Have you ever been promised something that you thought you would never receive? You probably doubted the promise because of the character (or lack thereof) of the person who made the promise.
Isaiah 40 is a turning point of the book of Isaiah. For the first 39 chapters, Isaiah has prophesied of God's coming judgment upon the nation of Israel because of their sinfulness. Even though Israel was God's chosen nation, God was going to punish them because of their sin and lack of faithfulness to him. In chapter 40, God promises them comfort once again following their punishment. He is speaking of the restoration of Israel during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 40:1-11, we learn that God will do what he has promised because he is faithful. Here Isaiah is prophesying comfort for Israel, and this promise is sure because of God's faithfulness.
Isaiah 40 is a turning point of the book of Isaiah. For the first 39 chapters, Isaiah has prophesied of God's coming judgment upon the nation of Israel because of their sinfulness. Even though Israel was God's chosen nation, God was going to punish them because of their sin and lack of faithfulness to him. In chapter 40, God promises them comfort once again following their punishment. He is speaking of the restoration of Israel during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 40:1-11, we learn that God will do what he has promised because he is faithful. Here Isaiah is prophesying comfort for Israel, and this promise is sure because of God's faithfulness.
- Comfort will come with the reign of the Messiah (vv. 1-5). When the Messiah comes to reign, there will be comfort once again for the nation of Israel. That the verse refers to the Messiah is clear from the New Testament, when John the Baptist quotes this passage in reference to his ministry (Mark 1:3). However, this also does not completely refer to Jesus' first coming, since the geographical and topographical changes that will signal the beginning of the kingdom have not yet taken place (cf. Zech 14:1-6).
- Comfort will come from the permanence of God's Word (vv. 6-8). Unlike the words, thoughts, and ideas of men, God's Word never fails. God's promise of comfort for his people will not expire or pass away, it is permanent.
- Comfort will come from knowing that the Messiah is mighty yet tender (vv. 9-11). God's amazing power and strength will mean fear and terror for those who disobey, but for his own, God will gently care for his own.
Obviously, we are not the nation of Israel, but we too can take comfort in God's faithfulness. What God has promised, he will fulfill. What has God promised us? He has promised forgiveness when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), he has promised unfailing love for his own (Rom 8:31-39), eternal life in heaven (1 John 5:11-12), and his constant help and presence with us (Heb 13:5-6). How would our lives change if we truly lived in light of God's faithfulness?
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