Main Scripture: Isaiah 1:2-9
Why do people rebel against God and disobey His commands? Sickness and disease befall them, their land becomes desolate, consumed by fire, and corruption spreads. Death and darkness reign… all because of sin, which separates them from the face of God, allowing death to rule over them and darkness to overshadow them… But is there any hope to renew a person’s face? To restore life, light the way, and heal the land? There is still hope. You are the salt of the earth, the small remnant…
Discussion Questions
- What problems did the prophet see afflicting God’s work in his time? How does this compare to our modern era? Give practical examples.
- How did the prophet describe this miserable state of humanity and the land?
- What is the reason for reaching this state? Is there a cure in your view? How?
- What is the hope that revives this state of death? What is the hope of the “small remnant” (verse 9) – the light of the world, the salt of the earth?
- What is your role in bringing about change and restoring hope and light to humanity and the earth?
Key Verses & Themes
- Verse 2: The rebellious children against God’s word.
- Verse 4: Woe to a nation that despises the work of God and the Holy One of Israel.
- Verse 5: Discipline without benefit.
- Verse 6: The head is sick, the body is sick, and the mind is sick.
- Verse 7: The land is sick and ailing.
- Verse 8: Daughter of Zion!
- Verse 9: There is hope, the small remnant, salt of the earth and light of the world…
- Themes: Changing sickness to health, darkness to light, death to life, and deviation from God to commitment to His work.
