APRIL WEEK 15
This week we will continue through the first half of Isaiah, covering chapters 4 through 8.
Discussion Questions:
As you read this week, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.
• What does the cloud by day and fire by night remind you of? (Isaiah 4:4-5)?
• Isaiah 5:1-6 and Matthew 21:33-41 both refer to vineyards. How are they similar? And how do they differ?
• If God looked for volunteers to do a challenging task, would you be like Isaiah? (Isaiah 6:8) Or more like Moses? (Exodus 4:13)
• Matthew quoted Isaiah 7:14 regarding Jesus’ birth. But what was its significance when Isaiah first shared it with King Ahaz? (Isaiah 7:10-16)
• Isaiah 8:11-15 describes two groups. What distinguishes them? And what does God become to them?
Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:
• What two responses can we make to God’s call to repentance? (Isaiah 1:18-20) – We can obey and be blessed. Or we can rebel and be destroyed.
• When are the last days? And what can we expect to happen then? (Isaiah 2:1-4) – We often think of them as centered around Jesus’ return. But some passages in the New Testament apply the term to the days after Jesus’ initial coming (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2). These days will include a spiritual awakening, and people from all over the world will come to the house of God. Is this the church?
• Why is Judah facing destruction? (Isaiah 3:6-9) – Because they have rebelled against the Lord. They might still be going through the motions of serving Him, but their words and actions deny His place in their lives. Just like folks today.
Prayer: Father, as I reflect on Your Word, I hear Your invitation—“Whom shall I send?” I want to trust You more than my fears. Give me a willing heart that says, “Here I am, send me.” Search me where my life has drifted, where I’ve looked like Your vineyard but haven’t produced what You desire. Refine me, cleanse me, and make my life fruitful for You.
Help me to trust Your presence - like the fire by night and the cloud by day - guiding me even when I don’t fully understand. And shape my heart so that You are not a stone I stumble over, but the firm foundation I stand on. I’m listening, Lord. Lead me. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals
Discussion Questions:
As you read this week, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.
• What does the cloud by day and fire by night remind you of? (Isaiah 4:4-5)?
• Isaiah 5:1-6 and Matthew 21:33-41 both refer to vineyards. How are they similar? And how do they differ?
• If God looked for volunteers to do a challenging task, would you be like Isaiah? (Isaiah 6:8) Or more like Moses? (Exodus 4:13)
• Matthew quoted Isaiah 7:14 regarding Jesus’ birth. But what was its significance when Isaiah first shared it with King Ahaz? (Isaiah 7:10-16)
• Isaiah 8:11-15 describes two groups. What distinguishes them? And what does God become to them?
Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:
• What two responses can we make to God’s call to repentance? (Isaiah 1:18-20) – We can obey and be blessed. Or we can rebel and be destroyed.
• When are the last days? And what can we expect to happen then? (Isaiah 2:1-4) – We often think of them as centered around Jesus’ return. But some passages in the New Testament apply the term to the days after Jesus’ initial coming (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2). These days will include a spiritual awakening, and people from all over the world will come to the house of God. Is this the church?
• Why is Judah facing destruction? (Isaiah 3:6-9) – Because they have rebelled against the Lord. They might still be going through the motions of serving Him, but their words and actions deny His place in their lives. Just like folks today.
Prayer: Father, as I reflect on Your Word, I hear Your invitation—“Whom shall I send?” I want to trust You more than my fears. Give me a willing heart that says, “Here I am, send me.” Search me where my life has drifted, where I’ve looked like Your vineyard but haven’t produced what You desire. Refine me, cleanse me, and make my life fruitful for You.
Help me to trust Your presence - like the fire by night and the cloud by day - guiding me even when I don’t fully understand. And shape my heart so that You are not a stone I stumble over, but the firm foundation I stand on. I’m listening, Lord. Lead me. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals