Prophecy – Isaiah 1 – 6

Now that we have eased ourselves back to work, every Tuesday, we will be dealing with a more ‘difficult’ part of the Bible – the books of Prophecy.  It is interesting and while somethings may be easy for us to understand, there are many things which we need for God to open our spiritual eyes to understand.

We start off with the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah was a prophet who was active during an extraordinarily lengthy period, extending from the reign of King Uzziah to that of King Hezekiah, who both ruled in Judah.  He was witness to one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Jerusalem, from both the religious and the political standpoint.

Today, we read about the state of Judah – wicked and degenerate and God’s judgement of both Judah and Jerusalem.

But not all is lost – Zion will be renewed.  But first, the disappointing vineyard of the Lord has to be dealt with.  And then Isaiah was called to be this Prophet of God…

Bible Passage: Isaiah 1 – 6

There are many interesting passages in these chapters and I would just like to share some:

Isaiah 1:18-19

“ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,

“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;

“Come now, and let us reason together”.

That is what the Lord said.  What does it tell you about God?

I see this as a wonderful picture of how our relationship with God should be like. It is like sitting down and having a good conversation with God.  We talk intimately, deeply…. just like how our prayers to God should be like.

And what follows are the familiar words of Hymn 37 “Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet”.  Indeed, God starts off with a loving promise that though we may have sinned, God is willing to cleanse us and make us white as snow.  And if we are obedient, He will richly bless us.

Isaiah 3:10

“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”

Indeed, this verse follows nicely with yet another promise.  Although the people during those days were very disobedient and often sinned against God, they were seemingly prosperous.  And only a few remained faithful to the Lord.

But God always rewards the faithful and obedient.  Although God wanted to judge Judah for her sins, He wanted to encourage the few righteous believers who remained to continue living for Him.  He will remember their good deeds.

So let us remain faithful in our walk of faith.

Isaiah 5:12

“The harp and the strings,
The tambourine and flute,
And wine are in their feasts;
But they do not regard the work of the LORD,
Nor consider the operation of His hands.”

We always look to enjoy ourselves.  We look for the best food and drink. We listen to music that lifts our spirits.

But here God reminds us that even when we enjoy all these, we should never do so apart from God and neglect Him.  God is to be the centre of all we say and do, all the time.

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“ Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

It is impossible to read Isaiah and not mention this verse.

But what comes to mind when you read these words?  Are you inspired to step out and answer God’s call?

Or are you numb already?

Or do you automatically feel that whenever a call is made for workers, you have no part in it because you are not capable… others can do a better job than me… ?

In Isaiah Chapter 6, we read that before God made His call to Isaiah, God first prepared Isaiah for service. And then Isaiah offered himself to serve.

God will never call us to do something for which He has not equipped us, nor will He force us to serve Him.  He wants us to be willing servants.