How can we summarize Isaiah? Is the book a collection of 66 chapters about a man names Isaiah? Does the book only apply to the people of Israel in a time long past? Is the book of Isaiah a prophetic view of God working through humanity despite the inherent unfaithfulness exhibited? How does the way we look at the book of Isaiah impact our faith today over two thousand years after the death of Jesus Christ. Looking back upon the book of Isaiah the unfaithfulness and disobedience of people is consistently evidenced. Time after time Isaiah tells the people of Israel that they are straying from God. Is the book just a repetitive collection of warnings against idolatry? If you leave your view of Isaiah upon this door step of negativity, disappointment, and discipline you will miss the true joy contained in the text.
The book of Isaiah is a story of God’s faithful love toward those He calls His own. Despite repeated rebellion, God was not thwarted. The continual thread of Isaiah is one of God bringing hope, healing, and wholeness to a hurting world. The promised hope is glimpsed throughout Isaiah. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ The voice of your watchmen-they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.” Isaiah 52:7,8 The truth found in Isaiah is that God restores. He restores the physically broken, the emotionally persecuted, and the hopelessly lost souls of the world.
The death of Jesus Christ is the hope that we live for today and what the people in Isaiah awaited for with a fervent expectancy. Today we are awaiting again in a fervent expectancy of the day when God will return again. Trust in the hope that is secured in the person of Jesus Christ. Rest in His all sufficient sacrifice as you await His return. Never forget that your hope is secured in Him.
