LESSON 11
DELIVERANCE HAS ARRIVED
ISAIAH CHAPTER 40
As we open the last great section of Isaiah from chapter 40-66, we move from judgment to comfort to hope with Jerusalem being the spiritual center for all nations. Chapters 58-66 describe the glory of God in the future Messianic Kingdom, which to this day is the hope of the Jewish nation. This portion of God’s Word was written to a group of discouraged Jewish refugees who faced a long journey to Jerusalem from exile and the hard job of rebuilding Jerusalem when they arrived. No wonder God’s people for centuries have turned to this portion of God’s Word for comfort and strength as they faced difficult times in their lives. God’s message of comfort to all His children is a source of hope and strength in the face of grave circumstances and overwhelming odds.
The twice repeated, “comfort you, comfort you,” is for the purpose of emphasis and can be connected to the Words of Jesus in John 14:16, “And I will pray to the Father, and He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you forever.” The grace of God toward Israel is on display, for in spite of their sin and repeated rebellion, God still looked upon Israel as, “my people.” How blessed are the people of God of every age to know that they are in fellowship with the God of all comfort. When faced with life’s trials and bitter disappointments our heavenly Father is our source of comfort and strength.
All four of the gospels writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John quote Isaiah 40:3 as referring to the ministry of John the Baptist. The message of Isaiah 40:3-11 is that all flesh is fading and will not last the day, but God’s Word abides forever and you can put your trust in its promises.
God is eternal and unchanging. Our God is seen as a “strong man of war” and as a “gentle shepherd” who carries His little lambs in His arms and holds them close. Ask the Holy Spirit to grip you soul with this thought as you face trials of life and you will never feel alone being held so close to the heart of God.
In verse 12-20 of Isaiah 40, the great Creator and Sustainer of the universe is contrasted with the nations of the world and with idols. It brings to mind God’s challenge to Job when he sought to question God about all his troubles. When it comes to man’s pitiful idols, Isaiah reminds them they cannot even stand or move on their own. Isaiah then moves into Isaiah 40:24-26 where he reinforces his argument that the whole universe, including the history of mighty men, bears testimony to the infinite power, wisdom and greatness of God. Then Isaiah points out to Israel in Isaiah 40:27-31 that God can be trusted. God does care about His people and is never weary, nor does He give up when His children get discouraged. Our problem is that we do not always understand His ways or methods. Even the finest of young men become tired and exhausted, but they who wait upon the Lord shall soar to great heights like eagles. They will run and not become weary. They shall walk and not get tired. It’s been suggested that young believers mount up with wings of hope and that middle age believers are running with patience the race set before them. Those who have reached old age have come to a quiet walk with God as they come close to heavens open door. How wonderful to have a God who never tires and is always there to listen and give whatever strength we need as we face life.