Session 3

Background

You can read the text for the study here.

There is an in-depth introduction to Isaiah here. There is a briefer summary here, which will help you understand the context of Isaiah.

• Note that there is some unresolved dispute as to whether the book of Isaiah was written by one person or more than one.

Personal reflection

  • Are you passing through ’deep waters’ or through 'the fire’ today?
  • Do you need to hear God’s word of assurance that he is with you in these circumstances?
  • In verse 1 exchange the words Jacob and Israel for your own name and read the passage again as a personal declaration to you. Hear God’s words of love and comfort in your difficulties.

Some things to ponder for discussion:

  • This passage was probably written between BCE 740 and BCE 686 – several hundred years before Christ was born. It was addressed to the Jewish people in exile. How does this affect our understanding as Christians nearly 3 000 years later?
  • Isaiah says ‘when’ not ‘if’ – what does this imply about what we should expect in our lives?
  • How do you know that you are precious to God?
  • How do you assure others going through tough times of God's love for them?
  • What can you do to assure God's love to those who do not believe?

You can download a document version of the study from here.