S) "20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn."
Isaiah 8:20 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 8
[Entry from 07/11/2014 was missed, so there now are two in this chapter]
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 8
[Entry from 07/11/2014 was missed, so there now are two in this chapter]
O) Even without deep exegesis, it is plain that having no dawn can't be a good thing! Isaiah is referring to a people who, instead of consulting God, were turning to spiritists and mediums, seeking counsel from the dead, regarding the living (v.19). This is in direct contrast, and indeed opposition, to righteousness. So, Isaiah's rebuttal is to seek the law and testimony of the LORD. This is where real answers are found, real comfort, real life. Now, about that lack of dawn... we see several concepts throughout Scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments, about light. There are titles of God that are references to light, like morning star (Revelation 22:16), or the Father of lights (James 1:17). Throughout the Old Testament (especially Psalms), there are myriad references to God's word being light, because it was His revelation of Himself to His people (see Psalm 36:9, 119:105). So, the concept follows that a person seeking anything other than true light, true dawn (i.e., the LORD), be in such darkness as a person who doesn't even have the dawn.
A) These concepts carry right through the New Testament. The notable turn, is that in Jesus Christ, we now have a unity with the light that even the faithful of the Old Testament didn't quite experience. The indwelling Holy Spirit is light within us, and I have a responsibility to let that light shine (see Matthew 5:16). So, in the context that this verse is written, I have an ever present help in a way that even Isaiah didn't quite have. Even still, I cannot dismiss the strong urging of his words. When I am facing calamity (or any kind of strife, even a small hill of a problem), my reaction should not resemble that of the world. In my culture, we don't see so many psychics (certainly seemed more prevalent even in my childhood, than now). However, the world seeks therapy or psychiatry, or some forms of eastern spiritualism (meditation, "non-religious" yoga, or feng shui). The world seeks science (not that scientific methods are wrong, but the scientific community is not a prescriptive authority on my experiences). While I can certainly (and should, and do) pray, I should definitely heed Isaiah's prompting, and run to the Scriptures! In the Bible, I can meet with God. I can see Him, hear Him, and know Him. His words are still a light to my path, even as I have His very light within me.
A) These concepts carry right through the New Testament. The notable turn, is that in Jesus Christ, we now have a unity with the light that even the faithful of the Old Testament didn't quite experience. The indwelling Holy Spirit is light within us, and I have a responsibility to let that light shine (see Matthew 5:16). So, in the context that this verse is written, I have an ever present help in a way that even Isaiah didn't quite have. Even still, I cannot dismiss the strong urging of his words. When I am facing calamity (or any kind of strife, even a small hill of a problem), my reaction should not resemble that of the world. In my culture, we don't see so many psychics (certainly seemed more prevalent even in my childhood, than now). However, the world seeks therapy or psychiatry, or some forms of eastern spiritualism (meditation, "non-religious" yoga, or feng shui). The world seeks science (not that scientific methods are wrong, but the scientific community is not a prescriptive authority on my experiences). While I can certainly (and should, and do) pray, I should definitely heed Isaiah's prompting, and run to the Scriptures! In the Bible, I can meet with God. I can see Him, hear Him, and know Him. His words are still a light to my path, even as I have His very light within me.
P) Father, Your light pierces every dark place. There is no place You cannot see, no darkness You cannot conquer. There is nothing beyond Your knowledge, and beyond Your illumination. Open my eyes to see, God. Help me to know and understand what goes on in my life. Even if You don't tell me about things that will happen to me ahead of time, what I really need is Your help to interpret what has already happened to me. Sometimes, circumstances come up and I feel confused, uncertain, or simply surprised and a little afraid. I know I can always trust Your strength and love, so as I pray for Your will to be done, I believe it. But, I want to understand, Lord. Help me to have a bigger perspective on my problems. Help me to run to Scripture for answers, together with prayer and trustworthy advice. I want to be holy as You are holy. Help me to be altogether different than the world, to Your glory and honor. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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