Lesson 39 “How Beautiful upon the Mountains”

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I remember when I had my first child, my mother had given me a rocking chair that came from Sweden.  It was given to her, for me, by my grandparents and she kept it safe until I was at a ready time to receive it.  It was exciting for me to rock my first baby in the old family gift, and as I swayed back and forth it gave a rickety creek sound that not only gave me a peace but also my crying baby; as she would fall quickly asleep with its noise.  Now, when I think back on the event, what I found more peaceful, in conjunction with the creeky sound, was the song I chose to sing to my little one as I rocked her.   

"I Stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me.  Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.  I tremble to know that for me He was crucified, that for me a sinner he suffered, he bled and died.  Oh, it is wonderful that He would care for me enough to die for me.  Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me"... 

When I would tire of the singing I would hum it softly, for it was my most favorite hymn and though at my young age of then 18, and my inexperience in the gospel, I knew the meaning it carried and my desire was for my children to also know.  So, I thought if I sang that song every day, it would fill our hearts.  I can say for me personally, there is no greater hymn that could describe my life and how I feel about the Savior; his life and mission.   

I am sure each of you reading this can think right off hand of a hymn that is your favorite, one that connects  you to the Savior, his life and mission, being the Atonement.  Music as said by the Lord, can be a prayer and it helps invite the Spirit .  Many Church hymns help us understand the love the Savior showed for us through his atoning sacrifice. 

Likewise, Isaiah’s prophecies about the life and mission of the Savior also teach and show us about the importance of the Atonement and as we continue in our Old Testament Study covering now Isaiah 50–53 let us invite the spirit as we study, for the life of Jesus Christ, his mission and atoning sacrifice are the most important events to EVER happen in world.  

For more information on Isaiah his life and times click here: 

Beside Me There is no Saviour   

Thou Hast Done Wonderful Things  

The Glory of Zion Will be a Defense

Symbolism

When engaging in a study of Isaiah it is important to remember that he was a poet in his writing and due to the nature of his lifetime, his calling and the state of the nation and people; much of his writing is done with rich symbolism.  He used descriptions of places, things and people in the days of ancient Israel.  To help us find a correct interpretation, we need to familiarize ourselves with the history of the time, when doing so we can better understand the description being used and gain better insight into the message.  

Understanding Isaiah

To help us better understand Isaiah, Elder Bruce R McConkie was inspired to give a guide line; that we may not have to worry about interpreting, but that we may understand the plainness the Lord wishes us to have:

"1. Gain an overall knowledge of the plan of salvation and of God's dealings with his earthly children. . . .

"2. Learn the position and destiny of the house of Israel in the Lord's eternal scheme of things. . . .

"3. Know the chief doctrines about which Isaiah chose to write. [These include]  (a) restoration of the gospel in latter days through Joseph Smith, (b) latter-day gathering of Israel and her final triumph and glory, (c) coming forth of the Book of Mormon as a new witness for Christ and the total revolution it will eventually bring in the doctrinal understanding of men, (d) apostate conditions in the nations of the world in the latter days, (e) messianic prophecies relative to our Lord's first coming, (f) second coming of Christ and the millennial reign, and (g) historical data and prophetic utterances relative to his own day. . . .

"4. Use the Book of Mormon. . . .Scholars have calculated that over 30 percent of the Old Testament writings of Isaiah are found in the Book of Mormon. A comparison of the King James version of Isaiah with that found in the Nephite record "shows that there are differences in more than half of the 433 verses of Isaiah quoted in the Book of Mormon, while about 200 verses have the same wording as [the King James Version]." (2 Nephi 12:2, footnote a.)

"One reason why the Book of Mormon is such an excellent resource to help us understand Isaiah is that it preserves a better text. This text of Isaiah was taken from the brass plates of Laban and copied onto the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated; it is at least five hundred years older than the oldest manuscript of the Isaiah text available today. The discovery of the Dead Sea texts of Isaiah was very significant because it moved the date of earliest Isaiah manuscripts from a.d. 900 (the Masoretic text) to about 100 b.c., the date of the Dead Sea Scroll texts. The plates of brass from which Nephi copied the text of Isaiah would have been recorded by at least 600 b.c., when Lehi and his party left Jerusalem. This places the Book of Mormon text of Isaiah within 100 to 150 years of the time of the original writing, making it closer to the time of the original writing than any other Old or New Testament manuscript. Therefore, this text is probably more accurate than any other account of Isaiah, so retentions in the Book of Mormon text should be given prime consideration."  

