Isaiah - The Park Forum

October 15, 2026October 13, 2026

Carving Jesus Into an Idol — Readers’ Choice

Links for today’s readings:

Oct 15 Read: Ezekiel 15 Listen: (1:09) Read: Philippians 2 Listen: (3:45)

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:

This week of Readers’ Choice looks back at reflections on Jesus and salvation.

Jason, TX — So good.

This post was originally published on August 3, 2026, based on readings from Isaiah 63.7-8 and Psalm 139.19-20.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 63.7-8

6 I trampled the nations in my anger;

in my wrath I made them drunk

and poured their blood on the ground.”

7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord,

the deeds for which he is to be praised,

according to all the Lord has done for us—

yes, the many good things

he has done for Israel,

according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

Psalm 139.19-20

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.

Reflection: Carving Jesus Into an Idol — Readers’ Choice

By John Tillman

Imagine a warrior who single-handedly kills scores of enemies while defending his family. It shouldn’t be hard. Many films and TV shows tell similar stories. When the bloodied hero (or heroine) rises from battle, having saved what was dear to them, we cheer.

But what if the blood-soaked hero is God?

Isaiah describes the tender loving-kindness of God right after a bloody battle in which God (or God’s servant) tramples nations in anger. Psalm 139 has tender-hearted lines about God’s care for life in the womb, but also imprecatory calls for the death of the wicked.

Do passages like these make you uncomfortable? My discomfort with these passages has to do with their abuse, not their true meaning.

Don’t misunderstand these passages of divine violence. These actions are not ours to emulate. Vengeance, when it comes, belongs to God, not us. Our role is pulling people out from under wrath, not pushing them toward it.

Some, however, twist these passages to bless “hatred” (Ps 139.22) of certain groups and to sacralize violence that defends themselves, their family, and their “culture.” (Which usually means their race.) The Nazi regime wooed and corrupted many German Christians by celebrating Jesus as “the greatest warrior” and not a “sufferer.”

“Warrior Jesus” is a false Jesus, but he’s not the only one.

God has revealed himself to us most fully in the image of Jesus (Col 1.15; Heb 1.3; John 14.9). But many people treat Jesus as a block of wood, stone, or metal that they can carve, chip, or shape until he fits comfortably in their life without poking, prodding, or challenging them.

We often carve Jesus into an idol that blesses our sins and condemns others’ sins. The violent carve away Christ’s compassion, mercy, and long-suffering love. Libertines carve away Christ’s calls for holiness. The slothful carve away Christ’s commissioning us to work for the kingdom. The legalists carve away Christ’s free and gracious offer to all humanity with no barriers.

We are supposed to conform our image to Jesus, not the other way around (Rom 12.2; 1 Pet 1.14). Put down your carving and shaping tools and accept Jesus as scripture shows him. He is the king on a donkey, the servant with a towel, the sufferer on the cross, and the coming, conquering King of Heaven.

Beware any version of Jesus who demands no repentance, challenges no assumptions, never warns of destruction, blesses all your desires, and confirms all your cultural dogmas.

Prayer for the week:

We are taking a break from the Divine Hours Prayers this month. Each week, we will pray a prayer from Scripture or Christian history related to the week’s theme. This week’s prayer is related to our theme of Jesus and salvation:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. — Apostle Paul, Eph 3.14-19

Readers’ Choice is Here!

This month, we reshare your favorite Park Forum posts from this year. There’s still room for more. Tell us about one we should include.
What posts did you share with a friend?

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October 13, 2026October 11, 2026

How Did He Do It? — Readers’ Choice

Links for today’s readings:

Oct 13 Read: Ezekiel 13 Listen: (4:14) Read: Romans 16 Listen: (3:30)

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:

This week of Readers’ Choice looks back at reflections on Jesus and salvation.

Melissa, TX

Peter, Singapore — Amen! Thank you, for showing us “how Jesus did it. And Jesus shows us how we can do it”

This post was originally published on July 21, 2026, based on readings from XX.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 50.4-10

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;
I have not been rebellious,
I have not turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.
7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.
8 He who vindicates me is near.
Who then will bring charges against me?
Let us face each other!
Who is my accuser?
Let him confront me!
9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.
Who will condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
the moths will eat them up.
10 Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let the one who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on their God.

