E436 Navigating the Bible: Isaiah

Look up into the heavens. Who created Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? all the stars? all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one He brings them out like an army, one He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. after another, calling each by its name. after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power in Because of his great power in Because of his great power in incomparable strength, not a single one incomparable strength, not a single one incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. is missing. is missing. Oh Jacob, how can you say the Lord does Oh Jacob, how can you say the Lord does Oh Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? Oh Israel, how not see your troubles? Oh Israel, how not see your troubles? Oh Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? can you say God ignores your rights? can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never Have you never heard? Have you never Have you never heard? Have you never understood? understood? understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the The Lord is the everlasting God, the The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. creator of all the earth. creator of all the earth. Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah 40:es 26- 28. 40:es 26- 28. 40:es 26- 28. As we enter the book of Isaiah, we are As we enter the book of Isaiah, we are As we enter the book of Isaiah, we are moving from the wisdom literature into moving from the wisdom literature into moving from the wisdom literature into the prophets. And in many ways, it's a the prophets. And in many ways, it's a the prophets. And in many ways, it's a good thing that Isaiah is the first of good thing that Isaiah is the first of good thing that Isaiah is the first of the major prophets we read because it is the major prophets we read because it is the major prophets we read because it is the most accessible. You'll see what the most accessible. You'll see what the most accessible. You'll see what happens when we get to Jeremiah and and happens when we get to Jeremiah and and happens when we get to Jeremiah and and Ezekiel. What I mean by Isaiah being the Ezekiel. What I mean by Isaiah being the Ezekiel. What I mean by Isaiah being the most accessible.

most accessible. most accessible. Isaiah paints a portrait not just of Isaiah paints a portrait not just of Isaiah paints a portrait not just of Israelite history, but of the God who is Israelite history, but of the God who is Israelite history, but of the God who is above it all, right? The God who is both above it all, right? The God who is both above it all, right? The God who is both the creator and master of all things, the creator and master of all things, the creator and master of all things, but also close and loving and kind. but also close and loving and kind. but also close and loving and kind. Isaiah is a long book coming in at 66 Isaiah is a long book coming in at 66 Isaiah is a long book coming in at 66 chapters, but it is rich with history, chapters, but it is rich with history, chapters, but it is rich with history, with the character of God, and with hope with the character of God, and with hope with the character of God, and with hope for the savior that is to come. To help for the savior that is to come. To help for the savior that is to come. To help us navigate the book of Isaiah is Dr. us navigate the book of Isaiah is Dr. us navigate the book of Isaiah is Dr. Andrew Abernathy who uh Andy is the Andrew Abernathy who uh Andy is the Andrew Abernathy who uh Andy is the professor of Old Testament at Wheaten professor of Old Testament at Wheaten professor of Old Testament at Wheaten College and the author of not one, not College and the author of not one, not College and the author of not one, not two, but three books on Isaiah. two, but three books on Isaiah. two, but three books on Isaiah. My name is Jason Wheelen and this is My name is Jason Wheelen and this is My name is Jason Wheelen and this is Doable Disciplehip. Navigating the Bible Doable Disciplehip. Navigating the Bible Doable Disciplehip. Navigating the Bible Isaiah.

All right, Dr. Andrew Abernathy, thank All right, Dr. Andrew Abernathy, thank you for joining us today talking about you for joining us today talking about you for joining us today talking about Isaiah. As we were just talking before Isaiah. As we were just talking before Isaiah. As we were just talking before we started recording, you're about to go we started recording, you're about to go we started recording, you're about to go teach, you know, on Isaiah a bunch in teach, you know, on Isaiah a bunch in teach, you know, on Isaiah a bunch in Australia. So, consider this your Australia. So, consider this your Australia. So, consider this your practice round, getting back into the practice round, getting back into the practice round, getting back into the Isaiah groove. Isaiah groove. Isaiah groove. >> Great. Thanks so much, Jason, for having >> Great. Thanks so much, Jason, for having >> Great. Thanks so much, Jason, for having me on. me on. me on. >> I appreciate it. So, um, as we want to >> I appreciate it. So, um, as we want to >> I appreciate it. So, um, as we want to do with every one of these, uh, do with every one of these, uh, do with every one of these, uh, Navigating the Bible episodes, we want Navigating the Bible episodes, we want Navigating the Bible episodes, we want to start with the basic details. So, to start with the basic details. So, to start with the basic details. So, what do we know? Who wrote the book of what do we know? Who wrote the book of what do we know? Who wrote the book of Isaiah? I'm going to ask this every Isaiah? I'm going to ask this every Isaiah? I'm going to ask this every time, even though sometimes it's clearer time, even though sometimes it's clearer time, even though sometimes it's clearer than others, but it's always good to than others, but it's always good to than others, but it's always good to know. Do we know who wrote this book of know. Do we know who wrote this book of know. Do we know who wrote this book of Isaiah? And and when? And then I always Isaiah? And and when? And then I always Isaiah? And and when? And then I always want to frame it this way. How does want to frame it this way. How does want to frame it this way. How does knowing these or not knowing these knowing these or not knowing these knowing these or not knowing these answers affect our reading of the book? answers affect our reading of the book? answers affect our reading of the book? >> Yeah, great great question. And as we >> Yeah, great great question. And as we >> Yeah, great great question. And as we academics academics academics are good at doing, we we do give are good at doing, we we do give are good at doing, we we do give complicated answers. So complicated answers. So complicated answers. So >> there's usually some qualifiers. >> there's usually some qualifiers. >> there's usually some qualifiers. >> Yeah. Yeah. So when we look at the book >> Yeah. Yeah. So when we look at the book >> Yeah. Yeah. So when we look at the book of Isaiah, there's only one prophet of Isaiah, there's only one prophet of Isaiah, there's only one prophet mentioned in the whole book. In Isaiah 1 mentioned in the whole book. In Isaiah 1 mentioned in the whole book. In Isaiah 1 verse one, we're introduced to Isaiah, verse one, we're introduced to Isaiah, verse one, we're introduced to Isaiah, the son of Amotes, who we have no clue the son of Amotes, who we have no clue the son of Amotes, who we have no clue who Amotes was, but but we know who who who Amotes was, but but we know who who who Amotes was, but but we know who who Isaiah is. He was a prophet during the Isaiah is. He was a prophet during the Isaiah is. He was a prophet during the 8th century in uh Judah.

8th century in uh Judah. 8th century in uh Judah. And this is a time after the northern And this is a time after the northern And this is a time after the northern and southern kingdom uh have been and southern kingdom uh have been and southern kingdom uh have been they've been divided and Assyria is kind they've been divided and Assyria is kind they've been divided and Assyria is kind of on the horizon and bringing uh of on the horizon and bringing uh of on the horizon and bringing uh judgment against Israel and then Judah. judgment against Israel and then Judah. judgment against Israel and then Judah. So Isaiah is um the prophet we meet in So Isaiah is um the prophet we meet in So Isaiah is um the prophet we meet in the book. There are a couple chapters the book. There are a couple chapters the book. There are a couple chapters that talk about Isaiah the prophet. Uh that talk about Isaiah the prophet. Uh that talk about Isaiah the prophet. Uh Isaiah 7, Isaiah 36-39. Isaiah 7, Isaiah 36-39. Isaiah 7, Isaiah 36-39. Um, Um, Um, but although we're only introduced to but although we're only introduced to but although we're only introduced to one prophet by name, some complication one prophet by name, some complication one prophet by name, some complication comes up because there are different comes up because there are different comes up because there are different historical settings in the book. historical settings in the book. historical settings in the book. >> So in Isaiah 1:39, >> So in Isaiah 1:39, >> So in Isaiah 1:39, the predominant historical setting is the predominant historical setting is the predominant historical setting is the 8th century in Judah that I just the 8th century in Judah that I just the 8th century in Judah that I just described. described. described. But then when you um get into Isaiah But then when you um get into Isaiah But then when you um get into Isaiah 40-55, 40-55, 40-55, all of a sudden it moves away from all of a sudden it moves away from all of a sudden it moves away from talking about Assyria and begins talking talking about Assyria and begins talking talking about Assyria and begins talking about Babylon and even talking about about Babylon and even talking about about Babylon and even talking about Babylon as a place where God's people Babylon as a place where God's people Babylon as a place where God's people have now been taken into exile into have now been taken into exile into have now been taken into exile into which is the exile or the fall of which is the exile or the fall of which is the exile or the fall of Jerusalem at least takes place in 586 Jerusalem at least takes place in 586 Jerusalem at least takes place in 586 BC. So we're looking at, you know, maybe BC. So we're looking at, you know, maybe BC. So we're looking at, you know, maybe about about about um 20 plus years after the time of the um 20 plus years after the time of the um 20 plus years after the time of the prophet Isaiah.

prophet Isaiah. prophet Isaiah. And then further we get another sense of And then further we get another sense of And then further we get another sense of historical context setting in the book historical context setting in the book historical context setting in the book um where there's prayers in the the um where there's prayers in the the um where there's prayers in the the final part of the book about how our final part of the book about how our final part of the book about how our temple has been destroyed our cities temple has been destroyed our cities temple has been destroyed our cities have been ruined and there seem to be have been ruined and there seem to be have been ruined and there seem to be efforts towards rebuilding the Lord's efforts towards rebuilding the Lord's efforts towards rebuilding the Lord's temple that is kind of drawn to mind. temple that is kind of drawn to mind. temple that is kind of drawn to mind. So, this has led some scholars to maybe So, this has led some scholars to maybe So, this has led some scholars to maybe see multiple authors behind the book. see multiple authors behind the book. see multiple authors behind the book. Um, but when we're invited into the book Um, but when we're invited into the book Um, but when we're invited into the book of Isaiah, we're only introduced to one of Isaiah, we're only introduced to one of Isaiah, we're only introduced to one prophet. So, it could be that this is a prophet. So, it could be that this is a prophet. So, it could be that this is a prophecy by the prophet Isaiah who's prophecy by the prophet Isaiah who's prophecy by the prophet Isaiah who's speaking to future contexts. Um um but speaking to future contexts. Um um but speaking to future contexts. Um um but the reality is we don't have video the reality is we don't have video the reality is we don't have video evidence of one prophet writing all this evidence of one prophet writing all this evidence of one prophet writing all this and so but what we have received is a and so but what we have received is a and so but what we have received is a final form of a book of Isaiah that's um final form of a book of Isaiah that's um final form of a book of Isaiah that's um presenting us with the word of Isaiah presenting us with the word of Isaiah presenting us with the word of Isaiah um concerning uh Jerusalem um concerning uh Jerusalem um concerning uh Jerusalem not just in one century but throughout not just in one century but throughout not just in one century but throughout time in multiple eras.

