Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Keep on hearing, but do not understand"
Text: Isaiah 6:9
A PARADOX OF MINISTRY
Isaiah was called by the LORD to serve Him. He responded well and appropriately. But he was surprised by what God said further.
“And He said, ‘Go, and tell this people:
‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
Make the heart of this people dull,
And their ears heavy,
And shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And return and be healed.'”
Isaiah 6:9-10
1. Isaiah would indeed be sent by the LORD.
a) They will hear what he had to say.
b) They will see some of the things God would reveal.
c) But the reality for many:
i) They will hear but they will not understand.
ii) They will even see but they will not perceive.
2. The preaching and teaching ministry of Isaiah.
a) There would be a paradoxical effect.
b) Instead of responding appropriately to the messages they will respond negatively.
i) The heart of the people will remain dull.
ii) Their ears will remain heavy.
iii) Their eyes will remain shut.
This was a revelation that must have been startling to Isaiah!
3. Why did the LORD say the following words?
a) “Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And return and be healed.”
b) What it does not mean!
That God was unwilling to help them return to Him and be healed.
4. The solemn reality of the spiritual state of Judah.
a) The people were not really paying attention to what was taught.
b) If they seemingly respond, their response was superficial rather than genuine.
c) The LORD desired a genuine heart response:
i) Of confession of sinfulness.
ii) Of seeking the Lord for forgiveness.
iii) This was seen and exemplified by Isaiah’s personal experience.
iv) If this does not happen, then the heart will remain unforgiven,
and they will continue to live in sin!