Entering the wondrous words of Isaiah sets some to hyperventilate for imagined difficulties, yet the prophets refer to Isaiah as clear and plain. I suppose it comes down to understanding the language of prose that Isaiah speaks so beautifully.
Here are four concepts that Isaiah covers in these chapters, quite easily discernible. Have no fear; let the words bring images to mind.
The first is that we can repent, be cleansed from our sins, all through a Savior’s grace. Atonement. ‘You said my sins could be removed, white as snow again. [Isaiah 1:18] Though I was stained with guilt and shame, you wash me from within … By grace I stand in mercy now, my soul no longer black.’
Washed White as Snow - Still Waters Christian Music
Next, let’s understand that Isaiah addresses at least four different time periods: His day [740-701 BC]; The meridian of time, or time of Jesus on the earth; The latter days, or today’s time; And the time when Christ returns for His millennial reign. When you pay attention, you can discern the time that is being addressed.
2:2 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” How can you be more plain than that?
‘Look up, the nations gather... a banner is unfurled on Zion’s mount, a standard flying high for all to see ...’
High on the Mountaintop - Called to Rise/Versewell Hymns
Next is to understand that God calls Prophets. We were recently blessed to be in a small group with songwriter Michael McLean. He told how he wrote a song of Hyrum and Joseph Smith, the one accepting his younger brother being called as a Prophet. Michael then told this of his son, Jeff. Knowing how important this song was to his father, within a few short days he and his husband, Joe, created this song video for his dad. This act came as years of tension between father and son were healing. This gift for his father is a gift to us all. Thank you Jeff and Joe and your remarkable talents; and to Michael - again - for your poetic insights.
He Looked Up - Michael McLean, Jeff & Joe
The fourth concept is found in Isaiah 9:6. You can recite the verse- by song. Perhaps you’re one of us lucky ones who sing Handel together, tossing the melody from part to part, keeping step through the lengthy runs, for joy must share and cannot be still! Sing along here - for unto us a child is born!
For Unto Us a Child is Born - Handel: Messiah/VOCES8 & Academy of Ancient Music
This is the ultimate teaching of Isaiah! The Messiah came, and will come again! Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!