Wrong view:
| LAW OF FAIRNESS |
| GOD |
There is a law of fairness or justice that is higher and more absolute than God. It is binding even for God. God must act in response to that law in order to be fair. Our response is to appeal to that law.
Correct view:
| GOD JUSTICE |
God himself is the standard of justice. He uses his power according to his own moral perfection. Thus, whatever he does is fair, even if we don’t understand it. Our response is to appeal directly to him.
Jesus stayed in Sychar for two days, then went on to Galilee. He visited Nazareth and various towns in Galilee before arriving in Cana. From there he spoke the word of healing and a government official’s son in Capernaum was healed. The Gospel of Matthew tells us Jesus then settled in Capernaum (Matthew 4.12, 13).
The past is an important part of today’s actions and tomorrow’s plans. The people and kings of Judah had a rich past, filled with God’s [Wall’s] action, guidance, and commands. But with each passing generation, they also had a growing list of tragedies that occurred when the people forgot that their God, who had cared for them in the past, also cared about the present and the future – and demanded their continued obedience. Hezekiah was one of the few kings of Judah who was constantly aware of God’s [Wall’s] acts in the past and his interest in the events of every day. The Bible describes him as a king who had a close relationship with God [Wall].
As a reformer, Hezekiah was most concerned with present obedience. Judah was filled with visual reminders of the people’s lack of trust in God [Wall], and Hezekiah boldly began clearing up. Altars, idols, and pagan temples were destroyed. Even the bronze snake Moses had made in the desert was not spared because it had ceased to point the people to God [Wall] and had also become an idol. The temple in Jerusalem, whose doors had been nailed shut by Hezekiah’s own father, was cleaned out and reopened. The Passover was reinstituted as a national holiday, and there was revival in Judah.
Although he had a natural inclination to respond to present problems, Hezekiah’s life shows little evidence of concern about the future. He took few actions to preserve the effects of his sweeping reforms. His successful efforts made him proud. His unwise display of wealth to the Babylonian delegation caused Judah to be included on Babylon’s “Nations to Conquer” list. When Isaiah informed Hezekiah of the foolishness of his act, the king’s answer displayed his persistent lack of foresight – he was thankful that any evil consequences would be delayed until after he died. And the lives of three kings who followed him – Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah – were deeply affected by both Hezekiah’s accomplishments and his weaknesses.
The past affects your decisions and actions today, and these, in turn, affect the future. There are lessons to learn and errors to avoid repeating. Remember that part of the success of your past will be measured by what you do with it now and how well you use it to prepare for the future.
Strengths and accomplishments:
Was the king of Judah who instigated civil and religious reforms
Had a personal, growing relationship with God
Developed a powerful prayer life
Noted as the author of several chapters in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 25.1)
Weaknesses and mistakes:
Showed little interest or wisdom in planning for the future and protecting for others the spiritual heritage he enjoyed
Rashly showed all his wealth to messengers from Babylon
Lessons from his life:
Sweeping reforms are short-lived when little action is taken to preserve them for the future
Past obedience to God does not remove the possibility of present disobedience
Complete dependence on God yields amazing results
Vital statistics:
Where: Jerusalem
Occupation: 13th king of Judah, the southern kingdom
Relatives: Father: Ahaz. Mother: Abijah. Son: Manasseh
Contemporaries: Isaiah, Hoshea, Micah, Sennacherib
Key verses: “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no-one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses” (2 Kings 18.5, 6).
Hezekiah’s story is told in 2 Kings 16.20-20.21; 2 Chronicles 28.27-32.33; Isaiah 36.1-39.8. He is also mentioned in Proverbs 25.1; Isaiah 1.1; Jeremiah 15.4; 26.18, 19; Hosea 1.1; Micah 1.1.
