April 29, 2025 • 24 mins
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God's message in Isaiah dramatically shifts from judgment to hope, offering comfort to people headed for exile and pointing to the coming Messiah who will restore all things.
• Chapters 40-66 of Isaiah are filled with promises of restoration after the people of Judah return from Babylonian exile
• The natural divisions of this section are marked by the repeated phrase "there is no peace for the wicked"
• The "Servant" introduced in these chapters points to Jesus who will suffer to bring salvation to all people
• Isaiah 53 provides one of the clearest Old Testament pictures of Christ's sacrificial death centuries before it happened
• Beautiful poetic imagery like "beauty for ashes" and "the wolf and lamb feeding together" illustrates God's coming restoration
• God promises to create "new heavens and a new earth" where death and sorrow are no more
• Unlike empty idols, God demonstrates his power by naming Cyrus as Persia's future ruler 150 years before his birth
• The comfort God offers comes through understanding his character, power, and invitation to relationship
• Isaiah's message isn't just about returning to a place but returning to right relationship with God
• These ancient words still offer hope to anyone experiencing their own form of exile today
Next week we're exploring the book of Micah, a prophet who asked the big question: "What does the Lord require of you?" If this episode helped you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss what's next.
RESOURCES:
- Beetham, C. A., & Erickson, N. L. (Eds.). (2024). The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible (One-volume ed.). Zondervan Academic.
- Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Holman Bible Publishers.
- Hayes, D. J., Duvall, J. S., & Tate, W. R. (2005). Dictionary of Biblical Prophecy and End Times. Zondervan.
- Longman, T. (2006). An Introduction to the Old Testament (2nd ed.). Zondervan.
- MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2013). The MacArthur Study Bible (New International Version). Thomas Nelson.
- Nelson, T. (Ed.). (2015). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete Reference System (Updated ed.). Thomas Nelson.
- Wood, L. J. (1998). The Prophets of Israel. Baker Books.
RELATED EPISODES
Isaiah Part 2 (Ch. 1–39): Judgment, Hope & the Promise of a Savior
Jesus Fulfilled It All: The Prophetic Story of Easter
Isaiah, Part 1: What You Need to Know Before You Read
Unveiling Old Testament Hist
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jacqui (00:12):
Greetings listeners.
Have you ever been in a seasonwhere everything felt heavy and
you wondered if things wouldever get better?
That's where the people ofJudah were heading and that's
exactly where the final part ofthe book of Isaiah speaks hope.
(00:32):
Welcome back, friends.
We've been walking through thebook of Isaiah and today we are
reaching part three, thebeautiful conclusion.
If you've been with us, you'llremember chapters 1 to 39 were
filled with warnings, heartbreakand urgent calls to turn back
(00:53):
to God.
It was heavy, but when we openchapter 40, everything shifts.
The very first words comfort,comfort my people.
These final chapters Isaiah 40through 66, are filled with
(01:13):
soaring promises, glimpses of acoming Savior and a future where
justice, justice, peace and joywill never end.
And it's not just ancienthistory, it's hope for anyone
who's ever felt worn down,burdened or unsure about the
(01:35):
future.
So grab your Bible and let'swalk through this part of Isaiah
together.
Well, welcome everyone.
I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole,and this is the Bible Basics
Podcast, where, weekly, we breakdown the basics of the Bible
(01:55):
into understandable, bite-sizedchunks.
Whether you've been with usthrough parts one and two or
just jumping in now, you're inthe right place.
Let's finish the book of Isaiahtogether and discover the
comfort and hope God has instore.
(02:15):
We'll start by setting thescene.
The first 39 chapters of Isaiahfocus on judgment, sin and
God's call for his people toreturn to him.
These chapters speak directlyto the people of Judah during
(02:36):
Isaiah's lifetime, around 740 to686 BC.
But when we reach chapter 40,the tone shifts.
Instead of warnings, we hearcomfort.
Instead of judgment, we findhope.
Isaiah begins speaking as if theexile, the Babylonian captivity
(03:00):
, has already happened, eventhough it was still more than
100 years in the future.
So what is this exile?
Well, after King Solomon, thekingdom of Israel split into two
.
The northern kingdom kept thename Israel and the southern
(03:21):
kingdom became Judah.
