Fear immobilises. Fear is the ultimate tactic of the enemy. Fear alone can shut down the whole world. As believers we are called to be fearless. Isaiah prophesised at the most crucial period in the history of Judah and Israel. The nation had succumbed to pagan worship, the wealthy oppressed the poor, families were neglected for carnal pleasure and many of the priests and prophets had become drunken men-pleasers.
Isaiah’s purpose was two-fold
Isaiah’s purpose was two-fold; to turn people away from their sin and disobedience and to lay a foundation of hope and promise for the faithful remnant of God’s people. No other book in the Old Testament speaks more strongly and aptly to our modern day dilemma. Isaiah prophesied for all future ages, predicting the first and second coming of Christ.
Isaiah’s name means ‘YAHWEH IS SALVATION’
Isaiah’s name means ‘YAHWEH IS SALVATION’. A salvation not only for Israel at that time, but for all peoples through the ages. A salvation issuing from a Saviour who has provided the ransom; a salvation by grace.
‘Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you.”’ Isaiah 35:4
Over the next few days we will look at how we can face these days without fear step by step as we journey through the book of Isaiah.
God Promises to Help His People (Isa 42:14-17) For a long time I have kept silent. My people have been in doubt But now the time to act has come Like a woman in labour I will cry out. I will destroy the hills and mountains And dry up the grass and trees; Rivers and pools I will dry up; I will drain the mighty seas. I will lead the blind by ways They have not known before. Along unfamiliar paths will I guide them To the safety of My shore. I will turn their darkness into light before them They will know they are being led, For I will go to smooth And straighten out the road ahead. This I will do, I promise, I will not leave anything undone For those who call on The beautiful name of My Son. But those who trust in idols Who call on some other name They shall be turned back And utterly put to shame. By the late Andrew Feakin (passed away 16th March 2019)
O child of Mine. You have longed for the more. You have been through many years of toil. Many years of monotony and senselessness. But I am showing you a way. I am leading you out. I know the way that you should go. To be free of the shackles. I know you feel like you cannot breathe. That is way of life is killing the very life within you. But soon you shall see that I will make a way out. Have hope, be full of joy. For your redemption draws near. And you will be fulfilled and you will serving in my Kingdom and bringing My Kingdom near to whosoever wills.