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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 39: September 21 - 27: "A Marvellous Work and a Wonder"

Isaiah 13-14; 22; 24-30; 35

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Isaiah uses Babylon as a symbol of human pride, showing that even the mightiest kingdoms fall when they turn from God. The comparison between the king of Babylon and Satan highlights how pride leads individuals to seek power and glory apart from God. This serves as a warning that worldly success cannot protect us from spiritual consequences. (Isaiah 13:11; 14:12–15)

In contrast to the destruction caused by pride, the Lord promises “rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear.” This teaches that while sin brings bondage, Jesus Christ offers peace and deliverance. Turning to Him allows us to be freed from the burdens that pride and worldliness create. (Isaiah 14:3)

  • Isaiah’s prophecy that the Lord will “swallow up death in victory” points directly to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This promise assures us that death is not the end and that through Christ, all will live again. It provides hope and comfort, especially in times of loss and grief. (Isaiah 25:8)

Isaiah describes the Savior as a “precious cornerstone, a sure foundation,” emphasizing His reliability and strength. Those who trust in Him will not be confounded, even amid trials and uncertainty. Building on Christ means relying on His teachings, Atonement, and guidance as the center of our lives. (Isaiah 28:16)

Isaiah teaches that the Lord “wait[s] to be gracious” and is eager to bless those who turn back to Him. His healing power strengthens the weak, opens blind eyes, and restores what was broken. This shows that no matter how far we have strayed, the Savior’s grace makes spiritual restoration possible. (Isaiah 30:18–21; 35:3–6)

Isaiah foresaw a time when spiritual blindness would be healed and truth would be restored. These prophecies are fulfilled in the Restoration of the gospel, including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and renewed revelation. This reminds us that we are not just observers but participants in God’s ongoing work to gather and heal His people. (Isaiah 29:13–14, 18)

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • Isaiah prophesied during the 8th century BC in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, a time when powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon were rising and threatening smaller nations.

The covenant people were struggling with idolatry, political alliances, and spiritual complacency. Rather than trusting in the Lord, many leaders relied on foreign powers for protection. Isaiah was called to warn both Israel and surrounding nations that pride, sin, and worldliness would lead to destruction—but also to promise future restoration through the Messiah and the gathering of Israel.

  • These prophecies explain both the fall of ancient kingdoms like Babylon and the long scattering of Israel. At the same time, Isaiah foresaw the latter-day Restoration as a “marvellous work and a wonder,” showing that God’s plan extends far beyond immediate events to a global redemption.
  • This matters today because we live in the time Isaiah foresaw. His warnings about pride and spiritual drift apply directly to modern life, and his promises remind us that Jesus Christ restores, heals, and leads His people even in times of confusion and moral decline.
  • While Isaiah originally addressed a real kingdom, later prophets and scripture writers use “Babylon” symbolically to describe any society or mindset that rejects God. This dual meaning allows Isaiah’s warnings to remain relevant across generations. The fall of Babylon becomes a pattern showing that all prideful systems eventually collapse.
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  • Isaiah 14 compares the king of Babylon to Satan, emphasizing ambition, self-exaltation, and rebellion. This teaches that pride is not just a social issue but a spiritual condition rooted in opposition to God. It helps us recognize similar attitudes in ourselves and the world around us.
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  • Modern disciples are often surrounded by “Babylon-like” influences—materialism, self-centeredness, and moral relativism. Isaiah’s message invites us to separate spiritually from these influences by choosing humility and covenant faithfulness.
  • Many passages in Isaiah 29 describe conditions of spiritual blindness followed by a miraculous restoration of truth. These prophecies align closely with events such as the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the First Vision. This layered meaning shows that God reveals His plans across time in ways that become clearer as they are fulfilled.
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  • The “sealed book” in Isaiah 29 connects with the Book of Mormon translation, where learned and unlearned individuals both play roles. This demonstrates that God’s work does not rely solely on worldly wisdom but on divine power and calling.
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  • The phrase “marvellous work and a wonder” reflects how unexpected and transformative the Restoration would be. It challenges the assumption that God’s work must follow human expectations and instead shows that He works in miraculous and surprising ways.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Joseph Smith created new doctrines that are not supported by ancient scripture.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Isaiah 29 clearly describes a future restoration involving a sealed book and spiritual awakening. These elements closely parallel documented events in early Church history, including the translation of the Book of Mormon. The timing and details suggest fulfillment rather than invention.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Multiple witnesses, including the Three and Eight Witnesses, testified of seeing and handling the Book of Mormon plates. Their testimonies remained consistent throughout their lives, even when some separated from the Church. This consistency strengthens the credibility of the Restoration narrative.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Millions have prayed about the Book of Mormon and received personal confirmation of its truth. This aligns with Isaiah’s prophecy that spiritual blindness would be healed. Personal revelation continues to affirm the divine nature of the Restoration.
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  10. Logical Analysis: The complexity, consistency, and doctrinal depth of the Book of Mormon are difficult to attribute to a young, uneducated individual acting alone. The fulfillment of ancient prophecy provides a coherent explanation that aligns both scripture and history.
  • Claim: “Revelation ended with the Bible.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Bible itself shows a pattern of continuous revelation through prophets across different dispensations. Isaiah’s prophecies include future divine intervention, implying ongoing communication. There is no scriptural statement that definitively ends revelation.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Early Church members recorded numerous instances of prophetic guidance, including revelations that directed migrations and doctrine. These accounts are preserved in journals, letters, and official records. They demonstrate that members experienced living prophetic leadership.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Individuals today can seek confirmation of prophetic teachings through prayer. Many testify of receiving peace and clarity when following modern prophets. This mirrors how God has always confirmed truth to His children.
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  • Logical Analysis: A living Church guided by a living God would reasonably require ongoing direction. If God is unchanging, His pattern of speaking through prophets would continue. Rejecting modern prophets creates an inconsistency in how God is believed to operate.
  • Claim: “Because Isaiah is difficult to understand, his prophecies cannot be trusted as meaningful.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Many of Isaiah’s prophecies—such as the fall of Babylon and the scattering of Israel—have been historically fulfilled. These verifiable outcomes support the credibility of his writings. His accuracy in past events builds confidence in his future prophecies.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Later prophets, including Book of Mormon writers, frequently quoted Isaiah and testified of his truthfulness. Their inclusion and interpretation of Isaiah suggest they understood and trusted his words. This provides additional layers of prophetic validation.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Readers who study Isaiah with the Spirit often gain insight and personal application. The Lord promises that spiritual truths can be understood through revelation. This transforms Isaiah from confusing text into meaningful guidance.
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  • Logical Analysis: Symbolism allows messages to apply across multiple times and cultures. Rather than weakening Isaiah’s message, it strengthens its relevance. His layered writing style makes his prophecies adaptable and enduring.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Identify one area where pride or worldliness may be influencing your decisions and intentionally replace it with a Christlike behavior.

