The View from the Mountaintop
(Introduction to the book of Isaiah)
Climbing a mountain takes effort, but it also gives you a breathtaking view. That’s what the prophet Isaiah offers us: a higher perspective on God, ourselves, and the world. When we open his book, we’re not just reading ancient poetry—we’re being invited to ascend into the presence of the Holy One of Israel.
For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isa 57:15, NIV)
Isaiah’s vision is clear: God is holy, majestic, and utterly set apart. His title, “the Holy One of Israel,” reminds us that our behavior matters. We cannot approach Him with rebellion in our hearts or empty religious ritual. God dwells “with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isa. 57:15). His holiness calls us to humility.
Isaiah ministered during a time of great political upheaval. Assyria threatened Judah’s survival, and kings faced the choice of trusting themselves or trusting the Lord. That’s our choice too. Do we really trust God with our families, our future, our nation, and our very lives? Isaiah urges us to lift our eyes from earthly fears to the God who reigns forever.
Isaiah’s voice rings out with warnings against empty religion, celebrating sin, forgetting God, rewriting morality, and outright rebellion. Yet even in the face of such unfaithfulness, God continues to pursue His people with love. His warnings are not meant to destroy us, but to destroy the things that destroy us. His goal is not condemnation, but cleansing and restoration.
As we begin this journey through Isaiah, let us humble ourselves before the Holy One of Israel. Let us reject false hopes and idols, and hear His invitation to come. The God who is high and lifted up also stoops low to dwell with the contrite.
Will you climb this mountain with Isaiah? At the top, you’ll see the glory of God, and you’ll discover that ruin is never the end of the story—for with Him, there is always redemption.
4-Day Reading Plan: Historical Context for Isaiah (2 Kings 15–20)
- Day 1: 2 Kings 15–16
- Day 2: 2 Kings 17
- Day 3: 2 Kings 18–19
- Day 4: 2 Kings 20
For more Recommended Resources on the book of Isaiah, click here.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
