The LORD Saves Again

Isaiah 1 to 4

Isaiah means “the LORD Saves”.

I feel like there are a lot of names with variations of the definition. 

Isaiah was a contemporary to Hosea, Amos, and Micah.  

And he ministers and prophesies for 66 chapters.

It’s long but I feel like we’re in for a treat because there are really beautiful words in there too.  Words we all know and hear and remember.  Words that Jesus used.  There are a lot of words of warning but also lots of words of promise.  That will becomer a longing fulfilled.  Words that add breadth to our own stories.

Isaiah’s voice is heavy on holiness.  He calls God “the Holy One of Israel”.

NIV Notes. Isaiah warns Judah that her sin would bring captivity at the hands of Babylon, but also spoke about the restoration from captivity.   God would redeem his people just as he had rescued them from Egypt.  A new exodus.

Isaiah made famous the passage of the suffering servant.  These many chapters filled with both prose and poetry. Some of the most beautiful passages in the Old Testament are found in Isaiah.  The poetry, especially, is rich and varied with laments, praise, wisdom, and love songs.  Isaiah uses over 2200 different Hebrew words, more than any other Old Testament writer.  Almost as if he is the John Steinbeck of the Old Testament.   He brings God’s Word of judgement in a clear, hard and fast voice.  And speaks tenderly to the deliverance and rescue.

Ch 1:4 “Ah, sinful nation,

A people loaded with guilt,

A brood of evildoers,

Children given to corruption!

They have forsaken the LORD;

They have spurned the Holy One of Israel

And turned their back on him.”

15 “Your hands are fill of blood.

Take your evil deeds from my sight.

Stop doing wrong,

Learn to do right!

Seek justice,

Encourage the oppressed.

18 Though your sins are like scarlet,

They shall be white as snow

Though they are red like crimson

They shall be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,

You will eat the best from the land;

20 but if you resist and rebel,

You will be devoured by the sword.”

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

So many times, in Isaiah speaks of accusation, judgment and indictment in one breath, and words of restoration in the next.  This constant call to repentance.  God holding both before the people at all times.   God loving his people and not wanting a single one to perish.

This is long, hard love. And this is part of God’s Story.  

We hear so many of these words spoken when we gather as church families.   Worshipping God and seeking His Face with all His people for almost 3000 years.   This long legacy of belonging and being loved.     

Are you sometimes amazed at the fact that these readings and writings survived through all the ages and that they have such relevance to our stories still today.   God call to us to keep the eyes of our hearts focused on Him. Part of such a strong Love legacy.  I love that today.