The Church of God in Texas

The book of Isaiah is one of the more emotive and passionate books in the Bible. In it, we find vivid descriptions of heavenly creatures (ch. 6), scathing attacks upon the ungodliness of a generation (ch. 1), and insightful assessments of the spiritual condition of the nation (ch. 29). We also discover profound moments of hope: as in the promised advent of the one named Immanuel (ch. 7), the hope of a righteous kingdom restored (ch. 32), and the tender protrait of God's concern for his people (ch. 40).

My favorite section of the book, however, is the last chapter, and more specifically, the last few verses. By way of context, Isaiah had served faithfully for over 50 years. He came to his position at the height of Judean prosperity and he ended his ministry as the prophet of a broken nation. Even so, when things couldn't appear bleaker, God speaks through Isaiah to this downcast and downtrodden nation reminding them that the nation would rise again. Moreover, some of those who survived the devastation would be sent on mission from Judah to the nations of the world to "proclaim my glory among the nations" (66:18). He tells them their name and descendants will endure (66:22). Nothing could hinder the perfect plan of God.

One lesson I take from this is that in the midst of a crisis of unfathomable proportions, God isn't content to just provide comfort, but he also wants to restore vision. (Consider verses 66:19-22 as a vision statement). Why? How is the vision of a preferred future so powerful? I think vision is powerful in this way: hope comes as we believe a better thing awaits us; vision is the picture of this better thing.

So, pastor (leader), if your church is facing its own dark day, the God-given vision (picture) of a better future can help sustain your ministry. This God-drawn picture of a better future can also propel your people to renewed service. Maybe this is the message from Isaiah: we are suffering today, but tomorrow God will do better things. The nation of Judah needed the prophet Isaiah like one needs a cool drink of water in a parched desert. Your church needs you today--more than ever! So speak, pastor, speak.