In 1884, William Le Baron Jenney designed the first skyscraper to be built in Chicago. The Home Insurance Building was completed a year later and towered over the city—though it was only ten stories and 138 feet tall! If Jenney could see Chicago today, he would see a number of new skyscrapers being built. Tall cranes dot the skyline, and holes that are ten stories deep are dug out for foundations to support the new buildings.
This month we’ll examine the book of Isaiah. The writers of the New Testament quote from and allude to this prophet frequently, especially pertaining to Isaiah’s glorious vision of Christ. John writes, “Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him” (John 12:41; see Isa. 6:10; 53:1). Similarly, when Christ emerged from His testing in the wilderness, Matthew writes, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light” (Matt. 4:16;
Isa. 9:1–2). And Paul writes, “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope’” (Rom. 15:12; Isa. 11:10).
Isaiah’s prophecy serves as the construction equipment that helps us see the towering masterpiece of the glory of Christ. It is the message the world long awaits to hear. Isaiah explains how to solve the problem of Israel’s sin: they must be washed white as snow in order to see God’s glory (1:18). Isaiah depicts the glorious Branch who redeems Israel (11:1). The Servant in Isaiah suffers for the iniquities of all (53:6). And Isaiah’s comfort for Israel comes through a Redeemer from Zion (44:24).
Give praise to God for His glory in vindicating us through Christ when He returns to judge the earth. Isaiah’s beautiful truths show us that our salvation draws near.
Pray with Us
We start our prayer journey with Today in the Word this month with upholding in prayer the ministry of our board of trustees. May the Lord grant them wisdom and insight as they serve Moody Global Ministries with dedication and integrity.
BY Dr. Eric C. Redmond
Dr. Eric C. Redmond serves as a professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and as associate pastor of adult ministries at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Ill. He is married to Pam and they have five children. He is the author of Say It! Celebrating Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition (Moody Publishers), Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's’ Questions about the Church (Crossway), a commentary on Jonah in the Christ-Centered Exposition Series (B&H Publishers), and a study guide on Ephesians in the Knowing the Bible series (Crossway).