A Question about Isaiah

The topic for this week's blog comes from a question from the readings of the Bible in 90 days program. As always, if you have any questions about theology or Scripture, send them to me and I will address them in future posts.

 

I have the Concordia Self-Study Bible and so I have those helpful introductions to read.  So, I am reading Isaiah and in the very beginning is says "The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah Son of Amoz saw . . ."

 

So my confusion is this, I am just now at Chapter 4 and I have been asking myself the following . . .

 

All the condemnation that I am reading about . . . is this still the vision that Isaiah is talking about, or has this already happened?  Furthermore, it was a vision can one suppose that Isaiah is talking about the vision he had (as in past tense) or are we reading it as though it was "freshly occurring".

 

The main question I have is, at this point in Isaiah, am I reading prophecies, or am I reading what has already happened?  (You know it shouldn't surprise me that I have these questions when I read when I am tired!!!)

 

 

Are you reading prophecies or are you reading what has already happened? The answer is yes. Don't you love those good Lutheran answers? So let me explain what is going on.

 

1. What you are reading is something that was, in some cases, spoken or received before they happened, and then written down latter.
   
2. You are reading some things that have a meaning for the current time and place, but also pointed to something in the future. So when we are told that the virgin will conceive and give birth we are reading about a short period of time in that specific time and local, and at the same time a prophecy about the birth of Jesus.
   
3. You are reading some things that promise a future that has not yet happened. So when we read about the wolf lying down with the lamb.
   

 

So what does this mean, or how do you keep this straight? Well, for starters don't lose sight of what the words are actually saying. Context is indeed important. You can't sell that short. But don't, miss the words for the sake of the context. What is God saying? What is important to God? Where do these verses intersect with my life? If a place is being condemned, why? If promises are being made, what are they?

 

You get the idea. Isaiah is one of the greatest books of the Hebrew Scriptures. You don't want to miss too much of it.

 

I hope that helps. If you need more clarification, let me know.

 

I cannot understate how blessed we are to be able to freely read and study and discuss God's word like this. I pray that for all of you who read this blog, whether or not you are doing the Bible in 90 Days program, that your time in God's word is a source of strength and blessing to you now and always.

Sincerely,

Pastor CJ