Isaiah’s call (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

TEXT: Isaiah 5-8

OBSERVATION
A little background to the book of Isaiah.

• Isaiah was active during the time of King Ahaz and King Manassah in Judah. It is thought he died sometime during the time of Manassah (prior to 586 BC).
• Isaiah predicted the fall of Judah but he also went on to prophesy the future salvation and restoration of the nation of Israel.
• Particularly in the prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel, Isaiah includes many references to a future Messiah who will be the key for the restoration.

Chapters 5-8.

• Titled “A song of the unfruitful vineyard”- A description depicting God as the owner of the vineyard who has tried everything to bring good fruit from the vineyard (from Judah, his people). But it yielded only wild grapes, so God will destroy Judah and let the people go into exile.
• Chapter 6 – an amazing vision came to Isaiah depicting the glory of God; also an experience of cleansing of Isaiah’s sinful mouth (heart).
• Chapters 7 & 8 – Isaiah prophesies the birth of the Messiah (7:14) which could refer to the more imminent reign of Hezekiah, a king who followed after God. Chapter 8 prophecies the victory of Assyria over the nation of Judah.

 
INTERPRETATION

• Isaiah’s prophecies are described as being relevant to the history/future of the lands of Judah and Israel but also look forward to a future king – who is called Immanuel, God with us, and will restore a new Israel.
• Isaiah’s vision is an amazing description of God’s call and preparation to one man. Because it is written for us to read and learn and reflect upon, it gives hope to all who trust in the most high and glorious God.

 
APPLICATION

• We can learn a lot from Isaiah, not only history, but wisdom about listening to God, and about looking forward to the Messiah who will bring wholeness and restoration.

 
QUESTION

• Do you wish that God would give you a call and preparation like he did for Isaiah?
• Are you willing to speak both the hard news and the good news to the people?

 
PRAYER
Woe is me for I am lost, I am a [man] [woman] of unclean lips. Cleanse me, oh God. Show me your glory, oh Lord. Call me to yourself.

Song: Steve Bell, The Lorica