Isaiah 40

I am really glad that we are reading of the Consolation of Israel in Isaiah 40, 52-55 at Christmastime. These Scriptures prophesy of the coming of the Messiah. We probably will take more than one day to blog these passages because there is a lot of treasure hidden here. These Scriptures make me wish I were more of a Bible history/prophecy scholar. I am certain there is a lot of symbolism and meaning that we miss when we do not fully understand the history and culture behind the writing. So, if you could help me a little by researching these passages on your own, that would be terrific! If you find a really helpful internet site, or if you know of a great book on these topics, please let us know by clicking on the comment link on the blog.

Isaiah 40 begins with “Comfort, comfort my people—her sin has been doubly paid for.” Israel and Judah needed hope. Israel had already fallen into the hands of Assyria, and Isaiah had prophesied that Judah would be taken into captivity by Babylon. Chapters 40-66 of Isaiah foretell the restoration of the entire nation at the coming of the Suffering Servant. In the face of impending doom, Isaiah wrote of eternal hope. I can imagine that the captives in Babylon longed for God’s Comfort. They needed assurance that their punishment for sin had been paid and that they would soon be restored to relationship with their God. Are you in need of hope during these days of crisis? Look to Christ for your eternal Comfort. He is the only one who knows your future, and He wants to give you hope. Seek Him! (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Isaiah 40:3-5—John the Baptist would fulfill this prophecy, as he came proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. Jesus was the glory of the LORD revealed. Glory means presence, and Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, the very presence of God come to earth. (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23) Hallelujah!

Isaiah 40:10—“the Sovereign LORD comes with power.” Israel and Judah needed God to rescue them with great power. Do you need Him also? Believe and trust that He is able!

Isaiah 40:11-14—Wow! I love these verses! If you are only reading my blog, and not the Word of God, then you are totally missing out. Get up out of your chair right now and read these words out of your Bible. Read it out loud. Savor the mental images of your LORD cradling you in His arms, carrying you close to your heart. Picture the God of the heavens measuring the waters in his hand, marking off the heavens with the breadth of his hand. He holds the dust of the earth in a basket! I have lived in places where the dust was abundant! It is hard to imagine it all gathered in one basket. God weighs the mountains on a scale. I have stood at the base of the Rocky Mountains, their grandeur towering over me. They are a small thing to be weighed in God’s perspective.

Take time to bask in the splendor of God, your Creator. To whom can we compare Him? He has no equal. He is the Holy One. Worship Him by reading aloud Isaiah 40:21-31. Please don’t cheat your relationship with the One True Savior by failing to bask in His majesty when He is inviting you to His throne. Savor the greatness of our God!