Isaiah teaches that pride leads to spiritual downfall, while humility opens the door to God’s guidance and peace. As we let go of worldly thinking, we become more receptive to the Spirit and better aligned with God’s will.

  1. – Pray and ask God to reveal areas of pride in your life.
  2. – Reflect on choices driven by comparison, recognition, or control.
  3. – Replace one prideful habit with an act of humility (service, gratitude, or repentance).
  4. – Seek daily guidance through prayer and scripture study.

Encouraging Thought:

The Lord promises ‘rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear’ (Isaiah 14:3). As we turn from pride to Him, He replaces fear with peace.

Action Step: Strengthen your connection to Christ by focusing on Him intentionally each day.

Isaiah describes Christ as a “sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16). When we build on Him, we gain stability during trials and clarity in decision-making. A Christ-centered life provides strength that the world cannot offer.

  1. – Begin each day with a short prayer centered on Christ.
  2. – Study one verse daily that teaches about the Savior.
  3. – Ask, “What would Christ want me to do today?”
  4. – Act on one prompting to follow Him more closely.

Encouraging Thought:

When life feels uncertain, Christ remains constant. A foundation built on Him will never fail.

  • Action Step: Bring a personal struggle or weakness to the Lord in prayer and seek His healing power.

Isaiah testifies that the Lord can restore what is lost and strengthen what is broken (see Isaiah 35:3–6). Trusting in His timing and power allows us to experience hope, even when change feels slow or difficult.

  1. – Identify something in your life that feels “broken” or unresolved.
  2. – Pray specifically for healing, strength, or direction.
  3. – Look for small signs of God’s help each day.
  4. – Be patient and continue to act in faith.

Encouraging Thought:

  • The Lord ‘wait[s] to be gracious’ (Isaiah 30:18). His healing is real, and it comes as we turn to Him.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize and avoid modern forms of pride and worldliness.

Paper, pens, small bags or boxes

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask: “If Babylon existed today, what would it look like?” Have learners share quick ideas.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Isaiah 13–14 selections and identify traits of Babylon (pride, greed, rebellion). Write them on the board.
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  5. Application (5 min): Invite learners to write one “Babylon influence” they face and place it in a bag/box symbolizing leaving it behind. Discuss how to overcome it.

Follow-Up Question: What is one specific way you can separate yourself from “Babylon” this week?

Objective: Help learners understand how to build their lives on Jesus Christ.

Blocks or cups, a rock (or picture), flat surface

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Build a quick tower on an unstable surface and knock it down. Ask what made it fall.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Isaiah 28:16 and discuss what it means for Christ to be a “sure foundation.”

Application (5 min): Rebuild the structure on a stable base (rock or firm surface). Invite learners to share ways they can build on Christ daily.

Follow-Up Question: What is one daily habit that helps you stay firmly built on Christ?

Objective: Help learners feel hope in Christ’s power to heal and restore.

Paper, something breakable (like a cracker) or a visual object

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Break an object or show a torn paper and ask: “Can this be fixed?” Discuss reactions.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Isaiah 35:3–6 and identify how the Lord heals and restores.

Application (5 min): Have learners write something they want help healing. Invite them to keep it as a reminder to turn to Christ.

Follow-Up Question: How have you seen the Lord help you or someone else heal from something difficult?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Pride and worldliness (symbolized by Babylon) lead to spiritual downfall (Isaiah 13–14).
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  • Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah who conquers death and offers salvation (Isaiah 25:8).
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  • Christ is the “sure foundation” we can build our lives upon (Isaiah 28:16).
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  • Turning away from the Lord leads to spiritual blindness and danger (Isaiah 29:13; 30:9–11).
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  • The Lord invites us to return and promises healing and restoration (Isaiah 30:18; 35:3–6).
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  • The Restoration of the gospel is a “marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • God has always guided His people through prophets, and Isaiah’s prophecies point to ongoing revelation, not an ending of it. The Restoration fulfills these prophecies, showing that God still speaks today. Consistent teachings, fulfilled prophecy, and personal spiritual confirmation all support trusting modern prophetic guidance.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • God works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes. Agency is essential to His plan, and growth often comes through learning from mistakes. Even when individuals fall short, God’s work continues forward, and His grace allows for correction, healing, and progress.