AH Stubborn Children....A study of Isaiah 30

What a way for God to begin speaking. Do you know any stubborn children? Are you perhaps one yourself?

As I've read Isaiah 30 it struck me again how God instructs, warns, disciplines and forgives. I would love to show you what God showed me. If you see yourself also, let's together "return and find rest".

God starts out calling his children stubborn (obstinate), why? Because (vs 1):

1. They carry out a plan that is not his.

2. They make an alliance, but not of his Spirit. (Hezekiah makes an alliance with Egypt to fight against Assyria, 2 Kings 18:19 -21 and 2 Chronicles 32:10-15) They did not ask God blessing, but fear drove them to it.

3. They keep piling up wrongs (adding sin to sin).

They return to those who formally enslaved them and who have ulterior motives for the alliance (self preservation).

God tells them it won't work the way they think it will. They put their faith in everything else but the God who has proven he is faithful and who is the only one able to secure their salvation. Do we do the same thing?

Who are these people?

1. They are rebellious (vs. 9)


2. Lying children (vs. 9)


3. Children unwilling (note: not unable) to hear the instruction of the Lord. (vs. 9)


4. They do not want to hear the truth. (vs. 10) "Speak smooth things to us, prophecy illusions"; (vs . 11) "leave the way, turn aside from the path LET US HEAR NO MORE ABOUT THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL"

Does this sound familiar? Could it be society today? Could it be "the church"? Could it be you & me?

I love who speaks after this proclamation! Verse 12 says "Therefore (Nevertheless) thus says "The Holy One of Israel". (You may not want to hear anything about me, but you will hear from me) my emphasis add.

They are going to get (for a while) what they deserve and desire. Their protection will be destroyed. Not a piece of it will be found. It reminds me of the verse: Psalms 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Then God again speaks loving instruction, using the name they used (The Holy One of Israel): "In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."

But.....you were unwilling! Again unwilling, not unable.

God again is speaking to them (to us) come to me all who are weary & I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

But what was their answer? NO.......let's flee.

God's grace put off - Verse 18 - Therefore (Nevertheless) the LORD waits to be gracious to you.....

Verse 19-22 is a picture of God's future grace:

• A people will dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem.


• You shall weep no more. (Revelations 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."


• At the sound of their (our) cries, he will answer.


• Though the LORD brings adversity and affliction He (The Teacher) will not hide himself anymore, but their (our) eyes will see Him (The Teacher).


• He will give clear instruction for the way you are to walk.
  

Finally you will destroy your (our) idols. Finally you (we) will understand God's great love!(Vs. 22)

God's continued blessings (Vs 23-27)...

• He restores the balance of nature.
• God's glory will shine "in the day" the LORD binds our brokenness and heals our wounds inflicted by his blow.

Picture His healing presence will you! He disciplines but one day he will not only restore (make right), but he will heal wounds cause by His disciple then.....

God takes care of our adversaries (Vs. 27-33)...

• God took care of the Assyrians and he will take care of every earthly power that is in opposition to him. No one is a match for the Holy One of Israel!

What does it all mean?...

• Who are you putting your faith and trust in? Are you (and I) unwilling (as the Israelite's were) to trust God with your adversaries? Do you see God's great goodness in his patience as he waits for you to return and rest?

Let us all return and go to the mountain
of the LORD, to the ROCK OF ISRAEL!

HE ALONE IS ABLE!