Isaiah Update

As my journey through Isaiah continued this week, two things really jumped out of the text.

First, in Isaiah 20:2-3 it says, "2The Lord told Isaiah son of Amoz, “Take off the burlap you have been wearing, and remove your sandals.” Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot.
3Then the Lord said, “My servant Isaiah has been walking around naked and barefoot for the last three years. This is a sign—a symbol of the terrible troubles I will bring upon Egypt and Ethiopia."

That seems so bizarre! I'm sure even then it was uncommon to see someone walking around naked. I can't imagine having to live that way for three years. That includes winter! What a powerful object lesson. I'm glad that God didn't tell others (that we know of) to do that, and that He hasn't done it lately.

Second, in Isaiah 22:11 it says, "But you never ask for help from the One who did all this. You never considered the One who planned this long ago."

What an indictment of God's people. How can you fulfill God's plan if you never ask Him for help or for guidance in following His plan? This is a huge reminder that if we try to fulfill God's plan in our own power there will be severe consequences. We need to remember that we are His servants even when we are leaders.