time in multiple eras. time in multiple eras. >> Okay. So that's a fascinating answer and >> Okay. So that's a fascinating answer and >> Okay. So that's a fascinating answer and again for people if you just want again for people if you just want again for people if you just want something as simple as it was this guy something as simple as it was this guy something as simple as it was this guy who wrote this thing at this time uh you who wrote this thing at this time uh you who wrote this thing at this time uh you know we're about to get into the know we're about to get into the know we're about to get into the prophets section so it's not always prophets section so it's not always prophets section so it's not always quite as simple as that but I I so so quite as simple as that but I I so so quite as simple as that but I I so so there really is an interesting thing to there really is an interesting thing to there really is an interesting thing to keep in mind is that if you do a close keep in mind is that if you do a close keep in mind is that if you do a close enough reading of the book of Isaiah you enough reading of the book of Isaiah you enough reading of the book of Isaiah you will see that you're dealing with events will see that you're dealing with events will see that you're dealing with events that span and centuries. that span and centuries. that span and centuries. And so that leads to ask the question of And so that leads to ask the question of And so that leads to ask the question of well was this all from Isaiah and God well was this all from Isaiah and God well was this all from Isaiah and God was giving him a vision for the future was giving him a vision for the future was giving him a vision for the future and he was writing to that effect or was and he was writing to that effect or was and he was writing to that effect or was this added in as by a later author and this added in as by a later author and this added in as by a later author and then just added into this uh then just added into this uh then just added into this uh a compendium of Isaiah a compendium of Isaiah a compendium of Isaiah prophecy. Uh is that kind of the right prophecy. Uh is that kind of the right prophecy. Uh is that kind of the right way to kind of way to kind of way to kind of >> just you articulated it beautifully. >> just you articulated it beautifully. >> just you articulated it beautifully. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> So, and I think you asked why how does >> So, and I think you asked why how does >> So, and I think you asked why how does knowing or not knowing the author knowing or not knowing the author knowing or not knowing the author >> affect how one reads the book? And one >> affect how one reads the book? And one >> affect how one reads the book? And one of the things we see like knowing about of the things we see like knowing about of the things we see like knowing about Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah is interesting. When you look at is interesting. When you look at is interesting. When you look at Jeremiah and Ezekiel later, you're going Jeremiah and Ezekiel later, you're going Jeremiah and Ezekiel later, you're going to see there are tons of stories about to see there are tons of stories about to see there are tons of stories about those prophetic characters. and Isaiah, those prophetic characters. and Isaiah, those prophetic characters. and Isaiah, you don't find out a lot about him.

you don't find out a lot about him. you don't find out a lot about him. >> Um, and so what you do find out about >> Um, and so what you do find out about >> Um, and so what you do find out about him is very important and his call in him is very important and his call in him is very important and his call in Isaiah 6 where he has a heavenly vision Isaiah 6 where he has a heavenly vision Isaiah 6 where he has a heavenly vision and sees God on his throne and the and sees God on his throne and the and sees God on his throne and the saraphim surrounding God and saying, saraphim surrounding God and saying, saraphim surrounding God and saying, "Holy, holy, holy." "Holy, holy, holy." "Holy, holy, holy." And Isaiah is brought to a point where And Isaiah is brought to a point where And Isaiah is brought to a point where he says, "Woe is me." And I he's he says, "Woe is me." And I he's he says, "Woe is me." And I he's completely like silenced un undone completely like silenced un undone completely like silenced un undone because of his sin and the sin of the because of his sin and the sin of the because of his sin and the sin of the people around him. And at this point people around him. And at this point people around him. And at this point then he receives God's then he receives God's then he receives God's um forgiveness of sins. Um so so it's um forgiveness of sins. Um so so it's um forgiveness of sins. Um so so it's this striking juncture where Isaiah's this striking juncture where Isaiah's this striking juncture where Isaiah's terrified because he's seeing this holy terrified because he's seeing this holy terrified because he's seeing this holy holy God but yet also experiences sins. holy God but yet also experiences sins. holy God but yet also experiences sins. It marks Isaiah's message. In no other It marks Isaiah's message. In no other It marks Isaiah's message. In no other book of the Bible do we get God called book of the Bible do we get God called book of the Bible do we get God called the Holy One of Israel.

the Holy One of Israel. the Holy One of Israel. Like and so this experience of Isaiah Like and so this experience of Isaiah Like and so this experience of Isaiah having encountered and seeing the holy having encountered and seeing the holy having encountered and seeing the holy holy holy God holy holy God holy holy God >> and also being touched by this holy holy >> and also being touched by this holy holy >> and also being touched by this holy holy God when forgiveness just marks the God when forgiveness just marks the God when forgiveness just marks the message of the book. So I I think it's message of the book. So I I think it's message of the book. So I I think it's important to see that in in the backdrop important to see that in in the backdrop important to see that in in the backdrop of of Isaiah's ministry. of of Isaiah's ministry. of of Isaiah's ministry. >> Yeah. I know ultimately if you hold a >> Yeah. I know ultimately if you hold a >> Yeah. I know ultimately if you hold a high view of scripture, if you hold a high view of scripture, if you hold a high view of scripture, if you hold a high view of the authority of God to be high view of the authority of God to be high view of the authority of God to be able to keep his word as he wants it and able to keep his word as he wants it and able to keep his word as he wants it and to usher it through history, the to usher it through history, the to usher it through history, the question of the authorship of Isaiah, question of the authorship of Isaiah, question of the authorship of Isaiah, whether it was all Isaiah, you know, or whether it was all Isaiah, you know, or whether it was all Isaiah, you know, or whether it was added on to, you know, whether it was added on to, you know, whether it was added on to, you know, yes, you can try to wrestle with that yes, you can try to wrestle with that yes, you can try to wrestle with that and through good scholarship it should and through good scholarship it should and through good scholarship it should be wrestled with to understand you know be wrestled with to understand you know be wrestled with to understand you know to try to deepen your understanding of to try to deepen your understanding of to try to deepen your understanding of this book of the Bible but always coming this book of the Bible but always coming this book of the Bible but always coming back to a place of faith of like okay back to a place of faith of like okay back to a place of faith of like okay first and foremost I trust that this is first and foremost I trust that this is first and foremost I trust that this is God's inspired word and I trust that no God's inspired word and I trust that no God's inspired word and I trust that no matter how this book was originally matter how this book was originally matter how this book was originally authored that it was um it was brought authored that it was um it was brought authored that it was um it was brought to us by God for us to still be reading to us by God for us to still be reading to us by God for us to still be reading today.

today. today. >> That's right. That's that's great. Yeah. >> That's right. That's that's great. Yeah. >> That's right. That's that's great. Yeah. And and that's Isaiah presents itself in And and that's Isaiah presents itself in And and that's Isaiah presents itself in a way that the prophet Isaiah recedes to a way that the prophet Isaiah recedes to a way that the prophet Isaiah recedes to the background. the background. the background. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And what we're presented with is the >> And what we're presented with is the >> And what we're presented with is the word of God. That's like the God is the word of God. That's like the God is the word of God. That's like the God is the primary character throughout the book of primary character throughout the book of primary character throughout the book of Isaiah. He's the one regularly speaking. Isaiah. He's the one regularly speaking. Isaiah. He's the one regularly speaking. And so, you're right. Yeah. We receive And so, you're right. Yeah. We receive And so, you're right. Yeah. We receive Isaiah fundamentally. Yes. as a word Isaiah fundamentally. Yes. as a word Isaiah fundamentally. Yes. as a word through through prophet, but this is God through through prophet, but this is God through through prophet, but this is God speaking. That that's the impression speaking. That that's the impression speaking. That that's the impression that we're um to take away that we're um to take away that we're um to take away >> without a doubt. So, this is a long book >> without a doubt. So, this is a long book >> without a doubt. So, this is a long book as as we have talked about before. Uh as as we have talked about before. Uh as as we have talked about before. Uh and and we're about to get into a and and we're about to get into a and and we're about to get into a section of a bunch of long books and section of a bunch of long books and section of a bunch of long books and Isaiah is is the first of many. But I'm Isaiah is is the first of many. But I'm Isaiah is is the first of many. But I'm going to uh task you with trying to going to uh task you with trying to going to uh task you with trying to describe this book in one sentence. describe this book in one sentence. describe this book in one sentence. Okay, Okay, Okay, I would say that I would say that I would say that Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah is a book is a book is a book that presents us with a vision of God as that presents us with a vision of God as that presents us with a vision of God as king who is going to judge the world king who is going to judge the world king who is going to judge the world because he's a holy God, but also one because he's a holy God, but also one because he's a holy God, but also one who is going to save and make new the who is going to save and make new the who is going to save and make new the entire world entire world entire world and comma and he'll do that and comma and he'll do that and comma and he'll do that um through his work through dividic king

um through his work through dividic king um through his work through dividic king and a suffering servant and an anointed and a suffering servant and an anointed and a suffering servant and an anointed messenger. So I know I got a compound messenger. So I know I got a compound messenger. So I know I got a compound sentence in sentence in sentence in >> I give a lot of people grace and yours >> I give a lot of people grace and yours >> I give a lot of people grace and yours is by no means the longest sentence that is by no means the longest sentence that is by no means the longest sentence that I've I've had answered. I've I've had answered. I've I've had answered. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> No, that's great. I I love because as >> No, that's great. I I love because as >> No, that's great. I I love because as you said, as you said, Isaiah recedes you said, as you said, Isaiah recedes you said, as you said, Isaiah recedes and puts this focus, this preeminence, and puts this focus, this preeminence, and puts this focus, this preeminence, this highlight, this spotlight on God this highlight, this spotlight on God this highlight, this spotlight on God and what we see through Isaiah is just and what we see through Isaiah is just and what we see through Isaiah is just this picture of who God is, of God as this picture of who God is, of God as this picture of who God is, of God as king and him using Isaiah as his mouth king and him using Isaiah as his mouth king and him using Isaiah as his mouth in this point of time. And so, I love in this point of time. And so, I love in this point of time. And so, I love that we're going to get to dive into that we're going to get to dive into that we're going to get to dive into that. So normally for like the that. So normally for like the that. So normally for like the historical books and whatnot, we would historical books and whatnot, we would historical books and whatnot, we would ask about the narrative flow. There's ask about the narrative flow. There's ask about the narrative flow. There's not a necessarily a narrative flow. So not a necessarily a narrative flow. So not a necessarily a narrative flow. So how would you describe the trajectory of how would you describe the trajectory of how would you describe the trajectory of this book? this book? this book? >> Yeah, great question. And I tell you, >> Yeah, great question. And I tell you, >> Yeah, great question. And I tell you, it's taken a decade or two to kind of it's taken a decade or two to kind of it's taken a decade or two to kind of arrive at clarity for the trajectory.

