Kim,
I would just say that always reading with an eye on Jesus makes sense, regardless. Even if you are "wrong" about something, you are "looking in the right direction" or with the proper orientation, and those sorts of corrections (if later you have to make them) are not as difficult.

Next, I think reading a commentary along with your Scripture reading is a good idea. Why? Because though we are supposed to search the Scriptures, and we are the sheep that hear the Voice of our Shepherd, nevertheless Jesus gave us "teachers". So, we should make use of them. As for a recommendation, a "safe" choice is Matthew Henry. There is a good reason why he's been republished constantly for 300 years or so. His was an extraordinary synthesis of biblical knowledge and application. Since he didn't write the last volume (Acts-Revelation) that one is a bit uneven. But everything else is immeasurably helpful.

Lastly, Isaiah is challenging. That's just a fact, for pastors no less than the layman. I venture to say that when Isaiah is pronouncing denunciation on Israel and the nations, that is just so. Reading of the glories of the future have much to do with the coming Messiah.

Realize that the prophets were not simply men who stood among us, or slightly above us, with a telescope, or some other far-sight. The old illustration of the prophetic misunderstanding of two mountain ranges--the distant one being higher, but appearing together in the vision--this is improper. The prophets are caught up to HEAVEN, and see things from GOD'S perspective. No wonder they themselves have trouble understanding their own vision!

Yes, when you read Isaiah 53, it sounds like a PAST event, doesn't it? Except the end sounds future. All a bit jumbled. But when you realize that God sees everything, past, present, future, all at once and perfectly; when you see Isaiah struggling to put into words (but superintended by Holy Spirit) that which he has seen as God sees. It's future, but it's as good as done already in God's decree. It was eternity past, but it sounds like a present conversation--this covenant of Redemption ("I will appoint you," Is. 42:6, amazing!). You start to realize that this is incredible stuff. Because through Isaiah WE also are being invited to enter his vision. And we have an advantage; we have seen significant fulfillment of the central events of Redemption.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful, a little.

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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