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The Prophecy of ISAIAH - Class Notes

This is a webpage that contains notes, slides and resources from our recent classes. 
Session 1 - Tuesday, Jan. 5 @ 12:00 noon
  • Chris provided an introduction to what we'll be studying in this class. Much of this study is based on the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.
  • He also shared a resource for this study: Isaiah: Prophet of Righteousness and Justice by by Yoel Bin-Nun and Binyamin Lau. (Caveat: these authors come from a Jewish perspective that doesn't recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah.)
  • Chris shared an image that depicts how we can become surrounded or imprisoned by things that grow around us. 
  • Click here to access the slides 
  • Homework:
    1)  Read Isaiah Chapters 1-6 (read in totality 2-3 times)
    2)  Reflect particularly on Isaiah 1:16-17, "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean ..." What ways you need to be “baptized” or cleansed again?
Session 2 - Tuesday, Jan. 12 @ 12:00 noon
  • Everyone shared their reflections as they read chapters 1-6 this past week, and answering the questions that Chris sent to those who attended last week.
  • Chris shared about the context and history around the time Isaiah is referencing in the Assyrian Empire (745-701 BC).
  • Download Chris' slides here.  
  • Much of God’s message is about caring for the poor, impoverished and oppressed. He condemned those who took advantage of others. 
  • Chris concluded with a photo of an owl with her chicks. They are resting under her wings. When God lifts His protection, destruction is inevitable. 
  • Chris asked the class to help in a Coat Drive for the Lynnwood Police Department on Sunday. 
  • Homework - dwell in Isaiah Chapter 6 all week long.
Session 3 - Tuesday, Jan. 19 @ 12:00 noon
  • Chris shared thoughts about God's protection of people ... and the difference between His lifting of protection vs. direct action to deal with disobedience (i.e. the flood). 
  • He also reviewed the context and history around the time Isaiah is referencing in the Assyrian Empire (745-701 BC).
  • Download Chris' slides here.  
Session 4 - Tuesday, Jan. 26 @ 12:00 noon
  • Chris led discussion about those areas in life where good and evil are unclear. It's easy to establish hard lines about things, but it becomes more difficult when we take people's situations into account. 
  • The class reviewed some history for context as we read Chapters 7-10, that Uzziah's projects are also credited to Jotham (both getting credit). This is because Uzziah had quarantined with leprosy and was "dead" to the throne, while Jotham was the "crowned prince."
  •  Members shared their observations as they read Isaiah 7-10.
  • Chris shared a verse that popped out to him as timely. Isaiah 8:12-13 (ESV), says, "Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy. Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread."
  • Download Chris' slides here.  
  • Homework: Read Isaiah Chapter 9 (two or three times). Also, if you can, sit and read through the entire book as a seamless narrative.
Session 5 - Tuesday, Feb. 2 @ 12:00 noon
  • Chris led discussion about the Oracles found in Isaiah 9:8 - 23:18 . 
  • Each oracle outlines the concerns of God, the coming consequences, and how God plans to use each nation/territory for purposes of divine discipline, and clarity on nations who choose to ignore God.
  • Click here for Chris' slides
Session 6 - Tuesday, Feb. 9 @ 12:00 noon
  • Chris taught more in depth about the Oracles found in Isaiah 9:8 - 23:18 . 
  • Questions to Ask about Oracles
    1. What pattern(s) do you notice?
    2. What hidden meanings could you miss?
    3. What is the power of the “rhythm”?
    4. What do I need to be careful about not mis-reading?
    5. AND: What is the purpose of God in communicating via oracles? Keep in mind, oracles are audio/visual tool for the prophets.
    Each oracle outlines the concerns of God, the coming consequences, and how God plans to use each nation/territory for purposes of divine discipline, and clarity on nations who choose to ignore God.
  • Click here for Chris' slides
  • Homework - (re-read the Oracles) -  Chapters 25-27 Section on Praise, then back to Oracles - get caught up in the message of deliverance - be ready to share about an example of deliverance.
Session 7 - Tuesday, Feb. 16 @ 12:00 noon
  • Chris asked class members to reflect and share on where their thoughts go when they become ill.
  • We considered Hezekiah's response to his own illness. While he initially turned away from Isaiah, he does not turn away from God and ultimately repents. He is then blessed with more years. 
  • Click here for Chris' slides
  • Homework - read Isaiah chapters 40-50
Session 8 - Tuesday, Feb. 23 @ 12:00 noon
  • Goldman asked class members to share from their Isaiah 40-50 homework. What did you like, and what did you like about it?
  • The class discussed ways in which the people of God—even today—make the  "straight pathway to God" more hilly and full of twists and turns.
  • In what ways do the people of God—even today—make the “straight” pathway to God more hilly and full of twists and turns. People, even religious leaders, tend to add complexity, rules, predecessors or obstacles. 
  • Click here for Chris' slides
  • Homework: read Isaiah Chapters 50-66
Session 8 - Tuesday, March 2
This class is cancelled because Chris and Kim will be out of town becoming grandparents! The following week may be cancelled, as well. Stay tuned. 
Session 9 - Tuesday, March 9
This class is cancelled because Chris and Kim are still out of town. When Chris comes back to class, be prepared to see some adorable baby pictures! 
Session 10 - Tuesday, March 16
  • Isaiah 52-55 - "An Invitation for the Thirsty"
  • Chris asked a touchy question … What do you really struggle with as you consider God’s teachings/truth and today’s culture … how do we find find godly space in discussion? Chris shared some perspective from a Situational Ethics class. We might think right-and-wrong are as clear as black-and-white, but God’s position might be more complex than we think. How can we present ourselves as loving people that draw people to God? Viewing things from a different angle can change our perspective. Chris shared that Rahab—a "madame" in her day—might be harshly judged by our standards and yet she's listed in the Bible with honor because of her moment of truth in serving God's purpose.
  • In the ambiguity of life, we should continue to CEASE to do evil, LEARN to do good, SEEK justice, CORRECT oppression, BRING justice to the fatherless, PLEAD the widow's cause.
  • Click here to access Chris' slides.
Session 11 - Tuesday, March 23
  • Isaiah 56 - 65:16 - "I, the Lord, love justice."
  • Chris opened the class with a question, "In what ways do we protect or defend things or systems we might not want to, if we really thought about it?" He gave an example of  immigration laws and illegal immigrants, balancing that against Scripture’s command to treat the “stranger” with kindness (Deuteronomy 10:19, Hebrews 13:2, Matthew 25:35) . What other issues might be more gray than meets the eye?
  • Seek Justice and Correct Oppression … starts with personal reflection. God doesn’t allow us to sit on the sidelines while oppression is all around us. Who do you have a tendency to outcast?  Mean people? Judgmental people? We wrestle with the tension of God’s law of love and the law of man. 
  • Israel took the command to “make the desert bloom,” seriously. Isn’t it great that God does this with people? There was discussion about amazing blooming flowers, and blossoms that arise out of a previous fire. The contrast is amazing.
  • We are entering into a new season of newness in our culture. Look for new blooming in people’s lives.
  • Click here for Chris' slides.
Session 12 - Tuesday, March 30
  • Isaiah 65:17 to the end of the prophecy - "A New Creation" & Conclusion