arrive at clarity for the trajectory. arrive at clarity for the trajectory. And I think some of your listeners have And I think some of your listeners have And I think some of your listeners have maybe heard little snapshots from Isaiah maybe heard little snapshots from Isaiah maybe heard little snapshots from Isaiah messianic passages, but then when they messianic passages, but then when they messianic passages, but then when they set out to read it, they're like, "Oh, set out to read it, they're like, "Oh, set out to read it, they're like, "Oh, I'm completely lost." I'm completely lost." I'm completely lost." So, here's kind of what I'm seeing in So, here's kind of what I'm seeing in So, here's kind of what I'm seeing in terms of the overall movement of the terms of the overall movement of the terms of the overall movement of the book. And we could see like book. And we could see like book. And we could see like four phases four phases four phases in a story that we see unfolding. in a story that we see unfolding. in a story that we see unfolding. So phase one would be the holy God, the So phase one would be the holy God, the So phase one would be the holy God, the holy king coming to judge Israel, to holy king coming to judge Israel, to holy king coming to judge Israel, to judge Zion, to judge the nations through judge Zion, to judge the nations through judge Zion, to judge the nations through Assyria and Babylon. So So that's phase Assyria and Babylon. So So that's phase Assyria and Babylon. So So that's phase one, the holy king coming to judge his one, the holy king coming to judge his one, the holy king coming to judge his people and also surrounding nations people and also surrounding nations people and also surrounding nations through these empires of Assyria and through these empires of Assyria and through these empires of Assyria and Babylon. That's a lot of what you're Babylon. That's a lot of what you're Babylon. That's a lot of what you're going to get in Isaiah 1:39. going to get in Isaiah 1:39. going to get in Isaiah 1:39. But then in 40 to 48, phase two kicks in But then in 40 to 48, phase two kicks in But then in 40 to 48, phase two kicks in where we see that this holy one is now where we see that this holy one is now where we see that this holy one is now going to use a foreign king named Cyrus going to use a foreign king named Cyrus going to use a foreign king named Cyrus of Persia of Persia of Persia to rebuild Jerusalem and to send the to rebuild Jerusalem and to send the to rebuild Jerusalem and to send the exiles home. So it's like that judgment exiles home. So it's like that judgment exiles home. So it's like that judgment and exile from phase one is not the and exile from phase one is not the and exile from phase one is not the final word.

final word. final word. >> Yeah. I'm going to raise up Cyrus to >> Yeah. I'm going to raise up Cyrus to >> Yeah. I'm going to raise up Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and allow my exiles to rebuild Jerusalem and allow my exiles to rebuild Jerusalem and allow my exiles to come home. come home. come home. All right, but that's not the end of the All right, but that's not the end of the All right, but that's not the end of the redemption. redemption. redemption. >> In phase three, what we see is that >> In phase three, what we see is that >> In phase three, what we see is that there's a bigger issue, which is sin there's a bigger issue, which is sin there's a bigger issue, which is sin that is still standing in the way that is still standing in the way that is still standing in the way between God's people and himself and the between God's people and himself and the between God's people and himself and the nations and himself. So phase three is nations and himself. So phase three is nations and himself. So phase three is the holy one is going to use the the holy one is going to use the the holy one is going to use the suffering servant to spiritually restore suffering servant to spiritually restore suffering servant to spiritually restore and to reconstitute God's people and to reconstitute God's people and to reconstitute God's people including those of Israel and the including those of Israel and the including those of Israel and the nations. So you see a big focus on that nations. So you see a big focus on that nations. So you see a big focus on that in Isaiah 49 to 55. in Isaiah 49 to 55. in Isaiah 49 to 55. And then in phase four of kind of where And then in phase four of kind of where And then in phase four of kind of where it moves from there is the Holy One is it moves from there is the Holy One is it moves from there is the Holy One is going to come again in final judgment going to come again in final judgment going to come again in final judgment and final salvation to make a new world and final salvation to make a new world and final salvation to make a new world for his servants. And so the question for his servants. And so the question for his servants. And so the question then there in the final part of the book then there in the final part of the book then there in the final part of the book 56-6 is how do you live in between the 56-6 is how do you live in between the 56-6 is how do you live in between the time of what God's done in his suffering time of what God's done in his suffering time of what God's done in his suffering servant and knowing that God's going to servant and knowing that God's going to servant and knowing that God's going to come again in greater judgment and come again in greater judgment and come again in greater judgment and greater salvation. So those are kind of greater salvation. So those are kind of greater salvation. So those are kind of the four phases which is tells this huge the four phases which is tells this huge the four phases which is tells this huge big beautiful story of God um yeah big beautiful story of God um yeah big beautiful story of God um yeah throughout the book of Isaiah. Well, I

throughout the book of Isaiah. Well, I throughout the book of Isaiah. Well, I love to think about it in terms of like love to think about it in terms of like love to think about it in terms of like the original audience the original audience the original audience um who are being treated again with this um who are being treated again with this um who are being treated again with this grand narrative of the Israelite people grand narrative of the Israelite people grand narrative of the Israelite people of this family of God, you know, this of this family of God, you know, this of this family of God, you know, this people of God and God's care ushering in people of God and God's care ushering in people of God and God's care ushering in as we've been doing this series as we've been doing this series as we've been doing this series navigating the Bible, right? We've been navigating the Bible, right? We've been navigating the Bible, right? We've been tracking through tracking through tracking through following the story of the Israelites following the story of the Israelites following the story of the Israelites all the way through and we had got all the way through and we had got all the way through and we had got through kings and got through the a through kings and got through the a through kings and got through the a divided kingdom. Then we got to exile divided kingdom. Then we got to exile divided kingdom. Then we got to exile and we got them returning from Ezra and and we got them returning from Ezra and and we got them returning from Ezra and Nehemiah. And so what Isaiah is doing is Nehemiah. And so what Isaiah is doing is Nehemiah. And so what Isaiah is doing is again he's he's he's taking this broad again he's he's he's taking this broad again he's he's he's taking this broad brush and repainting through this brush and repainting through this brush and repainting through this history but also pointing at what is to history but also pointing at what is to history but also pointing at what is to come. And that's the come. And that's the come. And that's the that's the prophecy part of of all this. that's the prophecy part of of all this. that's the prophecy part of of all this. He he's he's saying it's not just about He he's he's saying it's not just about He he's he's saying it's not just about Jerusalem. It's not just about um Israel Jerusalem. It's not just about um Israel Jerusalem. It's not just about um Israel as a as a place and a people. It's about as a as a place and a people. It's about as a as a place and a people. It's about >> the coming savior that is to come. It's >> the coming savior that is to come. It's >> the coming savior that is to come. It's about this redemption story that's not about this redemption story that's not about this redemption story that's not just a land redemption which had been so just a land redemption which had been so just a land redemption which had been so much of the focus on this idea of a much of the focus on this idea of a much of the focus on this idea of a promised land but instead it's a heart promised land but instead it's a heart promised land but instead it's a heart redemption story which is uh all the redemption story which is uh all the redemption story which is uh all the more powerful.

more powerful. more powerful. >> Yeah. There's this beautiful passage in >> Yeah. There's this beautiful passage in >> Yeah. There's this beautiful passage in Isaiah 49 where in that phase three Isaiah 49 where in that phase three Isaiah 49 where in that phase three where where if you said in light of what where where if you said in light of what where where if you said in light of what you said in the historical books, it's you said in the historical books, it's you said in the historical books, it's kind of looking beyond what God would kind of looking beyond what God would kind of looking beyond what God would do, you know, in Ezra and Nehemiah when do, you know, in Ezra and Nehemiah when do, you know, in Ezra and Nehemiah when they're rebuilding the temple. And you they're rebuilding the temple. And you they're rebuilding the temple. And you see God saying to his uh servant, his see God saying to his uh servant, his see God saying to his uh servant, his his suffering servant who who at work, his suffering servant who who at work, his suffering servant who who at work, he says, you know, um in a sense says he says, you know, um in a sense says he says, you know, um in a sense says it's it's too small of a thing for you it's it's too small of a thing for you it's it's too small of a thing for you just to bring the people of Israel back just to bring the people of Israel back just to bring the people of Israel back to me. to me. to me. >> He says, you know, you'll do more than >> He says, you know, you'll do more than >> He says, you know, you'll do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I'm restore the people of Israel to me. I'm restore the people of Israel to me. I'm gonna make you a light to the Gentiles gonna make you a light to the Gentiles gonna make you a light to the Gentiles and you're going to bring my salvation and you're going to bring my salvation and you're going to bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. to the ends of the earth. to the ends of the earth. >> And when we see the suffering servant >> And when we see the suffering servant >> And when we see the suffering servant then suffer and we're told that he then suffer and we're told that he then suffer and we're told that he sprinkles many nations, sprinkles many nations, sprinkles many nations, you just see this beautiful view as you you just see this beautiful view as you you just see this beautiful view as you said, our God wants sinful people from said, our God wants sinful people from said, our God wants sinful people from all nations to come back to himself. And all nations to come back to himself. And all nations to come back to himself. And this is the glorious plan that we see.

