Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind - A Message of Salvation

A Message of Salvation

Isaiah's name means "Salvation of Jehovah," and this could well be called the theme of his message.  True, some of Isaiah's prophecies are of judgment.  Still, the theme of salvation comes through loud and clear. Repeatedly, Isaiah related how in due time Jehovah would release the Israelites from captivity in Babylon, allowing a remnant to return to Zion and bring the land back to its former splendor.  No doubt the privilege of speaking and writing prophecies concerning the restoration of his beloved Jerusalem gave Isaiah the greatest joy!

But do these messages of judgment and salvation have to do with us?  Happily, Isaiah does not prophesy simply for the benefit of the two-tribe kingdom of Judah.  On the contrary, his messages have special significance for our day.  Isaiah paints a  glorious picture of how God's Kingdom will soon bring grand blessings to our earth.  In this regard, a large portion of Isaiah's writings focuses on the foretold Messiah, who would rule as King of God's Kingdom.  (Daniel 9:25; John 12:41)  Surely it is no coincidence that the names Jesus and Isaiah express virtually the same though, the name Jesus means "Jehovah is Salvation."

Of course, Jesus was not born until some seven centuries after Isaiah's day.  Yet, the Messianic prophecies contained in the book of Isaiah are so detailed and so accurate that they read like an eyewitness account of Jesus' life on earth.  One source noted that in view of this, the book of Isaiah is sometimes called the  "Fifth Gospel."  Hence, it is hardly surprising that Isaiah was the Bible book most frequently quoted by Jesus and his apostles in order to make a clear identification of the Messiah.

 Isaiah paints a glorious word picture of  "new heavens and a new earth" wherein "a king will reside for righteousness itself" and princes will rule for justice.  (Isaiah 32:1, 2; 65:17, 18; 2 Peter  3:13)  Thus the book of Isaiah points tot he heartwarming  hope of God's Kingdom, under the Messiah Jesus Christ as enthroned King. What an encouragement for us to live each day in joyful expectation of "salvation by [Jehovah]"!  (Isaiah 25:9; 40:28-31)  Let us, then, eagerly examine the precious message in the book of Isaiah.  As we do so, our confidence in God's promise will be greatly strengthened.  Also, we will be helped to grow in out conviction that Jehovah is indeed the God of our salvation.

Next time: A Father and His Rebellious Sons

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind