how to read a prophet – mercy in the midst of judgment

How to Read a Prophet –

Mercy in the midst of Judgment

Isaiah 2-4(2:2-5, 6-22; 4:2-6)

What’s the problem?God sees sin;Man sees God

Introduction• The Lord’s Presence• Mercy within judgment• The Faithful

The Lord’s Presence• He IS exalted (2:2)– The Kingdom is established– The “kingdom” within a “kingdom”

The Lord’s Presence• The Lord in His Temple (2:2)–We need to see ourselves in Christ not in

the world!– Greater is He that is in you than he that

is in the world!

The Lord’s Presence• The Coming of the Nations– A Holy Nation – 1 Peter 2:9– “Nation without walls”

Mercy within Judgment• Discern between the nations– Cultivate (Plowshares/Pruning hooks)• “The violent take it by force”

– Spiritual warfare (2:4)• War against principalities and powers• War with spiritual weapons

Mercy within Judgment• Day of the Lord (2:6-22)– Great day of the Lord (Joel 2:31; Acts

2:20; Rev 6)– Final judgments of Revelation• Go to the mountains (Mt 24:16; Lk 21:21)

Mercy within Judgment• Judgment of the Nations– Never has the world been without God’s

mercy– Banished from God’s Presence

The Faithful• The Branch of the Lord– “Sprout”

• The Holy (remnant is sacred)–Wash away the filth– Purged by judgment and burning– Placed on Christ

The Faithful• Restore the cloud and fire–Weightiness of his Glory– Light, warmth, purity

• Canopy – a covering or enclosure

The Faithful• Tabernacle – a “hut”– John 7:38-39 – “last day of the feast”– Feast of booths / lights (shelter)– Thanksgiving feast (Sept-Oct)

How to Read a Prophet• Judgment• Look for the promise of Christ– Future – Hope