Isaiah 28:14-29 (includes communion by Karl Barlow)

 Isaiah calls the leaders in Jerusalem “scoffers” (v. 14), even though they were deeply religious. In what ways can someone be religious yet practically scoff at God’s Word through how they live? Verse 15 speaks of the religious scoffers placing their security in a false refuge they believed would keep them safe from harm. What are some false securities that a church or believer might have? How can we tell when something—even something good—has become a source of security? How has God exposed false securities in your life or in the life of our nation? Isaiah 28:16 describes Jesus as a tested, precious cornerstone. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus was “tested”—that He endured pressure, suffering, and temptation without breaking? How does that strengthen your trust in Him? Isaiah says, “Whoever believes will not be in haste.” What does it mean to not be in haste because you believe in Jesus? Both Paul’s and Peter’s quotations of this verse say, “will not be put to shame.” What does it mean to you that you will not be put to shame? How might that affect the way you live? The farming illustration in verses 23–29 shows that God is measured and purposeful—He does not over-thresh or over-plough. Have you experienced a time when God removed something or allowed difficulty, and you later saw it as refining rather than punishment? What did that teach you about trusting His wisdom?