this is the glorious plan that we see. this is the glorious plan that we see. And as you mentioned, you think of the And as you mentioned, you think of the And as you mentioned, you think of the original Israelite hearing this. original Israelite hearing this. original Israelite hearing this. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And there's a scholar who uses this >> And there's a scholar who uses this >> And there's a scholar who uses this phrase like Isaiah 53 and the suffering phrase like Isaiah 53 and the suffering phrase like Isaiah 53 and the suffering servant expectations is kind of like servant expectations is kind of like servant expectations is kind of like this open job description. this open job description. this open job description. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That that people in a way don't quite >> That that people in a way don't quite >> That that people in a way don't quite know exactly how that job's going to be know exactly how that job's going to be know exactly how that job's going to be fulfilled or who's going to fulfill it. fulfilled or who's going to fulfill it. fulfilled or who's going to fulfill it. And but it's pointing it it's pointing And but it's pointing it it's pointing And but it's pointing it it's pointing to our God who's going to work in some to our God who's going to work in some to our God who's going to work in some way through a suffering servant to bring way through a suffering servant to bring way through a suffering servant to bring people back to himself and then when people back to himself and then when people back to himself and then when Jesus comes on the scene it's like ah Jesus comes on the scene it's like ah Jesus comes on the scene it's like ah here he is here's this suffering here he is here's this suffering here he is here's this suffering servant. So it's really a beautiful servant. So it's really a beautiful servant. So it's really a beautiful prophecy um that we find prophecy um that we find prophecy um that we find >> that fits so wonderfully with the >> that fits so wonderfully with the >> that fits so wonderfully with the mission of our Lord Jesus. mission of our Lord Jesus. mission of our Lord Jesus. Let's let's focus in on the major theme Let's let's focus in on the major theme Let's let's focus in on the major theme of this book. So So what would you say of this book. So So what would you say of this book. So So what would you say is is Isaiah's major theme. And again, is is Isaiah's major theme. And again, is is Isaiah's major theme. And again, much like with the authorship details, I much like with the authorship details, I much like with the authorship details, I always like to look how does knowing always like to look how does knowing always like to look how does knowing this theme in advance affect how we read this theme in advance affect how we read this theme in advance affect how we read the book.

the book. the book. >> Yeah, great great question. Um >> Yeah, great great question. Um >> Yeah, great great question. Um so so so there are many themes in Isaiah. there are many themes in Isaiah. there are many themes in Isaiah. >> Sure. But but but if but if I I wrote a >> Sure. But but but if but if I I wrote a >> Sure. But but but if but if I I wrote a book um called the book of Isaiah and book um called the book of Isaiah and book um called the book of Isaiah and God's kingdom. God's kingdom. God's kingdom. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And the reason why I I've adopted the >> And the reason why I I've adopted the >> And the reason why I I've adopted the theme of God's kingdom as like a theme of God's kingdom as like a theme of God's kingdom as like a prominent theme is because the book prominent theme is because the book prominent theme is because the book itself seems to put a spotlight on it. itself seems to put a spotlight on it. itself seems to put a spotlight on it. In Isaiah 6, when Isaiah has his vision, In Isaiah 6, when Isaiah has his vision, In Isaiah 6, when Isaiah has his vision, he sees the Lord doing what? sitting on he sees the Lord doing what? sitting on he sees the Lord doing what? sitting on the throne the throne the throne >> and after Isaiah sees him, well, woe is >> and after Isaiah sees him, well, woe is >> and after Isaiah sees him, well, woe is me, you know, for my eyes have seen the me, you know, for my eyes have seen the me, you know, for my eyes have seen the king. king. king. >> So God is being presented as king in the >> So God is being presented as king in the >> So God is being presented as king in the book, which is actually so beautiful book, which is actually so beautiful book, which is actually so beautiful because Isaiah is looking around and because Isaiah is looking around and because Isaiah is looking around and he's saying, "Oh, our human king has he's saying, "Oh, our human king has he's saying, "Oh, our human king has died." died." died." And you could think of our own modern And you could think of our own modern And you could think of our own modern audiences.

audiences. audiences. We have rulers in our world. Things are We have rulers in our world. Things are We have rulers in our world. Things are uncertain. Rulers die. Rulers are uncertain. Rulers die. Rulers are uncertain. Rulers die. Rulers are failing like King Ahaz in Isaiah's time. failing like King Ahaz in Isaiah's time. failing like King Ahaz in Isaiah's time. But our eyes are fixed on God as the But our eyes are fixed on God as the But our eyes are fixed on God as the king who is reigning right now and in in king who is reigning right now and in in king who is reigning right now and in in the present. the present. the present. And so I so Isaiah I think very much is And so I so Isaiah I think very much is And so I so Isaiah I think very much is a book that's inviting us to see there a book that's inviting us to see there a book that's inviting us to see there is a different kingdom than the world is a different kingdom than the world is a different kingdom than the world you're per think you're perceiving you're per think you're perceiving you're per think you're perceiving around you. There is a holy, holy, holy around you. There is a holy, holy, holy around you. There is a holy, holy, holy king who takes sin far more seriously king who takes sin far more seriously king who takes sin far more seriously than you expect. than you expect. than you expect. And this holy, holy, holy king is al And this holy, holy, holy king is al And this holy, holy, holy king is al also the saving king who is going to also the saving king who is going to also the saving king who is going to work to bring redemption and forgiveness work to bring redemption and forgiveness work to bring redemption and forgiveness for for his people and for the world. for for his people and for the world. for for his people and for the world. So, so I think God's kingdom and I could So, so I think God's kingdom and I could So, so I think God's kingdom and I could spell out a bit more of the facets of spell out a bit more of the facets of spell out a bit more of the facets of God's kingdom if you want, but if I were God's kingdom if you want, but if I were God's kingdom if you want, but if I were to kind of give your people a and those to kind of give your people a and those to kind of give your people a and those listening a lens is to be on the lookout listening a lens is to be on the lookout listening a lens is to be on the lookout for God um as king, as the one who is for God um as king, as the one who is for God um as king, as the one who is over over all. And I think some ways it over over all. And I think some ways it over over all. And I think some ways it might matter today is, as I've said, we might matter today is, as I've said, we might matter today is, as I've said, we look around us today, there are more look around us today, there are more look around us today, there are more wars going on than I've at least in my wars going on than I've at least in my wars going on than I've at least in my lifetime have been lifetime have been lifetime have been >> alerted to.

>> alerted to. >> alerted to. >> There's more political instability >> There's more political instability >> There's more political instability um in the US right now than than we've um in the US right now than than we've um in the US right now than than we've become accustomed to. And I think a big become accustomed to. And I think a big become accustomed to. And I think a big question is how do we navigate that? And question is how do we navigate that? And question is how do we navigate that? And what we need to recover and what Isaiah what we need to recover and what Isaiah what we need to recover and what Isaiah offers us is a vision of God as a king offers us is a vision of God as a king offers us is a vision of God as a king who is sovereign right now and always who is sovereign right now and always who is sovereign right now and always and into the future. and into the future. and into the future. Well, Well, Well, as you were answering this question, as you were answering this question, as you were answering this question, which which again I I love this idea of which which again I I love this idea of which which again I I love this idea of this focus on not just the kingdom of this focus on not just the kingdom of this focus on not just the kingdom of God in the king, but the steadfastness God in the king, but the steadfastness God in the king, but the steadfastness of God that that that is God who is of God that that that is God who is of God that that that is God who is there, who is ever present, who isn't there, who is ever present, who isn't there, who is ever present, who isn't going to uh change or disappear or going to uh change or disappear or going to uh change or disappear or whatever it is that that no matter what whatever it is that that no matter what whatever it is that that no matter what is going on here on earth, you can is going on here on earth, you can is going on here on earth, you can always look to the sky. eyes, if you always look to the sky. eyes, if you always look to the sky. eyes, if you will, to look up to heaven and God is will, to look up to heaven and God is will, to look up to heaven and God is there. So, uh, I love that theme. But it there. So, uh, I love that theme. But it there. So, uh, I love that theme. But it was impressed upon me as you were was impressed upon me as you were was impressed upon me as you were talking that this is our first foray talking that this is our first foray talking that this is our first foray into a different type of literature that into a different type of literature that into a different type of literature that I think is worth talking about because I I think is worth talking about because I I think is worth talking about because I think it'll help the listener understand think it'll help the listener understand think it'll help the listener understand this theme and to read this book a this theme and to read this book a this theme and to read this book a little bit better. Because up till now little bit better. Because up till now little bit better. Because up till now we've been reading, you know, we had the we've been reading, you know, we had the we've been reading, you know, we had the Pentatuk, we had the historical books, Pentatuk, we had the historical books, Pentatuk, we had the historical books, and then we had the wisdom literature.

and then we had the wisdom literature. and then we had the wisdom literature. So, it's all been pretty straightforward So, it's all been pretty straightforward So, it's all been pretty straightforward up to this point. Uh, you know, it's up to this point. Uh, you know, it's up to this point. Uh, you know, it's been, you know, it's either been here is been, you know, it's either been here is been, you know, it's either been here is wisdom literature for people on how to wisdom literature for people on how to wisdom literature for people on how to live good lives or or it's been here's live good lives or or it's been here's live good lives or or it's been here's events that have happened. Um, whereas events that have happened. Um, whereas events that have happened. Um, whereas Isaiah now presents something different. Isaiah now presents something different. Isaiah now presents something different. So would you do me a favor So would you do me a favor So would you do me a favor >> and talk a little bit about how to read >> and talk a little bit about how to read >> and talk a little bit about how to read prophecy, how to read a a prophetic book prophecy, how to read a a prophetic book prophecy, how to read a a prophetic book like Isaiah and then like Isaiah and then like Isaiah and then >> and then usher in a little bit into like >> and then usher in a little bit into like >> and then usher in a little bit into like how understanding that theme of the how understanding that theme of the how understanding that theme of the kingdom of God is read through this lens kingdom of God is read through this lens kingdom of God is read through this lens of the genre. of the genre. of the genre. >> Yeah, great great question. Yet, >> Yeah, great great question. Yet, >> Yeah, great great question. Yet, typically when people hear the word typically when people hear the word typically when people hear the word prophecy, they're just thinking about prophecy, they're just thinking about prophecy, they're just thinking about faristant predictions about things that faristant predictions about things that faristant predictions about things that are really far in advance that are going are really far in advance that are going are really far in advance that are going to come that are totally unrelated to to come that are totally unrelated to to come that are totally unrelated to the time of the prophet. the time of the prophet. the time of the prophet. But what the prophets are are But what the prophets are are But what the prophets are are fundamentally spokespersons fundamentally spokespersons fundamentally spokespersons for God.

