The first part of Isaiah (chapters 1-39) is a call to repentance. Only through repentance can we stand in the presence of the all-holy God. This call was not heard, and as a result, the Israelites were destroyed as a nation and sent into exile in Babylon. The second part of the book (40-66) is a prophecy of restoration. Yet how can a dead nation come to life? How can a scattered and defeated nation be restored? How can sin be atoned for? How can God be just without destroying us? The answer to life's questions is: Emmanuel (God with us), the Messiah. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, is the only One Who can save us.

Key word    HOLY
 
Key verse    "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!" —6:3
 
Command verse    "A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!" —40:3
 
Promise verse    "In days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: 'Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His paths.' " —2:2-3
 
Difficult verse    "But the Lord was pleased to crush Him in infirmity." —53:10
 
Surprise verse    "Lo, the Lord empties the land and lays it waste; He turns it upside down, scattering its inhabitants." —24:1
 
Prayer: Holy Father, may I repent before I send myself into exile away from Your presence. Jesus, I accept Your salvation.