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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 6:9-13

God describes Isaiah’s mission, which is to preach to people who won’t hear except for the remnant until destruction/judgment comes. But a holy seed (Jesus) would rise from the stump of David to save us all.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

12a) God gives Isaiah his commission. He tells him to preach to the people even though they won’t hear him, but this would prove their guilt.

b) Till destruction or judgment comes. Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, The houses are without a man, The land is utterly desolate, The LORD has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many.

13a) Unsure as of the moment. I need healing of my knee right now that is inhibiting me from one task I believe. Unsure on any others. All of my tasks seem difficult at the moment.

b) He gives His word, His hope, and strong will to keep pressing on. The glimpses of hope are enough.

14) That there will be a remnant who hears His word and turns to Him. So all of his preaching wouldn’t be in vain.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

I love how God calls people. Clear and concise in this case. Now, we just need to hear Him in the same way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

God gives Isaiah his commission. He tells him to preach to the people even though they won’t hear him, but this would prove their guilt. God’s word can bring you understanding, make him return to Him, and bring healing to your life.

It’s hard to preach fruitlessly to those who won’t hear, so Isaiah asks for how long. God answers till destruction comes. Yet, there will be a remnant who will hear.

The message is always more important than the messenger.

We know that Isaiah saw God in His glory, which would be Jesus before he was human. We are priviledged to have this knowledge because the Apostle John quotes Isaiah 6:10 and says so (John 12:41).

But God tells Isaiah there is hope: a holy seed (Jesus) would rise from the stump of David to save us all. Hope we all need.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 4: Isaiah 6:5-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 6:5-8

Isaiah deems himself unworthy to see the Lord. A seraphim touched him with a hot coal and said his sin was atoned for. The Lord asked for someone to send, and Isaiah replied, “Here am I. Send me!”

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 4: Isaiah 6:5-8

9a) Isaiah deems himself unworthy to see the Lord.

b) We often don’t understand just how much greater the Lord is than us, which means we see ourselves in a more prideful way than we should.

10a) God cleansed Isaiah of his sin and uncleanliness. He took away his guilt and atoned for his sins when the seraphim touched his lips with a live coal.

b) Humbly.

c) If you don’t acknowledge yourself as a sinner, then you can’t be sorry for your sins, confess them and repent, and receive forgiveness. As humans, we all sin and are prone to sin, and it is only through God’s power that we can overcome sin and move towards holiness.

11a) Isaiah responded immediately. God is always looking to send people out into His kingdom.

b) Not as responsive as I’d like. I usually resist, in fact. My selfishness and comfort hold me back. I need to be better at responding in the affirmative about this.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 4: Isaiah 6:5-8

This is one of my favorite Bible passages because we see God having mercy, compassion, and grace on people, cleansing and forgiving them, and then sending people out for him. And Isaiah’s response is how we all should be.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 4: Isaiah 6:5-8

Seeing the holiness of God allowed Isaiah to more clearly see his unholiness. Many other great Biblical figures feel the same way in the presence of the Lord:

We sin a lot with our lips and our words, which is why Isaiah chose it here.

The burning coal was so hot that the seraphim had to use tongs to touch it.

The altar is like the one in the holy of holies. (Exodus 30:1-10), (Exodus 25:9). Fire is often used in the Bible for cleansing of sins.

Note the sequence here: Isaiah met God, was convicted of his sin, was cleansed, and then served. This is the pattern we all should follow.

Note God goes from singular (I) to plural (us), which is a reference to God as Three in One. People on God’s missions are sent.

Isaiah responded promptly and wanted to be sent.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 6:1-4

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

6) Isaiah had a vision of the Lord seated on a throne. He was wearing a robe. Seraphim were above him and they were calling to each other how holy God is and how the earth is filled with his glory. The temple filled with smoke. I love how the seraphim are worshipping God because I am to be better at worshipping, too.

7a) They were calling to each other about God’s glory, and it was their voices that caused the doorposts and thresholds to shake and the temple to fill with smoke.

b) God is holy. All of earth is filled with His glory. God is here with us since the earth is filled wtih him. He is holy.