for God. for God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And even sometimes viewed as >> And even sometimes viewed as >> And even sometimes viewed as spokespersons to God on behalf of the spokespersons to God on behalf of the spokespersons to God on behalf of the people. Hezekiah comes to Isaiah to people. Hezekiah comes to Isaiah to people. Hezekiah comes to Isaiah to intercede. intercede. intercede. But as spokespersons for God, But as spokespersons for God, But as spokespersons for God, God is wanting to speak words through God is wanting to speak words through God is wanting to speak words through these prophets these prophets these prophets that are meant to kind of engage people that are meant to kind of engage people that are meant to kind of engage people right where they're at and help them see right where they're at and help them see right where they're at and help them see how God sees. And the problem with that how God sees. And the problem with that how God sees. And the problem with that or the challenge within that is that the or the challenge within that is that the or the challenge within that is that the people the prophet is speaking to assume people the prophet is speaking to assume people the prophet is speaking to assume they're totally cool with God. They they're totally cool with God. They they're totally cool with God. They assume we're the people of Israel. We're assume we're the people of Israel. We're assume we're the people of Israel. We're the people of Judah. In our day, it'd be the people of Judah. In our day, it'd be the people of Judah. In our day, it'd be like, "Hey, we're Christians, right?" like, "Hey, we're Christians, right?" like, "Hey, we're Christians, right?" So, So, So, what the prophet has to do in a way and what the prophet has to do in a way and what the prophet has to do in a way and what God's calling them to do is to use what God's calling them to do is to use what God's calling them to do is to use things like you're going to see in things like you're going to see in things like you're going to see in Ezekiel. I want you to lay on your side Ezekiel. I want you to lay on your side Ezekiel. I want you to lay on your side and eat food roasted in dung.

and eat food roasted in dung. and eat food roasted in dung. >> Or Isaiah, I want you to walk around >> Or Isaiah, I want you to walk around >> Or Isaiah, I want you to walk around naked with your butt hanging out because naked with your butt hanging out because naked with your butt hanging out because for a couple years because that's for a couple years because that's for a couple years because that's actually what's going to happen to these actually what's going to happen to these actually what's going to happen to these other nations you're depending on cuz other nations you're depending on cuz other nations you're depending on cuz they're going to be taken into exile. So they're going to be taken into exile. So they're going to be taken into exile. So the prophet's trying to like confront the prophet's trying to like confront the prophet's trying to like confront the people the people the people to see actually the way you're seeing to see actually the way you're seeing to see actually the way you're seeing life is actually way different than how life is actually way different than how life is actually way different than how God sees it. God sees it. God sees it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so the whole book opens by saying, >> And so the whole book opens by saying, >> And so the whole book opens by saying, you know, I've I've raised these you know, I've I've raised these you know, I've I've raised these children, but they've rebelled against children, but they've rebelled against children, but they've rebelled against me. And you could think of the the me. And you could think of the the me. And you could think of the the audience saying, what God thinks we're audience saying, what God thinks we're audience saying, what God thinks we're rebellious children? And so there rebellious children? And so there rebellious children? And so there there's this desire to in and so as there's this desire to in and so as there's this desire to in and so as you're reading the prophets and what you're reading the prophets and what you're reading the prophets and what they're trying to do in alerting people they're trying to do in alerting people they're trying to do in alerting people to see things how God sees them are a to see things how God sees them are a to see things how God sees them are a couple things. One, you can look for couple things. One, you can look for couple things. One, you can look for what we would call indictments.

what we would call indictments. what we would call indictments. That is looking for how the prophets are That is looking for how the prophets are That is looking for how the prophets are critiquing the people for their critiquing the people for their critiquing the people for their behavior. Mhm. behavior. Mhm. behavior. Mhm. You can also look related to that as for You can also look related to that as for You can also look related to that as for words of kind of judgment where God is words of kind of judgment where God is words of kind of judgment where God is and there's an announcement that and there's an announcement that and there's an announcement that judgment is coming. Now, both of those judgment is coming. Now, both of those judgment is coming. Now, both of those things, the indictment and the judgment, things, the indictment and the judgment, things, the indictment and the judgment, you can ask yourself, how is God trying you can ask yourself, how is God trying you can ask yourself, how is God trying to help me see my sin so that I can turn to help me see my sin so that I can turn to help me see my sin so that I can turn to him and repent and experience to him and repent and experience to him and repent and experience forgiveness? forgiveness? forgiveness? >> Yeah. And then a third type of prophecy >> Yeah. And then a third type of prophecy >> Yeah. And then a third type of prophecy are oracles of hope are oracles of hope are oracles of hope >> where they're saying, "Hey, I know >> where they're saying, "Hey, I know >> where they're saying, "Hey, I know judgment is coming right now. I know I'm judgment is coming right now. I know I'm judgment is coming right now. I know I'm going to be bringing judgment against my going to be bringing judgment against my going to be bringing judgment against my people, but there's hope beyond this and people, but there's hope beyond this and people, but there's hope beyond this and let me give you a vision of hope in the let me give you a vision of hope in the let me give you a vision of hope in the future." So connecting that then to future." So connecting that then to future." So connecting that then to >> um the kingdom, >> um the kingdom, >> um the kingdom, >> what God's trying to help people see is >> what God's trying to help people see is >> what God's trying to help people see is that he as a holy, holy, holy king sees that he as a holy, holy, holy king sees that he as a holy, holy, holy king sees their sin so deeply that he wants to their sin so deeply that he wants to their sin so deeply that he wants to confront them for it through the prophet confront them for it through the prophet confront them for it through the prophet that he's going to be actually bringing that he's going to be actually bringing that he's going to be actually bringing judgment against them through these judgment against them through these judgment against them through these other nations because he's a holy other nations because he's a holy other nations because he's a holy But the aim is to produce a kingdom But the aim is to produce a kingdom But the aim is to produce a kingdom people people people who will know and experience blessing who will know and experience blessing who will know and experience blessing within God's kingdom as God's kingdom

within God's kingdom as God's kingdom within God's kingdom as God's kingdom plan continues to unfold. So plan continues to unfold. So plan continues to unfold. So >> love it. No, that's that's incredibly >> love it. No, that's that's incredibly >> love it. No, that's that's incredibly helpful to have that context in mind. So helpful to have that context in mind. So helpful to have that context in mind. So what then should we say that Isaiah what then should we say that Isaiah what then should we say that Isaiah teaches us about God? teaches us about God? teaches us about God? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. What I would say is this. What I would say is this. What I would say is this. What Isaiah teaches us about God is that What Isaiah teaches us about God is that What Isaiah teaches us about God is that God is far bigger God is far bigger God is far bigger than we would ever imagine. than we would ever imagine. than we would ever imagine. Read Isaiah 6, the holy, holy, holy one. Read Isaiah 6, the holy, holy, holy one. Read Isaiah 6, the holy, holy, holy one. That saraphim can't even look at. That saraphim can't even look at. That saraphim can't even look at. >> You read Isaiah 40. He's the one who >> You read Isaiah 40. He's the one who >> You read Isaiah 40. He's the one who marks out the heavens and the earth marks out the heavens and the earth marks out the heavens and the earth simply or all the waters between his simply or all the waters between his simply or all the waters between his pinky and his thumb. pinky and his thumb. pinky and his thumb. >> You know, you get this and that's why I >> You know, you get this and that's why I >> You know, you get this and that's why I was drawn to Isaiah is it pulls you out was drawn to Isaiah is it pulls you out was drawn to Isaiah is it pulls you out of your small view of God into a great of your small view of God into a great of your small view of God into a great view of God. But second, God isn't just view of God. But second, God isn't just view of God. But second, God isn't just far bigger than you would think. God is far bigger than you would think. God is far bigger than you would think. God is far nearer and closer than you can far nearer and closer than you can far nearer and closer than you can imagine. There's a beautiful passage in imagine. There's a beautiful passage in imagine. There's a beautiful passage in Isaiah 57 where God says, "Yes, I'm a Isaiah 57 where God says, "Yes, I'm a Isaiah 57 where God says, "Yes, I'm a high and holy one. I live in eternity high and holy one. I live in eternity high and holy one. I live in eternity and a high and holy place, but I also and a high and holy place, but I also and a high and holy place, but I also live with those who are broken and live with those who are broken and live with those who are broken and crushed in spirit crushed in spirit crushed in spirit >> in order to revive them." And so this >> in order to revive them." And so this >> in order to revive them." And so this balance of God being this huge God, but

balance of God being this huge God, but balance of God being this huge God, but God also being this God who is so near God also being this God who is so near God also being this God who is so near is just a beautiful is just a beautiful is just a beautiful um invitation for us to behold our God. um invitation for us to behold our God. um invitation for us to behold our God. >> It's a I think it's it's such an >> It's a I think it's it's such an >> It's a I think it's it's such an important step for the Christian to be important step for the Christian to be important step for the Christian to be able to hold both things true. the able to hold both things true. the able to hold both things true. the preeminence of God, but also the preeminence of God, but also the preeminence of God, but also the imminence of God to hold this this truth imminence of God to hold this this truth imminence of God to hold this this truth that God can create the universe. He can that God can create the universe. He can that God can create the universe. He can part the seas. He can do anything that part the seas. He can do anything that part the seas. He can do anything that his, you know, heart desires and yet can his, you know, heart desires and yet can his, you know, heart desires and yet can care so intimately about the goings on care so intimately about the goings on care so intimately about the goings on in your life to, you know, like it is in your life to, you know, like it is in your life to, you know, like it is such a an important great step to be such a an important great step to be such a an important great step to be able to be comfortable holding these able to be comfortable holding these able to be comfortable holding these truth. Now, you know, understand that truth. Now, you know, understand that truth. Now, you know, understand that there will always be discomfort because there will always be discomfort because there will always be discomfort because we can't possibly fathom the greatness we can't possibly fathom the greatness we can't possibly fathom the greatness of God.

