The Christian Classics Ethereal Library online (ccel.org) says, "A prophet of God was not primarily a future teller, but one who spoke God's word to the people of his day. The word "prophet" literally means 'to boil up like a fountain." Isaiah was a spokesman for God to the people of his day. Because he spoke so much about the coming of the Messiah, Isaiah is often referred to as the Messianic prophet.
Isaiah is quoted more than 40 times in the New Testament. Some refer to the Book of Isaiah as "the fifth gospel" or the "Gospel according to Isaiah." (www.dovercoc.org/Sermons/isaiah.html)
Before reading further in this blog, my friends, you would do well to read Isaiah Chapter 40.
In this chapter, we read God's words through Isaiah, a familiar passage: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God," and "A voice of one calling in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord."
The whole chapter speaks of how God cares for his people. So beautifully is this written, and so great is the message of God's watching over his children like a shepherd, that it is a memorable read. We learn of God the Creator who never tires or grows weary in looking after us, our causes and concerns. Isaiah reminds us that God gives strength to the weary and that, when we hope in the Lord, he will renew our strength so we will soar on eagles' wings.
This being Advent, we await the celebration of Jesus coming to earth, where he became Emmanuel, or "God with us." Having accepted Christ's love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation, it is incumbent on us to share this Good News in our writing and in our daily living. At the same time, we must prepare ourselves for Christ's second coming.
Today, just as in Isaiah's time there are wars, political instability, and clashes of ideology and religions. It was in times like this, that a voice said to Isaiah, "Cry out."
To this, Isaiah responded, "What shall I cry?" The rest of the chapter explains the message to be given, and it is to be given boldly. We are to go up on a high mountain and lift up our voice with a shout. We are not to be afraid to say, or to write, to the people, "Here is your God!"
What shall we cry? We believers in Christ have, through our faith, experienced love, hope, joy, and peace--attributes that are emphasized during Advent, attributes much needed in today's world. Should not God's working in our lives be something that causes us "to boil up like a fountain"?
Like Isaiah, we are commanded to prepare the way of the Lord. We are to comfort God's people and give them true hope in God. We are to straighten out as much as we can in this world and in our lives. By helping others, we make some of "the rough ground level" and the "rugged places plain." By living and sharing the good news of salvation, ". . . the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together."
Isaiah is quoted more than 40 times in the New Testament. Some refer to the Book of Isaiah as "the fifth gospel" or the "Gospel according to Isaiah." (www.dovercoc.org/Sermons/isaiah.html)
Before reading further in this blog, my friends, you would do well to read Isaiah Chapter 40.
In this chapter, we read God's words through Isaiah, a familiar passage: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God," and "A voice of one calling in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord."
The whole chapter speaks of how God cares for his people. So beautifully is this written, and so great is the message of God's watching over his children like a shepherd, that it is a memorable read. We learn of God the Creator who never tires or grows weary in looking after us, our causes and concerns. Isaiah reminds us that God gives strength to the weary and that, when we hope in the Lord, he will renew our strength so we will soar on eagles' wings.
This being Advent, we await the celebration of Jesus coming to earth, where he became Emmanuel, or "God with us." Having accepted Christ's love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation, it is incumbent on us to share this Good News in our writing and in our daily living. At the same time, we must prepare ourselves for Christ's second coming.
Today, just as in Isaiah's time there are wars, political instability, and clashes of ideology and religions. It was in times like this, that a voice said to Isaiah, "Cry out."
To this, Isaiah responded, "What shall I cry?" The rest of the chapter explains the message to be given, and it is to be given boldly. We are to go up on a high mountain and lift up our voice with a shout. We are not to be afraid to say, or to write, to the people, "Here is your God!"
What shall we cry? We believers in Christ have, through our faith, experienced love, hope, joy, and peace--attributes that are emphasized during Advent, attributes much needed in today's world. Should not God's working in our lives be something that causes us "to boil up like a fountain"?
Like Isaiah, we are commanded to prepare the way of the Lord. We are to comfort God's people and give them true hope in God. We are to straighten out as much as we can in this world and in our lives. By helping others, we make some of "the rough ground level" and the "rugged places plain." By living and sharing the good news of salvation, ". . . the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together."
A very uplifting post, Sharon. I am in the final weeks of a course on OT Major Prophets, and writing an exegetical essay on Isaiah 12. Your post explains Isaiah's ministry (and, as you say, OUR ministry) beautifully. I might have to quote you!
ReplyDeletethanks Sharon. I am studying the book of Isaiah currently so this definitely spoke to me.
ReplyDelete“For versatility of expression and brilliance of imagery Isaiah had no superior, not even a rival. His style marks the climax of Hebrew literary art” (“Isaiah,” vol. II, p. 885). The style of writing of epigrams, metaphors, interrogation, dialogue, hyperbole and parables “characterize[s] Isaiah’s book as the great masterpiece of Hebrew literature” (ibid.).
ReplyDeleteHow interesting, Marnie and Tracy that you are both studying the book of Isaiah! I also found an article called, Isaiah the Prophet by Jim Haeffele on a site call Life Hope & Truth that praises Isaiah's style in writing to show his had a good educational background. Haeffele quotes The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia as saying, “For versatility of expression and brilliance of imagery Isaiah had no superior, not even a rival. His style marks the climax of Hebrew literary art” (“Isaiah,” vol. II, p. 885). The style of writing of epigrams, metaphors, interrogation, dialogue, hyperbole and parables “characterize[s] Isaiah’s book as the great masterpiece of Hebrew literature” (ibid.).
Maybe we can learn about his prophetic teachings and his writing style. Thanks for sharing the fact that you are both on a similar track for Bible study.
How interesting, Marnie and Tracy that you are both studying the book of Isaiah! I also found an article called, Isaiah the Prophet by Jim Haeffele on a site call Life Hope & Truth that praises Isaiah's style in writing to show his had a good educational background. Haeffele quotes The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia as saying, “For versatility of expression and brilliance of imagery Isaiah had no superior, not even a rival. His style marks the climax of Hebrew literary art” (“Isaiah,” vol. II, p. 885). The style of writing of epigrams, metaphors, interrogation, dialogue, hyperbole and parables “characterize[s] Isaiah’s book as the great masterpiece of Hebrew literature” (ibid.).
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can learn about his prophetic teachings and his writing style. Thanks for sharing the fact that you are both on a similar track for Bible study.
The book of Isaiah was instrumental in freeing me from bondage from my past. It holds a special place in my heart and always will. Your comment, "Should not God's working in our lives be something that causes us "to boil up like a fountain"?" stirs me up, Sharon. YES! I say YES, I want God's working in my life to boil up like the pool of Bethesda, so others can dip in and know what I know. I accept that challenge!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the entire book of Isaiah for some time, but when I was doing research for my blog, I enjoyed his writing and the way he speaks to the people and the way he shares the news about the coming Messiah. The message of salvation is very clear in Isaiah's writing, but we usually think of the New Testament being the message of Christ dying for our sins.. Yours is a beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard the literal translation of the word, "prophecy." It's great. I love the book of Isaiah and yes, it does have much relevance for today but especially at Christmas. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon. Very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteThere is much to think about in the book of Isaiah. The way his prophecies regarding the Messiah came to fruition is so impressive and such a reassurance to me of our faith. Connie and Tammy, thanks for your comments too.
ReplyDeleteA keeper, Sharon! I literally saved this post. You bring life to old words, and make it clear that all through the Old and New Testament times, God was caring for his people. It is similar to my Christmas post on my blog this year. Such a powerful message. God bless you, sister!
ReplyDelete