A Prophet of God Brings Light for Mankind, Chapter One

WE LIVE in an age when virtually anything seems within man's reach.  Space travel, computer technology, genetic engineering, and other scientific   innovations have opened up new possibilities to the human race, bringing the hope of a better life-perhaps even a longer one. 

Have such advances enabled you to remove the locks from your doors?  Have they eliminated the threat of war?  Have they cured disease or removed the sorrow of losing a loved one in death?  Hardly!  Human progress, remarkable as it may be, is limited.  "We have figured out how to travel to the moon, make ever more powerful silicon chips, and transplant human genes," states a report by World watch Institute.  "But we have not yet been able to provide clean water  to a billion people, slow the loss of thousands of species, or meet our energy needs without destabilizing the atmosphere."  Understandably, many look to the future with anxiety, uncertain about where to turn for comfort and hope.

The situation we face today is similar to that of God's people during the eighth century B.C.E. At that time, God commissioned his servant  Isaiah to bring a message of  comfort to the inhabitants of Judah, and comfort was just what they needed. Turbulent events rocked the nation.  The cruel Assyrian Empire would soon menace the land filling many with dread.  Where could God's people turn for salvation?  The name of Jehovah was on their lips, but they preferred to put their trust in men. -2 Kings 16:7; 18:21.

Next time: Light Shining in the Darkness

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II; 2001