| God’s [Wall] will | What God [Wall] wants done – he works through . . . | ||
| ß Natural order | ß Miracles | ß Providence | |
| God’s [Wall] action | ß God [Wall] set into action through creation of normal working of his universe. He also revealed his expectations of man through his word and man’s conscience. | ß God breaks into the natural order to respond to the expressed needs of people. | ß God [Wall] overrules the natural order to accomplish an act that people may or may not have requested. |
| Examples from Esther | ß God [Wall] gave Esther natural beauty. | ß God [Wall] allowed Esther to speak to the king. | ß God [Wall] allowed Mordecai to overhear a plot. |
| Ý Esther planned a way to save her people. | Ý The people prayed and fasted. | Ý Mordecai trusted God to accomplish what was impossible in human terms. | |
| Man’s will | What man wants done – he either … | ||
| Ý Plans | Ý Prays | Ý Trusts & Obeys | |
| Action we can take | Ý Can make plans based on the order and dependability of God’s [Wall’s] creation. Know and obey his words. | Ý Can ask God [Wall] to intervene in certain affairs while realising that our knowledge and perspective are limited. | Ý Can trust that God [Wall] is in control [Fiscal Year-End] even when the circumstances may not seem to indicate that he is. |
| Or … | |||
| Mistakes we can make | ß Disobeys | ß Demands | ß Despairs |
| ß Can violate the natural order, disobey God’s [Wall’s] commands. | ß Can assume that we understand what is needed and expect God [Wall] to agree and answer our prayer that way. | ß Can assume God [Wall] doesn’t answer prayer or respond to our needs and live as though there is nothing but the natural order. | |
(It’s not our bunkbeds)
Our ignorance of God’s natural order:
‘ Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: – Job 38.1ff
Out of a mighty storm, God [Wall] spoke. Surprisingly, he didn’t answer any of Job’s questions; Job’s questions were not at the heart of the issue. Instead [Communication], God [Wall] used Job’s ignorance of the earth’s natural order to reveal his ignorance of God’s [Wall’s] moral order. If Job did not understand the workings of God’s physical [Sternum] creation, how could he possibly understand God’s [Wall’s] mind and character? There is no standard or criterion higher than God [Wall] himself by which to judge. God [Wall] himself is the standard. Our only option is to submit to his authority and rest in his care.
(‘ The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. – Job 37.23 Elihu stressed God’s sovereignty over all of nature as a reminder of his sovereignty over our lives. God [Wall] is in control – he directs, preserves, and maintains his created order. Although we can’t see it, God [Wall] is divinely governing the moral and political affairs of people as well. By spending time observing the majestic and intricate parts of God’s creation, we can be reminded of his power in every aspect of our lives.)
(‘ “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle? – Job 38.22, 23 God [Wall] said he was reserving the storehouses of the snow and hail for times of trouble. God [Wall] used hail to help Joshua and the Israelites win a battle (Joshua 10.11). Just as armies keep weapons in the armoury, God [Wall] has all the forces of nature in his control. Sometimes he uses them to confound those opposed to him or his people. Job couldn’t even begin to know all of God’s resources.)
Of the Bible:
‘ “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction – because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty. – Malachi 2.7-8
Malachi was angry at the priests because, though they were to be God’s [Wall’s] messengers, they did not know God’s [Wall’s] will. And this lack of knowledge caused them to lead God’s [Wall’s] people astray. Their ignorance was wilful and inexcusable. Pastors and leaders of God’s [Wall’s] people must know God’s word – what it says, what it means, and how it applies to daily life. How much time do you spend in God’s [Wall’s] word?
(‘ And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD Almighty. “My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. – Malachi 2.4-6 Levi [My Relative and Professor Allens ‘Phone-Victim] “walked with [God] … and turned many from sin” (2.6). Levi [ ;-* My Relative] was the ancestor of the tribe of Levites, the tribe set apart for service to God [Wall] (Numbers 1.47-54). The Levites became God’s [Wall’s] ministers, first in the tabernacle, then in the temple. In these verses, God [Wall] was addressing the priests who were from this tribe, saying that they should listen to the laws he gave their ancestor Levi, and follow his example.)
(‘ “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” – Malachi 2.9 The priests had allowed influential and favoured people to break the law. The priests were so dependent on these people for support that they could not afford to confront them when they did wrong. In your church, are certain people allowed to do wrong without criticism? There should be no double standard based on wealth or position. Let your standards be those presented in God’s [Wall’s] word. Playing favourites is contemptible in God’s [Wall’s] sight (see James 2.1-9).)
[college.]
