Isaiah 40-44: Wrong Number

Transcript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 40 CEV; Ch. 41-44 ERVin today’s episode: Ch. Podcast Introduction This Prophecy Friday. We’ll read Isaiah 40-44. I’m calling this episode “Wrong Number.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Icons8 Team on Unsplash Comments on Isaiah 42 In Matthew 12:17, we’re told that Isaiah 42 is about the Messiah. And after reading the chapter, I’m sure you’re probably not surprised. As you probably know, the Old Testament is full of Messianic prophecies. The Jews for Jesus website lists 365 of them. And of those 365 prophecies. 132 are in the book of Isaiah alone. The vast majority of these prophecies were fulfilled during Jesus’ first incarnation, and only a small handful remain to be fulfilled at His second coming. I’m looking forward to seeing those happen!  Here in chapter 41, God speaking through the prophet Isaiah, makes a point of asking how many prophecies the false gods and idols made and had been fulfilled. Of course, since they were only manmade, the answer is none.  God has told mankind part of his plan in advance, so that we would know that He is indeed God. Imagine the mathematical odds of just the Messianic prophecies being fulfilled in the life of just one man. The odds are astronomically high, so high is to be impossible, unless the One in whom they are fulfilled was indeed the Messiah.  I don’t know about you, but I’m satisfied that Jesus is who he said he is. And if He is who He said he is, then every word he said must be true, because God is incapable of either being wrong or lying.  If I had to pick just one thing he said that every person needs to understand, it would be this, from John 14:6. Jesus said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life. The only way to the Father is through me.” ERV There is no other way to God. Jesus is the One Way. Think of it like this. There are millions upon millions of cell phones on the planet, right? Each one has its own phone number. Now, if you want to phone me, you can only call the number associated with my phone. If you misdial, even one digit, you won’t get me. It’s the same with salvation. There are many purported paths to God, but only one way is the right way.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a good person, it doesn’t matter if your intentions are right. It doesn’t even matter if you’re sorry that you’ve wronged somebody. All that matters is that you have a relationship with Jesus. That’s not me saying it. It’s Jesus himself. He is the only way to t