“Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8
Few figures in Scripture speak with such clarity, passion, and divine authority as the Prophet Isaiah. Known as one of the greatest Old Testament prophets, Isaiah’s ministry bridged the gap between God’s judgment and His promise of redemption. His writings continue to echo through history, especially in their foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.
Let’s explore who Isaiah was, what he preached, and why trusting God’s plan, hen and now, is the central theme of his message.
📜 Who Was the Prophet Isaiah?
Isaiah, son of Amoz, lived in the 8th century B.C. and prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah – kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1). He served as a prophet in Jerusalem, the political and spiritual heart of the Southern Kingdom.
Isaiah’s name means “Yahweh is salvation”, which perfectly reflects the overarching theme of his message: God’s redemptive plan in the face of human rebellion.
🔥 Isaiah’s Vision and Calling
In Isaiah 6, we witness the dramatic calling of Isaiah, a vision of God’s holiness and glory in the temple. Angels cry “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty,” while Isaiah responds with humility and awe, confessing his unclean lips. When God asks, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responds boldly:
“Here am I. Send me!”
This moment defines the prophet’s life: obedience to God’s call, even when the message is difficult.
⚖️ A Message of Judgment and Hope
Isaiah’s message had two clear tones:
1. Judgment on Sin and Idolatry
Isaiah warned the people of Judah about their spiritual apathy, injustice, and false worship. He prophesied the coming Babylonian exile as a consequence of their rebellion.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…” — Isaiah 5:20
2. Hope and Restoration
Amid the warnings, He preached God’s unfailing love and His plan to restore Israel. He pointed to a time when a new kingdom would arise, led by a divine King who would bring peace, justice, and salvation.
🌟 Prophecies of the Messiah
Isaiah’s writings include some of the most explicit Messianic prophecies in all of Scripture. These point directly to Jesus Christ and are foundational for Christian theology.
🕊️ Isaiah 7:14
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
(Fulfilled in Matthew 1:23)
🌍 Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
✝️ Isaiah 53 – The Suffering Servant
This chapter is often called the “Fifth Gospel” because of its vivid portrayal of the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Messiah. Written 700 years before Christ, Isaiah 53 describes:
- A man rejected by humanity
- Pierced for our transgressions
- Silent before His accusers
- Buried with the rich
- Yet ultimately vindicated and exalted
It is proof that God’s plan for salvation was never a reaction, it was always the plan.
🕊️ Trust in God’s Plan: Lessons from Isaiah
God Uses the Willing
He said, “Send me.” You don’t have to be perfect – just available.
God’s Plan May Involve Pain Before Redemption
Like Israel, we often go through refining seasons before restoration. Trust God’s timeline.
God Keeps His Promises
Every prophecy about Jesus came true. You can trust Him to fulfill what He’s promised in your life.
Holiness Matters
Isaiah’s vision reminds us that God is holy, and we are called to reflect that holiness in how we live.
🙌 Isaiah Today: Why It Still Matters
In a world filled with noise, fear, and confusion, Isaiah’s voice is more relevant than ever. He challenges us to recognize sin but not to despair, because God’s plan is one of redemption, not destruction.
He is not just a prophet of the past, he’s a guidepost for our future. Through him, we hear the heartbeat of God: “Comfort, comfort my people…” (Isaiah 40:1). In a time of judgment, that comfort still rings true through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
🕊️ Is Isaiah Saint?
He is not officially called a “saint” in the same way as Christian saints are canonized, but he is venerated as a holy prophet in many Christian traditions.
Here’s a breakdown by tradition:
🕊️ Christianity
Roman Catholic Church:
- Isaiah is honored as a prophet, not formally canonized like post-New Testament saints.
- He is often referred to as Saint Isaiah the Prophet informally in liturgical calendars and devotions.
- His feast day is celebrated on July 6 in the Roman Martyrology.
Eastern Orthodox Church:
- He is officially recognized as a saint and prophet.
- He is commemorated on May 9.
- He is called “Holy Prophet Isaiah” and deeply honored in liturgical readings and hymns.
Anglican & Protestant Churches:
- Generally refer to him simply as a prophet, not a saint.
- He is highly respected for his role in foretelling the coming of Christ (especially Isaiah 7 and 53).
🕎 Judaism:
- He is not called a “saint” but is one of the major prophets (Nevi’im) and deeply respected.
- His writings are central in Jewish teachings, especially for his visions of peace and the Messianic age.
✅ Summary:
| Tradition | Title Used | Feast Day |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Prophet (sometimes Saint) | July 6 |
| Eastern Orthodox | Saint & Prophet Isaiah | May 9 |
| Protestant (Anglican) | Prophet | — |
| Judaism | Prophet (not saint) | — |
📖 Will You Say “Send Me”?
Isaiah was just one man, but his obedience changed history. Today, you have the same opportunity: to trust in God’s plan, speak truth, and carry hope to a hurting world. Will you respond like Him?
“Here am I. Send me.”