of God. of God. Uh it's it's so grand that it's beyond Uh it's it's so grand that it's beyond Uh it's it's so grand that it's beyond even comprehension. But even comprehension. But even comprehension. But >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> but you but you get the point that that >> but you but you get the point that that >> but you but you get the point that that what I how Isaiah is presenting things. what I how Isaiah is presenting things. what I how Isaiah is presenting things. you know that calling back to the you know that calling back to the you know that calling back to the kingdom of God, the putting the person kingdom of God, the putting the person kingdom of God, the putting the person of God at the forefront of his message of God at the forefront of his message of God at the forefront of his message and that and you know ultimately you and that and you know ultimately you and that and you know ultimately you know there's going to be a lot of know there's going to be a lot of know there's going to be a lot of references towards Christ in this of the references towards Christ in this of the references towards Christ in this of the as as a part of that nearness of God as as a part of that nearness of God as as a part of that nearness of God that um you know Isaiah does such a that um you know Isaiah does such a that um you know Isaiah does such a wonderful job because we'll get to other wonderful job because we'll get to other wonderful job because we'll get to other prophets that are more focused on woe to prophets that are more focused on woe to prophets that are more focused on woe to the nations and instead what Isaiah does the nations and instead what Isaiah does the nations and instead what Isaiah does is he he He just creates this focus in is he he He just creates this focus in is he he He just creates this focus in on on the person of God. And again, it's on on the person of God. And again, it's on on the person of God. And again, it's so welcome, especially as you're as so welcome, especially as you're as so welcome, especially as you're as you're entering into this part of you're entering into this part of you're entering into this part of scripture, as as as we mentioned, how we scripture, as as as we mentioned, how we scripture, as as as we mentioned, how we just come off of this wisdom literature. just come off of this wisdom literature. just come off of this wisdom literature. And now it's like we're going to put the And now it's like we're going to put the And now it's like we're going to put the focus now back on the person of God. And focus now back on the person of God. And focus now back on the person of God. And and it's and um and it's and um and it's and um >> and it's it's just so welcome. And you >> and it's it's just so welcome. And you >> and it's it's just so welcome. And you know, for being such a long book, it's know, for being such a long book, it's know, for being such a long book, it's not an uninviting book uh because of not an uninviting book uh because of not an uninviting book uh because of that.

that. that. >> Yeah. No, if I could just throw one more >> Yeah. No, if I could just throw one more >> Yeah. No, if I could just throw one more beautiful combination out there from beautiful combination out there from beautiful combination out there from Isaiah 40, Isaiah 40, Isaiah 40, >> it talks about God coming and it says in >> it talks about God coming and it says in >> it talks about God coming and it says in a sense with one arm his arm is going to a sense with one arm his arm is going to a sense with one arm his arm is going to be ruling with for him. Then in his be ruling with for him. Then in his be ruling with for him. Then in his other arm, he's going to be gathering other arm, he's going to be gathering other arm, he's going to be gathering his his sheep to his bosom. his his sheep to his bosom. his his sheep to his bosom. >> Yeah. And you get the vision almost of a >> Yeah. And you get the vision almost of a >> Yeah. And you get the vision almost of a Heisman trophy, Heisman trophy, Heisman trophy, you know, where where that strong arm is you know, where where that strong arm is you know, where where that strong arm is coming out to fight the foes, but he's coming out to fight the foes, but he's coming out to fight the foes, but he's gathering gathering gathering his lambs gently to his chest. And and his lambs gently to his chest. And and his lambs gently to his chest. And and it's just this beautiful vision of our it's just this beautiful vision of our it's just this beautiful vision of our God who is powerful and will will bring God who is powerful and will will bring God who is powerful and will will bring judgment against enemies but so near and judgment against enemies but so near and judgment against enemies but so near and dear to uh gather uh his children as dear to uh gather uh his children as dear to uh gather uh his children as lambs. So lambs. So lambs. So >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> what does this book teach us about >> what does this book teach us about >> what does this book teach us about ourselves about people? ourselves about people? ourselves about people? >> Yeah, I mean fundamental to a number of >> Yeah, I mean fundamental to a number of >> Yeah, I mean fundamental to a number of things. Well, we'll start how the book things. Well, we'll start how the book things. Well, we'll start how the book starts out. It teaches us that we're starts out. It teaches us that we're starts out. It teaches us that we're sinful.

sinful. sinful. >> Um, and that sinfulness isn't just a >> Um, and that sinfulness isn't just a >> Um, and that sinfulness isn't just a matter of doing something wrong. I made matter of doing something wrong. I made matter of doing something wrong. I made a or I made a mistake or this or that. a or I made a mistake or this or that. a or I made a mistake or this or that. But Isaiah, when he sees God, he's like, But Isaiah, when he sees God, he's like, But Isaiah, when he sees God, he's like, "Woe is me. I am I have unclean lips and "Woe is me. I am I have unclean lips and "Woe is me. I am I have unclean lips and the people I'm around have unclean the people I'm around have unclean the people I'm around have unclean lips." And you know, we're meant to like lips." And you know, we're meant to like lips." And you know, we're meant to like own that. Our sin isn't just a concept, own that. Our sin isn't just a concept, own that. Our sin isn't just a concept, but it's actually directly related to but it's actually directly related to but it's actually directly related to there being a holy God that we can't be there being a holy God that we can't be there being a holy God that we can't be around. around. around. Um, and so that teaches us one thing, Um, and so that teaches us one thing, Um, and so that teaches us one thing, but it also teaches us that we have a but it also teaches us that we have a but it also teaches us that we have a God who doesn't want us to remain in God who doesn't want us to remain in God who doesn't want us to remain in sin. sin. sin. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He wants us like Isaiah experience that He wants us like Isaiah experience that He wants us like Isaiah experience that forgiveness, that atonement. And he forgiveness, that atonement. And he forgiveness, that atonement. And he makes that possible through the makes that possible through the makes that possible through the suffering servant who we have come to suffering servant who we have come to suffering servant who we have come to know as Jesus that our sins need to be know as Jesus that our sins need to be know as Jesus that our sins need to be dealt with. And yes, they are by this dealt with. And yes, they are by this dealt with. And yes, they are by this suffering servant who bears our suffering servant who bears our suffering servant who bears our transgressions in his own body for us.

transgressions in his own body for us. transgressions in his own body for us. >> Yeah. And so this this that we're in >> Yeah. And so this this that we're in >> Yeah. And so this this that we're in need of being reconciled to God and that need of being reconciled to God and that need of being reconciled to God and that we have an offer of reconciliation is we have an offer of reconciliation is we have an offer of reconciliation is fundamental. Um there are many other fundamental. Um there are many other fundamental. Um there are many other things I could say but but that's the things I could say but but that's the things I could say but but that's the book starts on that note of us being in book starts on that note of us being in book starts on that note of us being in sin and in need of an incredible sin and in need of an incredible sin and in need of an incredible redemption and grace from our God. M redemption and grace from our God. M redemption and grace from our God. M can you you know it's a long book as can you you know it's a long book as can you you know it's a long book as we've mentioned 66 chapters was that is we've mentioned 66 chapters was that is we've mentioned 66 chapters was that is that right? that right? that right? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. 66 chapters. So can you highlight >> Right. 66 chapters. So can you highlight >> Right. 66 chapters. So can you highlight maybe two or three there are some that maybe two or three there are some that maybe two or three there are some that you've mentioned more frequently than you've mentioned more frequently than you've mentioned more frequently than others in this conversation uh chapter 6 others in this conversation uh chapter 6 others in this conversation uh chapter 6 chapter 40 and whatnot. But are there chapter 40 and whatnot. But are there chapter 40 and whatnot. But are there are there chapters or verses that you are there chapters or verses that you are there chapters or verses that you would want to pinpoint for people be would want to pinpoint for people be would want to pinpoint for people be like, you know, as as you as you may like, you know, as as you as you may like, you know, as as you as you may pick up this reading again, you know, pick up this reading again, you know, pick up this reading again, you know, focus in on on these because these these focus in on on these because these these focus in on on these because these these chapters or these verses are um have chapters or these verses are um have chapters or these verses are um have been meaningful to me and I think that been meaningful to me and I think that been meaningful to me and I think that they can like uh highlight a message for they can like uh highlight a message for they can like uh highlight a message for you.

you. you. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah, I've mentioned >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah, I've mentioned >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah, I've mentioned Isaiah 6, which is Isaiah's calling. Isaiah 6, which is Isaiah's calling. Isaiah 6, which is Isaiah's calling. >> Yeah. Oh, spend time there and then go >> Yeah. Oh, spend time there and then go >> Yeah. Oh, spend time there and then go read Revelation 4 where you see another read Revelation 4 where you see another read Revelation 4 where you see another heavenly throne room and just let heavenly throne room and just let heavenly throne room and just let there's something about letting God's there's something about letting God's there's something about letting God's word draw us up into this big view of word draw us up into this big view of word draw us up into this big view of God and it's the same with Isaiah 40. Um God and it's the same with Isaiah 40. Um God and it's the same with Isaiah 40. Um uh let me read my favorite verse and I uh let me read my favorite verse and I uh let me read my favorite verse and I just quoted it um or mentioned it just quoted it um or mentioned it just quoted it um or mentioned it earlier but but this is one that's been earlier but but this is one that's been earlier but but this is one that's been meaningful to me as I meaningful to me as I meaningful to me as I >> um I've shared in my writings and >> um I've shared in my writings and >> um I've shared in my writings and publicly you know I since I was 18 I'm publicly you know I since I was 18 I'm publicly you know I since I was 18 I'm 45 now been dealing with anxiety and 45 now been dealing with anxiety and 45 now been dealing with anxiety and depression and depression and depression and >> um >> um >> um I tell you I tell you I tell you Isaiah's been incredible Isaiah's been incredible Isaiah's been incredible through this journey of kind of pulling through this journey of kind of pulling through this journey of kind of pulling my eyes onto God, but also affirming my eyes onto God, but also affirming my eyes onto God, but also affirming God's nearness. And Isaiah 57:15 is my God's nearness. And Isaiah 57:15 is my God's nearness. And Isaiah 57:15 is my favorite verse. It says, "The high and favorite verse. It says, "The high and favorite verse. It says, "The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the lofty one who lives in eternity, the lofty one who lives in eternity, the holy one says this, holy one says this, holy one says this, I live in the high and holy place and I live in the high and holy place and I live in the high and holy place and with those whose spirits are contrite with those whose spirits are contrite with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.

