Isaiah wrote the book in his ministry ranged from about 740 (680 BC). The kings of Judah in this period were Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.
The book of Isaiah is essentially prophecy, messages from God, spoken through Isaiah. The first part of the book (ch 1-35) consists mostly of prophecies of doom, where Isaiah warned Israel and neighboring nations to ignore God's commandments. In the middle of the book we find a section on one of the kings Isaiah served under, namely King Hezekiah (ch 36-39). These few chapters divides the book into two main parts where the last part (ch 40-66) is the prophecy of comfort, encouragement and hope for the future.
The book contents plenty of passages that point forward to Jesus - for example from 53:5:
"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed".
What does this book show about the character and nature of God?This book have a lot of scriptures that show Gods character and nature, and I have chosen some of them:
33:22: "For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and
save us".
40:28-29: "The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows
weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives
power to the weak and strength to the powerless".
45:19: "I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right".
What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?
There is a lot of scriptures that points towards Jesus (also called the Messiah of the Jews) as the savior for mankind.
For example: "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity". (9:6-7).
Isaiha also tells that the future salvation is not just for Israelites, but for all nations - because in 56:6 is it said:
"I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Personal Application:
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus 700 years before He was born. I am wondering how did Isaiah know all this what was going to happen? I think a part of the answer is that he lived close to God in prayer and worshiping. It's great to think about that Isaiah's written prophesy enabled those who built their lives on the Old Testament 700 years later to understand that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for.
This inspire me to draw and live even closer to God through studying His Word, praying, worshiping Him and give Him the place in my life that only He deserve - because He want to have fellowship also with me. It is important to me that I set my selves in a position where He can talk to me - and that I have hearing ears! I think taking this DBS-course is also a part of this!
Point of passion:
My point of passion during my DBS is the
Shan-people in Thailand:
By reading Isaiah 25:4 I was reminded about the small town Fang in North Thailand.A Shan team from YWAM is working there with Church planting, discipleship training, and give out food, clothing and medicine to the poorest Shan refugees. They also have a school program for Shan children, who have no opportunity to go to school.
With this important work as a background, I pray that the Shan-people will experience Gods love and mercy - as it appears in 25:4:
"But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat".
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