Isaiah 52-66, 1 Peter 1-5, and 2 Peter 1-3

Finishing up Isaiah-

Isaiah felt long to me, long but interesting. We read about Elisha and Elijah, their miracles and some of their prophecies but not to the extent we got to know Isaiah- I mean he has a whole book in the Bible devoted to him, right? But one thing that’s kinda sticking out to me is that although he has a book in the Bible, the book isn’t about him at all. This whole book is about God- I mean yeah granted the whole Bible is about God but think about it with me- we don’t learn anything about Isaiah other than that he was a prophet and the approximate time frame in which he lived. His prophecies were the word of God, as if they were just straight from God and he is acting as the microphone or speaker. The other thing that has me curious here- is this the first place we hear about the new Jerusalem- where we learn about heaven and the new place God has prepared for those who follow Him? So ALOT of our modern day belief system is introduced and discussed in Isaiah- he foretells of the coming of God’s servant (Jesus); he introduces the covenant of peace and God’s unfailing love (God isn’t sending foreign armies to attack/ destroy our entire town/ nation; he introduces heaven/ the new earth/ new Jerusalem.

So then we flip over to 1st & 2nd Peter. It’s interesting to me that we have the books of Peter but no books of Paul- to me they are very comparable. But Paul’s letters turned books of the Bible are titled after the recipients of the letters, whereas Peter’s letters are titled after the author of the letters. Not that it makes a difference, just interesting to me. Peter’s letters came across different to me than Paul’s did for some reason. They were very similar in content yet written more in general, and came across softer? more lovingly? Not sure- just felt different to me? Did you pick up on this? or was that just me.

Peeling back those albeit superficial layers- Peter’s letters give us some very real and seemingly simple instruction, though, right? Love each other, follow God, obey scripture, don’t revert back to your old ways, obey authority, live in such a way that you don’t give anyone reason to ever be able to “point the finger at you” Seems very reminiscent of Romans 12- be a good human, follow God in all you do, strive to be more like Jesus. Things that should be simple- but yet somehow in this naturally evil and sinful world are actually rather difficult to do in everyday life.

Not to talk out both sides of my mouth- but also remembering Christianity isn’t about rules. It’s not a checklist of did I act like x,y, & z. Did I love enough? Was I hospitable enough? This is not a rules game- it’s about the transformation of your heart and once your heart is aligned with and given over to God- those actions will happen naturally and become easier. So even though (I think) these letters from Paul & Peter list actions, characteristics, and traits, you’ve got to get your heart right with God. Once your heart is right with God, you won’t want to revert back to your old ways; the potential discomfort you may be subjected to as a Christian will be less uncomfortable because you will see the reason you’re uncomfortable is worth it.

Ok sorry that got long winded and kinda circled around. What were your takeaways? Maybe there was something I missed entirely that really stuck out to you!