The prophet Isaiah’s ministry in Judah and Jerusalem spanned several decades during a tumultuous time in world history. The rise of Assyria as a dominant empire brought great trouble to the people of God in the southern kingdom. As Isaiah preached during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, he urged the kings and the people alike to put their trust in the LORD rather than foreign alliances. The negative example of Ahaz contrasted with the positive example of Hezekiah shows the wisdom of Isaiah’s preaching: idolatry is foolish, for the Holy One of Israel alone reigns as King. Time and time again, Isaiah points us to the reality that the LORD is faithful to keep His promises, and He has done that through our Immanuel, the shoot from the stump of Jesse, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to introduce Isaiah 1-39.
“The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever and ever!
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.