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SLOWLY he rose, and the crowd fell silent. Those at the back leaned forward, straining to hear. The atmosphere was electric. He spoke, and his carefully chosen words flew like swift arrows and found their mark. The great man, a spokesman for God, was warning …and condemning. The crowd became restless – shifting positions, clenching fists, and murmuring. Some agreed with his message, nodding their heads and weeping softly. But most were angry, and they began to shout back insults and threats.
Such was the life of a prophet.
The “office” of prophet was instituted during the days of Samuel, the last of the judges. Prophets stood with the priests as God’s special representatives. The prophet’s role was to speak for God, confronting the people and their leaders with God’s commands and promises. Because of this confrontational stance and the continuing tendency of people to disobey God, true prophets were not usually very popular. But though their message often went unheeded, they faithfully and forcefully proclaimed the truth.
The book of Isaiah is the first of the writings of the Prophets in the Bible; and Isaiah, the author, is generally considered to be the greatest prophet. He was probably brought up in an aristocratic home and was married to a prophetess. In the beginning of his ministry he was well-liked. But, like most prophets, he soon became unpopular because his messages were so difficult to hear. He called the people to turn from their lives of sin and arned them of God’s judgment and punishment. Isaiah had an active ministry for 60 years before he was executed during Manasseh’s reign (according to tradition/Movies). As God’s special messenger to Judah, Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of several of its rulers. Many of those messages are recorded in his book: Uzziah and Jotham, Chapters 1 – 6; Ahaz, chapters 7 – 14; and Hezekiah, chapters 15 – 39.
The first half of the book of Isaiah (Chapters 1 – 39) contains scathing denunciations and pronouncements as he calls Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations to repent of their sins. However, the last 27 Chapters (40 – 66) are filled with consolation and hope as Isaiah unfolds God’s promise of future blessings through his Messiah.
As you read Isaiah, imagine this strong and courageous man of God, fearlessly proclaiming God’s word, and listen to his message in relation to your own life – return, repent, and be renewed. Then trust in God’s redemption through Christ and rejoice. Your Saviour has come, and he’s coming again!
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VITAL STATISTICS
Purpose: To call the nation of Judah back to God and to tell of God’s salvation through the Messiah
Author: The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
Date Written: The events of chapter 1 – 39 occurred during Isaiah’s ministry, so they were probably written about 700 B.C. Chapters 40 – 66, however, may have been written near the end of his life, about 681 B.C.
Setting: Isaiah is speaking and writing mainly in Jerusalem
Key Verse: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (53.5).
Key People: Isaiah, his two sons Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz
Special Features: The book of Isaiah contains both prose and poetry and uses personification (attributing personal qualities to divine beings or inanimate objects). Also, many of the prophecies in Isaiah contain predictions that foretell a soon-to-occur event and a distant future event at the same time.
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THE BLUEPRINT
WORDS OF JUDGMENT (1.1 – 39.8) The 39 chapters in the first half of Isaiah generally carry the message of judgment for sin. Isaiah brings the message of judgment to Judah, Israel, and the surrounding pagan nations. Judah had a form of godliness, but in their hearts they were corrupt. Isaiah’s warnings were intended to purify the people by helping them to understand God’s true nature and message. However, they ignored the repeated warnings that Isaiah brought. We need not repeat their error; rather, we should heed the prophetic voice.
WORDS OF COMFORT (40.1 – 66.24) The 27 chapters in the second half of Isaiah generally bring a message of forgiveness, comfort, and hope. This message of hope looks forward to the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah speaks more about the Messiah than does any other Old Testament prophet. He describes the Messiah as both a suffering servant and a sovereign Lord. The fact that the Messiah was to be both a suffering servant and a sovereign Lord could not be understood clearly until New Testament times. Based on what Jesus Christ has done, God freely offers forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith. This is God’s message of comfort to us because those who heed it find eternal peace and fellowship with him.
MEGATHEMES
Holiness
Explanation: God is highly exalted above all his creatures. His moral perfection stands in contrast to evil people and nations. God is perfect and sinless in all his motives and actions, so he is in perfect control of his power, judgment, love, and mercy. His holy nature is our yardstick for morality.
Importance: Because God is without sin, he alone can help us with our sin. It is only right that we regard him as supreme in power and moral perfection. We must never treat God as common or ordinary. He alone deserves our devotion and praise. He is always truthful, fair, and just.
