The plans today were to continue with “Why Do People Reject Jesus.” By looking at the Crucifixion, we can see four kinds of people: (1) The Pharisees -Religious people (2) Pilate (3) the angry mob/crowd (4) The Roman soldiers. We can make our plans, but the Lord’s plans always prevail. Earlier I started reading the book of Isaiah. My Study Bible gives a summary and also gives me themes of this book, and it dawned on me to write a little something about the book of Isaiah.
A Prophet is defined as someone who God anoints to be His mouthpiece; whether speaking words of encouragement or confronting people with the commands and promises of God. Because of their confrontational stance and speaking words of repentance that people usually didn’t want to hear, prophets were not very popular. Some agreed with their message, nodding their heads and weeping; but most became angry, shouting threats and insults.
Isaiah is generally considered to be the greatest prophet. He was well liked in the beginning of his ministry. But as in the life of a prophet, people despised him because the messages he delivered were difficult to hear. This makes me think of something we all know, or should know… When God calls you to do something, that’s when the opposition starts-that’s when you develop a target on your back. But let me be an encouragement… We need to only put out the truth. It will be rejected. It has always been rejected. They rejected Jesus. They will reject you.
There is a blueprint for the book of Isaiah: chapters 1-39 carry the message of judgment for sin. Isaiah brings the message of judgment to Judah, and the surrounding pagan nations. The people of Judah had a form of godliness, but in their hearts they were corrupt.
And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote (their worship is a farce).” Isaiah 29: 13
However, they ignored the repeated warnings that Isaiah brought. The 27 chapters in the second half of Isaiah generally bring a message of forgiveness, comfort, and hope. Isaiah speaks more about the Messiah than any other Old Testament prophet. He describes the Messiah as both a suffering Servant and a sovereign Lord. This could not be understood clearly until New Testament times. Based on what Jesus Christ has done, God freely offers forgiveness to all who turn to Him in faith. This is God’s message of comfort to us because those who heed it find eternal peace and fellowship with Him.
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7 thoughts and/or comments:
you are so right. Since Jesus was rejected, we will be rejected. I have learned to not take it personally, because they are only rejecting Christ in me.
Developing a tough skin is essential in ministry, but it still gets poked every once in a while.
Blessings
Hi Yvette, I was praying about this same thing last night (actually these were from a friend's email), and yeah, you're right...we try not to take the rejection personal but it still hurts sometimes:) Thanks. Blessings!
Good Commentary Lori these are my thoughts on the book as well there were 3 Isiahs
Isaiah-1: This Isaiah, son of Amoz, who wrote and preached during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Like Jesus Christ, he clearly recognized some serious problems with the teachings and practices of the (Levite) religious establishment of his day, and he wasn't afraid to focus public attention on those problems.
Isaiah-2: This "Isaiah" evidently experienced the fall of Judea, became and exile in Babylon, and may have lived to see the fall of Babylon as well. Like his predecessor, his view of God was strongly monotheistic, but his views and teachings were tainted considerably by a less-than-godly desire to see vengeance wrought upon the past and present "enemies" of Judea. He may even have been the author of vengeful Psalm 137.
Isaiah-3. This post-exile "Isaiah" represents one or more persons who evidently worked as scribes under the rule of Ezra and Nehemiah. Their writings indicate that they seriously disagreed with the Levite-like teachings of Ezra and Nehemiah (including their claims about representing God). Their most prominent (and un-Levite-like) theme was that anyone can communicate with God directly (in effect by following God's two most fundamental commandments) without a need for a Levite priest to act as an intermediary.
I love your blog
Wow Anonymous, you did your homework!
Thanks so much for your thoughts. I
never really thought about Isaiah having three characteristics (or persons). You taught me. Thanks for your comment.
God bless!
Hi Lori! Happy Thanksgiving!
The book of Isaiah is one of my favorite OT books (along with Job, Ecclesiastes, and Psalms). Every time I read Isaiah (and other prophetic books), I am amazed at just how clearly they point to Christ. Isaiah 53 grabs my heart and makes me cry.
by His stripes, we are healed!
God Bless Lori, praying you and Michael have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hey Scott, I love the book of Isaiah too. I think Jeremiah is probably my favorite. But yes, Isaia has the most prophecy about Jesus. Thans for your comment...going over to your blog! Blessings!
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