"5. Use latter-day revelation. . . .

"6. Learn how the New Testament interprets Isaiah. . . .

"7. Study Isaiah in its Old Testament context. . . .

"8. Learn the manner of prophesying used among the Jews in Isaiah's day. . . .

"9. Have the spirit of prophecy. . . .the key ingredient to understanding the writings and prophecies of Isaiah, or any other prophet, is to receive the guidance of the Spirit. The apostle Peter cautioned, "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:20-21.)

"10. Devote yourself to hard, conscientious study." 

When the Lord commanded the Nephites to study Isaiah’s words, He told them how to study those words. He said, “Search these things diligently” (3 Nephi 23:1; emphasis added). It is not sufficient to merely read Isaiah’s writings. To come to an understanding of the book of Isaiah, one must diligently study and search by prayerfully pondering Isaiah’s teachings, analyzing them, and relating them to other scriptures. Individual phrases and verses must be studied carefully in the broad context of the gospel and the prophecies of the latter days. 

Part 1. Isaiah speaks of messengers who bring glad tidings Isaiah 52 

Beginning in the middle with chapter 52, In the last days, Zion will return, and Israel will be redeemed, and The Messiah will deal prudently and be exalted.  Isa. 52 is a chapter often quoted by the Lord's prophets. Jacob (brother of Nephi), Abinadi, Moroni, John the Revelator, Paul, and Joseph Smith all quoted from it, as did the Lord himself in his visit to the Nephites. When Jesus recited these writings, he rearranged the order of the verses, quoting them in this order: 8-10, 1-3, 6-7, 11-15 (3 Ne. 20:32-44). Verses 4 and 5 were not quoted at all.

Of great importance; In Isaiah 52:7, Isaiah poetically described people bringing a great message.

7 ¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Why do you think Isaiah referred to the messengers’ feet?  In the ancient world, before electronic communications were available, important messages were often brought by runners traveling on foot. Isaiah uses the messengers’ feet to symbolize the messengers themselves. 

 How did Isaiah feel about these messengers?  Joy! Isaiah 52:7  is a scripture significant to missionary work. Its interpretation was given in the Book of Mormon where Abinadi was asked its meaning by the priests of King Noah Mosiah 12:20–24. The bringer of “good tidings” is Jesus Christ, the “founder of peace.” Those who publish that peace are the servants of the Lord who spread His word. 

How did Isaiah describe the message that is being delivered?  Because of his great joy for the knowledge of the Savior, Isaiah described the message as good tidings, a message of peace and salvation. The Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi explained that the messengers described by Isaiah include the prophets and the Lord himself  Mosiah 15:13–18

What great message of peace and salvation have these messengers brought? 2 Nephi 2:6–8.
6 Wherefore, aredemption cometh in and through the bHoly cMessiah; for he is full of dgrace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a asacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto bnone else can the cends of the law be answered.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, asave it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who blayeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the cresurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

In Hebrew, "how beautiful" is mah na'wu. From this phrase the Prophet Joseph Smith derived the name Nauvoo, which he interpreted as "place of rest" or "beauty." 3 The phrase "him that bringeth good tidings" (Hebrew, mebasser), is based on the Hebrew root bsr, meaning "announce" or "proclaim." This phrase occurs in Isaiah seven times (40:9, twice; 41:27; 52:7, twice; 60:6; 61:1) in key passages in which it means "proclaiming the tidings of salvation." Isaiah 40:9; 52:7; and 61:1 particularly refer to messengers proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and the message of salvation through the atonement that he brings. The Greek Septuagint translated this word with the verb euangelizomai, literally "to bring a good message" (root of the English word evangelize). The writers of the New Testament, presumably on account of the occurrence of this word in the Septuagint passages in Isaiah, used the same term throughout, referring to the "good tidings" of the coming of the Savior (Luke 1:19; 2:10). The noun form euangelion (Matt. 4:23; 24:14; 26:13; Mark 1:1, 14; 8:35; 13:10; etc.) was rendered in Latin as evangelium and was then translated into Anglo-Saxon as god-spell, meaning "good-news." This led to the modern English gospel. Hence the occurrence and meaning of the term gospel in the New Testament is based on these very important passages in Isaiah, which refer to the coming of the Messiah and the Atonement.  (Studies in Scripture Vol 4 Kent P Jackson)

Who else brings the message of the gospel to the world?  We do! We are also the messengers proclaiming the gospel helping each other to arrive again at home...  Think about an experience you've had with sharing the gospel message, or how you feel about those who brought the message to you.   Truly is it not glad tidings of peace! 