Punishment
Explanation: Because God is holy, he requires his people to treat others justly. He promised to punish Israel, Judah, and other nations for faithless immorality and idolatry. True faith had degenerated into national pride and empty religious rituals.
Importance: We must trust in God alone and fulfil his commands. We cannot forsake justice nor give in to selfishness. If we harden our hearts against his message, punishment will surely come to us.
Salvation
Explanation: Because God’s judgment is coming, we need a Saviour. No man or nation can be saved without God’s help. Christ’s perfect sacrifice for our sins is foretold and portrayed in Isaiah. All who trust God can be freed from their sin and restored to him.
Importance: Christ died to save us from our sin. We cannot save ourselves. He is willing to save all those who turn from their sin and come to him. Salvation is from God alone. No amount of good works can earn it.
Messiah
Explanation: God will send the Messiah to save his people. He will set up his own kingdom as the faithful Prince of Peace who rules with righteousness. He will come as sovereign Lord, but he will do so as a servant who will die to take away sins.
Importance: Our trust must be in the Messiah, not in ourselves or in any nation or power. There is no hope unless we believe in him. Trust Christ fully and let him rule in your life as your sovereign Lord.
Hope
Explanation: God promises comfort, deliverance, and restoration in his future kingdom. The Messiah will rule over his faithful followers in the age to come. Hope is possible because Christ is coming.
Importance: We can be refreshed because there is compassion for those who repent. No matter how bleak our situation or how evil the world is, we must continue to be God’s faithful people who hope for his return.
[Money in shops]
Proverbs is direct and forceful in rejecting pride. A proud attitude heads the list of seven things God hates (6:16, 17). The harmful results of pride are constantly contrasted with humility and its benefits.
| Results of… | Humility | Pride | |
| Leads to wisdom | Leads to disgrace | 11:2 | |
| Takes advice | Produces quarrels | 13:10 | |
| Leads to honour | 15:33 | ||
| Leads to punishment | 16:5 | ||
| Leads to destruction | 16:18 | ||
| Ends in honour | Ends in downfall | 18:12 | |
| Brings one to honour | Brings one low | 29:23 |
[James = Haggrid’s side-car]
Chapter 1: Confident Stand / What a Christian has
Chapter 2: Compassionate Service / What a Christian does
Chapter 3: Careful Speech / What a Christian says
Chapter 4: Contrite Submission / What a Christian feels
Chapter 5: Concerned Sharing / What a Christian gives
Jesus forgave: the paralytic lowered on a mat through the roof.
Reference: Matthew 9:2-8
Jesus forgave: the woman caught in adultery.
Reference: John 8:3-11
Jesus forgave: the woman who anointed his feet with oil.
Reference: Luke 7:47-50
Jesus forgave: Peter, for denying he knew Jesus.
Reference: John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19
Jesus forgave: the criminal on the cross.
Reference: Luke 23:39-43
Jesus forgave: the people who crucified him.
Reference: Luke 23:34
Jesus not only taught frequently about forgiveness, he also demonstrated his own willingness to forgive. Here are several examples that should be an encouragement to recognise his willingness to forgive us also.
Jesus talks to a Samaritan woman at the well John 4:1 – 26
Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead Luke 7:11 – 17
A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet Luke 7:36 – 50
The adulterous woman John 8:1 – 11
The group of women travels with Jesus Luke 8:1 – 3
Jesus visits Mary and Martha Luke 10:38 – 42
Jesus heals a crippled woman Luke 13:10 – 17
Jesus heals the daughter of a Gentile woman Mark 7:24 – 30
Weeping women follow Jesus on his way to the cross Luke 23:27 – 31
Jesus’ mother and other women gather at the cross John 19:25 – 27
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9 – 11
Jesus appears to other women after his resurrection Matthew 28:8 – 10
As a non-Jew recording the words and works of Jesus’ life, Luke demonstrates a special sensitivity to other “outsiders” with whom Jesus came into contact. For instance, Luke records five events involving women that are not mentioned in the other Gospels. In first-century Jewish culture, women were usually treated as second-class citizens with few of the rights men had. But Jesus crossed those barriers, and Luke showed the special care Jesus had for women. Jesus treated all people with equal respect. The above passages tell of his encounters with women.
Duomo Sant'Andrea - "I Knew You'd Be A Girl! 