week8 | the coming kingdom
Friday, 23 October 2009
Isaiah ch. 28-33
This week we will switch our attention back onto the people of Israel. After passing a gaze on the nations and the city of world, Isaiah brings his message back home. This is a second call and offer for response for the people.
Isaiah gives a stream of images of rebellious Israel contrasted with the coming King, who will establish his Kingdom. The call of repentance offered to Israel, is the same call offered to us. Just as Isaiah pointed out how Israel’s birth pangs amounted to nothing, let that not be our same regret.
Repentance is not a singular act of salvation, something done once within a lifetime, but is a daily act. Consider the words of Paul:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Romans 12:1-2)