The Book of Isaiah is long! But it is so full of God’s words to his people, Israel. During Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter, we prepare for remembrance and celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the amazing things about Isaiah, is that he wrote about 750 years before Jesus was even born. He prophesied His birth, as well as His death, in very graphic detail. Every word of prophesy Isaiah wrote about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection has occurred. The Bible is true and accurate!
I am just beginning to read through the book. Chapter 1 sounds as though it is addressing the United States of America! There are no modern prophets. We don’t need them! God provided all we need to know in His word, and the Book of Isaiah covers current and future events. Here is just a sample. Read it and then you tell me if this does not apply to our country right now! Just substitute “America” for Israel”.
”Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider.” Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward. From the sole of the foot even to the head, There is no soundness in it, But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; They have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment. Your country is desolate, Your cities are burned with fire; Strangers devour your land in your presence; And it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.“ Isaiah 1:2-4, 6-7 NKJV
Chapter 2 starts off with a future prophesy that is yet to be fulfilled, but rest assured it will be! “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.“ Isaiah 2:1-4 NKJV.
There is a longing in the soul of Jesus followers for those days to come.
And these famous verses are also evidence of the truth of God’s Word:
”The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.“ Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 NKJV.
There is just something special about reading the book of Isaiah during the season of Lent! I have not done this before, but I may do it regularly. Quite the devotional in preparation for celebrating Resurrection Sunday!
More to go . . .