There are differences in tone between the greatest passages in the Old Testament and the writings of the New Testament.

Isaiah, in particular, wrote with great power and beauty. He is overwhelmed by the majesty of God and by the contrasting weakness and littleness of his fellow men and women. At times one can feel uncomfortable with the very strong expressions of fear, anxiety and concern in many parts of the Old Testament.

Could it be that, despite their protestations of total trust in God's love and care, the Old Testament writers feel that God is far away? Their faith is undoubtedly strong, but their human feelings of loneliness and isolation are too much for them at times.

In contrast with Isaiah, the language of the Gospel is calm and measured. All through the Gospels, we feel that Our Lord Jesus Christ is one who knows what our life is about in this exciting and contradictory world.

He lived in it. He is like us in all things but sin. His teaching is demanding but is tempered by the fact that he knows he is speaking to men and women who live in a less than perfect world.