THE GOSPEL OF ISAIAH

The Book of Isaiah is a miniature Bible. It has 66 chapters and the Bible has 66 Books. Isaiah is divided into two parts, so different that scholars have concluded there must have been two Isaiahs. The Bible is also divided into two parts.

There are 39 chapters in the first part of Isaiah, corresponding to the 39 books of the Old Testament; 27 chapter in the latter part of Isaiah, corresponding to the 27 books of the New Testament.

The first 39 chapter of Isaiah speak of sin, condemnation, judgment and restoration and the OT speaks of sin, condemnation, judgment and restoration. The latter part of Isaiah speaks of redemption, the redeemed and the Redeemer. The NT also speaks of redemption, the redeemed and the Redeemer.

Now, if there are 27 chapter in the latter part of Isaiah, that means there is a central chapter (an odd number always indicated a central number) and that is the 53rd. Christ and His work occupy the central place in the latter part of Isaiah and Christ and Him crucified occupies the central place in the New Testament. The latter part of Isaiah starts with a voice crying in the wilderness (chpt.40); and the NT starts with a voice crying in the wilderness (John the Baptist).

In the latter part of Isaiah there are two chapters starting with the word "who:" the 53rd and 63rd. The 53rd is all about Christ's first coming and what He came to do; the 63rd is all about His second coming and what He is coming to do: to judge. The New Testament likewise tells of Messiah's first coming as Redeemer and later He explains His coming to judge the earth.

There are two chapter starting with the letter "C," the 40th and the 58th. The 40th chapter and verse 1 starts, "Comfort, comfort, my people, says your God." The 58th chapter and verse 1 states, "Shout it loud, do not hold back, raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins." Thus, Scripture is both a comfort and encouragement to those who diligently seek Him and a warning of wrath to come for those who neglect so great a salvation.

THE VALLEY OF DEATH

Cliff was in a comma! The tubes throughout his body gave evidence that cancer was claiming his life. The family knew it was only a matter of time!

As a boy, Cliff had attended our Sunday School. But Christ was not a part of his growing up years. Later, his job, family and sports took up most of his time. Then cancer struck! Surgery, radiation and chemo did little to stop its progress.

When I got the call to see him , I felt helpless! While driving to his bedside I prayed for an opportunity to share Christ. Miraculously, he awoke! I explained God's plan of salvation. While doubting God's mercy so late in life, I told him of the penitent thief crucified beside Jesus who cried: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" and He answered, "today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).

After inviting Christ into his life, an unspeakable radiance and peace came over him. Later that night, he went to be with Lord and his memorial service was one of celebration and victory.

If there is any doubt you are outside of God's mercy, His promise is the same to you as it was to that thief on the cross. His promise is guaranteed! But you must decide before you walk through the valley of death.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT -- Matt.5:4

I'll never forget the day my dentist, looking at the x-ray, told me a tooth needed to come out! I had waited too long! The pain forced me to take action! When we truly understand our spiritual poverty (v.3) and its damage, deep conviction should lead us to mourn. Jesus states in verse 4, "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." To mourn is to be aware of our sinful nature in the light of His sinless Nature. God is grieved when we avoid the prognosis of our sin by excusing or minimizing our sinful behavior. That's why we tend to equate happiness with outward success, riches, being famous and popular or involved in activities that show us off as better than others. But listen to God's assessment of our true nature. It is revealing! "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Rom.3:10), and it is because "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isa.54:6) in God's sight. Discipleship involves sorrow for sin and repudiation of this world's system of measurement. That's why we are called strangers; unwelcome guests of this world.

What a relief after I allowed the dentist to take care of my tooth! Likewise, when we respond to God's prognosis and obey Him, we "will be comforted" and real joy will result. When we acknowledge our sin, true mourning leads to repentance. That is an important second step to authentic discipleship.