Reflection: How Did He Do It? — Readers’ Choice

By John Tillman

How did Jesus do it?

How did he set aside his divine glory to live in flesh and struggle? How did he obey perfectly while experiencing the same temptations every human faces? How did he follow the Father’s will completely while still having a human mind? How did he worship in a corrupted temple and synagogue system?

But most of all, how did he endure the cross? How did he face the suffering? The torture? The shaming? The taunting? The physical pain and struggle? And death itself? How did he do it?

Isaiah’s servant psalms are ultimately, and most importantly, about Jesus. Isaiah paints many pictures that match up with, and were fulfilled by, Jesus’ life and sufferings. But Isaiah does more than tell us that Jesus would have his beard torn out, or his back beaten, or that he would be mocked and spit upon and pierced for our transgressions. Isaiah shows us not just the physical treatment Jesus would face, but a picture of his inner life that connected him to the Father and made it possible for him to endure.

Isaiah shows us how Jesus did it. And Jesus shows us how we can do it.

Jesus had a rich and satisfying inner life with God through scripture and prayer. He woke “morning by morning” listening. God opened his ears, gave him a “well-instructed tongue,” and taught him words that “sustain the weary.” Jesus felt God near to vindicate and help him.

Jesus’ humanity required him to eat food, drink water, and sleep. It also required him to partake of God’s words, drink in his Spirit, and dream the dreams and purposes of God. Because he did this, Jesus was able to set his face “like flint” toward Jerusalem and his suffering.

Oh, that this would be true of us! That our tongues (and typing fingers) would be well-instructed! That our minds would wake to the Spirit’s whispering! That our ears would be tuned to his melodies! That our faces would be set like flint against trouble, knowing his flint-like face stands beside us!

We have crosses to carry both now and in the future. This is how we do it—imitate Jesus. Pray we never face the physical sufferings Jesus did. But by following his life-giving, scripture-devouring, Spirit-empowering pattern of connecting to God, we can do whatever Jesus calls us to.

Prayer for the week:

Readers’ Choice is Here!

This month, we reshare your favorite Park Forum posts from this year. There’s still room for more. Tell us about one we should include.
What posts nourished your faith?

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October 12, 2026October 10, 2026

Ready, Willing, and Able to Save — Readers’ Choice

Links for today’s readings:

Oct 12 Read: Ezekiel 12 Listen: (4:26) Read: Romans 15 Listen: (4:32)

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:

This week of Readers’ Choice looks back at reflections on Jesus and salvation.

Barbara, TN — Such a hallelujah comfort! Thank you!

This post was originally published on July 16, 2026, based on readings from Isaiah 45.18-19, 22-23.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45.18-19, 22-23

18 For this is what the Lord says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
“I am the Lord,
and there is no other.
19 I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob’s descendants,
‘Seek me in vain.’
I, the Lord, speak the truth;
I declare what is right.
22 “Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.
23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.

Reflection: Ready, Willing, and Able to Save — Readers’ Choice

By John Tillman

A “well-meant offer” is more than just good intentions. It means being ready, willing, and able to deliver what is offered.

A politician may offer something to all citizens without intending to deliver it, or intending to deliver it only to his political donors. This is deception. A politician may also offer something to all citizens when they don’t have the votes or legal authority to deliver it. This is also deception.

If you say to people in your workplace, “Who wants donuts in the morning? I’ll bring them,” you shouldn’t secretly hope Gary doesn’t want donuts because you hate Gary and don’t want to buy him donuts. You also shouldn’t offer everyone donuts when you only have cash to buy donuts for half of the people.

God is not a lying politician, making deceptive promises to seem like a nice guy. God is not an over-promising and under-delivering politician who doesn’t have the power to enact his promises. God doesn’t offer donuts when he doesn’t want to give them, and he’s never short of cash.

