Isaiah 57:14-21 Theology through Positive and Negative Exemplars

Despite what some say about exemplar preaching, it's impossible to avoid it entirely in a preaching portion like Isaiah 57:14-21. Surely, Isaiah addresses the Church by showing us a good example to follow (the "go and do likewise" of Isaiah 57:15). Just as certainly, Isaiah also addresses us by showing us a bad example to avoid (the "go and do otherwise" of Isaiah 57:20-21). Where exemplar preaching breaks down in my opinion is when the exemplars are held up by themselves and God's people only hear the preacher say at the end of the sermon: "Now, go and do likewise or go and do otherwise." Better to begin the end of the sermon by point out that our Lord was presented in Isaiah 53:5, 10 as being "crushed" (same Hebrew term translated "contrite" in Isaiah 57:15). When a person receives Christ as their Sovereign Savior, He transforms them into one "who is of a contrite and lowly spirit." He turns the wicked into the righteous. The exemplar works after the Gospel has done its work. Isaiah continues to urge the Church to leave worldliness behind and ready itself for the return of the Servant/King who will completely destroy all who rebel against Him and completely deliver all who trust Him. The catch: all who trust Him must look like Him. In this case, they must share God's perspective on their sin and need of redemption.