The Teachings of Isaiah and Their Relevance to the Contemporary Reader Essay Example for Free

The Teachings of Isaiah and Their Relevance to the Contemporary Reader EssayIsaiah, 30. 21 Isaiah (meaning the passkey saves) was a prophet who lived in Jerusalem about 2700 years ago and is considered sensation of the greatest figures in the prophetic series (Blunt 1953 49). Little information is known Isaiah the man, and what information exists is often contradictory or ambiguous. What Charpentier (1982) gathers from his writing is that he had a wife (known as the prophetess) and three children.Isaiahs most famous prophecy was that of the birth of the Nazarene when he wrote, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 714) but his other writings are also often received with being some of the most accurate of all the prophets. So prominent is the reality that those who preserved a knowledge concerning Isaiah have done so with a sole interest in his pith surely stresses its importance to the contemporary reader. Due to its geog raphical location between the strong nations of the Egyptians, Persians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans and Assyrians it was rare to have a time when Canaan was non under attack.What is much, after the death of Solomon the kingdom was divided in two, with Israel to the North and Judah to the south remaining under the rule of David. In 721 BC Assyria invaded from the north and conquered the northern capital Samaria. Therefore when Isaiah under in additionk his ministry in 736 BC, the year that Uzziah died, the north and south were divided, and soon after, the northern kingdom was in turmoil (Charpentier, 198220). It has been contend by many scholars (Clements Heaton)that the book of Isaiah has in occurrence been written by more than one person.This is due to the variations in writing style, tone throughout the book. Furthermore, at different parts of the book, the political situation Isaiah refers to seems to change, some information coming from a time after he was thought to have ended his ministry. several(prenominal) claim that the book is merely a collection of teachings from numerous writers, but it is generally accepted that there were three main authors, due to the trio of delineate preaching styles evident in the book.The author of the first section is known as Isaiah of Jerusalem in which the prophet denounces Israels prejudice and foolish trust in rituals, and he calls the people to repent. The second section, by Deutero-Isaiah is thought to encompass chapters 40-55 and refers to the time Isaiahs people spent in exile in the sixth ampere-second BC. This period is after Isaiah had allegedly finished his ministry. The final section of the book spans the entire period from Isaiahs call to ministry, to the return to Jerusalem after exile.Whilst these differences digest substantial evidence against a sole author, it must be noted that there are similarities throughout the book. Phrases are repeated and certain prophecies refer to messages in other pr ophecies. Therefore, the existence of more than one author can be seen as an advantage as wider time-frame has been c all overed, and yet the teaching has remained constant by auditory modality to Gods message you will receive his saving mercy. Judgement and redemption (Clements, 1980 17) are the core themes of Isaiah, but the manner in which this message is conveyed varies throughout. The chapters down the stairs outline the key focuses of Isaiahs teachings and their relevance for directly. The opening chapter serves to introduce Isaiahs prophecies in an open and direct manner. From the very outset the tone is one of disappointment and anger as he presents the message from God, I have nourished and brought up my children and they have rebelled against me (Isaiah 12).Isaiah, who was a strong supporter in the Davidic dynasty, apply the term Yahweh (meaning God of Israel) throughout his writing, to convey the strength of his belief that Israel as a whole nation was Gods chosen pe ople and so should not be divided. In this chapter he expresses his disgust at the division between North and South, and at King Ahazs acceptance of allegiance with Assyria at the expense of the Northern kingdom Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire your land, strangers devour it in your front man. (Isaiah 17).To him this signified movement away from their duty as the chosen people and thus deserted God. He condemns the peoples hedonistic acts such as corruption, excessive amounts of festivals and, vain oblations (Isaiah 113). What is more he warned that if the people did not change their ways, God would turn away from them and, when ye make your prayers I will not hear them (Isaiah 115).However, Isaiah made clear that not all was lost, and stressed that if they did repent, the people would receive forgiveness and though their sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (Isaiah 118). In brusk this chapter allows Isaiah to show the people the error of their ways and explain their need to repent. Just as the people of Judah and strayed from Gods message and become preoccupied with material ventures, todays society is full of materialistic desires that can consume ones attentions. Isaiahs message is relevant to the contemporary reader in the sense that attending Church and participating in religious festivals is often viewed by todays society as adequate in affirming ones faith.However, it is the living out of Gods message daily that pleases God, such as helping others without the expectation of thanks, having an open mind and keeping lawful to your Christian values, especially when it is most difficult. In Chapter 6 Isaiah reveals how he was called to his ministry through a vivid vision of God. As this is the point when Isaiah is sent by God, his committee is clearly stated that he must go to the people and make them understand Gods message so that they could convert and be corned (Isaiah 610).What is significant about this ch apter is the tone of awe and wonder with which Isaiah speaks of God. This vision was sufficient to sustain him through the rest of his ministry, even when the people repeatedly refused to listen, as God knew they would. The strength of Isaiahs faith should provide inspiration to any reader, contemporary or otherwise. Indeed this passage has inspired the prayer Holy, Holy, Holy Lord and hymn Here I am Lord for this very reason. As in chapter one, this chapter re-iterates the warning that judgement day will come and those who have not repented shall be punished.This passage further prophesises that there will be a great forsaking in the midst of the land but that it the people shall return (Isaiah 612-13). This refers to half a century the people would spend in exile before returning to Jerusalem late into the 5th Century BC. Today, due to proficient and scientific advancements it has become more and more difficult to impress us as a society, but here Isaiahs awe at the presence of G od should remind us of the awesome power that one can barely begin to fathom.This teaching reminds one that it is not necessary to see to imagine but that one should keep an open mind and heart to receive Gods message. What is more, just as when Isaiah was called he answered by taking action, todays society is called too and each individuals actions can contribute to the attainment of a common goal, whether that be ending world poverty, caring for the environment or achieving world peace. Chapter 41, whilst allegedly from a different author continues Isaiahs message with a noticeable change in tone.This can largely be attributed to the position that at the time, the people of Jerusalem were in exile and thus the tone is one of comfort and reassurance. The God portrayed in this passage one of lenity and mercy, as the people are assured that I have chosen thee and not cast thee away (Isaiah 419). The people are given commit as Isaiah tells them that God knows the future will bode well for the Israelites Fear thy not for I am thy God I will strengthen thee. (Isaiah 4110) This chapter also foretells the coming of the hero Cyrus who would free the Israelites by defeating Babylon.Today the contemporary reader can gain a sense of reassurance from this text that it is never too late to turn back to God and that regardless of past sins true repentance will allow one to experience the saving mercy of God. What is more it teaches us that God knows what is to come and we must have faith to trust in him, even if sometimes it is difficult to understand how his mercy works. Regardless of arguments over the contributions of authors other than Isaiah to the writing of this book, I believe the message of Isaiahs teachings (which are constant throughout the book) can be of value to contemporary readers.In fact the large time-span covered by the writings can only serve as advantageous as it allows us to see a people who in a time of relative peace had strayed from Gods messa ge distracted by materialistic desires, then a people punished and in despair, but in the end a people with a hopeful future. This range of situations allows us to see Gods work from various angles, whilst the message of his saving mercy remains ever-prevailing. Such a message will remain of value to Christians throughout the centuries.