8 ) I’d say my thoughts about what God is like comes from many sources: from what I believed of him as a child, from what you picture in your mind, and from His word. The more I learn about God, the more reverence and awe I have of his graciousness towards me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

I love this image of seraphim around God. I can’t wait to see what heaven is like!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

Note how the Lord is sitting on a throne in heaven. This has been verified by almost everyone in the Bible who has been blessed by a vision of God:

Fun Fact: The throne of God in heaven is mentioned 35 times in the book of Revelation.

God’s throne is lifted up. The train of his robe fills the temple, which is a sign of honor and prestige.

Seraphim are angels (otherwise called cherubim (Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 37:16; Ezekiel 10:3) or as the living creatures of Revelation 4:6-11. Interestingly, this is the only place in the Bible where these angels that surround God are called seraphim.

The two wings cover the eyes becuase they cannot look upon the Lord. The two wings cover their feet as a sign of humility. The six wings was seen by John in his vision, too  Revelation 4:8.

The three “holys” refer to God as the Trinity.

Note the seraphim are merely singing about God in his presence, not directly to God.

Repetition is the same as us saying “very.” It’s meant to up the intensity level.

Holy is being set apart, which is the epitome of God. He is the only thing not created. He is the great “I am.” Holiness is God.

The power of their songs shook the doorposts. How cool?!

These angels only exist to praise and worship God. That’s a job I want!

The smoke is reminiscent of God as smoke in the Old Testament (Exodus 13:21-22), (Exodus 19:18), and (1 Kings 8:10-12).

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One of my favorite songs by Chris Tomlin inspired by Isaiah’s words. Enjoy!

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

ISAIAH 1:1

“The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

3a) Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah

b) The spiritual climate was tumultuous to say the least. The people were ungodly and were moving further away from God, as were some of Judah’s kings. Uzziah and Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Ahaz did not. He practiced child sacrifice amongst others horrors. and Hezekiah did what was right. The service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished under his reign.

4)

1:2-3: God’s children have rebelled against him (His people).

1:16-18: Isaiah beseeches God’s people to stop doing wrong.

9:19; 22:5: God will bring judgment on those who have turned from Him by scorching the land and the people.

9:6; 11:1-3: Jesus will save God’s people.

27:6; 32:1-2: 40:1-2; 43:1-2: Israel will be saved. Kings will rule in righteousness and with justice. Israel’s sins will be paid for; they will be redeemed.

5a) I loved the redemption (Isaiah 43:1-2). God will summon me by name and be with me. It’s so full of hope.

b) God’s promises.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

Isaiah was my first study in BSF so many years ago, and I am looking forward to this part of the study again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

About the Book of Isaiah

This is the first and largest of the Major Prophets books.

Isaiah was a prophet mainly to the Southern kingdom of Judah from between 740 to 680 B.C.  Israel, the Northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. during Isaiah’s ministry.

This was the time period we’ve been studying (2 Kings 15 through 21 and 2 Chronicles 26 through 33)

Isaiah was a prophet with Hosea and Micah. The other prophets Elijah, Elisha, Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, and Amos had already passed.

Keep in mind, before Isaiah, the judges ruled Israel. Then Saul, David, and Solomon ruled. Israel broke into two kingdoms in 917 B.C.

Israel in the north had 18 kings who did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Judah in the south had 11 kings before Isaiah, with some bad and some good.

Israel is in the crosshairs of Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon who were all fighting for power.

Fun Fact: Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament. In fact, he is quoted more than any of the other prophets combined (21 times).

Isaiah predicted the Son of God a lot in his book.

Fun Fact: There are seven men in the Bible called Isaiah, which mans “salvation of the Lord.”

When you consider that Jesus began his ministry by quoting Isaiah (Luke 4:16-21), that should tell you the importance of this book.

