Sept. 1, 2026: ISAIAH 2

Big Idea: God desires for us to live SENT with our GREATER PURPOSE, while the world desires for us to be STUCK on ourselves.

The Work of Man or the Work of God?

Read: Isaiah 2

Key Verse: “The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”— Isaiah 2:11

Devotional:
Isaiah 2 gives us a picture of two very different ways to live.

First, we see God’s greater purpose: all nations streaming to the mountain of the Lord, learning His ways, walking in His paths, and experiencing His peace. This is the SENT life — people moving toward God and then carrying His truth into the world.

But then Isaiah exposes the stuck life. The people are full of silver, gold, horses, chariots, idols, pride, and human confidence. They are impressed with what they have built, what they own, and what they control.

They valued the work of man above the work of God.

That is one of the easiest traps in a blessed culture. Luxury, comfort, materialism, success, and security can blind us from the goodness of God. The One who is the source of everything we enjoy is often the first One we forget when we enjoy what we have.

Isaiah warns that human pride will not last. Every idol will fall. Every self-made kingdom will collapse. The Lord alone will be exalted.

This is not just ancient Judah’s problem. It is ours too in 2026.

We can become stuck on our plans, our achievements, our money, our comfort, our schedules, and our image. We can build lives that look successful but are spiritually empty.

Isaiah 2 calls us to lift our eyes. God’s purpose is bigger than our comfort. God’s Kingdom is bigger than our personal platform. God’s glory is greater than anything man can build.

Reflection Questions

• Where am I more impressed with the work of man than the work of God?
• What blessing in my life has the potential to make me forget God?
• What idol do I need to lay down?

Song of the day: 
Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe - Christ Be Magnified (Church Stream)
 
Today’s Challenge:
Name one blessing in your life and intentionally thank God for it. Then ask: “How can this blessing be used for God’s greater purpose and not just my purpose?”