Faith Through the Journey

From the time I was little, I’ve studied the Bible. My parents read the Bible to us, we went to Sunday scho0l and both my parents taught Sunday school. My dad taught until he died 10 years ago, and my mother still teaches other women today at the age of 82. In college, I had a minor in Biblical Studies, and I’ve taught and studied on my own for many years. I never cease to be amazed at the fact that such an “old” book is still so relevant today.

I’m now studying the book of Isaiah, a book right in the middle of the Old Testament. The prophet was given a hard message to deliver to the leaders of Judah, the fact that they were about to be carried into captivity. That didn’t make him a very p0pular man! He was about as welcome as a plague, and he certainly did not enjoy the assignment. Would you?? He was sent by God to deliver a message of judgment on his nation, due to their disobedience to God. They had received the warning time and time again, yet because judgment wasn’t immediate they didn’t believe that God would REALLY do that! After all, they were His chosen children, right? Apparently God knew they would not learn any other way, and He had to exercise tough love.

I’ve read through the Bible a number of times, and I didn’t necessarily pay close attention to the details of this book. The Old Testament has many rich passages, and that’s what is wonderful about going through the Word verse by verse, book by book. Because human nature is still the same today as when the Bible was written, the basic truths apply to us the same as they did when Isaiah wrote them. He had to give God’s warning to Judah, but He also gave them hope for the future. Obedience would bring life and peace, and continual disobedience would bring judgment and captivity.

Isaiah was also given the privilege of prophesying about the promised Messiah, the One who would save not only Israel, but the rest of the human race as well. How thankful I am that God included us in His plan to save all mankind from our sin! Even in Isaiah, the Gentiles, or non-Jews, were included. The promised Messiah would be called “Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end of the increase of His government, or of peace…” Although Judah missed the meaning of  what Isaiah was saying at that time because of their unbelief, the promise still remains today. The message Isaiah was also given was that when the people repented, God would preserve a remnant who would return to the land from their captivity.

I’m very thankful that the men who were inspired by God to write down His words were willing to do so! God also preserved their work, miraculously, so that we can still hear from Him through the Bible today. Yesterday our pastor spoke about hearing from God, and one of the main ways God speaks to us still today is through that well-preserved Word. “Thank you, Lord, for giving us Your Word and for including everyone, even me!”