God Gives Grace | Isaiah 48-49

Sermon Discussion | Isaiah 48-89

1. The Lord is speaking to Israel, verse 48:4 he calls them stubborn and a "Stiff necked people, with bronze foreheads". He wants them to see the listening problem they have is with themselves not with Babylon. He goes on to tell them greater things would come if you would submit to my word. Israel has a reputation of being bad listeners. What is your reputation for listening? Do you consider yourself to be a good listener? What makes for a good listener? Who gets to decide if you're a good listener?  Seth went on to say, when someone thinks that they might be a bad listener, this is when they actually lean in to pay attention; this leads to becoming a good listener. Perhaps we should presume we are bad at listening.

2. The conversation shifts, now he is addressing all people. Read Isaiah 49:5-7 notice the Lord's proclamation of who he is and what he has done. God is setting himself apart from all the tribal deities, He is The Lord! He is the one who is able to save ALL people. Just as in ancient days, we too have "tribal deities" . Can you identify them? As a culture, what diety do we need to repent of? Individually, what do you need to repent of? 

3. Seth made the comment that our feelings don't always correspond with reality. Our emotions do tell the truth of how we feel, but are not necessarily true of the situation. Read Isaiah 49:14-18. This verse is speaking truth, regardless of feeling. Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? If you were to read this as though God is speaking to you, how does that make you feel? God does think about his people, and you as an individual, he wants to think about you! What would you say God thinks about when he thinks of you?...is that true?

4. Verse 49:26 says, "I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine". God has tethered himself to humanity knowing what it would cost him; heartache and eventually death. Yet, because of his great love he chose to save a people...to save you. He even desires to save the oppressor, the idolator, the nations. Christ says to eat my flesh and drink my blood - His blood is able to cover all those who sin and would come to him. How do you feel about him saving the oppressor or idolator - not just the victim? What does it mean to rest in the atonement of Christ? 

*Weekly Practice* 

This week ask those near you if you're a good listener. Take time to pray over that feedback, ask God to show where you can improve on listening, then sit quiet and listen for the voice of God.