Isaiah: [ /ahy-zahy-uh/ ] noun - A masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning "salvation of the Lord.” Derived from the Hebrew phrase Yeshayahu, meaning "God saves." The book was written by the Prophet Isaiah, written sometime during the years he prophesied from 739–681 BC.
OVERVIEW:
The book of Isaiah reveals God’s judgment and His salvation. God is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3), and therefore He cannot allow sin to go unpunished (Isaiah 1:2; 2:11-20; 34:1-2; 42:25). Isaiah portrays God’s oncoming judgment as a “consuming fire” (Isaiah 1:31; 30:33). At the same time, Isaiah understands that God is a God of mercy, grace, and compassion (Isaiah 5:25; 11:16; 32:2; 41:14-16). We have seen this throughout the earlier texts, affirmed by the Prophet. The nation of Israel is blind and deaf to God’s commands (Isaiah 6:9-10; 42:7). Only because of His mercy and His promises to Israel, will God not allow Israel or Judah to be completely destroyed. He will bring restoration, forgiveness, and healing for His glory (43:2; 43:16-19; 52:10-12). Isaiah’s overall theme receives its clearest statement in chapter 12: “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2). This echoes the meaning of Isaiah’s name, which means the “salvation of Yahweh.” Having read the book, one might wonder about the strong presence of judgment that runs through the first thirty-nine chapters when the theme is salvation. How can the two coexist? The presence of judgment indicates its necessity for salvation to occur. Before we can have salvation, know salvation, we must have a need for it! So, many of those early chapters in Isaiah detail judgments against the people who have turned their backs on the Lord, showing us that those who persist in their rebellion will receive judgment. On the other hand, we see God’s faithfulness to His promise of salvation. He will preserve a small remnant of faithful believers, those who will continue on into the glorious renewed world He has prepared for His children at the end of times (65:17–66:24).
SO WHAT?
Isaiah contains one of the clearest expressions of the gospel in all the Old Testament. Even from the first chapter, it is clear the people have turned away from God and failed in their responsibilities as His children (Isaiah 1:2–17). Yet God miraculously holds out hope to this unrepentant people, offering cleansing of sins and the blessing that comes with faith and obedience in Him (1:18–20). Salvation lies only in God—the only question is whether we will accept His offer.
In addition to its gospel message, the book of Isaiah clearly articulates the sins of God’s people—dealing with others unjustly which resulted in their offering hypocritical sacrifices to God. We must evaluate our life according to our Creator’s standards, His Law. Do you see anything in your own life that might fall under Isaiah’s critique of injustice—treating family, colleagues, or even strangers with unkindness or even contempt? Isaiah’s message is also a call for believers to come back to purity in our love for God and for our neighbors (Luke 10:26–28).
Next month, we will walk through the book of Jeremiah. God chose this man of undeniable courage to speak to the people of Judah on the Lord’s behalf—even though they would not listen.
I would like to add a brief comment at the end of my article. Isaiah speaks to false idols of the people (Isaiah 44-48), which they have created to worship instead of the True God. I was reminded by an article that was posted last month, that we still seek wisdom, purpose, and knowledge within ourself, truly a false idol. It is done with terms like therapy and soul care, all done for a ‘nominal’ fee. I would like to state that Christianity is opposed to the inward pursuit of truth, in fact the Bible warns against it. If you choose the path of constantly looking within yourself to find meaning and purpose, you will not find the answer you seek. Only by seeking the Creator, your Creator, through the Bible and fellowship of other followers of Jesus Christ, will you find the answers you seek. In Christianity, we find all the answers we seek about God, the world around us, and ourselves, specifically in God’s word, the Bible. As Christians, we should lovingly share this good news (the gospel), care for our neighbors, and invite them into the saving relationship with God through Christ. This is done without monetary cost; we extend ourselves freely because of the grace given to us. Friends, we are more than physical, we have a soul with an eternal destiny. I would not be a pastor, nay, even a Christian, if I did not plead with you to seek out the One True God by faith and knowledge. I am reminded by Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” In Jesus Christ, you will find the rest your heart longs for.
If you have questions, need prayer, encouragement, or a cup of coffee, please contact me free of charge. Reach out to me via email: Colin@nlcwanamingo.org or by phone: 507-824-3019.
