In the next couple of posts I write, I hope to wet your appetite for this stunning and exciting book of the Bible. I will tell you this now, everyone needs to read the whole Bible yes, but you are missing out if you do not read this book. 

At some point in your life you may have skimmed through some passages of Isaiah and found them confusing or intimidating. You also probably know the most famous verses (like Isaiah 53's description of the crucifixion or Isaiah 40's encouragement of "being lifted up on wings like eagles"), but I want to contend that reading the book of Isaiah for its entirety and in context can be one of the most hope-filled and encouraging experiences you can have. 

I'll say this as a caveat, you're going to have to be willing to search out the meaning. There are some intense passages that have made me wonder at the severity of God, and others that I just plain don't understand, but when you look closely you get to see a thread, a storyline, in the midst of the most difficult passages. 

Why is Isaiah so worth reading and searching out? I'll give you a hint. It's the gospel. It gives me hope.

It's a wild and beautiful story unfolding both in the past and the future, but we see it from beginning to end. We see a rebellious and wicked people (isn't that all of us?) who are refined and cleansed through God's wise judgment and perfect mercy. We see how the failure of one nation to fulfill their calling sets the stage for the triumph of One King to fulfill His; a King who is both a ruler with a rod of iron and a servant who suffers and dies. We see God's unfailing commitment and faithfulness to a people who constantly break their vows with Him (yes, that's me too). We discover that no matter what, He won't be stopped, His purposes can't be hindered, and He makes a way where there is no way. He proves true, He casts down the prideful and haughty man, He redeems those who have been beaten, sold and abused, and He establishes peace in His kingdom forevermore. 

That's my trailer for the book. Now you should go read it for yourself. But if you want a little more, here's some fun facts about Isaiah: 

• Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament Prophet. (472 times to be exact, according to Willmington's Bible Handbook). 
• Isaiah gives us the clearest picture of the identity and mission of the Messiah. There are 51 different titles or descriptions given to Him, including "the Branch of the Lord", "A Crown of Glory", "Lawgiver", "Shepherd" and "Servant". 
• When the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, a unified copy of the text of Isaiah was among the treasures to be discovered, reinforcing it's historical accuracy and the fact that it had one author. (The text is on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and when I got to see it last February my heart was in awe at the way God preserves His Word.)
• This book contains songs, poetry, historical narrative and prophecy, making it a diverse book full of creativity and action.

My encouragement for today is from Isaiah 8 & 9:

When darkness and gloom enshroud you and deep despair covers your life, a great light will shine. Even when it's your own disobedience that's gotten you there, God shines His light and brings salvation. We learn from Isaiah that it is into the context of a wayward and rebellious nation that a child, the child, is given. The one who can save you is a gift that was given. He is a Son, but His name is also Mighty God. The increase of His government and peace will have no end and it is the zeal of the Lord of hosts who will accomplish this. Through the zeal of the Lord of hosts, He will finish the work He has started both in the earth, in the grand story of redemption, and in you. He shines light where you are today.