Welcome, Uinta County, to the season of renewal. Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, is the principal festival of the Christian faith. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the victory over death and promise of eternal life.

We generally think of Easter beginning with Holy Week starting with Palm Sunday. Let’s go back a little further to the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is known as one of the most prophetic books in the Bible.

Jesus is prophesied at least 300 times in the Old Testament. Isaiah’s writings are significant in telling of the coming of the Messiah hundreds of years prior to the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When reading the Gospels, you will note they refer to the book of Isaiah more than any other prophet. In Isaiah 7:14 and 53 Isaiah foretells of the virgin birth, the Messianic suffering and death, the Messianic kingdom and light.

Isaiah 61:1-2, describes the Messiah that will bring the good news to the poor, mend the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom for the captives. The book of Isaiah is meant to be read in a unified whole and not just fragmented pieces.

Isaiah had his eyes on God and was presented a vision of God’s revelation. In the vision Isaiah sees the Lord sitting high on His throne and Isaiah is overwhelmed and recognizes his unholiness. Isaiah is grieved and fearful.

In the midst of it we see the grace of God. His vision paints three distinct images of Christ; King, Servant, and Anointed Conqueror.

During Isaiah’s time Israel was divided into two kingdoms. God had promised earlier to reestablish the kingdom through David. “I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam 7:12-13). Jesus will also return as a triumphant king. (Rev 5:5).

Opposite of king is the picture of servant Jesus.

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him”(Is 42:1). If God stepping out of heaven was not humbling enough, He then was obedient enough to die on the cross so mankind could have eternal life. The Servant conquers death.

Lastly, the portrait of Anointed Conqueror. In Isaiah 56:1, The Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.” God’s people are called to live righteous and holy lives until He returns. When the Anointed Conqueror arrives salvation and deliverance will occur. The Conqueror will return to judge the wicked and the righteous and make all things new.

During Passion Week our Lord Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem as a servant riding on a donkey.  One minute the people are praising Him (Zech 9:9), and the next they are demanding His crucifixion. Jesus demonstrates His passion for us during His final week. He demonstrates how we should cleanse our life when He clears the Temple.

He taught many things including signs of His second coming, ate His final Passover meal, and went to the garden and prayed waiting for His hour to come. Judas betrays Him and the sham trials proceed.  He is ruthlessly scourged and forced to carry His own instrument of execution, and hung on a cross until dead.

The story doesn’t end there though. Three days later, the dead man comes to life and lives again. Our greatest enemy has been conquered. New beginnings, new days, new life.

Have you experienced His love that is stronger than death? Have you tasted living water? Let Jesus intercede for you this Easter. Join us on Sunday and start your new beginning.