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BIBLE BOOK: The Old Testament Evangelist
The relevance of ISAIAH…..
The last sixteen books of the Old Testament, beginning with Isaiah and concluding with Malachi, are the writings of the prophets. Isaiah is not only the first among them, but his book is also the longest with its 66 chapters. It has often been pointed out that Isaiah resembles the Bible which contains 66 books. Another interesting similarity is that Isaiah’s prophecy divides neatly into two parts with the first 39 chapters being likened to the Old Testament and the remaining 27 chapters, with their slightly different style, resembling the New Testament. Chapter divisions in our Bibles are, of course, man-made, and the significance of 39 and 27 equalling 66 must not be over-stressed – interesting though the comparison may be.
Isaiah lived some 700 years before Christ. His position, from a historical perspective, is clear. In the opening verse of his prophecy he states that he ministered during the reigns of four kings of Judah – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isa.1:1). Israel (the Northern Kingdom) had repeatedly been warned of approaching judgment which fell during the earlier part of Isaiah’s ministry when the ten tribes were taken captive by the Assyrians. Judah (the Southern Kingdom) was also threatened by Assyria but was miraculously spared. However, Isaiah denounced the people of Judah for their sins – and particularly for their idolatry.
Many Bible commentaries are available to help us understand Isaiah’s message. Obviously it is not possible in a short magazine article to give a detailed explanation of the truths of this book chapter by chapter. Although a brief summary of its themes might be useful, the purpose of this particular article is to bring before us some practical applications which may help us in our day.
Romans 15:4 states: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (KJV). The Word of God is broad and deep. Although it is always important to understand the context of a particular book or passage of Scripture, we can often discover truths which can be applied to ourselves even though they were not originally addressed to us. We will therefore seek to make some relevant applications from this ancient book of prophecy.
Isaiah has sometimes, correctly, been called “the evangelist of the Old Testament”. The meaning of his name (“Yahweh saves”) bears this out. His ministry spanned a period of about 60 years and was not only one of judgment but also of comfort for the people of God. It is perhaps significant that the second part of the book begins with “comfort” (40:1), for in the following chapters we find a number of references to the coming Messiah who would bring comfort to His troubled and persecuted people. From Isaiah 52:13 through to the end of chapter 53 we have one of the clearest pictures of the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament.
Remembering the meaning of Isaiah’s name, let us look at what this Old Testament evangelist tells us about salvation and the blessings which God has for those who receive it.
Isaiah 12:2 may serve as an introduction to this theme: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation”. What a great statement! The prophet could rejoice that God Himself was his salvation, as well as his strength and his song. The order of these expressions is important to note because salvation enables strength to be found and ultimately results in a song of praise being expressed. We shall use this verse as a springboard for our meditation.
THE LORD – MY SALVATION
The greatness of God is proclaimed clearly in Isaiah’s prophecy. “I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself” (44:24). The Creator stands alone and above all others. He needed no help in His great work of creation! In similar language, another verse presents God in His incomparable omnipotence and reminds us of our frailty as “grasshoppers” in His sight (40:22).
Not only are we weak; we are also sinful beings, absolutely ruined before Him. “There is no soundness” in us but rather “wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores” which “have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment” (1:6). If we imagine we have some goodness of our own, making us better than others in the sight of God, we are deluding ourselves. “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” before such an infinitely holy God (64:6). Imagine us putting on our very best clothes for a special occasion only to be reprimanded for presenting ourselves unacceptably! God demands perfection, and we are utterly unfit to stand in the presence of this God of inscrutable holiness.
Yet, while all this is true, God is presented as “Saviour” by Isaiah. “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour,” He declares (43:11). A similar expression in the same chapter reveals this amazing truth: “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (43:25). The Old Testament evangelist also issues a gracious invitation, found in the very first chapter of the book: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (1:18).
The words are so simple that they need no further explanation. Vile and sinful though we are, God is willing to remove our sin and grant us a free pardon. On what basis can He do this? The answer to that question is found in one of the best-known portions of the book: Isaiah 53. There we are introduced to the Servant of Jehovah (52:13), our Lord Jesus Christ. He was “despised and rejected of men” as well as “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (53:3,4). The following moving words tell how “He was wounded for our transgressions … and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (53:5,6).”