Part 2. Isaiah prophesies of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice  Isaiah 50

Going back to Isaiah Isaiah 50; this chapter discusses prophecies concerning he Savior’s atoning sacrifice and the blessings it provides us.  Here Isaiah speaks as the Messiah stating He will have the tongue of the learned; He will give His back to the smiters, He will not be confounded.  This can be compared to  2 Nephi 7.

Take a look at Isaiah Isaiah 50 5-7 

5 ¶ The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

7 ¶ For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. 

What does this passage teach about the Savior’s attitude toward the great sacrifice he was to make in our behalf? He did so willingly.  He was not forced he did so out of his great love for His father, and His children.  Isaiah envisioned the future persecution and torture of the Savior and the things He would suffer and endure for mankind. It strengthened the prophet's confidence that the Lord would help, defend, and justify him, whereas his condemners would wax old and be consumed.    

What do  Matthew 26:39  and  Philippians 2:8  teach about the Savior’s attitude as he faced great suffering?

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Now read Isaiah 51:6. 

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

What comparison is made in this verse?  In verse 6, the Lord speaks of his second coming and the events surrounding it. Though the telestial order of the heavens and earth may pass away, the victory and triumph of the Lord will endure forever. The passing away of heaven and earth can be interpreted in one of three ways: (1) the Lord pronounces the certainty of his word, counsel, and judgment in contrast to the transitory nature of the world (Matt. 24:35; Luke 21:33; D&C 1:38); (2) the Lord promises the righteous that their salvation or resurrection is eternal and does not depend upon the world; and (3) the Lord foretells the events immediately preceding either the Millennium or the earth's celestial transformation (Isa. 64: Rev. 21:1). In any case, the righteous will see the day when they will not be persecuted or destroyed.  (Isaiah Prophet Seer and Poet Victor Ludlow)   

How long will the effects of the Atonement last?  Longer than the temporal existence of this earth or beyond the time that the earth shall wax old.  Isaiah tells us that the benefits of the great atoning sacrifice will last forever.  Mosiah 16:9; Alma 34:10, 14 

9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.
10 For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.
14 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.

Let’s now read Isaiah 51:22. 

22 Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:  

This verse is one of those prophecies that have multiple fulfillments.  Orson Hyde applied these verses to the persecutors of the Church in the early days of the Restoration.  (Journal of Discourses 10:73-74)  These verses also apply to those who came against Judah in the last days (Great are the Words of Isaiah p197) And these verses also apply to the Atonement which is where we will focus.  

 

For whom does the Savior plead? Isaiah 51:22.  All those who come unto Christ and strive to live the gospel, He pleadeth the cause of his people.

How does the Atonement allow him to be our Advocate?  D&C 45:3–5. 

3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life. 

Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father. The word advocate has Latin roots meaning “one who pleads for another.”  The Savior pleads for us, using understanding, justice, and mercy that he gained through his suffering in the garden of Gethsemane.  He bled from every pore to understand and know every feeling we would have in terms of sin, transgression, hurt, betrayal and the like.  Listen to [Jesus Christ] who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him: 

“Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;  “Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life” D&C 45:3–5.

Of Christ as our Advocate, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “It is of great significance to me, that I may at any moment and in any circumstance approach through prayer the throne of grace, that my Heavenly Father will hear my petition, that my Advocate, him who did no sin, whose blood was shed, will plead my cause.”  (The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ Ensign 2014)

What is the “cup of trembling” that Jesus has drunk for us?    D&C 19:15–20

15 Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

20 Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit.

What must we do to receive the full blessings offered through the Atonement?  Come unto Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit prepared to serve with all our hearts.  

Isaiah 52:3 talks of redemption without money what does that mean?  2 Nephi 26:27–28; Isaiah 55:1–3.
3 For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for naught; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.
28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Concerning being"Redeemed without money." The apostle Peter probably provided the best commentary on this verse: "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and  [b]ut with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:18-19

Then in Isaiah 53:2–4 we learn more of the life of the Savior.   What do these verses tell us about the life of the Savior?  
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

Elder Bruce R. McConkie: " ...he grew up as a choice and favored plant whose strength and achievement did not come because of the arid social culture in which he dwelt; it was not poured into him by the erudition of Rabbinical teachers; but it came from the divine Source whence he sprang." (Promised Messiah, pp477-478) 

"There is no mystique, no dynamic appearance, no halo around his head, thunders do not roll and lightnings do not flash at his appearance. He is the Son of the Highest, but he walks and appears as the offspring of the lowest. He is a man among men, appearing, speaking, dressing, seeming in all outward respects as they are." (Promised Messiah, p478) 

"Our Lord himself was 'a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief' (Is. 53:3-4; Mosiah 14:3-4), meaning that he both suffered pain and had sadness and disappointment caused by the unbelief of his fellow mortals." (Mormon Doctrine, p747)

Why can he understand our sorrows and our grief? Alma 7:11–13; Hebrews 2:16–18; 4:15

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

How have you personally sensed that he understands your sorrows and grief?

