Journey Through Isaiah.. so far anyways!

I mentioned not too long ago about me reading through Isaiah. Well, it's taking me a while! I just read through chapter 15 today. I'm breaking up the chapters somewhat and taking it slow because it can sometimes be difficult to understand. And I dare not sit down without some kind of study help or commentary! I'm not sure what impressed me to read through Isaiah (hmm.. maybe the Holy Spirit!) but I have really learned a lot so far.
Up to today most of what I have read has been about Israel, Assyria and Babylon. Most of what I have read are prophecies about those specific times (that have already occurred) and/or about the end times. I say and because some believe that while Isaiah is speaking about things that will and have already happened to Israel, he is also speaking of the tribulation or millennium in the same prophecy. (you see why I'm taking it slow!) Anyways!
The main theme so far is the wrath of God. It is throughout everything I have read.... God pouring out His wrath on His own people.. God pouring out His wrath on those oppressing His people.. God pouring out His wrath on the evil and wicked.

Isaiah 1:4 ~Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.

Isaiah 2:7-11 ~ 7 Their land is also full of silver and gold, And there is no end to their treasures; Their land is also full of horses, And there is no end to their chariots. 8 Their land is also full of idols; They worship the work of their own hands, That which their own fingers have made. 9 People bow down, And each man humbles himself; Therefore do not forgive them. 10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.


Boy do those verses sound familiar! When I first began reading I wondered what God was going to teach me. His word is alive and relevant.. no matter what the subject. And honestly throughout the first few chapters I didn't really know. I guess it just took a while for it all to start sinking in. Of course I have been in awe of such a mighty and majestic God. Throughout the verses He is called : The Holy One of Israel, the God of Jacob, the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel.. But I think what has hit me the most is God's wrath on wickedness... His hatred of sin. I serve a God of justice for the unrighteous and that is clearly seen throughout these scriptures. I might also add that I am so thankful for the grace and mercy that He has bestowed on me otherwise I would be in the direct path of that wrath as well.

Isaiah 1:18-20 ~ 18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “ Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

My prayer through reading these verses and chapters has been that I will hate sin as God hates sin. God calls us to be holy and the only way to do that is to become more and more like Him... for He alone is holy. Of course we can never do that on our own, only through the righteousness of His Son, Jesus. I can only boast in Him, for there is nothing good in me. I want to hate the very sin that put Jesus on the cross. I want to hate the very sin that caused a Holy God to pour His wrath out on His innocent Son. I want to hate sin because sin and obedience do not mix. I long to be obedient to His call.

Isaiah 6:3 ~ "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”