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Isaiah
Isaiah is often called the greatest of the prophets. His work, more than any other, is messianic (pointing to Jesus Christ), and he is quoted more than any other prophet in the New Testament. He prophesied during the turbulent period when Assyria was expanding its empire and Israel was in decline. He was around when Israel fell. So he warned Judah that the same would happen to them.
Isaiah was contemporary with the prophets Amos, Hosea, and Micah. He worked closely with Hezekiah, king of Judah. He called the people back to God, showing the folly of those who turned away from God. Though Judah would also be destroyed, Isaiah looked beyond this to the ultimate blessings that would come through Jesus Christ. His message is very Christ-centered, showing the importance of God’s plan finding fulfillment through Jesus.
Isaiah had a remarkable attitude. Chapter six tells of his vision and response. After seeing the glorious vision of Yahweh, he recognized his own sinful condition: “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips...” He also saw the sin of those around him: “...and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” This paved the way for Isaiah’s urgency of the message. A seraphim flew to him with burning coal from the altar, touched his mouth, and told him his sins were forgiven. Then God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah was eager to serve the God who had cleansed him: “Here am I, send me!” This should be the attitude of all those who recognize God’s greatness and have received His cleansing grace.
Discussion
1. Why do you think that some would refer to Isaiah as the greatest of the prophets?
2. What kind of prophecy is Isaiah best known for?
3. Find some examples of the prophecies about Christ. What do they teach? Where can you find their fulfillment?
4. Why was Isaiah’s attitude so great? What happened that helped make Isaiah so eager to serve?