Isaiah 40-44
Finally, another familiar chapter of Isaiah as we come to chapter 40. And what a chpater it is! Comfort is coming for Israel in the person of Jesus Christ, but first comes the one preparing the way. Israel has paid for her sins -- double in fact. Now the herald is calling out that the deliverer is coming. Even though man is just a temporary life on earth, God's word doesn't die. It doesn't fade. Now is the time to see the Lord coming in power.
We go from the power of God in 40:10 to the tender, caring shepherd in 40:11, then into a description of the incredible God beginning again in 40:12. This passage is reminiscent of God's speech at the end of the book of Job. The nations are but nothing. Idols are a waste of gold and wood. God is beyond anything else imagined. His holiness is called to mind in 40:16, His majesty in 40:22, His power in 40:23-24. There is no one like our God.
Not only is He powerful, but He is our hope. Our strength is renewed in Him. So many people use 40:31 as their life verse, urging a constant faith and hope in the One who strengthens us.
At chpater 41 we see the power of God intimidating the idol worshipers of the islands. Although they encourage one another, the fight is in vain. God has come for His Israel. Poigniant is 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This is the God who was
King David's strength and shield. This is the God who takes up Israel's cause.
The image of God creating water and shade in the desert for a hot and thirsty people dominates 41:17-20. The God who provides.
Next is a taunting of false gods in 41;21-24. The God who judges justly.
The Suffering Servant makes His entrance in chapter 42. He is not a conquering hero, but a quiet judge. He will destroy those who trust in idols, but will uplift those who call on Him. God has sent tragedy upon Israel for their sins were great. But in chapter 43 redemption comes and Israel is gathered together once again.
At 43:10b we have a statement of God's uniqueness, "Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me, I even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior." It is all plain to see.
Even as Israel is being gathered, we see the nature of God's mercy. He is a forgiving God, remembering sins no more. Israel did not earn mercy -- indeed one cannot earn mercy -- for the people have been sinful and unfaithful since day one.
Again in 44:6b we see that there is but one God and no other. This is a common theme throughout this section of Isaiah. We shall see more in coming chapters. Also in 44:8 we have another instance. The prophecy then turns to a discourse about the foolishness of idols. This has always seemed like the obvious argument to me -- you use half the wood for a fire and the other half you worship? Foolish. God is redeeming Israel and as chapter 44 is closing we see that Jerusalem will spring back to life as well as the Temple of the Lord.
We go from the power of God in 40:10 to the tender, caring shepherd in 40:11, then into a description of the incredible God beginning again in 40:12. This passage is reminiscent of God's speech at the end of the book of Job. The nations are but nothing. Idols are a waste of gold and wood. God is beyond anything else imagined. His holiness is called to mind in 40:16, His majesty in 40:22, His power in 40:23-24. There is no one like our God.
Not only is He powerful, but He is our hope. Our strength is renewed in Him. So many people use 40:31 as their life verse, urging a constant faith and hope in the One who strengthens us.
At chpater 41 we see the power of God intimidating the idol worshipers of the islands. Although they encourage one another, the fight is in vain. God has come for His Israel. Poigniant is 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This is the God who was
King David's strength and shield. This is the God who takes up Israel's cause.
The image of God creating water and shade in the desert for a hot and thirsty people dominates 41:17-20. The God who provides.
Next is a taunting of false gods in 41;21-24. The God who judges justly.
The Suffering Servant makes His entrance in chapter 42. He is not a conquering hero, but a quiet judge. He will destroy those who trust in idols, but will uplift those who call on Him. God has sent tragedy upon Israel for their sins were great. But in chapter 43 redemption comes and Israel is gathered together once again.
At 43:10b we have a statement of God's uniqueness, "Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me, I even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior." It is all plain to see.
Even as Israel is being gathered, we see the nature of God's mercy. He is a forgiving God, remembering sins no more. Israel did not earn mercy -- indeed one cannot earn mercy -- for the people have been sinful and unfaithful since day one.
Again in 44:6b we see that there is but one God and no other. This is a common theme throughout this section of Isaiah. We shall see more in coming chapters. Also in 44:8 we have another instance. The prophecy then turns to a discourse about the foolishness of idols. This has always seemed like the obvious argument to me -- you use half the wood for a fire and the other half you worship? Foolish. God is redeeming Israel and as chapter 44 is closing we see that Jerusalem will spring back to life as well as the Temple of the Lord.
posted by rev-ed @ 10:20 AM
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