Dear Reader, please join me as we use mock interviews to take closer looks at some of God’s chosen heralds of the good news of His Son’s birth.
How about give the readers the scoop on your background, Isaiah.
I’ve been one of God’s guys for over sixty years, that’s a long time to serve as His mouthpiece against evil, justice, and deliver the messages of the God of hope. I was blessed by coming from an established family with a comfortable income, and to receive a pretty good education.
I preach a lot, and write a bit. Some scholars say the new guys (of the New Testament) refer to writings attributed to me in at least ninety percent of the scriptural chapters they will write. I don’t care about that. In this line of work, my mantra has become, “If God said it, I believe it, and it’s my job to share it,” whether it’s welcomed and embraced or not.
Okay, Isaiah, now I'm intrigued. Tell us a little more about what has motivated you to serve as one of God's prophets for over sixty years.
My Lord God, Jehovah, made it crystal clear from the beginning that I was signing up for a lifetime commitment. Being a prophet for so long fine tunes your spirit to the Word of God. King Hezekiah also allowed his spirit to tune into God. Serving with Hezekiah had its ups and downs, but he really got it: he longed for himself and our nation to live according to, and pleasing to God.
Just to break it down, I may “have the ear” of the king, but Jehovah has mine. That means I’m on call 24/7/365, and must be prepared for “other duties as assigned”. I must be willing to serve as God’s ambassador, advocate, and sometimes His arbitrator, no matter what the social, economic, or political climate is at any given time.
Every job has its up and downs. What were some of yours as a prophet?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m committed to what I do; I believe God has given me a specific purpose in life, but it hasn’t always been easy. People tend to only listen when the news is good, such as Jehovah Jireh will provide protection and victory against invaders, or He will bless us with abundant crops. But come at them with the down and dirty news, and they turn a deaf ear.
Case in point. There was a Middle East pact that went sideways. God tried to warn and redirect His children and their allies, through me, but they wouldn’t listen. Guess who caught got in the middle of that one? Yep! Yours truly!
To make His point the Lord had me walk around NAKED AND BAREFOOT FOR THREE YEARS! Did you get that? Seriously, do I look like the guy you’d want to see walking around naked every day?
At that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said, “Go, take the sackcloth off your waist and the sandals off your feet.” So Isaiah obeyed the Lord and went without clothes or sandals.
Then the Lord said, “My servant Isaiah has gone without clothes or sandals for three years. This is a sign for Egypt and Ethiopia. The king of Assyria will defeat Egypt and Ethiopia. Assyria will take prisoners and lead them away from their countries. The people, young and old, will be led away without clothes or sandals. They will be completely naked.
Isaiah 20: 2-4 ERV
What are your final thoughts for us about your ministry as one of God's prophets?
Having the Most High God for your boss is hard work, definitely not for the faint of heart, or easily embarassed. Still, I wouldn’t trade my years as one of God’s prophets for anything. Sure I had to deliver some dire warnings to stiff necked people, but I also got to share messages of the God of hope. His promise of a Savior has been a real game-changer.
But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel…
Isaiah 7: 14 CEV
A child has been born for us.
We have been given a son who will be our ruler.
His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9: 6 CEV
Not only that, our Heavenly Father told His people exactly what our Savior would be willing to do on their behalf in order to be able to offer them salvation (Isaiah 53). It seems like the Savior to come and rescue has a “whatever it takes” commitment.
And just to make sure His people really understand that He is the only living source of hope, no matter how excruciating life may seem, the Lord has given each of us this reassurance. That, my friend, is why I’ve been happy to share the news of the God of hope for so long.
But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel. I gave Egypt and Ethiopia and Seba to Cyrus in exchange for your freedom, as your ransom. Others died that you might live; I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me and honored, and I love you.
Isaiah 43: 1-4 TLB
My Hope is in the Lord, He will never forsake me.