Facts About Isaiah

  • Isaiah was married
  • He was the father of at least two sons (Isaiah 7:3 and 8:3)
  • He lived in Jerusalem (Isaiah 7:3, 22:1, 37:2, 38:5, and 39:3)
  • He was advisor to the kings of Judah
  • The book of Isaiah was written about the same time as Homer was writing The Illiad and The Odyssey
  • Isaiah is the most eloquent book in the Old Testament
  • Isaiah speaks about the nature of God and His plan for the earth

Organization of Isaiah

  • Isaiah 1-12: Isaiah warns Judah when the nation is prosperous under Jotham and Ahaz
  • Isaiah 13-23: Isaiah speaks to the nations around Judah
  • Isaiah 24-35: Earth’s future and messages to Judah as Assyria is about to invade
  • Isaiah 36-39: The crises of King Hezekiah (an interlude)
  • Isaiah 40-48: Prophecies of Babylon 200 years into the future
  • Isaiah 49-55: Hope through Jesus
  • Isaiah 56-66: Warnings to Judah and more about the future

Fun Facts about the Book of Isaiah

  • The Bible has 66 books; Isaiah has 66 chapters
  • 1st 39 chapters address judgment and hope like the Old Testament
  • Last 27 chapters announces hope in Christ like the New Testament
  • Sin, salvation, and hope are the major themes like the New Testament

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:22-27

Jesus tells the disciples more about his impending death after they arrive back in Galilee. He tells them he will be betrayed, killed, and then he will be raised on the third day. His disciples are filled with grief at this news.

Jesus arrives in Capernaum. He is questioned if he has paid the temple tax. Peter (of all people) is asked if Jesus paid the temple tax. He replies yes. When Jesus sees him again, he asks Peter who does the kings collect their taxes from? Peter answers from others. Jesus says he (the Son) is exempt from paying the temple tax, but he tells Peter to go and catch a fish, open its mouth, and there he will find four-drachma coins to pay the tax so as to not offend anyone.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

13a) That he would die.

b) They grieved. Jesus’s death should be a cause of joy for all.

c) I’ve grieved most of my moves to other locations, mainly because I did not want to move in the first place. Yet, there was a plan in all things, even in death.

14) Sometimes it’s best to not rock the boat and go along with what is asked of you.

15) So many. Every day, my needs are met. I’m encouraged in my job and my life

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

I don’t remember the temple tax story, so I liked that best of all. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing. Period.

map of Caesarea Philippi www.atozmomm.comEnd Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

Jesus usually paired his death with the hope his resurrection brought. The disciples were so grieved that they couldn’t comprehend the meaning of Jesus’s death until much later.

The temple tax is a tax every Jewish man paid. Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax since he was a priest (the Most High Priest in fact).

Jesus did not want to rock the boat, so he paid it. Plus, he wanted to set a good example for others. It’ good to think about and serve others, rather than ourselves.

Jesus used this tax to once again explain his deity to his disciples.

Obviously, the very fish that Peter caught that had money in its mouth would be a miracle from God.

Trying to catch one fish was something Peter, a fisherman, never did in that day. Instead, fishermen used nets to catch a lot of fish, so he was probably baffled by Jesus’s instructions. Still, you obey. I mean, it’s Jesus.

Jesus paid the price for all of us, as he does here for Peter in this example. Cool, isn’t it? It’s like Jesus never gives away an opportunity to foreshadow his true purpose on earth.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:1-5

Jesus went up a mountain with Peter, James, and John. Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus. Peter offers to build three shelters for them — one for each of them. Then, a bright cloud enveloped all of them and God spoke, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

3a) They saw Jesus’s face that shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.

b) Peter says he was an eyewitness of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God when God spoke at the Transfiguration.

4) Both Moses and Elijah were dead, so this shows God’s power to raise the dead. This shows how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecy, and it’s where Jesus can shine his glory, too.

5) Peter offers to build three shelters for them — one for each of them. This is a culture where hospitality rules, so Peter probably thought Moses and Elijah might stay awhile and would need a comfortable place to sit and talk.

