June 9 – Isaiah 26
Isaiah is still praising God in this chapter. He’s sharing some important lessons for us. Let’s look at how Isaiah handles all the hard news he’s had to deliver and learn how to live in the midst of troubled times without dismay. The first lesson comes from Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” I bet Isaiah learned this the old-fashioned way. He lived it. When he looked around him, he saw the wickedness of a people who would not turn to the God who loved them When he fixed his thoughts on God, however, he was at peace. Oh, that we would remember to train our minds when they wander from good paths and start diving into worry and distress. We need to turn our thoughts to the LORD who alone can keep us safe instead of dwelling on the worries.
Our second lesson (although I am sure there are many more) can be found in Isaiah 26:7: “But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them.” Our study is called “Walk this Way.” Isaiah is rejoicing that when we choose God’s righteous ways, the way will not be so steep and rough. He will smooth the path. I’ve seen over and over that when I stubbornly go my own way, it ends in disaster. I say harsh words that poison relationships, for example. It goes better for us when we choose His ways for sure. Isaiah 26:8 confirms this: “LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws …” Let’s obey Him.
One last thing to point out. Isaiah, long before Christ’s death and resurrection made eternal life in Heaven possible, knew that we would live eternally. He declares this to be so in Isaiah 26:19: “But those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! …” I am amazed at how much he learned, simply because he said “yes” to God and became His spokesman. What comfort we can find from this prophet who had such stunning access to the living God!
My verse: Isaiah 26:19a “But hose who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! …”
My response: I love how You showed Isaiah the great and amazing truth of resurrection long before Jesus came to make it a reality. I love that when I die – I will live – and sing for joy. What a wondrous and happy truth this is.
