This chapter describes God’s sinful people, and the Cornerstone laid in Zion.
“To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, those taken from the breast? And the word of the Lord will be to them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little, that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken… therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: “Whoever believes will not be in haste.” ‘ ” (v9,13,16)
Israel was having great difficulty obeying God’s word. They heard it, but they understood to be a set of rules: command, after command, after command. It was as if the entire nation was drunk, unable to walk a straight line (some literally I’m sure, though also figuratively) because they did not get God’s intent. It got to the point where not even the priests and prophets would heed God’s laws (v7) and Isaiah wonders if the children would even listen…
Yet, there is great hope because God realizes people don’t want a set of rules, they need a relationship. So, God places a Cornerstone in Zion, someone to be a Firm Foundation and annul their covenant with death (v18). Those who believe in Him will do so wisely, and without disappointment.
I encourage us to not only believe in Jesus, the Cornerstone of Zion, but to also obey God’s word and guidance. God’s people (first Israel, and now the church) struggle with obeying laws, so God sent Jesus as a relatable example we could follow. Yet, we still struggle (or at least I do) to obey. This is where our personal walk with God, our reliance on His Spirit, and a relationship with Jesus are key. It’s easier to obey God out love and relationship, than out of obligation to a list of rules.
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, You have blessed us so greatly with Your Word, and Your Spirit to guide us. We desire to trust in You and Your Son, and model our behavior after Your guidance. May we adhere to Your word, and follow Your commands not just because it’s the law, but because we love You and wish to also love our neighbors. In Jesus’ name we honor and glorify You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training