In what ways does Isaiah 48:22 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22) Why Isaiah 48:22 Matters • Isaiah closes a section promising restoration for God’s people, then abruptly warns that the unrepentant still lack peace. • “Peace” (Hebrew shalom) is more than calm feelings; it is wholeness, right standing with God, security, and well-being. • “The wicked” describes those who refuse God’s covenant terms, choosing rebellion instead of repentance. Isaiah’s Message Echoed by Jesus 1. Peace rests on relationship, not circumstance. • Isaiah: no peace outside covenant faithfulness. • Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27) 2. The obstacle is the heart’s rebellion. • Isaiah identifies wickedness as the peace-thief. • Jesus pinpoints the same root: “From within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts…” (Mark 7:21-23). He addresses the cause before offering the cure. 3. Peace is God’s gift, not self-produced. • Isaiah shows human inability—no peace on our own terms. • Jesus fulfills what we could not: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 4. Peace comes through righteousness—and Jesus is that righteousness. • Isaiah 32:17 promises, “The work of righteousness will be peace.” • Paul explains the fulfillment: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) 5. The sharp divide remains. • Isaiah draws a line: covenant-keepers vs. covenant-breakers. • Jesus repeats the line: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36) How Jesus Moves Us From No Peace to True Peace • He takes the wrath deserved by the wicked (Isaiah 53:5). • He reconciles us: “For He Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). • He empowers peacemaking: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9). • He secures future, unbreakable peace: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7). Living the Connection Today • Rest your assurance on Christ’s finished work, not on fluctuating circumstances. • Reject sin quickly—unconfessed wickedness still disrupts a believer’s sense of peace. • Walk as a peacemaker, extending the wholeness Christ secured. • Anticipate the coming kingdom where Isaiah’s warnings are forever silenced, because every heart will be aligned with the Prince of Peace. |
    |