We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.
While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Guide which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons! We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors. Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.
Each day we endeavour to 1) understand the story of the characters in the text; 2) connect to His story; and then 3) apply it to our story through adoration, confession and supplication.
DAY ONE | UNDERSTAND THEIR STORY
As we seek to understand the story of the people of Israel in this text, we’ll look at the problem God identifies first, and then the solution.
- Read Isaiah 51:12-23 and circle or highlight each time the word “wrath” appears.
- According to Isaiah 51:12-16, whose wrath does Israel fear?
- According to Isaiah 51:17-20, whose wrath has Israel actually experienced?
- According to Isaiah 51:21-23, what will happen to God’s cup of staggering and bowl of wrath?
- Reflect: What happens when we fear people more than we fear God?
Pray today in Confession and Reflection. In what way(s) do you fear people more than the LORD? How can a healthy fear of God help you to live in line with his priorities and purposes?
DAY TWO | UNDERSTAND THEIR STORY
What is the solution for the nation of Israel, which fears people more than God?
- Read Isaiah 51:1-8 and circle or highlight all the commands given to Israel in this text.
- Why should they “look to the rock from which they were hewn”: Abraham and Sarah. How can the story of these two people encourage the people of Israel? (If you need some ideas, read Hebrews 11:8-12 which summarizes their story).
- Why should Israel pay attention to God and lift up their eyes to God according to Isaiah 51:4-6?
- Why should Israel not fear the reproach of man according to Isaiah 51:7-8?
Pray in Adoration today. Thank God that he will fulfill his promises, comfort, judge, and provide his people with righteousness and salvation forever!
DAY THREE | CONNECT TO HIS STORY
- Isaiah 50:4-9 is Isaiah’s third “Servant Song”.
- What has the LORD done for his servant according to these verses?
- What has the servant done, according to these verses?
- Read Matthew 26:67 and Matthew 27:30. How does Matthew affirm that this servant is Jesus?
Pray in Adoration today. God kept his promise to Israel, by sending Jesus.
DAY FOUR | CONNECT TO HIS STORY
Yesterday we saw that Matthew made the connection between Jesus and Isaiah’s “servant”. Today we’ll examine further connections between the servant and his future followers.
- Read Isaiah 50:8-9, and then Romans 8:31-38. What assurance does the servant’s vindication give to those who believe in Jesus?
- Read Isaiah 52:7-8 and then Acts 10:34-43 and Ephesians 2:11-22. Who is the one that first preached peace?
Pray in Adoration that, through Jesus, you are vindicated and declared innocent, and adopted into the family of God, becoming “fellow citizens with the saints.” (Ephesians 2:19).
DAY FIVE | APPLY TO OUR STORY
The Apostle Paul asserts that he understands his mission in light of Isaiah 52.
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:2. How does Paul participate in extending Jesus’ peace to others?
- Read Romans 10:14-17. Paul quotes Isaiah 49:7 in Romans 10:15 to affirm that people need to hear this gospel of peace to come to faith.
- How do these passages encourage or challenge you today?
- Reflect: Have you responded to God’s offer of peace? Are you presenting this offerit to others?
Pray today in Supplication. Ask God to empower you to be an ambassador of his peace to others!