Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 66: “As a Mother Comforts Her Child”

Isaiah’s final chapter is primarily about worship. God is sovereign over the whole universe, there is no place that can encompass the Lord. God is vast beyond measure. God is infinite. You and I cannot contain God in a building, or a particular kind of philosophy, or liturgy. “Thus says the Lord:Heaven is my throne,    and the … Continue reading Isaiah 66: “As a Mother Comforts Her Child”

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 65: The Millennial Age

At the end of this chapter filled with the darkness of sin, Isaiah depicted a worldwide event that will completely reform creation—a dramatically new universe, free from corruption and death. New Heavens and New Earth “For I am about to create new heavens    and a new earth;the former things shall not be remembered    or come to mind.But … Continue reading Isaiah 65: The Millennial Age

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 65: Even the Valley of Achor

The people Isaiah was prophesying of had strayed far from God’s way and were bent on continuing along their own path. But they did not seem to have a realization of their spiritual adultery because they also were very religious. “… who say, “Keep to yourself;    do not come near me, for I am too holy … Continue reading Isaiah 65: Even the Valley of Achor

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 65: God Bridges the Gap

One of my favorite things about my phone is the maps app. If my GPS knows where we are going, then I rest secure, I simply follow the voice’s directions. My GPS offers regular reassurance, little sound effects so I know when I am getting closer to where I have to turn. But that is … Continue reading Isaiah 65: God Bridges the Gap

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 64: You Are the Potter, We are the Clay

Acknowledging the reality of humankind’s propensity to turn away from God, and even the people of God’s propensity to stray, Isaiah asked God a question all of us have asked at one time or another—Why, O Lord, do you let us stray from you? Why do you allow our hearts to harden, so that we … Continue reading Isaiah 64: You Are the Potter, We are the Clay

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 62: Redemption and Wrath

Isaiah continued in the next chapter to describe the amazing transformation that would take place, using the theme of a beautiful bride—the same bride that Jesus talked about in the Gospels, and the apostle John described in Revelation at the wedding feast of the Lamb. Israel would receive a new name, signifying a new nature, … Continue reading Isaiah 62: Redemption and Wrath

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 61: The Beatitudes

Isaiah’s prophetic proclamation of the Lord’s favor spoke not to the rulers and the wealthy, but the downtrodden and impoverished. The entitled would not experience God’s favor in the same way as those who had nothing. Isaiah spoke of a people who perhaps had lost hope as beloved of God, who perhaps accepted as their … Continue reading Isaiah 61: The Beatitudes

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 61: Year of the Jubilee

Have any of you ever met a warrior?  There are many men and woman who really do have the “blood of justice on their garments,” soldiers, police officers, guards … warriors. Have you ever had an opportunity to listen to their stories, what it took to fulfill their mission, the heartache, the strength and courage, … Continue reading Isaiah 61: Year of the Jubilee

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Isaiah

Isaiah 60: A Better Country, A Beautiful City

The final part of Isaiah’s prophecy goes far beyond earthly brilliance. “The sun shall no longer be    your light by day,nor for brightness shall the moon    give light to you by night,but the Lord will be your everlasting light,    and your God will be your glory.Your sun shall no more go down    or your moon withdraw itself,for the Lord will be your everlasting … Continue reading Isaiah 60: A Better Country, A Beautiful City