Tonight, I get to start a short series of lessons that are supposed to introduce and overview the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. I have only a few weeks (from now till the end of August) so my main challenge is to provide coverage without superficiality. Hard to do.
Here’s how we’re starting out . . .
Because they tell the story of the one true God, the two testaments of the Christian Bible are closely related to one another. Over 250 times, the New Testament explicitly quotes or cites what we call the Old Testament. In some instances, knowledge of the Old is expected in the New. Jesus once said, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Paul speaks of “Christ, our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
But in addition to serving as “background reading,” for the New, the Old Testament reveals the eternal character and nature of God. And several New Testament passages address the question of the place of the Old in the life of the church:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture, including the Old Testament (in fact, the referent in this passage) is the inspired Word of God and is, therefore useful for Christians.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Some stories of the Old Testament serve as warnings for God’s people today.
Romans 15:1-4
The encouragement that grows out of the Old Testament story provides Christians with hope.
I got to teach a Sunday school class on Isaiah a few years ago. I really came to appreciate the book I had avoided in the past.
ReplyDeleteI really came to respect Isaiah and his selfless service in a calling that was predestined to fail.
I also like the complex images of God and Christ presented in Isaiah. My favorite is from Is. 40:10-11
Look at him! GOD, the Master, comes in power, ready to go into action. He is going to pay back his enemies and reward those who have loved him. Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, Hugging them as he carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.
(The Message)
What a juxtaposition of characteristics.