and humble. and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the I restore the crushed spirit of the I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those humble and revive the courage of those humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts." And so this is with repentant hearts." And so this is with repentant hearts." And so this is >> a passage I read in the NLT and um >> a passage I read in the NLT and um >> a passage I read in the NLT and um that captures how God dwells yes in a that captures how God dwells yes in a that captures how God dwells yes in a high and holy place, but he also makes high and holy place, but he also makes high and holy place, but he also makes his home with us with a purpose of his home with us with a purpose of his home with us with a purpose of reviving us and and and renewing us and reviving us and and and renewing us and reviving us and and and renewing us and being near us. So I think that's a being near us. So I think that's a being near us. So I think that's a beautiful passage to spend uh time in um beautiful passage to spend uh time in um beautiful passage to spend uh time in um for people. And then I've also been for people. And then I've also been for people. And then I've also been extremely ministered to um through the extremely ministered to um through the extremely ministered to um through the Isaiah 52:13 Isaiah 52:13 Isaiah 52:13 uh to 53:12. That's the promise of the uh to 53:12. That's the promise of the uh to 53:12. That's the promise of the coming suffering servant. coming suffering servant. coming suffering servant. And there are are times in life where we And there are are times in life where we And there are are times in life where we might feel and experience rejection might feel and experience rejection might feel and experience rejection where we might feel an experience like where we might feel an experience like where we might feel an experience like we don't quite fit in this world or we don't quite fit in this world or we don't quite fit in this world or maybe some of us are dealing with maybe some of us are dealing with maybe some of us are dealing with disabilities or dealing with different disabilities or dealing with different disabilities or dealing with different challenges.

challenges. challenges. and to press in and meditate through a and to press in and meditate through a and to press in and meditate through a passage like this that describes the passage like this that describes the passage like this that describes the suffering servant as one who like people suffering servant as one who like people suffering servant as one who like people turned their faces away from turned their faces away from turned their faces away from >> as one who who didn't even look like a >> as one who who didn't even look like a >> as one who who didn't even look like a human. As one that people thought was so human. As one that people thought was so human. As one that people thought was so um just sick and sorrowful that he must um just sick and sorrowful that he must um just sick and sorrowful that he must be forsaken by God. be forsaken by God. be forsaken by God. And it just invites you into this is the And it just invites you into this is the And it just invites you into this is the same Lord same Lord same Lord Jesus who we can Jesus who we can Jesus who we can come to come to come to >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> and who experience this for us and who >> and who experience this for us and who >> and who experience this for us and who can relate to us and who we can who we can relate to us and who we can who we can relate to us and who we can who we can identify with. And so um that's can identify with. And so um that's can identify with. And so um that's another beautiful passage I'd mention. another beautiful passage I'd mention. another beautiful passage I'd mention. Well, I will say that all of those Well, I will say that all of those Well, I will say that all of those passages that you just mentioned, I have passages that you just mentioned, I have passages that you just mentioned, I have underlined in my own NLT. So, I will underlined in my own NLT. So, I will underlined in my own NLT. So, I will co-sign all of those as well.

co-sign all of those as well. co-sign all of those as well. >> Um, great. >> Um, great. >> Um, great. >> We always want to ask about these books >> We always want to ask about these books >> We always want to ask about these books as we're going through them if there are as we're going through them if there are as we're going through them if there are any sticky parts about the book. Is any sticky parts about the book. Is any sticky parts about the book. Is there anything that it's particularly there anything that it's particularly there anything that it's particularly confusing or troublesome to read or confusing or troublesome to read or confusing or troublesome to read or teach through that is worth uh making teach through that is worth uh making teach through that is worth uh making people aware of on the on the outset? people aware of on the on the outset? people aware of on the on the outset? >> Yeah. Well, I'd say for those of you >> Yeah. Well, I'd say for those of you >> Yeah. Well, I'd say for those of you who've never read Isaiah before, you're who've never read Isaiah before, you're who've never read Isaiah before, you're going to be really confused when you get going to be really confused when you get going to be really confused when you get to Isaiah 7:14. to Isaiah 7:14. to Isaiah 7:14. So, this is one of the most well-known So, this is one of the most well-known So, this is one of the most well-known passages because it's quoted in Matthew passages because it's quoted in Matthew passages because it's quoted in Matthew and where we have this promise that a and where we have this promise that a and where we have this promise that a virgin virgin virgin um um um um let's see how the NLT translated. It um let's see how the NLT translated. It um let's see how the NLT translated. It says, "Look, the virgin will conceive a says, "Look, the virgin will conceive a says, "Look, the virgin will conceive a child, shall give birth to a son, and child, shall give birth to a son, and child, shall give birth to a son, and will call him Emanuel." It's like read will call him Emanuel." It's like read will call him Emanuel." It's like read on its own. And it's like, yes, what a on its own. And it's like, yes, what a on its own. And it's like, yes, what a beautiful passage predicting Jesus fully beautiful passage predicting Jesus fully beautiful passage predicting Jesus fully God, fully human, being born. And then God, fully human, being born. And then God, fully human, being born. And then you read all of chapter 7 leading up to you read all of chapter 7 leading up to you read all of chapter 7 leading up to it and almost surprises you. Oh, wait.

it and almost surprises you. Oh, wait. it and almost surprises you. Oh, wait. This is where that promise is from This is where that promise is from This is where that promise is from because it's talking about a time when because it's talking about a time when because it's talking about a time when two nations um to the north, Israel and two nations um to the north, Israel and two nations um to the north, Israel and um modernday Syria area coming against um modernday Syria area coming against um modernday Syria area coming against Judah. And the pro the prophets telling Judah. And the pro the prophets telling Judah. And the pro the prophets telling Ahaz, hey, you got to trust in the Lord. Ahaz, hey, you got to trust in the Lord. Ahaz, hey, you got to trust in the Lord. You got to trust in the Lord. And as and You got to trust in the Lord. And as and You got to trust in the Lord. And as and Ahaz is like he's like, Ahaz, choose any Ahaz is like he's like, Ahaz, choose any Ahaz is like he's like, Ahaz, choose any sign you want for God to be able to sign you want for God to be able to sign you want for God to be able to prove to you that, you know, that it's prove to you that, you know, that it's prove to you that, you know, that it's going to be okay, that God's going to going to be okay, that God's going to going to be okay, that God's going to see you through an Az, oh no, I'm not see you through an Az, oh no, I'm not see you through an Az, oh no, I'm not going to ask God for a sign. You know, going to ask God for a sign. You know, going to ask God for a sign. You know, >> and that's just a lack of faith. When >> and that's just a lack of faith. When >> and that's just a lack of faith. When God gives you a chance to ask for a God gives you a chance to ask for a God gives you a chance to ask for a sign, you should ask for it, right? Um, sign, you should ask for it, right? Um, sign, you should ask for it, right? Um, so then Isaiah turns the table and said, so then Isaiah turns the table and said, so then Isaiah turns the table and said, "All right, then God will give you a "All right, then God will give you a "All right, then God will give you a sign. Here's the sign." And he then sign. Here's the sign." And he then sign. Here's the sign." And he then launches into, "Look, the virgin will launches into, "Look, the virgin will launches into, "Look, the virgin will conceive a child, give birth to a son, conceive a child, give birth to a son, conceive a child, give birth to a son, and we'll call him Emanuel, which means and we'll call him Emanuel, which means and we'll call him Emanuel, which means God with us. And by the time this God with us. And by the time this God with us. And by the time this child's old enough to choose the right child's old enough to choose the right child's old enough to choose the right and the wrong, reject what is wrong, and the wrong, reject what is wrong, and the wrong, reject what is wrong, he'll be eating yogurt and honey. For he'll be eating yogurt and honey. For he'll be eating yogurt and honey. For before the child is old, the two lands before the child is old, the two lands before the child is old, the two lands of these two kings you fear so much will of these two kings you fear so much will of these two kings you fear so much will be deserted. You're like, wait a minute.

be deserted. You're like, wait a minute. be deserted. You're like, wait a minute. What's this talking about? Right? This What's this talking about? Right? This What's this talking about? Right? This seems to be talking about a child now seems to be talking about a child now seems to be talking about a child now that was around Isaiah's time that was around Isaiah's time that was around Isaiah's time >> because it's going to be when these two >> because it's going to be when these two >> because it's going to be when these two nations that are threats are going to be nations that are threats are going to be nations that are threats are going to be deserted. And so let me just encourage deserted. And so let me just encourage deserted. And so let me just encourage you you you that that that I that the way that the New Testament I that the way that the New Testament I that the way that the New Testament authors were interpreting the Old authors were interpreting the Old authors were interpreting the Old Testament prophets Testament prophets Testament prophets is they could see things that God was up is they could see things that God was up is they could see things that God was up to back then to back then to back then >> and then say, "Whoa, and God's doing >> and then say, "Whoa, and God's doing >> and then say, "Whoa, and God's doing something even bigger to fill that up something even bigger to fill that up something even bigger to fill that up even more." Yeah. And so it's quite even more." Yeah. And so it's quite even more." Yeah. And so it's quite possible that there was a child that possible that there was a child that possible that there was a child that would be born around Isaiah's time and would be born around Isaiah's time and would be born around Isaiah's time and that by the time he was a couple years that by the time he was a couple years that by the time he was a couple years old, people were like, "That kid's a old, people were like, "That kid's a old, people were like, "That kid's a couple of years old and those nations couple of years old and those nations couple of years old and those nations are gone." Yes, Emmanuel, God was with are gone." Yes, Emmanuel, God was with are gone." Yes, Emmanuel, God was with us here. But then, you know, 800 years us here. But then, you know, 800 years us here. But then, you know, 800 years later, it's like God had more in mind.

