Tuesday, March 24 2009
ISAIAH 1
As we start on the book of Isaiah, let us understand the role of a prophet. A prophet is a representative of God who speaks of God’s divine Word.
Deuteronomy 18:20 “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”
The prophet has an awesome responsibility of speaking the Word of God and if he does not, he shall be punished even by death in the hands of an angry God. The equivalent of a prophet in the New Testament is that of a pastor. He must also be careful of what he preaches because God’s punishment shall be upon him if he does not preach the Word.
Titus 1:7-9 “For a bishop ... Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
As pastors, let us pray that God gives us the wisdom and truth to preach the Word. As Christians, let us pray for our pastors that they preach the Word in truth and wisdom.
1. He Pronounces Judgment
Isaiah 1:2-3 “... they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.”
The prophet Isaiah pronounced the rebellion, wickedness and hypocrisy of the people of God. It is not easy for the pastors to pronounce God’s judgment upon the people but they have to even if they are the most unpopular leaders in the world.
2. He Invites Repentance
Isaiah 1:16-19 “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; ... Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:”
The prophet invited the people on God’s behalf to get right with God. There is no sin too wicked and evil that God cannot forgive. God forgives all sins if only we repent.
3. He Gives Hope
Isaiah 1:26 “And I will restore thy judges as at the first, ... thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
The prophet showed the people that there is hope and righteousness in God in this hopeless and wicked world if only they trust and obey Him.
Food for Thought
A holy preacher who is skillful in the Word is the best weapon of God.
