Isaiah Chapters 23-33
Chapter 23: “The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9 It is important to remember the theme is destruction and judgement. Each and every one of us will stand before God and face judgement for our sins. I know for me somedays this is hard to swallow. Knowing that all the sins I committed will be judged. Yet, through confession my sins are forgive. However, I still have to do everything in my power not to commit sins.
Chapter 24: “They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the Lord they shout from the west.” Isaiah 24:14 The hope is that one day every person will know Jesus. This verse gives that hope in the midst of destruction of the nation’s we have been reading about. There is something special about being able to turn to Jesus at any moment. Find some joy today and praise the Lord. Lift up your voice to the Lord.
Chapter 25: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of choice wines - of fat things full of marrow, of choice wines well refined.” Isaiah 25:6 This chapter can be connected to the New Testament. Every time we go to Mass we get a feast for our souls in the Eucharist. The Eucharist might only look like bread and wine, but it is everything. We become one with the Lord through the Eucharist. This is our feast here on earth.
Chapter 26: “Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:4 Trusting in the Lord is not always easy, especially when we are in the middle of a storm. However, God will last forever. He is always right there even if it might not feel like it. Jesus Christ died and rose for us. For each and every person here on earth. Trust in the Lord.
Chapter 27: “And in that day a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem.” Isaiah 27:13 We are now reading about the prophesies that point to Jesus Christ. During Lent we prepare and do the things that make us more Christ like. This verse points to Jesus defeating death and evil. So, come Easter morning we celebrate that we have a savior. Right now is preparation for the day the battle is won.
Chapter 28: “Give ear, and hear my voice; listen, and hear my speech.” Isaiah 28:23 In this context this is what Isaiah is saying. Yet, it comes from God as well. We can apply this to our lives. Whether that be through prayer, reading the Bible, or sitting in silence. In today’s world it is easy to drown out the words of Jesus. Talking time every day to listen to the words he is telling us can make a difference.
Chapter 29: “And those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction.” Isaiah 29:24 As we continue through Lent there is something special happening. We are continuing to fast from social media, pop, hitting the snooze button, or whatever you decided to fast from this Lent. The something special is that the Holy Spirit is moving inside of us. We fast and pray throughout Lent to grow closer to Jesus. Finding yourself tempted to go on social media or hit the snooze button say a quick prayer to Jesus, open your Bible, or even say a few Hail Mary’s. The day will come when we have an understanding as to why all of this is important. For now, take it day by day and follow the instructions of the Lord.
Chapter 30: “Moreover the Light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the Lord binds up the hurt of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.” Isaiah 30:24 In earlier chapters we read about the destruction of nations. More recent chapters we are reading about the salvation. Reading these chapters shows us how we need to Trust in God. Now this is not easy and I personally have a hard time some days Trusting in him. However, God as a plan for each and every one of us and one day all our wounds will be healed. In the meantime, we can heal our spiritual wounds here on earth with the help of Jesus. Through prayer, confession, and Mass our spiritual wounds can be healed.
Chapter 31: “Turn to him from whom you have deeply revolted, O people of Israel.” Isaiah 31:6 I find it fascinating how the Old Testament books have been written down for generations and still have relevance in today’s modern world. I have said this many times, but it can feel easier to go our own path or follow the rules of society. Yet, does that really bring happiness, or peace. In my experience no. I have always been happier, more confident, and peaceful when I turn to the Lord. Talk to someone who has either left the church, gotten hurt by the church, or unsure what they believe and help guide them to the church and whatever storm they are currently going through.
Chapter 32: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever.” Isaiah 32:17 This part is from the Bible Guide in the Ascension App, but I feel it explains chapter 32 perfectly. “Isaiah’s prophecies express this throughline between Old and New Testament, expressing both the judgement that awaits those who abandon God and salvation for those who seek him.” We see the fulfillment in the New Testament, and we see what happens to those that seek Jesus. Seeking Jesus heals us, it may not be physical but it is spiritual for sure. From experience seeking Jesus and having him at the center of my life makes the trails the world throws at us that much easier to handle. We have salvation, and we continue to prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through him we get the salvation that Isaiah talks about. Jump in and seek Jesus.
Chapter 33: “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.” Isaiah 33:22: If you want to talk about truth, this verse right here sums it all up. Jesus Christ saves us. He did not have to die for our sins, yet he did it anyway. If someone who is perfect can show us love, we can show Jesus that we love and trust him—trusting in his plan and loving him for everything he has done for us. Jesus Christ is our judge, ruler, king and savior.
Wow, we are halfway through the Book of Isaiah. I want to say thank you to those who have followed me along this journey. I am praying for everyone reading this, and I hope your Lenten Season has been beautiful thus far.
I use the Bible and Bible Guide in the Ascension Press App.