In Isaiah 45, and in many other places, God offers salvation. He offers it to Israel: “I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the truth.” (Is 45.19) He also offers salvation to the entire world, “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth…my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked.” (Is 45.22-23)

When God makes an offer, he means it. He’s not hedging. God has the power, resources, and willingness to deliver everything he promises.

Salvation is not God’s only well-meant offer.

God offers, and fully intends, to complete in us the work he began to conform us to the image of Jesus. He offers, and fully intends, to bring us through trials and suffering that we could not bear without him, displaying his power in our weakness. He offers, and fully intends, to use our feeble resources, skills, and efforts as means to complete his work in this world.

A totaled car in a ravine needs more than being pulled back up to the road. It needs restoration. Jesus offers and intends to complete that work in us and anyone who accepts his offer.

When you accept his offer, Jesus will make you ready, willing, and able to share it with “all you ends of the earth.”

Prayer for the week:

Readers’ Choice is Here!

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What posts helped you explain the gospel?

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August 6, 2026August 4, 2026

Stephen, Isaiah, and Confronting God’s People

Links for today’s readings:

Aug 6 Read: Isaiah 66 Listen: (5:20) Read: Psalm 144 Listen: (1:56)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 66.1-2

1 This is what the Lord says:

“Heaven is my throne,

and the earth is my footstool.

Where is the house you will build for me?

Where will my resting place be?

2 Has not my hand made all these things,

and so they came into being?”

declares the Lord.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:

those who are humble and contrite in spirit,

and who tremble at my word.

3 But whoever sacrifices a bull

is like one who kills a person,

and whoever offers a lamb

is like one who breaks a dog’s neck;

whoever makes a grain offering

is like one who presents pig’s blood,

and whoever burns memorial incense

is like one who worships an idol.

They have chosen their own ways,

and they delight in their abominations;

Acts 7.48-51

48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

49 “ ‘Heaven is my throne,

and the earth is my footstool.

What kind of house will you build for me?

says the Lord.

Or where will my resting place be?

50 Has not my hand made all these things?’

51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

Reflection: Stephen, Isaiah, and Confronting God’s People

By John Tillman

Stephen’s final point of his final sermon quoted Isaiah’s final chapter. Both men had false worship on their minds. Both men so offended their audience that they faced death.

Isaiah condemned every aspect of Temple worship as corrupt. The rituals followed the letter of the law but, absent humility and contrition, they were an abomination. When God spoke, they refused to listen. Stephen strummed Isaiah’s chords, and his listeners knew the melody’s notes. It’s not a coincidence that they “covered their ears” when they rushed at him to kill him (Acts 7.57).

Unlike Stephen’s, Isaiah’s death is not described in scripture. Most scholars agree that Manasseh killed Isaiah. Some traditions say Isaiah hid from Manasseh in the hollow of a tree. When he was discovered there, Manasseh killed him by sawing the tree down with Isaiah inside.

The mention of holy people being stoned in Hebrews 11.37-38 implies Stephen’s death and being “sawed in two” could imply Isaiah’s. But, beyond tantalizing conjecture, what does this matter?

People don’t like being told their worship is fake. Doing so got Stephen and Isaiah killed. But it is an important thing people need to know.

Stephen and Isaiah stand in a long line of those who were killed for confronting God’s people with hypocrisy. Not pagans. Not enemies. God’s people.

Christians of my generation, growing up in the Cold War, were taught to fear persecution and death from pagan, secular, Muslim, or “Communist” governments. That was and is a legitimate fear for some Christians today. However, many of the martyrs the writer of Hebrews would have been thinking of, including Stephen and Isaiah, were killed not by servants of foreign gods or governments, but those who called themselves by God’s name and self-identified as God’s people. A “Christian” government is no guarantee that Christians won’t be persecuted, harmed, or even killed. Just ask William Tyndale or thousands of others.

Don’t cover your ears to Stephen and Isaiah’s message. Don’t fear persecution. Fear your own false worship. Fear a lack of humility and contrition. Fear our tendency to ignore and not listen to critiques. Fear our desire to take up and throw stones.