In 722 BC, the northern kingdomwas conquered by Assyria.
Then, about 136 years later, in586 BC, Babylon invaded Judah,
their capital city, Jerusalem.
Their capital city, Jerusalem,was destroyed, the temple was
(03:46):
burned down and thousands weretaken from their homes and
forced to live in exile, farfrom everything they knew.
It was a national and spiritualcrisis.
The people lost their land,their freedom and, for many,
(04:08):
their sense of connection to God.
But what's so striking is thisIsaiah speaks comfort before the
pain begins.
Through God's Spirit, he tellsthe people, even before they go
into exile, that God is notabandoning them.
His mercy, his restoration andhis promises are already in
(04:35):
motion.
That's part of the nature ofbiblical prophecy it doesn't
just describe what is.
It can also point to what'sahead, near and far.
As God says in Isaiah, chapter46, verse 10, I make known the
(04:55):
end from the beginning.
My purpose will stand.
So now that we've got thatbackground, let's look at how
this last section of Isaiahbreaks down.
There's a key phrase thatappears twice and helps divide
the chapters.
The key phrase is there is nopeace for the wicked for the
(05:28):
wicked.
You'll find it at the end ofchapter 48, in verse 22, and
again at the end of chapter 57in verse 21.
These two verses mark naturaltransitions in the book and
emphasize a major theme Godoffers deep comfort to those who
turn to him, but no peace forthose who act against his will.
(05:50):
So here's how we'll breakchapters 40 through 66 down.
Chapter 40 to 48, we're callingthat deliverance from captivity
.
Second is chapters 49 through57.
That's the Servant who Saves.
And chapters 58 through 66,future Glory and a World Made
(06:16):
New.
Let's walk through each parttogether and highlight a few
verses in each one.
We'll start with section one,deliverance from Captivity.
That's chapters 40 through 48.
Isaiah begins this section withone of the most tender openings
in all of scripture Comfort,comfort.
(06:40):
My people, says your God, speaktenderly to Jerusalem that her
sin has been paid for.
That's chapter 40, verse 1 and2.
He's speaking to a people whowill one day feel abandoned and
defeated, and he wants them toknow that God has not forgotten
(07:05):
them.
Then, further in this section,we find Isaiah drawing a
powerful contrast between theliving God and lifeless idols.
With whom will you compare me?
They pour out gold and make itinto a god, but it cannot save
(07:28):
them from their troubles.
That's chapter 46, verses 5through 7.
God is not like the idolspeople build.
He's the creator who measuresthe oceans in his hand, who
calls each star by name and whonever grows weary.
We learn all that in Isaiah,chapter 40.
(07:50):
And then one of the mostbeloved verses in all of Isaiah
those who hope in the Lord willrenew their strength.
They were sore on wings likeeagles.
That's chapter 40, verse 31.
Isaiah reassures the peoplethat God is still in control,
(08:15):
even when it feels like life isfalling apart.
God is offering comfort to hispeople.
By showing them his character,is offering comfort to his
people.
By showing them his character,power and strength, he's
inviting them to relationship sothat they can enjoy the comfort
he brings.
(08:36):
A final point for this section.
God even names the future rulerof the empire of Persia who
will allow the exiles to returnhome.
His name is Cyrus and we learnabout that in chapter 44, 28
through 45, 1.
That was a prophecy that cameover 150 years before Cyrus was
(09:01):
born.
It's one more reminder.
God is in control.
He knows the end from thebeginning.
No-transcript.
(09:24):
Isaiah introduces us to theservant.
And the servant isn't just hereto rescue Judah, he's sent for
the whole world.
Quote it is too small a thingfor you to be my servant to
restore the tribes of Jacob.
I will also make you a lightfor the nations.
(09:48):
That's in chapter 49, 6.
This servant is at the heart ofGod's rescue mission.
He'll suffer, he'll be rejected, and yet he'll bring.
Nowhere is this clearer than inIsaiah 53.
He was pierced for ourtransgressions, crushed for our
(10:15):
iniquities.
By his wounds we are healed.
That's chapter 53, verse 5.
Isaiah is describing Jesushundreds of years before his
birth.
In fact, the New Testamentwriters quote this chapter to
explain the meaning of the cross, and we find that both in
(10:37):
Matthew and Acts I included alink in the show notes to the
Easter episode that expands onthis.
