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