Editor, Times-Union: Since 9/11 our world has focused on the Middle East. Awakening about 4 this morning I came to my study and began reading the last eight chapters of Isaiah. (This is unusual for me, but I continued for some time, even though the New Testament is my preference.) It fascinated me, so I just kept on reading, wondering why I started there and no idea it would be a review of what our world had watched on TV for the last several days.
Chapter 58 starts with a scathing of Israel for her sins, reminding them that it was “against their God” Jacob was sinning (verse 1 f.) and not just other nations. “Fairness has gone away and goodness is nowhere to be found.” (Isaiah 59:9). God’s corrective judgements were sure to follow. The rest of Isaiah’s book eloquently relates not only how sin against God brings trouble and judgements, but the blessings and superb joy and freedom repentance will bring to Israel. (And anyone or any nation in any age we might add who will turn to the one true and living God).
If you have not read the last seven chapters of Isaiah lately, I challenge you to do it. It may surprise you that the Bible is, at times, a very “up to date” book.
