Isaiah 54-55

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Restoration of Israel and Salvation of the Gentiles

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Because of the Servant’s work, Israel will be restored.

  2. Because of the Servant’s work, Gentiles will be redeemed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t say, “It’s too good to be true”!

QUESTIONS

  1. What story does Isaiah use to illustrate his point in the first part of chapter 54?

  2. Was the restoration of Israel as described here fulfilled when Israel came back from the Babylonian captivity?

  3. Explain the reference to Noah in verses 9-10.

  4. Isaiah 55 is one of the great gospel chapters of the Bible. To whom is this gospel message offered?

  5. What is the meaning of Isaiah 55:12-13?

ANSWERS

  1. He tells of Israel as an unfaithful wife, being restored by her faithful, forgiving husband, the Lord Himself.

  2. No, verses 9-10 indicate this is yet in the future when the Lord returns, because these verses predict that this restoration will be complete and permanent, which could certainly not be said of Israel today or anytime in the past.

  3. As God’s covenant with Noah guaranteed that the world would never be flooded again with water, so God’s covenant with Israel was guaranteed. Mountains and hills may be split apart, but God’s loyal love and unconditional covenant with Israel will never fail.

  4. Verse 3 might indicate that only Israel is in view. But we see in verse 4 that the Servant Messiah will be a witness to many people, and verse 5, through restored Israel Gentile nations will turn to the Lord. This is truly a message for the whole world.

  5. These verses declare that the sad effects of sin on this natural world will be lifted and nature itself will rejoice. This will take place when the Lord returns to establish His glorious kingdom here on this earth.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the statements on the sovereign control of God in Isaiah 54:15-16. In our finite human minds it can be difficult to balance the goodness of God with the evil He allows. How do you hold this tension in your own thinking?

  2. Have you ever had someone tell you the gospel message is “too good to be true”? In other words, they think salvation should be more difficult; they should do more to earn it. How would you respond to this claim?

CHALLENGE

  1. God’s Word “shall not return void.” Do you recognize the power in the spoken, written, and read Word of God? Don’t underestimate how God will use His Word when you are faithful to share it.

KEY VERSES

  • “For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy one of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.” Isaiah 54:5

  • “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you.” Isaiah 55:3

  • “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6

Isaiah, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsIsaiah 54-55