Then I heard a quiet whisper in my heart, “Meet Me in Isaiah.”
Throughout the books of the Old Testament, God promised to send a messiah to rescue His people from oppression. A clear description of this messiah and His suffering and rejection, is found in the book of Isaiah, written around 700 years before Jesus came to earth. If you are not already familiar with the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, you might mistake it for a passage from the New Testament!
As believer for the last four decades, it is not hard for me to recognize the Jewish messianic prophecies as pointing to Jesus. I am equally aware of the distinct advantage of having read the end of the story before the beginning. My earliest memories include my mother reading stories about Jesus to me. As a teen and now an adult, I have read God’s Word for myself and enjoy the resulting peace and joy that can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As one who cannot remember a time without Jesus in my life, I have always been fascinated with stories of individuals who met Him for the first time in their adult years. Last year, upon the recommendation of a friend, I began watching the “One for Israel” testimonies on YouTube. I was captivated by stories, told by Jewish people who found Jesus as adults. Many of them were stunned to discover Jesus on the pages of their own Jewish Scriptures. Several relaying that while reading Isaiah 53, they suddenly found Jesus, their long-waited messiah, in their own Jewish scriptures! As I found myself unexpectedly crying while watching these testimonies, I was reminded of some dreams I had just months before.
After having a few dreams about reading the book of Isaiah with Jewish friends, I awoke one night puzzled. Trying to make sense of it all and still half-asleep, I thought to myself, “We all meet in Isaiah? Meet me in Isaiah?” Then, I heard a quiet whisper in my heart, “Meet Me in Isaiah.” Jesus is inviting us all to meet Him on the pages written by the Jewish prophet Isaiah. Those of us who have believed in Jesus for many years will find our faith strengthened as we see the reliability of His Word, as evidenced in suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
If you are not already a believer in Jesus, then consider asking God a brave question: “Is Jesus the Messiah or should I look for another?” It’s the same question that John the Baptist asked in the New Testament (Matthew 11:3). Jesus answered John by using words prophesied about Him in Isaiah (61:1-3).
God will not condemn you for asking the question. In fact, He will answer you in a way that you can understand. If you are searching, feel lost, or just have some doubts, then be comforted to know that He will reveal Himself to you as He promised to those who seek Him. Each person’s encounter with Jesus is different, but equally miraculous. I trust that you will be found by the Good Shepherd Who is waiting for you with open arms.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – everyone – to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6 (ESV)
Episode 31: Meet Your Messiah – Rest for the Weary – Meet Me in Isaiah
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Such insight Thank you Marnie
Aunt June
Thank you, Aunt June! You are always so encouraging!