Dave is the Rector of the joint benefice of St Nicholas, Stevenage and St Mary, Graveley. He began his ministry in Stevenage in 2011.
Ahaz becomes king but despite God’s wonderful offers and grace, he chooses to put his trust in Assyria and his own talents rather than God. He does not stand firm in his faith so he does not stand at all.
It’s April Fool’s Day but is the resurrection of Jesus the greatest April Fool ever or the most important event in the history of the world? Let’s look at the evidence…
Isaiah turns to look at the heart of the problem and sees the problem at the heart of Israel. Instead of faithful worship to God alone, God’s people were being spiritual adulterers, worshipping God’s gifts, God’s creation and even the false gods of the nations around them. They looked ‘full’ but were foolish. But there was still hope…
Isaiah 1 starts with God’s verdict on his people – and it’s fair to say he is not pleased! They are stupid, sinful, stubborn, like ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ and yet oh so religious! But God’s judgement doesn’t have to lead to wrath; God offers his glorious grace and tells his people to make a choice. What choice will we make?
Today we begin a series on the Book of Isaiah with a beginners guide to the writer, the times and and the themes of the book Over 66 chapters Isaiah brought God’s message to the people of Judah before exile, during their exile and after exile – and these same words have much to say to us.