Make sure your worship is pure. Circumcise your ears. Speak with humility. Show contrition. Tremble at God’s word. Do not ignore challenging passages and interpretations.

And remember: You are not without sin. Casting the first stone is not for you (John 8.7).

Photo Notes: Today’s photo is of a memorial tower dedicated to William Tyndale in Gloucestershire.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them be merry and joyful. — Psalm 68.3

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Treasuring Our Temples

Links for today’s readings:

Aug 4 Read: Isaiah 64 Listen: (2:01) Read: Psalms 140-141 Listen: (2:44)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 64.5-7, 10-11

5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right,

who remember your ways.

But when we continued to sin against them,

you were angry.

How then can we be saved?

6 All of us have become like one who is unclean,

and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;

we all shrivel up like a leaf,

and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

7 No one calls on your name

or strives to lay hold of you;

for you have hidden your face from us

and have given us over to our sins.

10 Your sacred cities have become a wasteland;

even Zion is a wasteland, Jerusalem a desolation.

11 Our holy and glorious temple, where our ancestors praised you,

has been burned with fire,

and all that we treasured lies in ruins.

Reflection: Treasuring Our Temples

By John Tillman

Isaiah’s visions held up shocking images from a not too distant future.

The most shocking image to Isaiah’s readers would not be destruction, fire, and death sweeping Jerusalem. It would not even be the king’s sons led away naked, castrated, and in chains to be eunuchs. (Isaiah 39.7) The most shocking would be the one thing Judah thought God would never allow to fall, the Temple, being razed and burned with fire.

It is difficult to overstate how confident Judah was that God treasured the Temple and, for the sake of his name, would never allow it to be defiled or harmed. It was unthinkable that the Temple would fall.

Yet, the Temple had already fallen. God had already allowed the Temple to be defiled. The kings and religious leaders of Judah had done it themselves.

They partnered together against the widows and orphans. They collaborated together to oppress the foreigners. Yet they called themselves righteous. The worship they thought that God so prized had become annoying noise that God could not bear to hear and wished would stop, because there was no justice established when they stopped singing about justice.

Comfortable, powerful, western Christians can be guilty of similar thinking. We easily feel that we are so special, so holy, so entitled to our place atop the culture, that we cannot imagine we might ever fall.

Surely God can’t be unsatisfied with our glorious worship and the music industry it spawned?

Surely God wouldn’t allow our sanctuaries to be attacked, our institutions to be sued, or our rights to be stripped away?

There is a telling line in Isaiah 64.11, “All that we treasure lies in ruins…” God will ruin whatever we treasure more than him.

Judah treasured the Temple’s importance but not its inhabitant. They treasured the regalia, not the relationship. Through the Babylonian destruction, God did not allow the Temple to be defiled. He took the first step to cleanse it. May we take warning.

Our first step must be to join Isaiah in confessing our part in collective, systemic sin, saying as he did, “I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips!” (Isaiah 6.5)

It is by our lament for our sin that we are given mercy, forgiveness, and the hope of reconciliation, restoration, and resurrection.

May he purify our lips and send us forth.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. — Psalm 118.14

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Links for today’s readings:

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 63.7-8

Psalm 139.19-20

Reflection: Carving Jesus Into an Idol — Readers’ Choice

Prayer for the week:

Read more: Missing the Kingdom for the Empire

Readers’ Choice is Here!

Links for today’s readings:

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 50.4-10

Reflection: How Did He Do It? — Readers’ Choice

Prayer for the week:

Read more: Discipline for the Anxious

Readers’ Choice is Here!

Links for today’s readings:

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45.18-19, 22-23

Reflection: Ready, Willing, and Able to Save — Readers’ Choice

Prayer for the week:

Read more: He Stoops to Raise

Readers’ Choice is Here!

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 66.1-2

Acts 7.48-51

Reflection: Stephen, Isaiah, and Confronting God’s People

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Read more: A Righteous Government

Read more: Breath, Reconsidered

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 64.5-7, 10-11

Reflection: Treasuring Our Temples

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Read more: The Consequence of Carelessness

Read more: Whose Table Are Your Feet Under?