Remembering in Uncertain Times: Lessons from Isaiah 7-12

In times of uncertainty and fear, where do we turn for guidance? The book of Isaiah offers profound insights into how faith, fear, hope, and trust in God’s control can shape our lives and decisions. It also challenges us to remember what God has done to shape what he will do going forward.

Isaiah chapters 7-12 tell a powerful story about King Ahaz of Judah facing a critical decision during a time of political turmoil. This section of scripture reveals timeless truths about faith that remain relevant to our lives today.

Understanding the Historical Context

The backdrop of Isaiah 7-12 involves King Ahaz of Judah (the southern kingdom) at a critical moment. Assyria, a major world power, was threatening the region. Meanwhile, Syria and Israel (the northern kingdom) wanted Judah to form an alliance with them against Assyria.

King Ahaz, however, had already decided to ally with Assyria instead, believing they were more powerful. This decision would lead to the first instance of the divided kingdoms of Israel fighting against each other. Into this tense situation, Isaiah delivers a prophetic message from God.

What Does It Mean to Have Faith in Difficult Times?

In chapter 7:10-12, we see King Ahaz’s lack of faith. When God, through Isaiah, offers to give Ahaz a sign - “Make it as difficult as you want, as high as heaven, or as deep as the place of the dead” - Ahaz refuses, claiming piety: “No, I will not test the Lord like that.”

This wasn’t genuine humility but rather a cover for his unwillingness to hear God’s guidance. Ahaz had already made up his mind to ally with Assyria and didn’t want divine advice that might contradict his plans.

Despite Ahaz’s refusal, God provides a sign anyway - the famous prophecy: “Look, the virgin will conceive a child. She will give birth to a son and call him Emmanuel, which means God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy had both an immediate fulfillment in Isaiah’s time and a far-reaching fulfillment in Jesus Christ 700 years later.

How Does Fear Affect Our Relationship with God?

Chapter 8 reveals how a lack of faith leads to fear - specifically, fearing the wrong things. The people of Judah were fearing human powers rather than God.

God reminds them through Isaiah 8:13: “Make the Lord of Heaven’s armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.”

When we fear people more than God, what should be our sanctuary becomes a stumbling block. The people had gone even further astray, consulting mediums and spirits of the dead rather than seeking guidance from the living God.

Where Can We Find Hope in Times of Darkness?

Despite the grim situation, chapter 9:1 brings a message of hope. “Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever,” Isaiah proclaims.

Then in Isaiah 9:6 comes one of the most recognized Messianic prophecies: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This powerful prophecy points to Jesus Christ and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God offers hope for the future.

Who Is Really in Control of World Events?

Chapter 10:13 addresses a crucial question: The king of Assyria boasted, “By my own powerful arm I have done this… I have knocked down their kings like a bull.”

But God reveals through Isaiah 10:7 that the Assyrian king is merely a tool in God’s hands: “The king of Assyria will not understand that he is my tool.” God uses a powerful analogy: “Can the axe boast greater than the person who uses it? Is the saw greater than the person who saws?” (Isaiah 10:15).

This reminds us that regardless of how powerful human leaders may seem, God remains sovereign over all.

What Will God Do in the Future?

Chapter 11 shifts to what will happen in the future. The word "will" appears dozens of times, emphasizing God's knowledge of what is to come.

The prophecy points to a descendant of David: "Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot... The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him." This ruler will bring justice, righteousness, and peace so complete that "the wolf and the lamb will live together." (Isaiah 11:1-6).

Understanding that God knows what will happen should change how we listen to His guidance. If we truly believe God knows the future, we'll be more inclined to trust His direction rather than our limited understanding.

How Should We Respond to God’s Faithfulness?

Chapter 12 concludes with praise. After all the prophecies and challenges, Isaiah offers six verses of personal and communal praise:

"I will praise you, O Lord... See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid." (Isaiah 12:1-2).

The passage then shifts from individual to communal praise: "With joy you all will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation... Thank the Lord. Praise his name. Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is."

This chapter gives us four commands:

• Thank the Lord

• Praise His name

• Tell the nations what He has done

• Make them know how mighty He is

The last command is particularly significant—we are to help others remember God's mighty works. In the original language, it carries the sense of "causing others to remember" God's power and faithfulness.

How Did the Israelites Remember God’s Works?

In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Moses instructed the Israelites to remember God's commands: "Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them while you are at home and while you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."

They were to write God's words on their doorposts, wear them on their foreheads, and discuss them constantly. This practice of active remembrance kept God's works and words at the forefront of their minds.

Life Application

What has God done in your life recently? Not what He did years ago or what He did for someone else - what has He done for you in the past month?

Take time to identify specific ways God has worked in your life:

• What has He taught you?

• What has He revealed to you?

• What has He convicted you of?

• What relationship has He helped restore?

Once you’ve identified these things, share them with others. Like the Israelites who built altars as reminders of God’s faithfulness, find ways to commemorate and communicate what God has done.

Ask yourself:

• Am I fearing people more than I fear God?

• Where am I looking for guidance in difficult decisions?

• Do I truly believe God is in control of my circumstances?

• How can I help others remember God’s faithfulness this week?

If King Ahaz had started with praise and remembrance of God’s faithfulness, perhaps he would have made different choices. Let’s learn from his mistake by cultivating a habit of remembering and sharing what God has done, helping others tot see His mighty works in our lives and in the world around us.