I encourage you to check it outif you haven't already.
And Isaiah 55 gives us God'sinvitation to trust his promises
, to receive his comfort and tofind real hope.
(11:02):
This is a message not just forancient Judah, but for every one
of us today.
It reads Come, all you who arethirsty, listen, that you may
live.
That's chapter 55, verses 1through 3.
This section is not just adescription, it's a call.
(11:26):
We're invited to stop strivingand simply receive the peace,
forgiveness and healing theservant offers.
God also speaks comfort overZion, his people, who feel
forgotten and abandoned.
He says but Zion said the Lordhas forsaken me, the Lord has
(11:51):
forgotten me.
Can a mother forget the baby ather breast and have no
compassion on the child she hasborn?
Though she may forget, I willnot forget.
You See, I have engraved you onthe palms of my hands.
Your walls are ever before me.
(12:13):
And here's a quick note.
You might be wondering what orwho is Zion?
You'll read that word often inthese chapters.
At first, Zion referred to ahill in ancient Jerusalem.
Over time it became a name forthe entire city, israel and even
(12:34):
the whole people of God InIsaiah.
Zion is often used as a symbolof God's presence, his promises
and the hope of restoration.
It's not just about geography,it's about God coming to dwell
with his people again.
And the last section is sectionlooks even further ahead, to a
(13:01):
renewed future.
God's people will be restored,his enemies will be judged and
something entirely new willbegin.
(13:23):
Here Isaiah paints a picture ofrenewal, justice and joy.
God's people, once broken andscattered, will be brought back
and restored.
And it's not just aboutreturning to a place, it's about
returning to right relationshipwith God.
(13:47):
Isaiah paints a beautiful visionof what's coming.
First there's a rebuilt andradiant Jerusalem.
We see that in chapter 60.
No longer a city in ruins, buta place overflowing with light,
beauty and the presence of God.
Next we have true worshiprestored, and we find that in
(14:11):
chapters 58 and 66.
But not just outward rituals.
God challenges empty religiouspractices and calls his people
back to true worship.
Back to true worship, caringfor the poor, seeking justice
(14:35):
and living with humility beforehim.
Then we have peace that lasts,and we find that in chapter 65.
Not the fragile kind, built onwealth or politics, but a deep,
lasting peace that flows frombeing in step with God's heart.
(14:56):
And finally, and mostimportantly from my point of
view, god's glory filling thewhole earth and a new creation
beginning.
Isaiah shows us a world whereGod's presence is no longer
hidden or limited to one nation.
His glory spreads to everypeople group and he promises
(15:21):
something even greater.
Quote Behold, I will create newheavens and a new earth.
That's chapter 65, verse 17.
A world without death, sorrowor pain, a life filled forever
in joy and peace with him.
(15:43):
Oh, wow, that is something tolook forward to.
Isaiah's final chapters closewith this sweeping promise what
feels broken now won't stay thatway forever.
God is making all things newand his people will live with
(16:07):
him in a world filled with hisglory, his peace and his
presence.
Isn't this the ultimate reasonfor Christianity that when this
life is over, there's an eternalhome prepared by God for those
of us who put our faith in Him?
(16:29):
Now we're going to spend sometime on imagery in Isaiah.
Now we're going to spend sometime on imagery in Isaiah.
One of the most powerful ways toconnect with Isaiah's message
is by slowing down and payingattention to the images he uses.
The Lord speaks through Isaiah,using vivid, poetic imagery.
(16:51):
This poetry isn't justbeautiful, it's deeply
meaningful.
Isaiah often speaks in picturesto stir the heart, spark the
imagination and help spiritualtruths sink in.
Here are just a few examples.
(17:12):
A bruised reed he will not break.
That's chapter 42, verse 3.
This is describing the servantwho will bring comfort and
encouragement to the weak andoppressed.
Then there's chapter 61, verse3.
Beauty for ashes.
(17:34):
This is an image of Godreplacing sorrow with joy.
In chapter 64, verse 8, we readwe are the clay, you are the
potter.
This is a picture of oursurrender and trust in God.
(17:55):
Chapter 6110, righteousness asa robe.
