Isaiah 8 “What have I to dread; what have I to fear?” Answer: the Lord of Heaven’s Armies

This section continues to analyze what happens when God’s people are afraid and turn away from faith in Him.  The sermon is driven by the instruction to Isaiah in vv. 11-15, especially, “do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread” (v. 12).  This paragraph also provides a concise look at two ways God relates to people: either “a sanctuary” or “a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling” (v. 14).  Instead of fearing men, we are called to fear the Lord.  The faithful remnant is characterized by hearing God’ teaching and hoping in Him (vv. 16-17).  It’s interesting and sad that God’s people turn away from trusting God only to ask Isaiah to ask mediums for answers (cf. v. 19).  How in the world did God’s people get in such bad shape!?!  Little by little, they stopped believing God’s teaching (v. 16).  Our Lord experiences the darkness (v. 22) of the Cross and separation from the Father to create a people who can trust and obey Him.