Balance of Power – Isaiah 1:1

He preached to live audiences of 210 million people in more than 185 countries. He was a spiritual adviser to U.S. presidents, from Harry S. Truman (33rd) to Barack Obama (44th). It is believed that more than 3.2 million people have responded to his invitation to accept Jesus Christ as personal savior. It is hard to imagine a more significant Christian leader in the 20th Century than Billy Graham.

And though there wasn’t the same opportunity for communication on that level in his day, Isaiah the prophet was very similar to Billy Graham.

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.  (Isaiah 1:1 ESV)

This introduction to the book of Isaiah shows us something of the extent of Isaiah’s ministry and influence. In the nation of Israel God provided a kind of balance of power by the creation of three leadership tiers: king, priest and prophet. The prophet was often called upon by God to speak to power. Isaiah was no different, and he served in that role over a period of around 59 years.

We don’t know much about Isaiah personally. Jewish tradition says his father Amoz was a brother of Judah’s king Amaziah, which means Isaiah was a part of the royal family. But his calling was as a prophet, as explained in Isaiah 6. He was married and God used his children as signs to Israel (chapters 7 and 8). Beyond that we know nothing, unless we accept the other tradition about Isaiah, that he was martyred by being sawn in two at the command of king Manasseh, something the author of Hebrews might be alluding to in Hebrews 11:37.

What is most astounding about Isaiah is the breadth and scope of his prophecies. No other Old Testament prophet has so clearly and powerfully spoken of the coming Messiah, or made more blistering critiques of Israel’s godlessness, or offered such hope for repentant sinners and Israel as a nation. His prophecies are a feast for the believer’s soul.

What would you do if you were an advisor to four U. S. presidents in a row, with longer tenure than 4 or 8 years, and you saw your country, under their leadership, move away from its guiding principles?  Israel had moved away from God’s principles for her peace and righteousness and God called Isaiah, among others, to prophesy at the highest level of leadership.  His message was not a popular one, so this took great courage based in great trust in Yahweh.

Who has God called you to speak to?

Discussion Questions

1. Who is the most famous political person you have met?
2. What do you imagine it would be like to be a prophet in Israel responsible to speak God’s word to the king?
3. In what situations have you had to “speak to power”?
4. How would you assess where we are spiritually as a country today?
5. What vision, if any, has God given you concerning our country?
6. To whom has God called you to speak his truth?