This robe is a metaphor for agift of a right relationship
with God that we receive throughgrace, by faith, by faith.
(18:21):
And then there's the wolf andthe lamb will feed together.
This is a vision that in thisnew world, God is going to
transform even nature.
So these images aren't random.
They're meant to slow us down,to help us feel what God is
saying, not just understand itwith our minds.
(18:41):
So when you're reading Isaiah,don't rush past the poetry.
Ask what is this image sayingabout God, about us, about hope,
justice or salvation.
Now we'll talk about the namesand the titles of the Messiah we
(19:05):
find in this book.
As we walk through this secondhalf of Isaiah, a unique figure
begins to stand out SomeoneIsaiah calls the servant.
He's not just another prophetor leader.
He's central to God's plan toheal what's broken, bring
justice to the nations and offerpeace that lasts.
(19:29):
The servant is a picture of theMessiah, a word that means
anointed one, and in the NewTestament we see that Jesus
fulfills everything Isaiah wroteabout him.
What's beautiful is how Isaiahdoesn't give just one name or
(19:51):
one role for the servant.
He gives several, each showinga different side of who Jesus is
and what he came to do.
As we read these chapters, theservant is described with names
that reveal the heart andmission of Jesus.
Let's look at some of the mostfrequently used in these
(20:15):
chapters.
First, there's the servant thatdescribes him as chosen, gentle
and sent for the nations.
Then he's described as theredeemer, the one who rescues
and restores, the one whorescues and restores the
(20:39):
anointed one.
This is one who set apart tobring good news to the poor.
In chapter 53, 1, we see himdescribed as the arm of the Lord
.
That depicts God's saving powerin human form.
And throughout Isaiah we seehim referred to as the Holy One
(21:00):
of Israel.
He's set apart, faithful, fullof mercy and justice.
So each of these names is awindow.
So as you read Isaiah chapters40 through 66, window.
So as you read Isaiah chapters40 through 66, keep your eyes
open for these names.
Together, they help us seeJesus more clearly and remind us
(21:30):
that Isaiah's message wasalways leading us to him.
Now here are three ways Isaiahchapters 40 through 66 can shape
our lives today.
First, god sees our sufferingand brings comfort.
Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 29,says he gives strength to the
(21:53):
weary.
Where do you need that strengthtoday?
Second, we learn that oursalvation is a gift, not
something we earn.
Isaiah 53 shows us a Savior whotook our place.
(22:14):
Are you still trying to earnwhat God offers as a free gift?
And third, we learn that God'spromises stretch beyond.
Today, Isaiah points to a worldmade new.
That hope isn't just forsomeday.
(22:35):
It also gives us courage fortoday.
And that wraps up our walkthrough the powerful, poetic and
prophetic book of Isaiah.
From judgment to joy, fromwarning to worship, isaiah shows
(22:56):
us the full range of God'sheart, his holiness, his justice
and his deep desire to restorehis people through the Messiah.
If you've missed parts one andtwo, I encourage you to go back
and listen.
They'll help you see the fullpicture of this incredible book.
(23:19):
Next week, we're exploring thebook of Micah, a prophet who
asked the big question what doesthe Lord require of you?
You won't want to miss it.
Until then, keep reading, keepseeking and keep growing in your
(23:40):
faith and, as always, if thisepisode helped you, share it
with a friend, leave a reviewand subscribe if you're on
YouTube, so you don't misswhat's next.
Greetings listeners.
Have you ever been in a seasonwhere everything felt heavy and
you wondered if things wouldever get better?
That's where the people ofJudah were heading and that's
exactly where the final part ofthe book of Isaiah speaks hope.
(00:32):
Welcome back, friends.
We've been walking through thebook of Isaiah and today we are
reaching part three, thebeautiful conclusion.
If you've been with us, you'llremember chapters 1 to 39 were
filled with warnings, heartbreakand urgent calls to turn back
(00:53):
to God.
It was heavy, but when we openchapter 40, everything shifts.
The very first words comfort,comfort my people.
These final chapters Isaiah 40through 66, are filled with
(01:13):
soaring promises, glimpses of acoming Savior and a future where
justice, justice, peace and joywill never end.
And it's not just ancienthistory, it's hope for anyone
who's ever felt worn down,burdened or unsure about the
(01:35):
future.
