Archive

Archive for the ‘Isaiah’ Category

“The House of the Lord”

February 13th, 2005

The content for this article was presented in sermon format by Robert M. Housby
on January 30, 2005 at the Cape Girardeau, Missouri Church of Christ.

 

“…and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever”

(Psalm 23:6)

The prophet Isaiah said, “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established… and all nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2). This section of scripture speaks of “the house of the LORD.” Some definite points may be taken from this passage:


(1) The “house of the LORD” shall be established in the latter days.
(2) All nations shall flow to it (excitement and motivation).
(3) This house is identified with the will of God and the word of God.

Furthermore, in the book of Isaiah, “the house of the Lord” occupies a triple function:

1. A House (Beth) of Teaching (Isa. 2:2,3)
2. A House (Beth) of Assembly (Isa. 2:2,3)
3. A House (Beth) of Prayer (Isa. 56:7)

We know, today, that “the house of God” is the Lord’s church (1 Timothy 3:16). We are also aware that the church meets regularly; teaches consistently, and prays effectually. Yes, it all happens in the church!

– Robert M. Housby

Categories: Isaiah, Old Testament, Psalms Tags:

“Please Answer”

January 23rd, 2005

R.S.V.P. – repondez s’il vous plait

(“please answer”)

 

“… when I called, you did not answer”

(Isaiah 65:12)

The calling of God, and man’s answer to that call, is a great theme of the Bible. Many times throughout the Scriptures, we read of God’s calling out to man: “But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9); “…God called to him out of the bush, Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4); “…even us whom he has called” (Romans 9:24; 8:28,30; 11:29). But, whenever God calls to man, that call contains an R.S.V.P., “please answer.”
It is customary for occasions of formal gatherings, such as a wedding, or a social event–by invitation only–that the recipient of the invitation reply with a decision of attendance or non-attendance of the event. We may refer to this custom as etiquette. This etiquette is a type of ticket, entrance or admissibility. But, in the Bible, the call of God’s is never mere etiquette. The call of God goes beyond human conventions; it enters a sacred domain.


1. The call of God involves God’s expectations for man (see Isaiah 42:6).
2. But, human choice is never abolished (see Isaiah 65:12; 66:4).
3. God’s calling is never mere etiquette, but a momentous privilege (Romans 8:30; Hebrews 3:15).

With every assembly, we have opportunity to RSVP. With every opportunity to serve, to worship, to live, we give answer. What will be your answer today? R.S.V.P. while you can: “Please Answer!”

-Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, Isaiah, Old Testament Tags:

“When Peace Like A River”

September 26th, 2004

“…Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river…”

(Isaiah 66:12)

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace,
for them that make peace”

(James 3:18)

 

The Lord calls us to a life of peace (Psalm 34:14; 119:165; Psalm 46:4; Proverbs 12:20; Isaiah 26:3; 48:18,22; 66:12; 1 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14). And, what is this peace? this shalom of the ancient patriarchs and prophets?

1. What this peace is not – This peace is not false optimism. Isaiah (Isa. 57:19-21), Jeremiah (Jer. 6:14; 8:11) and Ezekiel (Ezek. 13:10) all affirm this very point. Jesus, himself, cautioned against unreal expectations of this world (John 14:27). This peace is not the absence of war, nor of tribulation, but the blessed security of having the Lord as our God (Isaiah 26:3).

2. This peace is a gospel peace – When the gospel is preached, a certain peace is proclaimed (Nahum 1:15; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15). This peace derives especially from the prophecy that Messiah (Christ) would bring a peace by the chastisement of himself (Isaiah 53:5; Colossians 1:20). This we understand to be accomplished through the cross of Christ (Romans 5:1). The message of the gospel preached serves to publish this peace to the world (Acts 10:36-39).

3. This peace is for those “in Christ Jesus” – The scriptures are clear and exact about who the recipients of this peace are: “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:14, NKJV). To be “in Christ Jesus,” is to be in relationship with God through baptism (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:27). There is this line from Shakespeare, “Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep” (2 Henry VI, 3.1.53). Is there such a depth in your life today?

 

–Robert M. Housby