6a) This moment was not about meeting earthly needs, like shelter, but instead was about shining God’s glory on and through Jesus. God did not want Peter to distract anyone or taper the message at all.

b) Listen to Jesus’s calling on my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

I wonder why Jesus chose only these three disciples to go with him. This would be something I wouldn’t want to miss!

Love this book with this lesson! God calls us to listen to Jesus; Jesus listens to us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

The Transfiguration takes place approximately three years into Jesus’s three and a half years of ministry. It is about one week after Jesus first tells his disciples he will be killed. The whole point is to reinforce to these three disciples who he really is. Transfiguration comes from the Latin “trans,” which means across and “figura,” which means shape or form. Thus, a change in shape.

Why did Jesus only take these three disciples? No one knows, as we are not told. Some say Jesus only took three because he wanted the Transfiguration to remain a secret (Matthew 17:9). Others say he only needed a few witnesses.

No one knows which mountain the Transfiguration took place on. There are guesses:

  • Mount Tabor
  • Mount Hermon
  • Mount Miron

Jesus was transformed both inside and outside. Many Bible scholars point out that the real miracle was that Jesus appeared an ordinary man for so long and hid his glory from all. The disciples see Jesus’s true glory.

Moses and Elijah

Moses was the first great lawgiver, and Elijah was the first great prophet. In addition, Moses had been dead 1400 years and Elijah 900 years.

Here, we have the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) represent the Old Testament at this moment. They appeared in order to show the two institutions that Jesus had come to fulfill.

They spoke of the cross. How cool!

The Greek word for departure is “exodos,” where we get Exodus from. Thus, Jesus delivers as he departs. Cool!

Peter (of course) is the one to speak. The problem is he didn’t know what he was saying (Mark 9:6 and Luke 9:33  His words put Jesus at an equal level as Moses and Elijah — not good.

God appears in a cloud to save Peter from himself essentially. This is the same cloud of Glory God appears in in the Old Testament known as shekinah. As you know, no one can see God’s face and live, so this is fitting since the disciples are there.

Here, we clearly see Jesus above all else and everyone else.

Listen to Jesus! The one voice that matters.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 28:

  • God chooses who He wants to choose.
  • God meets us at our point of need.
  • God knows exactly what we need.
  • God provides all that we need.
  • God gives us all purpose.

Take Away: God alone is our comfort in times of need. When no one else is there, He is.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 28:16-22:

Jacob awakes the next day, declaring that this place is the house of God. He poured oil on top of the stone he was sleeping on and called the place Bethel, which means House of God. Jacob vows the Lord will be his God if God is with him and watches over him and gives him food and clothes so that he can return safely home. He declares he will give God a tenth as well.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

12) It’s as if Jacob finally realized that God is with him here. I don’t like how it seems like God will be God to Jacob only if God is with him and watches over him and gives him food and clothes so that he can return safely home. It seems like Jacob’s promise is conditional; whereas, God’s promises are not.

13) Every day.

14) Just to trust that I am where I need to be at this time in my life and doing what He wants me to do even though I’d like to be doing something else.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

I like how Jacob has completely changed after this encounter with God. So it is for Christians, but we need to hold onto that when life does get us down.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

Fun Fact: Bethel is mentioned more times in the Old Testament than any other place except Jerusalem.

God grasps its significance to Jacob by calling himself the God of Bethel. (Genesis 31:13).

Other places we see Bethel in the Bible: (1 Kings 13:32, Hosea 10:15, Amos 4:4).

God is everywhere, not just one place.

You can translate this as “Since God is will be with me.” However, most Bible scholars believe if is accurate. Jacob is still not confident God will be with him, which is why he puts condition on God being His God. He had to see God do what he said he would before he would believe. Sadly, many are like this instead of just believing God. (Philippians 4:19) (Nahum 1:7).

Laban will help teach Jacob submission.

God did not back down from His promises despite Jacob’s response. He still is the God of Jacob (Exodus 3:6).

God’s promises were not good enough for Jacob. Are His promises good enough for you?