The God of Comfort (Isaiah 40:1-11)

God is undefeated even by our most grievous sin. The Sovereign God is never more sovereign than in the work of mercy and salvation. It is those who know they have most signally erred and strayed from his ways, who, within the blessed arena of salvation, feel most gently the warmth of his shepherding arms around them. They know for sure to be the lambs of his flock.

Isaiah 40 answers the question, "Who is your God?" God is:

1. The God of Comfort (1-11).
2. The Incomparable God (12-26).
3. The God Who Makes Man Fly (27-31).

Soar Like An Eagle (Isaiah 40)

Isaiah 40 introduces the major section of Isaiah 40-55. The question of God's trustworthiness has been thoroughly answered in Isaiah 7-39 despite man's failure and sins. Now the questions are:

• What will motivate the people of God to trust him and become the servants they were called to be?
• How is it possible for sinful Israel to become God's servants?
• What is to be done about the sin that has alienated them from God?

Isaiah addresses these questions in the future context of the coming Babylonian exile, when he anticipates the questions the exiles will be prompted to ask in that crisis. Isaiah 40-55 answer the questions in two parts:

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).

Idolatry Destroys, The Contrite is Comforted (Isaiah 56,57)

Previous post: Whose Ways and Thoughts are Higher? God's or Yours? (Isa 55:9)

The prophesies of Isa 56:1-66:24 addresses the exiles who still suffer from idolatry, hypocrisy and indifference, after returning from Babylon before the rebuilding of the temple in 520 B.C. These prophesies also guides God's people of all ages to live out the promises of Isa 1:1-55:13, in order to prepare for the salvation and renewal to come.

Isa 56:1 serves as a summary of Isaiah, Isa 1:1-55:13. "Maintain justice and do what is right" echoes the ideals of Isa 1:1-39:8, where God warns of his impending judgment through Assyria. "For my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed" sums up the promises of Isa 40:1-55:13, which are addressed primarily to the exiles in Babylon.

The True People of God receive God's salvation (Isa 56:1-8)

Those who inherit the promise of God for salvation include foreigners and eunuchs, for despite their outward apparent disqualification (Isa 56:3), hold fast to his covenant and his Sabbaths (Isa 56:2, 4-8).

Self-Serving Leaders and Idolatry Destroy the Nation (Isa 56:9-12; 57:1-13)

Self-indulgent false prophets and irresponsible leaders lead God's people astray (Isa 56:9-12). Though the righteous perish, they die in faith and enjoy their eternal reward (Isa 57:1,2; Rev 14:13). When the people gave in to idolatry, they deceived themselves into thinking that their idolatry renewed their strength (Isa 57:3-10), while losing the fear of God in their hearts (Isa 57:11-13).

The High and Holy God Lives with the Contrite and the Lowly (Isa 57:14-21)

In contrast with the threats of judgment for idolatry (Isa 57:3-13), God gives promises of blessing to the lowly and the contrite, creating a spirit of repentance, and bringing comfort, peace and healing (Isa 57:14-21).

Practical Application: When our hearts are contrite and lowly, God revives our spirit and our heart (Isa 57:15).

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