God's Call and Our Response:  "The Call of Isaiah"

LIFE (Living In Fellowship Everyday):  We are on a relational Journey--Greater connection with God and people.

This Week:  We will explore the call of Isaiah.  Just like the other prophets, Isaiah was raised up to meet a crises that was confronting Israel; he was from the southern kingdom--Judah.   Isaiah gets in the face of the Israelites and rebukes their endeavors to put God into some man-made form or mindset; they would be punished by seeking to manipulate God.  He corrects the social and political evil around him; stood against insincere religious observances.  Isaiah calls for obedience to God's covenant and exhorts God's people to pick up their personal responsibilities. 

Introduction:  Isaiah's name means "salvation of God."  He was born around 760BC; about the same time Amos appeared at Bethel.  Some theologians believe Isaiah was a cousin to King Uzziah; perhaps Isaiah was of royal descent.  One thing is clear; Isaiah was a very informed and intelligent man; who was well versed in the standing of the monarchy.   Because God was with him, Isaiah stepped into a call to greatness.  We can all be called into greatness; a place where we do great things in the power of God's love.