Isaiah 53:5 tells us the Savior was WILLING to suffer the pain of being wounded, bruised and scourged, for us:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

In speaking of the agony at Gethsemane, B.H. Roberts wrote:  "He felt the whole burden and mystery of the world's sin, and encountered the fiercest assaults of Satan.... His sorrow did not spring from His own life, His memory or His fears, but from the vicarious nature of the conflict. The agony was a bearing of the weight and sorrow of our sins, in loneliness, in anguish of soul threatening to crush His body, yet borne triumphantly, because in submission to His Father's will." (The Seventy's Course in Theology, 2:127)

 Why was the Savior willing to suffer the pain of being wounded, bruised, and scourged? 1 Nephi 19:9

9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Isaiah 53:6–7 describes the qualities of character the Savior displayed when he was oppressed, afflicted, and made to bear our iniquities, what are these qualities of character?

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

 How do we sometimes “turn [our] own way” rather than submit to Heavenly Father’s will? 

How can the Savior’s example help us submit to Heavenly Father’s will? 

In Isaiah 53:10 he says “it pleased the Lord to bruise” the Savior, what does that mean? 

10 ¶ Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

What do we learn from this passage about Heavenly Father’s love for us?  John 3:16–17

16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

The Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi gave a powerful commentary on Isaiah 53:8–11  when he was speaking to the wicked priests of King Noah.  

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 ¶ Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Mosiah 15:10–13   And now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?
13 Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed.

According to Abinadi, who will be the seed of the Savior?  Mosiah 5:7–8

7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

At the end of a battle, the leader of the victorious army divides the fruits of victory among his followers we see this in Isaiah 53:12.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

What are the fruits of Christ’s victory over sin and death that he is willing to share with us?  Romans 8:16–17; 2 Timothy 4:7–8

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

3. Isaiah describes some of our responsibilities.

As recorded in Isaiah 51 and Isaiah 52, what responsibilities do we have as those who have accepted the Savior’s Atonement?  

Isaiah 51:1, 4, 7.  Listen to and obey the Lord; do not fear the revilings of men.

1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

4 ¶ Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

7 ¶ Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Isaiah 51:12–13.  Remember the Lord, who is the Creator. Do not fear Satan.

12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

 Isaiah 52:1–2. Awake and put on the strength of the priesthood D&C 113:7–8

1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
2 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. 

7 Questions by Elias Higbee: What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52d chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion—and what people had Isaiah reference to?
8 He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost.

Revelation 19:7–8 Put on the beautiful garments of righteousness 

7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

D&C 113:9–10 “Loose thyself from the bands of thy neck” 

9 What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck; 2d verse?
10 We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have fallen; which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them revelation. See the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles.

Isaiah 52:11  Depart from the wickedness of the world. Do not touch unclean things; be clean.

11 ¶ Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.

How can we better fulfill each of these responsibilities?

Conclusion

 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people; Mosiah 15:18, 

One reason his feet are beautiful is that they bear the prints of the nails, the tokens of his atoning love.  I bear testimony of how the teachings of Isaiah have strengthened my love for the Savior and my desire to be worthy of the blessings of his atoning sacrifice. Have yours been strengthened as well?  I pray that the teachings of Isaiah are or will be plain to you and that you will feel the personal connection the Savior offers us through the words of His great prophet, for stated before, our salvation depends upon them.

Resources

Isaiah Plain and Simple Hoyt W Brewster
Old Testament Student Manual
Studies in Scripture Vol 4 Kent P Jackson
Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament Ellis Rasmussen
Ensign 2014
Isaiah Prophet Seer Poet Victor Ludlow
Doctrines of Salvation, Volume 1, by Joseph Fielding Smith.
Great Are The Words of Isaiah by Monte S. Nyman.
Journal of Discourses 
Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie.
The Promised Messiah by Bruce R. McConkie.
The Seventy's Course in Theology by B.H. Roberts