Day #208

Sermon - Audio
Isaiah 40-43 - Audio
Isaiah 40-43 - Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment

Chapter 40

The book of Isaiah makes a dramatic shift at this point. The following chapters discuss the love and majesty of God, who is coming to rule the earth and judge all people. God will redeem his people and restore them to glory. Instead of warning the people of more judgment, Isaiah begins to console them. Chapter 40 refers to the restoration after the people have returned from exile. There has been considerable debate regarding the authorship of the remaining chapters of the book, as some believe they must have been written by a later prophet or "school of prophets."

40.1-2 Because of the agony of the exiles, God instructs Isaiah to speak tenderly with Israel and Judah. The seeds of comfort have taken place in the context of a very difficult time.

40.3-5 preparing a straight highway means removing obstacles and honoring the Lord at his coming. The desert can also serve as a metaphor for the difficulties that Israel has experienced. John the Baptist used these words as he challenged people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah (Matthew 3.3).

40.6-8 People are compared here to grass and flowers that wither away. We are mortal, but God's Word is eternal and unfailing. Kings and cultures change, but the Word of the Lord will last forever. This lends a great deal of humility to our lives. We can easily be filled up with self-importance and grandiosity, but the truth is that we are here today and gone tomorrow! The Word of the Lord will last forever.

40.10-11 God is often pictured as a shepherd, gently caring for and guiding his flock. Jesus considered himself to be the "Good Shepherd". He is powerful, yet careful and gentle. Note that the shepherd cares for the most vulnerable in society and keeps them close to his heart.

40.12-31 Isaiah describes God's power not only as creator, but the sustainer of all things. God is powerful, but he cares for each of us personally too. It is important that we do not try to limit God in our speaking of and thinking. Even the strong grow weak at time, but God's power always wins. This is a great comfort to his people.



Chapter 41

41.1-2 God is calling one from east who is Cyrus II of Persia, a person who would be king within 150 years and mentioned by name in 44.28. Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. and was responsible for the decree releasing exiled Jews to return to their homeland. God would use a pagan king to accomplish his purpose.

41.8-10 God chose Israel because he wanted to, not because they were a wonderful, powerful, or godly people. Although they rebelled against God's grace he would redeem them once again. He would never forsake them.

41.21-24 Israel was surrounded by many nations whose gods supposedly had special powers, such as blessing agriculture and causing military victory. These gods failed to deliver and actually became burdens to those who worshiped them. God can be trusted because he is the one true and living God.



Chapter 42

42.1-4 These verses can be found in Matthew 12.18-21 and are said to be referring to Christ. The servant is one who is filled with gentleness, blessing, justice, and truth. When God's people feel broken and bruised, God will not cause further harm. God will gently heal and restore those who have fallen away or crushed.

42.1-9 These verses can also be referred to have the "Servant Song". Israel and the Messiah are often called servant. Often God's people and the Messiah serve in the similar roles.

42.6-7 Part of Christ's mission and ours is to be a light to the nations. God calls us to be servant of his Son, and to help fulfill his mission in the world.

42.19-20 How could Israel and Judah be God's servants and yet be so blind? How could they experience of God's saving activity and be clueless? We must admit that after having been given so much, we find ourselves in the same circumstance.



Chapter 43

43.1-4 In spite of their sin, God would show mercy and carry them back from captivity. He would renew their relationship with him. Going through hard times Israel could expect God to be faithful and to be near to them.

43.5-6 Isaiah was speaking of Israel's return from exile, but we can also see a picture of all God's people being gathered when Christ comes to rule in this world.

43.10-11 Israel's task was to be a witness and tell the world about God and his mercy. The world will know through the ministry of God's people that the Lord is the one who saves.

43.15-21 These verses tell about a new exodus for Israel, who had been oppressed as slaves in Egypt. Once again the people would cry out to God and they would be delivered. This will be an even greater miracle than the exodus from Egypt.

43.22-24 Instead of enjoying a fragrant offering, the Lord could only see their sins in worship.

43.25 God does not remind us of our previous sins like people do. When God forgives our sins, they are forgotten. We do not need to fear that we will be reminded of them at a later date.