Seasonal
God’s wondrous plan (Isa 29:11-14)
Isa 29:11-14 As we read the gospels’ account of Jesus’ birth, our familiarity with the story may have blunted our amazement at the incomprehensible, even shocking nature of such a revelation. God in human flesh? Isn’t this blasphemy? A holy…
A foretaste of what is to come – justice and peace (Isa 11:3-9)
Isa 11:3-9 When I was a volunteer working for a mission in my twenties, I was hosted by a local family. It turned out to be an awkward living arrangement, where the head of the household generously offered his home,…
The character of our King – the Spirit of wisdom (Isa 11:1-2)
Isa 11:1-2 As we continue exploring the revelation about the promised King, Messiah, we land in Isa 11:1-9 that expands on the picture painted in Isa 9:6-7 and describes a wise king. The intervening chapters reiterate the people’s sin, their…
The gift of security – ‘unto us a son is given’ (Isa 9:6-7)
Isa 9:6-7 One of the most disconcerting aspects of this year has been a sense that we do not have full control over our lives. We planned to travel or go out for coffee or to church and suddenly found…
Practising joy, living at peace (Isa 9:3-5)
Isa 9:3-5 There is no doubt that our circumstances affect how we feel. Someone says nasty words to us and we feel down, we have a hectic day at work and are stressed, we lose our wallet on the train…
Light out of darkness (Isa 9:2; John 8:12)
Isa 9:2; John 8:12 There is a background post to today’s reflection for those who enjoy a more in-depth Bible study on Light and God’s salvation plan in Isaiah (see post here). When I was a child, on Advent Sunday…
Hope at a time of hopelessness – Galilee of the Gentiles (Isa 9:1)
Isa 8:10-22; 9:1 In the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I shall reflect on two messianic prophecies (Isa 9:1-7 and Isa 11:1-5) to build up a picture of God’s chosen King contrasting with the portrait of the human…
The Suffering Servant III. (Isaiah 53)
Between Good Friday and Easter Monday, we have had ample opportunity to reflect on what Jesus had achieved for us in His suffering, death and resurrection. As we move into the post-Easter period, the question remains what the implications of…
The Suffering Servant II. (Isa 52:13-15; Isa 53:10-12)
Isa 52:13-15; Isa 53:10-12 As we celebrate Easter and remember that Jesus has overcome death and rose again, I want to continue our reflections on the Suffering Servant, which sets out the pattern fulfilled by Jesus. As we look at…
The Suffering Servant I. (Isaiah 53:1-9)
Isa 53:1-9 I am always intrigued by people’s different perceptions of the same reality. Some look at a set of facts and conclude that they are facing disaster. Others see in the same set of facts an opportunity. I remember…