So grab your Bible and let'swalk through this part of Isaiah
together.
Well, welcome everyone.
I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole,and this is the Bible Basics
Podcast, where, weekly, we breakdown the basics of the Bible
(01:55):
into understandable, bite-sizedchunks.
Whether you've been with usthrough parts one and two or
just jumping in now, you're inthe right place.
Let's finish the book of Isaiahtogether and discover the
comfort and hope God has instore.
(02:15):
We'll start by setting thescene.
The first 39 chapters of Isaiahfocus on judgment, sin and
God's call for his people toreturn to him.
These chapters speak directlyto the people of Judah during
(02:36):
Isaiah's lifetime, around 740 to686 BC.
But when we reach chapter 40,the tone shifts.
Instead of warnings, we hearcomfort.
Instead of judgment, we findhope.
Isaiah begins speaking as if theexile, the Babylonian captivity
(03:00):
, has already happened, eventhough it was still more than
100 years in the future.
So what is this exile?
Well, after King Solomon, thekingdom of Israel split into two
.
The northern kingdom kept thename Israel and the southern
(03:21):
kingdom became Judah.
In 722 BC, the northern kingdomwas conquered by Assyria.
Then, about 136 years later, in586 BC, Babylon invaded Judah,
their capital city, Jerusalem.
Their capital city, Jerusalem,was destroyed, the temple was
(03:46):
burned down and thousands weretaken from their homes and
forced to live in exile, farfrom everything they knew.
It was a national and spiritualcrisis.
The people lost their land,their freedom and, for many,
(04:08):
their sense of connection to God.
But what's so striking is thisIsaiah speaks comfort before the
pain begins.
Through God's Spirit, he tellsthe people, even before they go
into exile, that God is notabandoning them.
His mercy, his restoration andhis promises are already in
(04:35):
motion.
That's part of the nature ofbiblical prophecy it doesn't
just describe what is.
It can also point to what'sahead, near and far.
As God says in Isaiah, chapter46, verse 10, I make known the
(04:55):
end from the beginning.
My purpose will stand.
So now that we've got thatbackground, let's look at how
this last section of Isaiahbreaks down.
There's a key phrase thatappears twice and helps divide
the chapters.
The key phrase is there is nopeace for the wicked for the
(05:28):
wicked.
You'll find it at the end ofchapter 48, in verse 22, and
again at the end of chapter 57in verse 21.
These two verses mark naturaltransitions in the book and
emphasize a major theme Godoffers deep comfort to those who
turn to him, but no peace forthose who act against his will.
(05:50):
So here's how we'll breakchapters 40 through 66 down.
Chapter 40 to 48, we're callingthat deliverance from captivity
.
Second is chapters 49 through57.
That's the Servant who Saves.
And chapters 58 through 66,future Glory and a World Made
(06:16):
New.
Let's walk through each parttogether and highlight a few
verses in each one.
We'll start with section one,deliverance from Captivity.
That's chapters 40 through 48.
Isaiah begins this section withone of the most tender openings
in all of scripture Comfort,comfort.
(06:40):
My people, says your God, speaktenderly to Jerusalem that her
sin has been paid for.
That's chapter 40, verse 1 and2.
He's speaking to a people whowill one day feel abandoned and
defeated, and he wants them toknow that God has not forgotten
(07:05):
them.
Then, further in this section,we find Isaiah drawing a
powerful contrast between theliving God and lifeless idols.
With whom will you compare me?
They pour out gold and make itinto a god, but it cannot save
(07:28):
them from their troubles.
That's chapter 46, verses 5through 7.
God is not like the idolspeople build.
He's the creator who measuresthe oceans in his hand, who
calls each star by name and whonever grows weary.
We learn all that in Isaiah,chapter 40.
(07:50):
And then one of the mostbeloved verses in all of Isaiah
those who hope in the Lord willrenew their strength.
They were sore on wings likeeagles.
That's chapter 40, verse 31.
Isaiah reassures the peoplethat God is still in control,
(08:15):
even when it feels like life isfalling apart.
God is offering comfort to hispeople.
By showing them his character,is offering comfort to his
people.
By showing them his character,power and strength, he's
inviting them to relationship sothat they can enjoy the comfort
he brings.