later, it's like God had more in mind. later, it's like God had more in mind. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There was an actual virgin >> There was an actual virgin >> There was an actual virgin who gave birth to a child. God with us. who gave birth to a child. God with us. who gave birth to a child. God with us. This is incredible. So, just be alert This is incredible. So, just be alert This is incredible. So, just be alert that when you're reading things in the that when you're reading things in the that when you're reading things in the prophets that you know are quoted in the prophets that you know are quoted in the prophets that you know are quoted in the New Testament, think how how would this New Testament, think how how would this New Testament, think how how would this be understood originally? But then, how be understood originally? But then, how be understood originally? But then, how might God have been able to fill that up might God have been able to fill that up might God have been able to fill that up even more in a sense fulfill it in a way even more in a sense fulfill it in a way even more in a sense fulfill it in a way that that finds connection with Jesus? that that finds connection with Jesus? that that finds connection with Jesus? So that's just one tip I think to that So that's just one tip I think to that So that's just one tip I think to that may help as you encounter tricky may help as you encounter tricky may help as you encounter tricky passages that you're reading for the passages that you're reading for the passages that you're reading for the first time in the context of a book like first time in the context of a book like first time in the context of a book like Isaiah. Isaiah. Isaiah. >> No, that's helpful with the prophets. >> No, that's helpful with the prophets. >> No, that's helpful with the prophets. It's helpful to think of this phrase It's helpful to think of this phrase It's helpful to think of this phrase like yes, but also like yes, but also like yes, but also >> yes, but also in the New Testament, >> yes, but also in the New Testament, >> yes, but also in the New Testament, we'll also see more. we'll also see more. we'll also see more. >> It's going to come back for part two. >> It's going to come back for part two. >> It's going to come back for part two. >> Yeah, that's right. So, u as we start to >> Yeah, that's right. So, u as we start to >> Yeah, that's right. So, u as we start to wrap up our conversation today, Andy, I wrap up our conversation today, Andy, I wrap up our conversation today, Andy, I always like to to ask because you've always like to to ask because you've always like to to ask because you've spent so much time studying Isaiah.

spent so much time studying Isaiah. spent so much time studying Isaiah. You've written books on Isaiah. You're You've written books on Isaiah. You're You've written books on Isaiah. You're about to go teach more on Isaiah. I about to go teach more on Isaiah. I about to go teach more on Isaiah. I don't know how much we're allowed to don't know how much we're allowed to don't know how much we're allowed to talk about it, but you're doing some talk about it, but you're doing some talk about it, but you're doing some extra NLT work uh on Isaiah right now. extra NLT work uh on Isaiah right now. extra NLT work uh on Isaiah right now. So, um, what is something that you think So, um, what is something that you think So, um, what is something that you think everybody should know about Isaiah but everybody should know about Isaiah but everybody should know about Isaiah but probably doesn't? Um, probably doesn't? Um, probably doesn't? Um, well, I would say that what I I shared well, I would say that what I I shared well, I would say that what I I shared before before before is I what I think that people should is I what I think that people should is I what I think that people should know but but don't know but but don't know but but don't is is is this beautiful way that God's this beautiful way that God's this beautiful way that God's transcendence and imminence or his transcendence and imminence or his transcendence and imminence or his greatness and nearness greatness and nearness greatness and nearness are not mutually exclusive. are not mutually exclusive. are not mutually exclusive. >> Mhm. We have a God >> Mhm. We have a God >> Mhm. We have a God who can confront and call people out for who can confront and call people out for who can confront and call people out for sin sin sin >> and huddle up right near that sinner and >> and huddle up right near that sinner and >> and huddle up right near that sinner and bring them and say your sins can be bring them and say your sins can be bring them and say your sins can be white as snow though. you know, we so I white as snow though. you know, we so I white as snow though. you know, we so I I think that I would just impress upon I think that I would just impress upon I think that I would just impress upon us that uh sometime I once was preaching us that uh sometime I once was preaching us that uh sometime I once was preaching um from Isaiah and there at this church um from Isaiah and there at this church um from Isaiah and there at this church and the woman I knew, older woman who in and the woman I knew, older woman who in and the woman I knew, older woman who in a reformed like Anglican church was like a reformed like Anglican church was like a reformed like Anglican church was like would raise her hand. She was like that would raise her hand. She was like that would raise her hand. She was like that one charismatic lady, you know, and she one charismatic lady, you know, and she one charismatic lady, you know, and she comes up to me after the sermon and she comes up to me after the sermon and she comes up to me after the sermon and she says, "You know, Andy, I I just have to

says, "You know, Andy, I I just have to says, "You know, Andy, I I just have to say I tend to think of God as my friend, say I tend to think of God as my friend, say I tend to think of God as my friend, but I need to also see him as the holy but I need to also see him as the holy but I need to also see him as the holy king while still holding on to Isaiah's king while still holding on to Isaiah's king while still holding on to Isaiah's friend." friend." friend." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so, I think some of us drift into >> And so, I think some of us drift into >> And so, I think some of us drift into that nearness camp. that nearness camp. that nearness camp. >> It's usually one way or the other. Yeah. >> It's usually one way or the other. Yeah. >> It's usually one way or the other. Yeah. And then some drift into this, well, God And then some drift into this, well, God And then some drift into this, well, God is just so other and we're we're is just so other and we're we're is just so other and we're we're petrified and terrified, petrified and terrified, petrified and terrified, but it's like in Isaiah and really but it's like in Isaiah and really but it's like in Isaiah and really throughout scripture, throughout scripture, throughout scripture, oh, we need that full orb to diet of the oh, we need that full orb to diet of the oh, we need that full orb to diet of the entire person of who our God is. So that entire person of who our God is. So that entire person of who our God is. So that that would be I think one thing at least that would be I think one thing at least that would be I think one thing at least I would hope that that people are I would hope that that people are I would hope that that people are probably not as alert to when they're probably not as alert to when they're probably not as alert to when they're heading into Isaiah that I think could heading into Isaiah that I think could heading into Isaiah that I think could really benefit them as they're they're really benefit them as they're they're really benefit them as they're they're reading through the book. reading through the book. reading through the book. >> Yeah. It's like that old adage, >> Yeah. It's like that old adage, >> Yeah. It's like that old adage, God is the king, but he's also your God is the king, but he's also your God is the king, but he's also your father. So if you try to think of your father. So if you try to think of your father. So if you try to think of your dad as the king, dad as the king, dad as the king, >> you have that proximity, that nearness, >> you have that proximity, that nearness, >> you have that proximity, that nearness, that relationship, that relationship, that relationship, >> but he's also like the >> but he's also like the >> but he's also like the >> the most powerful person around in this >> the most powerful person around in this >> the most powerful person around in this case, you know, the king of everything.

case, you know, the king of everything. case, you know, the king of everything. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So true. Andy, thank you so much for >> So true. Andy, thank you so much for >> So true. Andy, thank you so much for helping us navigate the book of Isaiah. helping us navigate the book of Isaiah. helping us navigate the book of Isaiah. Really appreciate it. Would you mind Really appreciate it. Would you mind Really appreciate it. Would you mind closing us out uh by praying for people closing us out uh by praying for people closing us out uh by praying for people as they maybe they've never read Isaiah as they maybe they've never read Isaiah as they maybe they've never read Isaiah before, maybe uh they have, but they before, maybe uh they have, but they before, maybe uh they have, but they want to dive back into it now with a want to dive back into it now with a want to dive back into it now with a renewed vision for it. Um I would renewed vision for it. Um I would renewed vision for it. Um I would appreciate you you closing us out with appreciate you you closing us out with appreciate you you closing us out with that. that. that. >> Yeah, we'll do. >> Yeah, we'll do. >> Yeah, we'll do. Oh, Father, we thank you that you are a Oh, Father, we thank you that you are a Oh, Father, we thank you that you are a God that wants to speak, God that wants to speak, God that wants to speak, that you're a God who wants us to know that you're a God who wants us to know that you're a God who wants us to know you. We thank you, God, that we can trust We thank you, God, that we can trust that as we read your word, as all these that as we read your word, as all these that as we read your word, as all these listeners listeners listeners try to read your word, Lord, they just try to read your word, Lord, they just try to read your word, Lord, they just want to know you through it. And as they want to know you through it. And as they want to know you through it. And as they encounter those parts of your word in encounter those parts of your word in encounter those parts of your word in Isaiah that may seem confusing, Isaiah that may seem confusing, Isaiah that may seem confusing, Lord, would you draw them near to Lord, would you draw them near to Lord, would you draw them near to yourself yourself yourself as they encounter those passages that as they encounter those passages that as they encounter those passages that confront them for sin?

confront them for sin? confront them for sin? Would you send your spirit to Would you send your spirit to Would you send your spirit to illuminate? Help them see illuminate? Help them see illuminate? Help them see that sin and also help them be drawn to that sin and also help them be drawn to that sin and also help them be drawn to know the forgiveness they have in know the forgiveness they have in know the forgiveness they have in Christ. Christ. Christ. Help them, those who are discouraged to Help them, those who are discouraged to Help them, those who are discouraged to receive the hope you have for them in receive the hope you have for them in receive the hope you have for them in this word. this word. this word. Pray for believers that they would see Pray for believers that they would see Pray for believers that they would see how richly your word has found how richly your word has found how richly your word has found fulfillment in Jesus. fulfillment in Jesus. fulfillment in Jesus. Pray for those who aren't believers and Pray for those who aren't believers and Pray for those who aren't believers and are just going to check out your word. are just going to check out your word. are just going to check out your word. God, would you impress upon them who you God, would you impress upon them who you God, would you impress upon them who you are and your great desire for them to are and your great desire for them to are and your great desire for them to know this big redemptive story? know this big redemptive story? know this big redemptive story? And so I pray you'd bless these And so I pray you'd bless these And so I pray you'd bless these listeners in Jesus' name. Amen.