Isaiah 40
Wednesday, October 25, 2022
There are many times in life when we feel alone, and without comfort. Times like grieving over death, or a spot in life that just isn’t going our way. In this chapter however, God’s comfort and hope are clear towards God’s people, just as it is today.
Throughout all of Isaiah, there were themes. Isaiah 1-35 deal with condemnation, Isaiah 36-39 are the historic chapters, the chapters with confiscation, and Isaiah 40-66 consolation. Consolation is the comfort people feel after a loss or disappointment.
Every story in the Bible has its sad parts, its broken pieces, but in the end, God provides comfort and peace.
Isaiah 40:1-2
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and announce to her that her time of forced labor is over, her iniquity has been pardoned, and she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”
The Lord is saying to Isaiah. Tell my people the battle is over; they don’t need to worry. Isaiah knew all about warning and instructing God’s people, but God also wanted His people to receive His comfort.
In any group of people waiting to hear from God, there are always a number of hurting hearts. It is important for us to hear words of comfort for God is comfort. Our purpose is to bring God’s comfort to other’s pain, just as others bring us the same comfort. God’s purpose for us is to love him and love others in our pain.
Our battle may not always be over, it was the same way for God’s people. The battle wasn’t over for Jerusalem when this was written, but God told them it would be over. That is where the comfort comes from. Knowing the battle may not be over yet, but also knowing we have a mighty God who will bring us through it.
Our purpose is bringing others the Lord’s comfort in their battles too. Share in God’s hope and love.
-Hannah Eldred
Reflection Questions
- What characteristics of God do you find in Isaiah 40? Which one do you sometimes forget about? Which one means the most to you today?
- Who do you know who you can bring God’s comfort to this week? How will you do so?
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