(08:36):
A final point for this section.
God even names the future rulerof the empire of Persia who
will allow the exiles to returnhome.
His name is Cyrus and we learnabout that in chapter 44, 28
through 45, 1.
That was a prophecy that cameover 150 years before Cyrus was
(09:01):
born.
It's one more reminder.
God is in control.
He knows the end from thebeginning.
No-transcript.
(09:24):
Isaiah introduces us to theservant.
And the servant isn't just hereto rescue Judah, he's sent for
the whole world.
Quote it is too small a thingfor you to be my servant to
restore the tribes of Jacob.
I will also make you a lightfor the nations.
(09:48):
That's in chapter 49, 6.
This servant is at the heart ofGod's rescue mission.
He'll suffer, he'll be rejected, and yet he'll bring.
Nowhere is this clearer than inIsaiah 53.
He was pierced for ourtransgressions, crushed for our
(10:15):
iniquities.
By his wounds we are healed.
That's chapter 53, verse 5.
Isaiah is describing Jesushundreds of years before his
birth.
In fact, the New Testamentwriters quote this chapter to
explain the meaning of the cross, and we find that both in
(10:37):
Matthew and Acts I included alink in the show notes to the
Easter episode that expands onthis.
I encourage you to check it outif you haven't already.
And Isaiah 55 gives us God'sinvitation to trust his promises
, to receive his comfort and tofind real hope.
(11:02):
This is a message not just forancient Judah, but for every one
of us today.
It reads Come, all you who arethirsty, listen, that you may
live.
That's chapter 55, verses 1through 3.
This section is not just adescription, it's a call.
(11:26):
We're invited to stop strivingand simply receive the peace,
forgiveness and healing theservant offers.
God also speaks comfort overZion, his people, who feel
forgotten and abandoned.
He says but Zion said the Lordhas forsaken me, the Lord has
(11:51):
forgotten me.
Can a mother forget the baby ather breast and have no
compassion on the child she hasborn?
Though she may forget, I willnot forget.
You See, I have engraved you onthe palms of my hands.
Your walls are ever before me.
(12:13):
And here's a quick note.
You might be wondering what orwho is Zion?
You'll read that word often inthese chapters.
At first, Zion referred to ahill in ancient Jerusalem.
Over time it became a name forthe entire city, israel and even
(12:34):
the whole people of God InIsaiah.
Zion is often used as a symbolof God's presence, his promises
and the hope of restoration.
It's not just about geography,it's about God coming to dwell
with his people again.
And the last section is sectionlooks even further ahead, to a
(13:01):
renewed future.
God's people will be restored,his enemies will be judged and
something entirely new willbegin.
(13:23):
Here Isaiah paints a picture ofrenewal, justice and joy.
God's people, once broken andscattered, will be brought back
and restored.
And it's not just aboutreturning to a place, it's about
returning to right relationshipwith God.
(13:47):
Isaiah paints a beautiful visionof what's coming.
First there's a rebuilt andradiant Jerusalem.
We see that in chapter 60.
No longer a city in ruins, buta place overflowing with light,
beauty and the presence of God.
Next we have true worshiprestored, and we find that in
(14:11):
chapters 58 and 66.
But not just outward rituals.
God challenges empty religiouspractices and calls his people
back to true worship.
Back to true worship, caringfor the poor, seeking justice
(14:35):
and living with humility beforehim.
Then we have peace that lasts,and we find that in chapter 65.
Not the fragile kind, built onwealth or politics, but a deep,
lasting peace that flows frombeing in step with God's heart.
(14:56):
And finally, and mostimportantly from my point of
view, god's glory filling thewhole earth and a new creation
beginning.
Isaiah shows us a world whereGod's presence is no longer
hidden or limited to one nation.
His glory spreads to everypeople group and he promises
(15:21):
something even greater.
Quote Behold, I will create newheavens and a new earth.
That's chapter 65, verse 17.
A world without death, sorrowor pain, a life filled forever
in joy and peace with him.
(15:43):
Oh, wow, that is something tolook forward to.
Isaiah's final chapters closewith this sweeping promise what
feels broken now won't stay thatway forever.
God is making all things newand his people will live with
(16:07):
him in a world filled with hisglory, his peace and his
presence.
