Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand"
Text: Isaiah 8:11
MINISTERING AMIDST TURMOIL
Isaiah had to face much turmoil in his life and ministry. He had to battle against many who resisted his ministry. The LORD’s instruction was to be heeded and appreciated!
“For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
‘Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’
Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.'”
Isaiah 8:11-13
1. The instruction from the LORD.
a) God spoke to Isaiah strongly.
b) The prophet must determine that he does not walk in sinful ways.
c) The whole nation was out of step with the LORD.
2. The problems that Isaiah would have to face.
a) Those who use the word “conspiracy”.
i) Every time they hear a word from Isaiah, they would resist it.
ii) They sought to mitigate Isaiah’s ministry.
iii) They tell people that there was a conspiracy against the nation.
iv) And that Isaiah was one who spoke on behalf of the conspirators.
b) Threats
i) The detractors also engaged in “threats”.
ii) They used every means possible to intimidate Isaiah to mute his voice.
c) Isaiah must not allow himself to be troubled by his enemies.
3. The fear of the LORD.
a) Isaiah must learn how to practise the fear of the LORD.
b) This is how he must go about doing this.
i) He must learn to hallow the LORD of hosts.
ii) He must fear (reverence) only the LORD God.
c) This practice of the fear of the LORD would enable him to stand strong in his life and ministry.