All of us find ourselves bankrupt before a holy God. We have nothing to offer Him and can only cast ourselves upon His mercy – which is exactly what He wants us to do! If we are thirsting for His blessing, but at the same time aware that we do not possess the means to obtain salvation, God invites us to “come” to Him in all our need. What He offers us is “without money and without price” (55:1). If we heed the loving invitation and draw near to Him, “He will abundantly pardon” (55:7) because the precious blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn.1:7).
Reader, what do these things mean to you? Have you come to Christ in all your need and cast yourself upon His mercy? Can you say with Hezekiah, “Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back” (38:17)? We began this section with the bold statement, “Behold, God is my salvation” (12:2). This is indeed the starting point and the only way to blessing.
THE LORD – MY STRENGTH
Some people mistakenly think of salvation being a free ticket to heaven and not very much more. Such an idea is far from the truth. Salvation is necessary to bring us into a right relationship with God and to enable us to enjoy fellowship with Him. It is comforting to know that the Lord Jesus, who as the Lamb of God died for us, is also the Shepherd of His people. Isaiah 40:11 gives us an insight into this precious relationship. Whether it is “the lambs” who are so vulnerable, or “those that are with young” who find the journey difficult, He knows their limitations and gently cares for each member of His flock.
At times we may feel we belong to a different category and imagine we are strong, energetic, and enthusiastic, but “even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall” (40:30). However, “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (40:31). So many encouraging promises can be found in Isaiah’s prophecy. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (41:10). Strength is always at hand! We are assured that the Lord will never forsake His own.
The experiences of life may, at times, exhaust us. However, there are other times when we may feel completely overwhelmed – as if we are drowning in swirling waters or being consumed by the heat of a fire. Should we ever feel that is our experience, another wonderful promise can be found to encourage us: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (43:2). What more can we ask? This promise reminds us of the occasion when Daniel’s three friends were cast by Nebuchadnezzar into a burning fiery furnace (Dan.3) but were preserved through the ordeal. Not only did they emerge from the fire unharmed; they were also accompanied by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ in the ferocious flames.
An important truth relating to the believer’s strength can also be found in Isaiah 30 where some were encouraging God’s people to turn to Egypt for help. In contrast to such wrong advice, the prophet (as God’s messenger) encouraged them to trust in Him. “Their strength is to sit still” (30:7) may also be good counsel for us today. There are times when instead of being active it is better to do nothing and just quietly trust in the Lord. “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength,” (30:15). Indeed, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (26:3). Isaiah has much to say about the source of the believer’s strength.
THE LORD – MY SONG
Returning to Isaiah 12:2, we read, “The LORD JEHOVAH is … my song”. A number of songs are recorded within this Old Testament book. Surely we can exclaim, with Isaiah, “O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things” (25:1). As we think of our salvation, many “wonderful things” will come to mind which cause our hearts to rejoice in the Lord Jesus. Another uplifting song can be discovered in Isaiah 26, based on the theme of trusting in the Lord and walking humbly with Him.
Why, it may be asked, is the Lord Himself the believer’s song? The simple answer is that He dwells within the heart of His child. “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (57:15).
Verses in the New Testament such as Romans 8:9 confirm the wondrous fact that the Holy Spirit indwells all true believers. His presence within enables them to “sing with the Spirit, and … with the understanding also” (1 Cor.14:15) from their hearts to the Lord.
MANY MORE INSIGHTS
As was stated earlier, a short article of this kind cannot do justice to a book consisting of 66 chapters. In order to demonstrate the relevance of Isaiah for our day, many verses have been quoted – but there are so many more! Are we seeking divine guidance? The promise, “The LORD shall guide thee continually” (58:11) answers that particular need. Should we “turn to the right hand” or “to the left” the Holy Spirit can speak to our hearts through the Word of God, guiding us in the path we should take (30:21). As for our destination, “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off” (33:17). Apart from the actual king Isaiah had in mind at that particular moment in history, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ recognize Him clearly in this verse and identify “the land that is very far off” as heaven. In one sense it is “far off” from us now, and at times it may appear a very distant prospect, but “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” all who belong to the Lord Jesus will be transported there when He comes (1 Cor.15:52). As Scripture says, “And so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Th.4:17,18).