Isn't this the ultimate reasonfor Christianity that when this
life is over, there's an eternalhome prepared by God for those
of us who put our faith in Him?
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Now we're going to spend sometime on imagery in Isaiah.
Now we're going to spend sometime on imagery in Isaiah.
One of the most powerful ways toconnect with Isaiah's message
is by slowing down and payingattention to the images he uses.
The Lord speaks through Isaiah,using vivid, poetic imagery.
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This poetry isn't justbeautiful, it's deeply
meaningful.
Isaiah often speaks in picturesto stir the heart, spark the
imagination and help spiritualtruths sink in.
Here are just a few examples.
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A bruised reed he will not break.
That's chapter 42, verse 3.
This is describing the servantwho will bring comfort and
encouragement to the weak andoppressed.
Then there's chapter 61, verse3.
Beauty for ashes.
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This is an image of Godreplacing sorrow with joy.
In chapter 64, verse 8, we readwe are the clay, you are the
potter.
This is a picture of oursurrender and trust in God.
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Chapter 6110, righteousness asa robe.
This robe is a metaphor for agift of a right relationship
with God that we receive throughgrace, by faith, by faith.
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And then there's the wolf andthe lamb will feed together.
This is a vision that in thisnew world, God is going to
transform even nature.
So these images aren't random.
They're meant to slow us down,to help us feel what God is
saying, not just understand itwith our minds.
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So when you're reading Isaiah,don't rush past the poetry.
Ask what is this image sayingabout God, about us, about hope,
justice or salvation.
Now we'll talk about the namesand the titles of the Messiah we
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find in this book.
As we walk through this secondhalf of Isaiah, a unique figure
begins to stand out SomeoneIsaiah calls the servant.
He's not just another prophetor leader.
He's central to God's plan toheal what's broken, bring
justice to the nations and offerpeace that lasts.
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The servant is a picture of theMessiah, a word that means
anointed one, and in the NewTestament we see that Jesus
fulfills everything Isaiah wroteabout him.
What's beautiful is how Isaiahdoesn't give just one name or
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one role for the servant.
He gives several, each showinga different side of who Jesus is
and what he came to do.
As we read these chapters, theservant is described with names
that reveal the heart andmission of Jesus.
Let's look at some of the mostfrequently used in these
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chapters.
First, there's the servant thatdescribes him as chosen, gentle
and sent for the nations.
Then he's described as theredeemer, the one who rescues
and restores, the one whorescues and restores the
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anointed one.
This is one who set apart tobring good news to the poor.
In chapter 53, 1, we see himdescribed as the arm of the Lord
.
That depicts God's saving powerin human form.
And throughout Isaiah we seehim referred to as the Holy One
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of Israel.
He's set apart, faithful, fullof mercy and justice.
So each of these names is awindow.
So as you read Isaiah chapters40 through 66, window.
So as you read Isaiah chapters40 through 66, keep your eyes
open for these names.
Together, they help us seeJesus more clearly and remind us
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that Isaiah's message wasalways leading us to him.
Now here are three ways Isaiahchapters 40 through 66 can shape
our lives today.
First, god sees our sufferingand brings comfort.
Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 29,says he gives strength to the
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weary.
Where do you need that strengthtoday?
Second, we learn that oursalvation is a gift, not
something we earn.
Isaiah 53 shows us a Savior whotook our place.
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Are you still trying to earnwhat God offers as a free gift?
And third, we learn that God'spromises stretch beyond.
Today, Isaiah points to a worldmade new.
That hope isn't just forsomeday.
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It also gives us courage fortoday.
And that wraps up our walkthrough the powerful, poetic and
prophetic book of Isaiah.
From judgment to joy, fromwarning to worship, isaiah shows
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us the full range of God'sheart, his holiness, his justice
and his deep desire to restorehis people through the Messiah.
If you've missed parts one andtwo, I encourage you to go back
and listen.
They'll help you see the fullpicture of this incredible book.
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Next week, we're exploring thebook of Micah, a prophet who
asked the big question what doesthe Lord require of you?
You won't want to miss it.
Until then, keep reading, keepseeking and keep growing in your
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faith and, as always, if thisepisode helped you, share it
with a friend, leave a reviewand subscribe if you're on
YouTube, so you don't misswhat's next.
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