Isaiah 40: Unwearied Faith in an Unwearying God
IN ISAIAH 40 and the chapters following, the ending of the Babylonian exile is presupposed, and it is the prophet's purpose to reconstruct his people's faith and hope with prophecies of liberation from captivity and a new calling to be God's servant and a light to the nations. Through all the vicissitudes of history, God the Holy One, God the Gracious One, unwearyingly speaks to his people, revealing himself as a God of grace, an incomparably great God, and a God who is in charge of the movements of history, even when a tyrant arises to terrify the world. The nations in terror turn to their idols. But Israel is to trust God in such world-shaking times. And so are we.
Warming Up to God
What "idols" (for instance, money, power or sex) do you use as a source of comfort for your fears? Confess your sin to God and ask him to free you to hear his Word for you today.
Read Isaiah 40. »
Discovering the Word
- A tender, wooing voice speaks to God's people in verses 1 and 2. What are the implications of the three affirmations all introduced by the word that?
- A second voice is raised in verses 6-8. What vivid contrast is made in these verses?
- The third voice, in verse 9, says, "Here is your God!" What sort of a God is he according to verses 10 and 11?
- In what different ways is the incomparable greatness of God affirmed by the avalanche of questions and statements in verses 12-17 and 21-26?
- How does the prophet answer Israel's complaint in verse 27?
Applying the Word
- Deserts, valleys and mountains are hindrances to transport and communication (vv. 3-5). If all humanity is to see the glory of the Lord, these obstacles must be removed. What obstacles do you and your group or church face in both your local witness and global missions efforts?
- How can these obstacles be removed?
- How do these verses bring you the encouragement you need?
Responding in Prayer
Make verses 28-31 your prayer to the Lord today.
For Further Study
Images of God by Dale Larsen & Sandy Larsen