In the Book of Isaiah, Our Creator Speaks to Us
Have you ever read the book of Isaiah, in the Bible? I love it. In the book of Isaiah, our Creator speaks to us. I find it especially good to read during Advent, because it foretells the Messiah–God’s promise of a Saviour.
This year I read it in a different version–The Amplified Bible. It’s more academic than other versions of the Bible that I’d been reading from. It includes notes explaining original meanings and how and when the prophesies came true. It also gives cross-references to other passages in the Bible that say the same things. New Testament writers after the time of Jesus often quoted from Old Testament prophets.
But Isaiah was Speaking to the Jews–Or was it to All of Us?
I grew up reading the King James version of the Bible in the 1950s and 60s. Then in the 70s newer versions became available that were easier to read, in modern English. But with all these versions, I never really understood who Isaiah was addressing.
The book of Isaiah is full of scolding that sounds like threats of severe punishment coming down, interspersed with beams of bright hopeful light. Scary and wonderful. A clear message to fear God our Creator, and get aligned with His ways. Or else. And amazing blessings and protection for those who do.
Having studied the Bible for my entire life of 67 years, and learned much of the history of the Jews, this time through reading the Amplified version I was better able to put the prophesies into context. I used to take all of it as meant for everyone, which, in one sense it is.
The Jewish Nation Carries God’s Message–Through Them Our Creator Speaks to Us
Now I realize that Isaiah was specifically addressing the Jews. Yet through their story, our Creator speaks to all of us.
From this time perspective, in now 2022, we are able to look back and see many of the prophesies fulfilled. Not only in the coming of the Messiah (Jesus), but in more recent history, the restoration of the country of Israel as their homeland, and Jerusalem as the capitol.
I’m not much of a fighter–I come from pacifist roots. However, this week I watched 60 Minutes on TV, and learned the history of the Ritchie Boys. SO interesting. More of Isaiah fulfilled.
During World War II, while Hitler exterminated as many Jews as he could in the hell of the holocaust, some Jews escaped. The Ritchie Boys were American Jews, trained in a special unit of the army to go back to Germany and do their part to win against the Nazis. One of them told his story about his job interrogating Nazi war prisoners who had killed many of his people. He said he was sure to let them know that now they were under the control of a Jew. This was all predicted in Isaiah, over and over again, how God would turn the tables. After using enemy nations to punish His people, God would turn the tables against those enemies.
What’s in the Book of Isaiah for the Rest of Us? Is our Creator Speaking to Us Too?
As a Christian, I feel as though I’ve been adopted into this family, and seeing their vindication and restoration causes me great rejoicing.
Yet, although Isaiah specifically addresses the Jewish nation, God speaks through Isaiah to every individual person on earth. He shows His heart of compassion. Chapter 54 is His love-letter to women. To widows, divorcees and mothers whose children have died. To those who fell in love in their youth, with someone who promised the moon, but rejected them later. The brokenhearted. He promises to be their Husband. God Himself. He promises them many children who will learn from them and keep their memory alive. This goes for eunuchs too–men who have been deprived of their ability to have children.
God our Creator clearly speaks to all of us through Isaiah, telling us that He created the earth and the universe for us to inhabit, and that He cares, even especially for the wounded and broken, and for those who humbly follow His ways. That’s not by ritually following religious rhetoric. He explains that too. What He wants is for us to simply recognize Him as God, pray to Him, quietly, confidently and expectantly trust in Him. That’s how He promises to save us.
Are Isaiah’s Prophesies All Fulfilled Already?
And He’s not done yet. He also says He’s going to create a new universe. This one will pass away. Yet His people will live on, in our new home, where the evils of this earth shall be forgotten.
If you haven’t read the book of Isaiah yet, I highly recommend it. God’s letter to us. We are that important to our Creator, that He speaks to us.
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