The Comfort God Brings to Sinners

On the heels of Hezekiah's self-preservation moment in Isaiah 39, the whole book takes a decidedly positive turn. How can it be? Because when national leaders fail us and look out only for themselves, the selfless One enters the scene and reminds us once again that He is the truth KING we need.

Isaiah 40:9 (ESV) Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”

Now verse 9 here is the concluding salvo to the opening of this incredible chapter and we should take time in it as many beautiful words from this chapter are often quoted but without context. God is reminding us to look at Him, not worldly leaders. And so the chapter opens with what comes with His presence.

Isaiah 40:1–2 (ESV) Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.

Isaiah repeats the word, "Comfort" for emphasis. God is bringing peace and restoration after the discipline and judgment He brought upon them. This is how God works. Though our actions bring harm as we run from Him, is the faithful father running after His children seeking to pick them up in His arms and bring them back home.

Isaiah 40:3 (ESV) A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah points to the Lord's arrival in the midst of a barren landscape. It's amazing how sin brings barrenness, but God comes to us in that barrenness to bring His life. Consider how many women brought forth exceptional men in the Bible though they were at one time barren. God does His best work in our emptiness. 

Isaiah 40:4–5 (ESV) Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

When ancient kings entered new territory their army ahead of them would make the path smooth by leveling the ground ahead. This is what will happen as God comes to us, but not by way of topography. God levels our hearts and lifts up those who are weak. The ground at the foot of the cross is even and any can come. 

Isaiah 40:6–8 (ESV) A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah reminds God's people that the Word of God is the only lasting thing in the world. I know I need the word more now in my life than ever. As I watch our world disintegrate into oblivion and confusion abounds my heart hungers for that which can never be removed. Tyrants have sought to silence it, the church at times has tried to limit it, false teachers try to twist it but the Lord has made sure to confirm it and saturate our world with it. The Word of the Lord is good news for fallen creatures, it is hope for those harrassed by sin, and it is strength to our souls. 

Amen.

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