A Tender Plant from the Dry Ground: A vision from Isaiah of the crucified Jesus
Day One Publications, 143 pages, ISBN 9781846253140
Publishers’ Description
Martin Luther once said that Isaiah 53 ‘ought to be written on parchment of gold and lettered in diamonds.’ Isaiah 53 is truly one of the most remarkable chapters in the whole Bible. Although written some 700 years BC, it actually contains one of the clearest views of the Person and Work of Christ in all of the Scriptures. This ancient Old Testament prophecy gives us a distilled New Testament theology. Isaiah is justly known as ‘the evangelical prophet’, and Isaiah 53 encapsulates his ‘evangel’. If we have grasped the message of Isaiah 53, we have grasped the message of the whole Bible, and if the blessing of Isaiah 53 is ours, we will be blessed indeed and eternally rich with ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Reviewers’ Comments
Isaiah 53 is one of the most remarkable chapters in the whole Bible and this book helps us to understand why. If you have ever doubted that Christ’s death and resurrection are prophesied in the Old Testament then read this chapter. If you have ever doubted that Christ died as a substitute for sinners, then read this chapter. This short work is a series of 20 meditations on Isaiah 53. Timothy Cross opens up the meaning of each line of this remarkable prophecy showing that it covers almost every aspect of the person and work of Christ. The author cross references all he says with quotations from the rest of the Bible. There is nothing new in the book, but that is good – we need to hear again and again the good news that Jesus died as just for the unjust to bring us to God. Each chapter ends with three points on which to reflect. This book would be ideal to use in daily devotions. Preachers will also find gems of truth to stimulate sermon preparation. It will be especially useful for those who give a short exhortation just before taking communion. Highly recommended.
(The GoodBook Stall)
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This is another delightful book in the Day One ‘Reflections’ series. It is a devotional commentary on Isaiah 53 – ‘A vision from Isaiah of the crucified Jesus’. Timothy Cross has written several books, so his name as an author may already be familiar. This book is readable and one reviewer has suggested that, ‘It is ideal for a month’s daily readings.’ It was not written for that purpose but I can see how it could be easily adapted. The twenty chapters follow Isaiah 53 through verse by verse. Whilst the book is suitable for young Christians due to the simple, straightforward exposition, the more experience believer will benefit greatly as the sufferings and death of our Saviour and Lord are unravelled and applied. Each chapter ends with points for reflection. These would be useful in group Bible studies. I warmly commend this book. You won’t regret spending £5 for a helpful but humbling little book that leads the reader through the mysteries of redemption, encouraging the worship of God for the glory of an everlasting salvation.
(Grace magazine)
Reviews for the earlier edition, The Gospel According to Isaiah (Ambassador Publications)
Timothy Cross’s devotional commentary on Isaiah proves the wisdom of the rule of never judging a book by its cover. In 27 short chapters, Cross takes us through the verses that are the high watermark of Old Testament prophecy, Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12. … Each section is biblical (Scripture references abound on almost every page), sermonic (usually three brief points), alliterative (every chapter begins with the letter S) and theologically Reformed; the style is plain and straightforward.
Although The Gospel According to Isaiah can be read in a single sitting, the book is ideal for a month’s daily readings for those young in the Christian Faith and also as a bsis for mediation for those not so young in the Faith.
When I was in the pastoral ministry, I once preached a series of evangelistic sermons on Isaiah 53. If Timothy Cross’s volume had been available then, it would have helped me to arrange my material better, inspired me to further (and deeper) thought on some of the verses and would have probably doubled the length of the series.
Although The Gospel According to Isaiah is no substitute for heftier and more scholarly commentaries (nor does it pretend to be), it is nevertheless a helpful little volume that will be of use to everyone who reads it.
(The Herald, Christian Witness to Israel magazine)
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This little book is subtitled ‘A Devotional commentary on Isaiah 53’, and it touches upon one of the most significant and best-loved portions of the Word of God. Isaiah’s prophecy was written some 700 years before its fulfilment in the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It takes us to the very heart of the Gospel, and each time we read it, it reminds us afresh of the extent of the passion and sufferings – and, praise God, the victory – of our Saviour. Martin Luther said that Isaiah 53 ‘ought to be written on parchment of gold and lettered in diamonds’. It is not easy to preach or write about Isaiah 53 for, as the author himself says, in studying it ‘we are walking on holy ground. We need the help of the Holy Spirit of God’. Timothy Cross is to be commended for this warm and moving commentary which, without trivialising the passage, reveals Christ to us in a way which can only deepen our faith and love for the Saviour. In 27 short devotional chapters, he takes us through the passage from Isaiah 52:13 (which is the real starting point of this servant song) to 53:12. All the chapters begin with ‘S’ and include such titles as ‘The Splendour’, ‘The Sorrow’, ‘The Sinlessness’ and ‘The Song’. Ideal for daily readings.
(Ulster Bulwark)
