Bible Challenge: Isaiah

This week we get the end of Second Isaiah.

This week's section contains the First Servant Song - This is Isaiah 49:1-6; 50:4-11; and 52:13-53:12.

These pieces of poetry have come to be seen as prophecies of the Messiah.  When they were first written the assumption of the people was that they referred to someone already alive in Israel at that time.  Someone who would lead the people into becoming the nation that God wanted them to be.

In the 300 years between the time that this was written and the coming of Jesus they had come to be read as telling the nation what the Messiah would be and do.

In the Christian era they have come to be read as prophecies of Jesus.

As we move through this section we find directions to the nation of Israel and reminders to them that God is on their side and will help them against their enemies.  We also hear about the blessings that are in store for God's people and we end this week's readings with the second Servant Song and the promise of the abundant life that God wishes for his people.

Much of this week's section will be familiar - we hear it during Advent as we prepare for the return of Christ and often in funerals as we remind ourselves of the promises of God.