The Incomparable God (Isaiah 40:12-26)

Isaiah 40 (Oswalt):

1. God's promised deliverance (1-11).
2. God's ability to deliver his people (12-26).
3. Waiting in hope (27-31).

(Ray Ortland, Jr):

1. God's glory, our comfort (1-11).
2. God's uniqueness, our assurance (12-26).
3. God's greatness, our renewal (27-31).

After expressing the tenderness of Yahweh's shepherding care (1-11) Isaiah sets the magnificence of his sovereign power and executive rule as Creator (12-26). The former expresses the attractiveness and delightfulness of his promises; the latter his irresistible power to keep what he has promised.

No Other God (Isaiah 44)

Isaiah 44:6-28; 6, 24

"This is what the Lord says—Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God" "This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself" (Isa 44:6, 24, NIV).

Who is the only God?

1. The first and the last (6-8; 46:10). There is no other like God.
2. The one offended by our idolatry (9-20). Idolatry is the worst sin.
3. The Redeemer of his people (21-23, 6, 24). God desires his people to remember him and return to him.
4. The Creator who delivers his people (24-28). God is faithful to his people.

Soar Like An Eagle (Isaiah 40)

Isaiah 40:1-31; 31

"But those who trust (wait, hope) in the Lord will find new (renew their) strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint" (Isa 40:31, NLT).

References:

1. God's Comfort Enables the Weak to Soar on Wings Like Eagles (Isaiah 40). My daily bread Dec 2010.
2. Webb, Barry G. The Message of Isaiah. 160-167.
• Overture (1-11),
• Majesty (12-31): The incomparable one (12-26). Strength for the weary (27-31).
3. Motyer, J. Alec. Isaiah. 273-283.
• The message of comfort (1-11).
• God the Creator, guarantor of his promises (12-31):
• The Creator in his wisdom (12-14).
• The Creator in his greatness (15-17).
• The Creator in his sole deity (18-20).
• The Creator in his role as King of kings (21-24).
• The Creator in his direct management of the cosmos (25-26).
• The Creator in his self-giving (27-31).

Biblical Portraits of Creation

As the title declares, Biblical Portraits of Creation is indeed a celebration of the Maker of Heaven and Earth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I plan to use it and encourage its use in preaching and Bible studies. I highly recommend it.

The important, glorious, majestic and dynamic doctrine of creation that emphasizes God as Creator (Gen 1:1) is often a neglected theme of sermons and Bible studies in churches, which favors redemptive historical aspects of the Bible. But Biblical Portraits of Creation faithfully and edifyingly lays emphasis on the utmost importance of God as Creator. It captures the grandeur, glory and majesty of the creation (and new creation) texts of both the Old Testament and New Testament by explaining, expounding and exegeting those texts in an engaging way. (See titles for the 12 chapters and the corresponding biblical text below.) It is an excellent resource for Christians, pastors and lay Bible teachers who wants to preach and/or teach about creation and new creation. The concise and succinct summary points at the end of each chapter is very useful, along with study questions, which can benefit and facilitate group Bible studies and personal reflection.