Isaiah 40
-This section, which are the
prophet’s Word of God for comfort to His people, spans from chapter 40 through
the rest of the book. These are unmistakably events that occur after the
Babylonian captivity, so there is a distinct break in the action and tenure of
the prophecy. The message begins with the words “Comfort, O comfort My people,”
from the LORD and there are assurances that Jerusalem will be well taken care
of post warfare. Sins will be removed and the corrective-punishing judgment
will be completed (Isaiah 40:1-2). The beginning of this healing is the
ministry of John the Baptist, which is prophesied by Isaiah here in verses 3-5.
God’s Word will be confirmed by earthly circumstances and actions as the voice
of the prophet will clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness (the desert
region in the Jordan Valley north of the Dead Sea). Repentance, although not
explicit in this passage, is the smoothing effect to get people ready for the Messianic
King as the glory of the LORD is revealed, which all flesh will see together (Malachi
3:1; 4:5-6, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 3:4-6, John 1:23). A beautiful and
creative picture of the eternality of the Word of God is given next in the text
as the grass withers and the flower fades, as well as people and nations, when
the breath of the LORD blows upon them in comparison to His complete and
authoritative Word (Isaiah 40:6-8). *Application* Preparation is key to finding
spiritual success. The Holy Spirit convicts and wants to heal and comfort you,
but are you willing? Just like the King’s invitation in Matthew 22, please make
sure you are not guilty of paying no attention and going your own way rather
than God’s (Matthew 22:5a). His voice is calling, repent (turn from wickedness)
and trust in Me for wholeness and wellness.
-Verse 9 tells LORD’s people not
to fear in Zion or Jerusalem in the high mountain of protection in God’s care
and comfort. “Here is your God!” This refrain echoes into the future second
coming of the Messiah, as so much of prophecy does. At this time God will come
in might with His (the incarnate Son) arm ruling for Him (the Father). “His
reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend
His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He
will gently lead the nursing ewes (Isaiah 40:10-11).” *Application* Jesus
Christ is the Good Shepherd (John 10).
-The Spirit of the LORD is
uncontainable. He needs no counsel or informer. He has all understanding,
justice, and knowledge. The nations hold no sway to His ultimate authority.
They are like a drop in the bucket and are regarded as a speck of dust on the
scales. Even whole islands are lifted up by Him like fine dust. The nations are
naught before His majesty and regarded as less than nothing, totally
meaningless when it comes to the execution of His Divine plan. God is
Sovereign; the LORD of Jacob is in control. He is omnipotent (Isaiah 40:12-17).
*Application* O child of God, weary in this world, don’t worry ‘bout a thing,
cause every thing’s gonna be alright (taken from Mr. Bob Marley in partJ). Trust in Your
Savior.
-Idols are railed against as a
prophetic theme in verses 18-26. God is incomparable to images made by man. We
should know, we should listen. It has been declared from the beginning, from
the foundations of the earth in creation. “It is He who sits above the circle
(proof that God revealed we live on a sphere, not a flat earth, thousands of
years before Columbus) of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers…
(Isaiah 40:22a).” God’s power reduces the rulers of this world to nothing, and
He makes the judges of this earth meaningless. There is no One like Him. He is
the Creator, and there is none other. He calls the universal stars by name
because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power. Not one of
them is missing from His awareness. This unbelievable statement could not have
even been fully comprehended until our recent human developments in telescopes
and space technology.
-Because of this incredible
ability Jacob, or anyone else, would be foolish to say, “My way is hidden from
the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God (Isaiah 40:27).
Then one of the most comforting passages of Scripture is written for our
edification:
”Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him
who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and
vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new
strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get
tired, they will walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:28-31).”
*Application* Just sit and meditate a while, as long as it
takes…forget time, on the greatness of our God.
Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 40:8, 28-31
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