influence for evil. Their complacency and self-confidence were blinding the people to the grave situation. After Isaiah rebukes them, he returns to a promise of the pouring out of God’s Spirit in the future kingdom. Again there will be peace and plenty. Isiah 32:17 is very important, because a “right relationship” with God (righteousness) brings true peace. (Amos 6:1-6; Zechariah 12:10; Joel 2:28-32)
Tuesday: A Desperate Appeal to God: Isaiah 33:1-6; 2 Kings 18:13-15
The sixth and final woe found in this section of Isaiah is directed to Sennacherib (the Assyrian king), for his treachery against Judah. King Hezekiah had tried to bribe the Assyrians, but Sennacherib broke the agreement and invaded Judah. God declared that as the Assyrian King had destroyed others, so he would be destroyed. Isaiah 33:2-6 is the desperate prayer of the godly remnant in Jerusalem when it is surrounded by the mighty Assyrian army. Contained in their prayer is a beautiful praise of God’s faithfulness and omnipotence. God heard their appeal, and spared Jerusalem. Never underestimate the minority!
Wednesday: Who will be Exalted?: Isaiah 33:7-16; Psalm 24:3-5
Isaiah 33:7-9 paint a grim picture. The treaty with Assyria has been broken, and negotiations have totally crumbled. There is no relief in sight for Jerusalem—not with merely natural eyes. But God, the Faithful One, whose might is above all, declares that “now will I rise…” (Isaiah 33:10) Sinners tremble at this thought, for they can’t possibly stand in the light of God’s holiness. Who can? Isaiah 33:15 contains the answer!
Thursday: The Lord is Our King: Isaiah 33:17-24
The provision of a righteous king to Judah had been long in coming. Certainly, Hezekiah was more noble in righteousness than most of the former kings had been, but Isaiah’s message here reaches far past any earthly ruler. This “king” is the One promised by God not only as the coming righteous ruler, but also as the Savior. He will do away with all the effects of sin. Zion will be a place of health, both physical and spiritual!
Friday: The Fate of the Nations: Isaiah 34:1-17
Using Edom as an example of all nations that oppose God, Isaiah decrees God’s judgment. God’s anger is directed mostly against the “armies,” which symbolize the arrogance of the nations. In Isaiah 34:5-8, a bloody destruction of Edom is prophesied, and in Isaiah 34:9-17 the prophet speaks of the desert that Edom will become: a home for unclean birds and animals.
Saturday: The Destiny of the Faithful: Isaiah 35:1-10
What a contrast to Isaiah 34! This chapter is a mirror image of it. Here is the destiny of those who turn from unrighteousness and put their faith in God. A garden, a pool, and a verdant meadow will replace all the former desolation!