Comfort of Restoration
May 16, 2020
Commentary
The book of Isaiah makes a dramatic switch of emphasis at this point. Where the previous chapters are filled with messages of judgment, this chapter and the following emphasizes restoration and deliverance. We need to keep in mind that as Isaiah wrote these prophecies of restoration, Judah still had over 100 years of difficulty ahead of her before she would fall to Babylon and then be forced into 70 years of captivity. However, instead of warning the people of impending judgment, Isaiah comforts them. The people saw failure and sin and needed encouragement. Four voices are heard:
The voice of pardon (vv. 1-2) – The nation had sinned greatly against the Lord but they were His people and He loved them and would not forsake them.The voice of providence (vv. 3-5) – Isaiah calls out to the people to “prepare for the way of the Lord” (v. 3) and His glory (v. 5). The wilderness (v. 3) is a picture of life’s trials.The voice of promise (vv. 6-8) – People here are compared to grass and flowers that wither to God who never fails and endures forever. As Israel begins its long journey home, the people can depend on God’s promises.The voice of peace (vv 9-11) – God’s arm is a mighty arm for the battle (v. 10), but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v. 11).In creating the universe God did not need anyone to help Him (vv. 12-14). Compared to the One who holds the oceans in His hands the nations of the earth are nothing (vv. 15-17).
Application
When my life seems to be falling apart, I need to go to God for comfort. I may not escape adversity, but I can find God’s comfort as I face it.
Isaiah 40:1– 17 (NET)
1 “Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
2 “Speak kindly to Jerusalem and tell her that her time of warfare is over, that her punishment is completed. For the Lord has made her pay double for all her sins.”
3 A voice cries out, “In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord; build a level road through the rift valley for our God.
4 Every valley must be elevated, and every mountain and hill leveled. The rough terrain will become a level plain, the rugged landscape a wide valley.
5 The splendor of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it at the same time. For the Lord has decreed it.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!” Another asks, “What should I cry out?” The first voice responds: “All people are like grass, and all their promises are like the flowers in the field.
7 The grass dries up, the flowers wither, when the wind sent by the Lord blows on them. Surely humanity is like grass.
8 The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.”
9 Go up on a high mountain, O herald Zion. Shout out loudly, O herald Jerusalem! Shout, don’t be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”
10 Look, the Sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him.
11 Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along.
12 Who has measured out the waters in the hollow of his hand, or carefully measured the sky, or carefully weighed the soil of the earth, or weighed the mountains in a balance, or the hills on scales?
13 Who comprehends the mind of the Lord, or gives him instruction as his counselor?
14 From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skillful design?
15 Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He lifts the coastlands as if they were dust.
16 Not even Lebanon could supply enough firewood for a sacrifice; its wild animals would not provide enough burnt offerings.
17 All the nations are insignificant before him; they are regarded as absolutely nothing.
Illustration: Paganini Played the Violin with 3 Broken Strings
A story is told of how Paganini once came into the concert room, took the violin, and touched the strings. First one string broke, and a smile went around the room; then another string broke, and there was more audible expression of mockery; when a third string broke, many people laughed outright at his discomfort. But Paganini stood forth with his violin as though nothing had happened and played on the one string, and the people ceased to smile, but listened spellbound. Some of those who had derided him began to weep, and some even prayed. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations – #2618).