Name: Isaiah
Meaning: The Lord is salvation
His Character: Isaiah was an intelligent man with strong integrity and deep humility who delivered a message of judgment and hope.
His Sorrow: God’s people would not repent even though they had been warned about the consequences of their sins.
His Triumph: Isaiah knew God intimately and was able to consistently deliver the message God gave him.
Key Scripture: The book of Isaiah
Isaiah was a prophet in the eighth-century B.C. His family was from the tribe of Judah. He ministered for around 50 years covering the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. It is believed that he may have been a scribe at the royal palace in Jerusalem during the reign of Uzziah. He ministered during a time when Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Isaiah was a prophet, scholar, statesman, and poet.
At 25, Isaiah had a vision that changed the course of his life. In the vision, he saw the Lord sitting high upon a throne. He proclaimed that he was a man of unclean lips, but it was his mouth that God would use. From chapter six, we know that a seraphim laid a coal from the altar on his mouth, which purged his sin. In the vision, God asked, “…Whom shall I send, and who will go for us,” and Isaiah famously answered, “…Here am I; send me.”
During his ministry, Isaiah spoke against sin, prophesied the future, and communicated God’s Will to the people. In the beginning of the book of Isaiah, there is a message of judgment to Judah and Israel. The second half of the book is a message of hope and forgiveness. Isaiah also prophesied about the Messiah.
Isaiah confronted the people about their sin. He spoke out against the people who were rich and comfortable who gained wealth at the expense of the poor who they ignored. He spoke out against people who were outwardly religious but who did not follow God with their heart. They had a form of godliness, but they were corrupt. He warned them of the consequences of their actions. Isaiah was very direct with his message, and he did not dance around the truth. He was fearless in his endeavor to tell the people the truth despite the danger and risk in doing so.
While conveying that their behavior would lead to their complete destruction, Isaiah also reminded the people about God’s grace and the hope that could only be found in a holy, loving, and just God. He consistently encouraged the people to return to the ways of God. When the people returned, the merciful God would forgive them of their sins. They would be renewed and comforted.
Isaiah had the awesome privilege of being in God’s presence. He is considered to be one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament, and he is quoted around 50 times in the New Testament. He brought forth a message of judgment and hope. He was consistent in delivering his message, and he was not deterred when some didn’t heed his words. What basically makes Isaiah inspirational and a great example for us today is simply his willingness to be sent.
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