The Songs of the Prophet more than seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, God raised up the prophet Isaiah to proclaim His Word. Through songs, laments, hymns, and prophecies, Isaiah revealed the holiness of God and His great plan of redemption. The book of Isaiah is like the embryo of the Gospel. It has been said of the book of Isaiah that it is as though its truths were written in diamonds upon parchments of gold..., because within it we see the glory of God and the grace of Christ, the salvation Jesus would bring. These songs of the prophet reveal God's promises, His judgement, His wrath , His mercy, His salvation, and the coming kingdom of His Messiah. In these songs you will hear God's voice within the prophet calling God's people to repentance, faith, worship, and hope. Though spoken into Isaiah's own generation, they look forward to their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the I AM, the Holy One of Israel, the promised Messiah. Among these prophecies is what is known as the Book of Emmanuel, found in Isaiah chapters 7 to 12. Here Isaiah foretells the coming of the promised Son of King David: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel"—God with us. As you listen, hear the voice of God's Word, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, in whom every covenant promise of God finds its Yes and fulfilment. In Song 1 – God's Disappointing Vineyard in chapter 5:1-to verse 7 The Lord reveals the song of His vineyard through the prophet, showing His love, His justice, and the unfaithfulness of His people. Yet this points us forward to Christ, the True Vine, who brings forth the fruit God desires. In Song 2 – Hymn of Praise in chapter 12:1-to verse 6 A song of thanksgiving, celebrating God's salvation, comfort, and strength, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. In Song 3 – Perfect Peace in chapter 26:1-to verse 21 A song of confidence and trust in the Lord, whose perfect peace is found in Christ, our eternal Rock and King. In Song 4 – Hezekiah's Song of Praise in chapter 38:9-to verse 20 A personal song of deliverance, thanksgiving, and life restored, pointing us to Christ, our Resurrection and Life. Song 5 – Sing a New Song. in chapter 42:10-to verse 17 A call for all creation to sing a new song to the Lord, fulfilled in Christ, the Light of the world, who opens blind eyes and brings salvation to the nations. Throughout these songs, I have introduced the fulfilment of these prophecies in Jesus Christ through the recurring chorus: "Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, our Salvation." This becomes the response of Christ's Church in worship—the people of God rejoicing in the Holy One, Isaiah foretold: the promised Messiah, the true and faithful Son, our strength, our peace, and our redemption. As Jesus said: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." John chapter 5:39 May these songs draw our hearts to worship Jesus Christ, the I AM, the Holy One of Israel, the promised Son of David, the eternal Son of God, the Messiah, the true and faithful Servant, the last Adam, in whom every covenant promise of God finds its Yes and fulfilment. As we are united to Him by faith, we rejoice as His redeemed people, giving glory to our Lord and Saviour, our forever King of Kings. May we now listen with hearts of worship as we hear the songs of the prophet Isaiah, and behold the glory of Christ, the One to whom all these promises point. Let this be the confession of our hearts throughout these songs: Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, our Salvation. Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, our Salvation."
