Many times I have heard from wiser ones than I that Isaiah is "the key book" to all of Scripture. I don't know that I qualify to make such an evaluative statement, but I'm willing to think it through for a moment or longer.

I suppose the main support for the earlier statement has much to do with the richness of the Isaiah's text in regard to its strong connection to the history, plight, and preservation of God's people. If we consider the book from a 20,000 foot perspective, we see some key elements. God addresses the sin of His people, first and foremost. God speaks directly to those whom He has trusted with His message to the people of Israel: His prophets. I believe it's safe to say the Lord hopes to use prophets in the lives of His people to convict them, to lead them into relationship with Him again. Isaiah then comes on the scene in chapter six in the well-known passage describing a very personal encounter with the Lord. The Lord continues to fill Isaiah with visions and messages to the people of Israel. Best of all, Isaiah is given the privilege of heralding the good news of Immanuel, the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ!

So much prophecy in the book of Isaiah centers upon the Messiah! God foretells His great plan of salvation of all the people through a young man who had never dreamed of serving His God in such a significant way. Can any of us hope to be so used? Yes. Yes! YES!

God desires that we should all be impacting players! Isn't that great news? Now, He never intended that we should do all of this without His leading and inspiration, and He never sends anyone out of his depth. Wait a minute! I think I meant to say He's never sent anyone out of His depth! Well, we'll see what He has to say about that.

I would like to consider Isaiah for a time. Let's see what the Lord does with this book. . .

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