The Gospel according to Isaiah

Isaiah served under 4 kings of Judah- Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah. He lived in Jerusalem and was contemporaneous with Micah and Hosea and succeeded or possibly overlapped with Amos. His prophetic ministry lasted approximately 60 years (circa 750-685 BC). He is the greatest of the Hebrew prophets and his writings stand as monument of Literature forever, beautiful poetry and precise prose.

Of all the Prophets, no one writes so fully and clearly of the Person of Christ – His various offices, the Cross, manifold Grace of God, Salvation and Kingdom. St. Jerome called Isaiah an Evangelist, for he so preaches the Gospel. No wonder, there were mighty revivals in his time (2 Chron 29,20,31), esp the Great Passover in Hezekiah’s time, cleansing of the Temple, reinstitution of Worship Teams and Right sacrifices. Isaiah was faithful to the end and lived a long life. Jewish tradition says, Manasseh (the idolatrous son of Hezekiah) sawed Isaiah in two by putting him in a tree trunk, and he died as a martyr for Christ in his old age.

From the first chapter of Isaiah, to the last, it is ALWAYS CHRIST in view. Isaiah loved Jesus dearly. The Holy Spirit revealed so much of Jesus Christ to him. He speaks of the virgin birth (7:14), of the growing up of Jesus, his absolutely correct behavior (11:1-5), John the forerunner of Christ, Comfort to Israel ((Is 40), how Jesus supports comforts the broken and hurting (42:1-6), Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit and preaching the Gospel (Is 61, Is 55), we drawing Joy out of wells of Salvation (Is 12), forgiveness of sins through the death of Jesus on the Cross (Is 53), Lamb of God slain as a sin-offering for all the world, Healing at the Cross, Resurrection of Christ (Is 53:10-12, Is 26:19), Jesus Christ sitting on the throne of David (Is 9:6,7) and ruling forever.

The prophet foresees incredible revivals in the last days, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit where entire cities and nations are saved (32:15-20), a Great Revival preparing the way for the Return of Christ (Is 35). When the Messiah comes back to live and rule in Jerusalem (Millennial Kingdom), there will be World-wide judgements (Is 2-5, 24), Satan and its forces will be bound (Is 14, Is 24), and the rule of Jesus will extend to the whole world.

Almost every other chapter speaks of Jesus as King on earth, judging nations, Perfect peace for man and beast – they shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of God as the waters cover the sea. (Is 11:9). The Messianic community (Saved Jew and Gentile Church) filling the planet and renewing human civilization and bringing Glory to God. Isaiah and Micah, both tell us clearly that in the last days, the world will turn to the Church for solutions and hope (Is 2:1-4).

Isaiah uses various words for Christ – Holy One of Israel occurs about 25x in the book (Is 30:15); In most places it is a direct reference to Jesus Christ. Other places he refers to Jesus as the Anointed One, Servant of the Lord (Is 42:1, 53:1), Savior, Redeemer (48:17), Commander (Is 55:4), Witness (Is 55:4).

Peter says in his sermon, “Yea, and All the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days (of Messiah). Acts 3:24. Have you ever read Isaiah like this with Christ in view. If not, its time to correct our understanding. The Book of Isaiah is the Bible in miniature.

When we see the beauty of Jesus, our heart leaps like a hart. The Spirit and the Bride say, Come Lord Jesus. (Rev 22:17). Come back to the earth. Amen.