Class Notes on Isa 30:8-11; 15-18

Isa 30:8-11 Go now, write it on a tablet for them, // inscribe it on a scroll, // that for the days to come // it may be an everlasting witness.

9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, // children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction.

10 They say to the seers, // "See no more visions!" // and to the prophets, // "Give us no more visions of what is right! // Tell us pleasant things, // prophesy illusions.

11 Leave this way, // get off this path, // and stop confronting us // with the Holy One of Israel!" NIV

• How is Israel's response similar to people's response to God's instruction today?
  • We are rebellious and deceitful
  • We don't want to listen to God's word (prefer to go through the motions). These are signs of the apostate church
  • We want to be told "good" and "nice" things
  • We don't want to be confronted with truth

• Why?
  • Because we like our sin, and we don't want to change

Isa 30:15-18 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, // in quietness and trust is your strength, // but you would have none of it.

16 You said, 'No, we will flee on horses.' // Therefore you will flee! // You said, 'We will ride off on swift horses.' // Therefore your pursuers will be swift!

17 A thousand will flee // at the threat of one; // at the threat of five // you will all flee away,

till you are left // like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, // like a banner on a hill."

18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; // he rises to show you compassion. // For the Lord is a God of justice. // Blessed are all who wait for him! NIV

• What does God call his rebellious people to do?
  • Repent
  • Rest in Him. Be quiet, don't try to fix things you can't. Trust God to work

• What is the response of the people and what does God do as a result?
  • The people want to flee on horses
  • So God gives them what they want

APPLICATION

• Finally, verse 18 makes it clear that God does not relish in punishment. God longs to be gracious to use
• He will rise up to show us compassion
• BUT, are we willing to wait on him?
• BUT, are we willing to repent of our obstinate attitude?
• BUT, are we willing to worship him, really, and not in pretense?