We have been reading through the book of Isaiah as a church this summer. In fact, on Sunday, June 20, I will be starting a sermon series in this book. The series is called “God is…” and we will be looking at different characteristics of God that are evident throughout this important Old Testament book.
When you think about how to describe God, what words come to your mind? Loving? Holy? Righteous? Just? Merciful? Kind? Forgiving? Powerful? God has so many different attributes that give us a glimpse of who He is. It is going to be a fun journey this summer looking at some of these characteristics.
As you might have guessed, I am pretty big fan of the prophet Isaiah (my firstborn does bear his name)! The name Isaiah means “The Lord is salvation.” Isaiah is considered by many scholars to be the most influential Old Testament prophet, as he is quoted directly over sixty-five times in the New Testament and mentioned by name over twenty times, more than any other Old Testament prophet.
Commentator Jim George notes that it is interesting that the first 39 chapters of Isaiah focus on God’s holiness and justice (the Old Testament has 39 books and stresses these things as well). The last 27 chapters of Isaiah focus on God’s love and grace (a similar theme of the 27 books of the New Testament).
Did you know that Isaiah’s ministry spanned the reign of four different kings of Judah? He was raised in an aristocratic home and married a prophetess. He, like most prophets, was largely unpopular to the people of Judah, and tradition has it, he died under King Manasseh by being cut in two with a wooden saw.
What is interesting is that Isaiah knew at the very beginning of his call to prophesy that people would not listen, and it would be a difficult ministry (see Isaiah 6). However, he was still willing to go out and speak for God, regardless if it cost him temporary popularity or comfort.
Isaiah gives us a great example to follow today. In a post-Christian culture where standing firm on God’s Word can be unpopular, we, like Isaiah, still need to answer God’s call. When he asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?,” just like Isaiah, we need to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!”
As we read through Isaiah this summer, let’s make it our aim to get to know God even better. In addition, let’s commit to living boldly for God and answering His call, just like Isaiah did.
One simple way that we can answer God’s call and proclaim His truth is through supporting Vacation Bible School. VBS is the most fruitful evangelistic event that we have. Make sure to stop by the VBS table in the Welcome Center and figure out a way to support our kids, whether it be through volunteering that week or helping with supplies. And of course, we all need to be in prayer for that week!
In Him,
Pastor Zach