Isaiah 54 carries a message of reassurance and joy, delivered to people who have endured trauma. When Jesus quoted this chapter, it must have resonated with his audience, who had just survived terrible tempests and floods. But He indicated to them that its complete fulfillment would come in the last days.
Isaiah 52: A Book of Mormon-Guided Reading
Isaiah 52 is pervasive in the Book of Mormon. Verses from the chapter are quoted or interpreted by Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Abinadi, the Savior, Mormon, and Moroni. The fact that Moroni embeds references to Isaiah 52 in his final exhortation indicates that it is central to the Book of Mormon's invitation to come unto Christ.
He Hath Borne Our Griefs, and Carried Our Sorrows
Isaiah 50-55 appear frequently in the Book of Mormon. Lehi, Jacob, Abinadi, Alma, and Jesus all quote from these chapters. At the end of the book, Moroni again alludes to them, as if to remind the reader that they contain the heart of the Book of Mormon message.
Wonder Upon Wonder
Isaiah prophesied that God would do "a marvellous work and a wonder" among His people. The NIV stays closer to the Hebrew, rendering it: "wonder upon wonder." One thing that makes God's work wonderful is that He allows ordinary people to carry it out.
Inheriting the Covenant, Part 3: Planted Promises and Turned Hearts
Abraham's covenant was meant to be inherited. Isaac and Jacob received the same promises that he received as they followed his example. We too can receive God's promises by remembering how He has blessed prior generations and by relying on the intergenerational covenants He made with them.
Contents of the Brass Plates
Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
Speak Often One with Another
Jesus prophesied of the gathering of Israel and instructed church members to meet together often. Those two concepts are more closely connected than we might realize. When we accept the gospel, we become part of a community of saints who strengthen one another by talking often about our faith.
“I Will Be in the Midst of You”
After the Savior's resurrection, He stood "in the midst" of His apostles in Jerusalem and later "in the midst" of a large multitude in the Americas. When He returns to the earth, He will be in our midst. We will not only know He has returned; we will feel close to Him.
Zarahemla, Nashville, or Nauvoo
In 1841, the Lord instructed church members in Iowa to gather in locations identified by the prophet. Gathering brings strength and safety and prepares us to be with the Savior. A community of believers helps each of us achieve our full potential and empowers us to more fully accomplish God's purposes.
“My Strange Act”
Isaiah prophesied that God would perform a "strange act." The Lord reiterated this prophecy in modern revelation. Scriptures teach that being in unfamiliar places and working with people from different backgrounds can unlock God's blessings. The Savior invites us all into one covenant family and urges church members to welcome new converts with open hearts.