Two Big Dogs With A Lot Of Bark And No Bite Series

Series: Dog Days

Week: 2

Passage: Isaiah 56:10

Title: Two Big Dogs with a Lot of Bark and no Bite.

Focus: Maturity

INTRODUCTION: There’s one big dog in my life that is huge with little bite. (The story of Towzer, how we got him, how people perceive him, and how he really is in real life). 2 Videos.

ON ISAIAH: Isaiah was a prophet (person who spoke for the Lord’s will under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to the Kings (authorities) of the day. His main message was for those living in spiritual rituals and on a quest for God’s prosperity (great health, lots of money and extremely popular). Isaiah declared the opposite of this lifestyle. He preached that God’s heart resided in justice - people be right in their actions and attitudes, loving God with their heart and caring for others unselfishly.

In Isaiah’s declarations, his words were either taken to heart by the authorities of the day or brushed off as mere personal opinion. Therefore, in moments of despair, Isaiah would retreat to his journal, logging his revelations from God. These written prophecies served documents proving Isaiah’s validity as the revelations came true repeatedly as time passed.

One authority figure, King Hezekiah was one ruler who sought out Isaiah after being defeated in numerous battles. Isaiah, as God’s faithful servant, assured the king that his enemy would not defeat him if he was faithfully seeking the Lord. Isaiah’s truth from the Lord served as a sign to all people (in that day and ours) that God grants victories to those who are faithfully following His ways.

ON THE BOOK: While Isaiah has been broken down in many ways, I personally see eight “sections” that help us understand what we are seeking today.

1. Chapters 1-12: Isaiah preaches against greed and spiritual corruption. Seven “woes” are outlined describing how the anger of the Lord is present in people’s disobedience.

2. Chapters 13-23: An outline of how God has governs the kingdoms and nations of the world and what will happen to these kingdoms.

3. Chapters 24-27: Isaiah’s points out how problems are worldwide and not just happening locally. While God is in control, the entire universe is suffering.

4. Chapters 28-33: The people are condemned even more for being greedy, drunks, and complacent with their life and therefore Isaiah gives seven “woes” on what happens God’s protection is rejected.

5. Chapters 34-35: More revelation on the future of the nations after Isaiah’s death.

6. Chapters 36-39: A look back at Isaiah’s younger life when he has a near fatal illness and his restoration. This will serve as a set up for the last two ending themes.

7. Chapters 40-55: A nation that was once sick is now healthy enough to be a light to the world. The messiah, Jesus is spoken about. He will deliver the people once and for all.

8. Chapters 56-66: The promise of God’s city being rebuilt is identified. It will be a splendorous sight where God’s glory is constantly proclaimed. God’s people, through the power of the Messiah, will help bring God’s blessing to the world!

ON THE PASSAGE: We land this morning in chapter 56. The deliverance of a Messiah has just been revealed. God’s promises are about to be proclaimed but there are those leading that are falling short and will in turn miss out on God’s glorious proclamation and the ability to fully grasp the power of the Messiah in their everyday life. The worthless watchmen and lazy shepherds miss out on great blessings when living out of line with the laws of the Lord.

“For the leaders of my people--the Lord's watchmen, his shepherds--are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming.” Isaiah 56:10.

TITLE: Two Big Dogs with a lot of Bark and no Bite.

Big Dog #1: The Worthless Watchmen (Isaiah 56:10a)

• Explanation: God is big on people keeping watch for him. There are those like Isaiah in the Old Testament and the Disciples in the New who have been lookouts, intently watching in expectation for Christ’s return and sharing the good news about the return to people they come in contact with.

o Eli: “Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God...” 1 Samuel 4:13

o David: “In the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” Psalm 5:4

o Jeremiah: “Stand by the way and watch…” Jeremiah 48:19

o Micah: “But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation…” Micah 7:7

o Titus (Disciples): “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13