Thanksgiving is a good reminder of how many good gifts God has given us and how many gifts we need. From the necessities of life to the manifold blessings of spiritual life, we are a needy people. Each day we need food, water, oxygen, sleep, shelter, transportation, and a host of other physical needs. Just the same, we need the Son to uphold the universe, the Spirit to give us personal grace, and the Father to ordain it all. Indeed, the more that we think about it the more foolish self-reliance looks. Nonetheless, self-reliance continues to threaten all that we have and all that we are.

On Sunday, we will come face to face with the way Israel relied on themselves and their political alliances. In Isaiah 28–35, God issues a warning for Israel to not seek refuge in Egypt. Instead, they must look to him in order to find strength.

Simple as this command is, they do not well receive or obey the command. So too, today. The command to trust and obey is not as easy of the song suggests (Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey). Indeed, how often do we find ourselves trusting in other things, or invited to add levels of security to all that God promises us? Indeed, in a world where human plight and spiritual needs are manifold, this is common temptation. And in our study of Isaiah, we will see how our needs are met in the Lord and how the promises of God lead us to Christ and his daily grace.

To prepare for Sunday, take time read Isaiah 28–35. If time is short, be sure to read the centerpiece of this section, Isaiah 30:18–33. On Sunday, we will again over view this whole section and see how God warns of trusting other saviors, so that we can trust in him alone. Indeed, such trust in the Lord is how the Lord proves who his children are and who they are not. May the Lord continue to give us faith as we seek him, and may he pour out his grace on us as we gather Sunday.

As the Lord allows, I will look forward to seeing you Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Jesus,

Pastor David

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discussion & Response Questions for Isaiah 28 – 35

1. As we come to the third section of Isaiah, are you starting to see some of the big themes of this book? What are they?

2. You’ve read Isaiah, what has been most helpful or illuminating for you?

3. In Isaiah 28–35, what are some of the key words or themes that hold this passage together? (Why do we read these chapters together?)

4. Read Isaiah 30:18–33 again. What is the center message? How does that impact your reading of this section?

5. What threat does Egypt pose for Israel? How does that translate today? Where are the places you are tempted put your faith?

6. Except for Isaiah 28, every chapter ends with good news. What does this tell you about the message of God? What does this teach us about sharing the faith?

7. Of the messages of hope, which is most encouraging? Why?

8. How do these chapters relate to other parts of Scripture? For instance, compare 32:9–14 with 3:16–4:1, 32:15–20 with 11:1–5; 42:1–4; 61:1–4. How does these connection help you read Isaiah?

9. In these chapters, what do you learn about God? God’s plan of salvation? Mankind’s condition? And the nature of faith?

10. What else stands out from these chapters?