My friend, Rudy Ross, believes that the closest voice in the Bible to Jesus is that of Isaiah. Here is a good example of why Rudy believes this to be so.
Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22)
Speaking for God, Isaiah called on humanity to turn to God for salvation. In similar fashion, Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
God’s activity demands a response from us. We can’t be saved without turning to God to experience what only He can do in our lives.
We turn to Jesus with more than words. We submit our lives to His rule, symbolized by the picture of taking on His yoke. Instead of living according to popular culture’s view of life, we learn how to live from Jesus.
A few years ago, I had aspirations of writing a novel. I met with a woman who edits a martial arts magazine and asked her advice over lunch. During a fairly expensive meal, she gave me disappointing but accurate advice. She said, “People don’t read anymore.”
By reading my blog, you are an exception to her statement, but I think she is accurate all the same. Many people only get information from short YouTube videos, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and conversations with friends.
If these are your sole means of information, you will have a difficult time learning from Jesus. I seriously doubt if you will come to Him and surrender to His easy yoke.
Dallas Willard is one of the most influential people in my life. I have both read and taught his material. I frequently listen to his lectures on YouTube.
Dynamic spiritual leaders like Dallas Willard, Henry Blackaby, and Frank Laubach have something in common. They respond to Jesus’ invitation to “learn from me” by doing just that. They prayerfully read and re-read the Gospels.
We will discover the full meaning of salvation and rest for our souls when we have a daily, interactive relationship with Jesus. This activity may take many forms, but prayer and Bible reading will be foundational.
Every Knee and Tongue Declaring Allegiance
Paul quoted God’s message through Isaiah to encourage the church in Rome to refrain from thinking less of other brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.” (Romans 14:10-11)
Every human’s response to God will be evaluated before God’s judgment seat. Whether we have ignored, actively opposed, or cooperated with God’s purposes will determine the outcome of our day of judgment.
Isaiah makes it clear that the best course of action is to kneel in surrender before we stand before God’s judgment seat.
By myself I have sworn;
from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness
a word that shall not return:
“To me every knee shall bow,
every tongue shall swear.” (Isaiah 45:23)
Let’s not miss what is emphasized in this verse. God has sworn that every word He has spoken will certainly take place.
What will happen? Whether we have ignored the Lord, actively opposed Him, or willingly submitted to Jesus’ easy yoke, everyone will recognize God’s absolute right to rule.
Our Response
If you take time to read blog articles like mine, I expect you are both a reader and someone who is striving to learn all you can from Jesus.
You may be like me and have friends and family members who have yet to respond to Jesus’ call, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Let’s be encouraged. We serve a miracle-working God who delights to answer prayers. Join me and pray in faith, expecting God to reach the significant people in our lives. Ask Him to embrace them in His loving care, and don’t stop asking until He does.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 