Week 5: The Messiah Who Reveals Isaiah 40 Hook Main Point: God reveals Himself in great power and might, offering us rest as we wait on Him. Many television shows today have what s called The Big Reveal. Whether it s home improvement, a weight-loss challenge, or a talent show, there s always a moment the show builds to that is meant to be a huge, shocking surprise. Sometimes the big reveal is pretty impressive and other times there a sense of real disappointment as the hype machine builds us up only to let us down. Isaiah 40 is a big reveal for God s people and it s no letdown. Isaiah offers information and details, beautiful truths about God. In fact, Isaiah appeals to creation itself and God s faithfulness in the past as a foundation for trusting God in the future. The big reveal of God s great glory isn t new, but it still catches our attention. What TV shows do you watch that frequently have a big reveal? Which is your favorite and why? Have you ever had a big reveal that was really a big letdown? Why?
How does Isaiah s big reveal of God s glory help you trust God more today?
Week 5: The Messiah Who Reveals Isaiah 40 Book Main Point: God reveals Himself in great power and might, offering us rest as we wait on Him. Text Summary: Isaiah 40 God is giving His people a chance to start again. In Isaiah 40, God reveals His glory through words of comfort and coming restoration. There s a future for the people, one filled with great joy! God s message of hope resonates over heaven and earth and draws us to proclaim His greatness. As we wait on the Lord, we live by Christ s power and for His glory. Isaiah 40:1 5 [Read] Sub-Point: Jesus reveals God s glory as He speaks words of comfort to His people. Isaiah 40 begins a new section in the book, a section spanning chapters 40 66. In this section, we find repeated development of the people s sinful rebellion, God s judgment fulfilled, and God s sure redemption for His people. 1 Chapter 40 begins with a declaration of God s coming glory through the future restoration of the people of God (v. 1). Turning away from the tragedy of Hezekiah s last days in chapters 38 39, God s grace pours out in words of comfort and peace. Even when it seemed as though all was lost, God would make a way for His people! Verses 1 2 set the tone for all that follows in this chapter. God reveals words filled with comfort, a message spoken in tender love for a broken and disheartened people. God does not discipl ine His people out of spite or wicked malice. Instead, His discipline leads to restoration and revival (cf. Hebrews 12:4 11). In this way, Isaiah s messages of discipline may be seen as an explanation of divine correction leading to final restoration and resolution for the faithful remnant. The exile serves not to destroy the people but to correct them. Isaiah sees a day when the people will reach a low point, a time when all seems lost, a time when it seems like they ve received far more punishment than deserved (v. 2). Yet, it s this day of discouragement that immediately precedes times of lasting peace. Just as a warring nation longs for a day when hostilities end, so Judah longs for and will certainly see a day of peace under God s loving care (v. 2). Isaiah also promises a voice, a message and messenger, who will one day declare the time of restoration and peace. As a region filled with nearly impassible mountains and valleys, God s promise to flatten the land and make straight paths would be a blessing to ease travel, 1 Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), 159 60.
commerce, and safety in the entire area (v. 3 4). 2 Thus, God s promise of peace and comfort alters every aspect of life for the remnant. Times of toil, discomfort, and upheaval are replaced by sweet days filled with God s presence, a time when God s glory and God s Word again comes to the people (v. 5). God s glory would be revealed and restored to the people, recounting the days of blessing under the cloud in the Exodus and time of Solomon s temple (cf. Exodus 13:21; 40:34 38; 2 Chronicles 7:1). Generations after Isaiah s message, John the Baptist would fulfill the words of Isaiah 40:3 (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4 6; John 1:23). John prepared the way for Jesus, the Lamb of God, by preaching a baptism of repentance in the very geographical area predicted by Isaiah 40. 3 As promised, the incarnate Word of God spoke the message of peace and salvation promised by Isaiah. Jesus reveals the glory and goodness of God to humanity (John 1:18; 17:25 26). What does it look like when God disciplines us as a good parent disciplines children? How do people often respond in the midst of this correction and how should we respond? How does seeing God s correction as discipline leading to restoration change our disposition in the midst of trials? How does this change our struggle to confess and forsake our sin? What words of comfort in God s Word mean the most to you when you are suffering? Why? Isaiah 40:6-8 [Read] Sub-Point: Jesus reveals God s message to the world as the incarnate Word of God. Isaiah continues a message of comfort and peace with a second stanza in this song of comfort. Alongside the message of restoration, Isaiah recounts the transient, passing weakness of humanity in light of the eternal words of God (vv. 6 8). God commands a human response but mankind can only respond in weakness and desperation (v. 6). Isaiah s message of human frailty flows from a deep sense of desperation and discouragement in Judah. The people live each day as those who cannot hope in their own strength or in the strength of any other earthly power. 4 They face exile and live under the discouragement of divine judgment, totally incapable of saving themselves or altering their own conditions. Isaiah s language obviously influenced Peter s words about the life-bringing power of God s words (cf. 1 Peter 1:24 25). When we receive new life in Christ, we receive an imperishable, eternal source of life. Everything changes when God brings life. 2 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 164. 3 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 165. 4 John N. Oswalt, Isaiah (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010), 445.
Isaiah also identifies the frailty of human existence as a direct contrast with the power of God over life and death (v. 6). In the face of God s power, humanity withers away like grass under the burning heat of the sun. Isaiah uses imagery from the Judean wilderness in verses 6 8. In Judea, the hills break out in a display of vibrant green grasses in the winter months as the rains nourish the plants. But when the eastern desert winds arrive in early springtime, all vegetation dies, grass and flowers disappearing in a matter of days. 5 Much like this strong east wind, God s breath of judgment causes the people to wither and their strength to fade away. Isaiah s words to the people do not end with human weakness but with God s eternal words of promise (v. 8). Much like the story of the world, the last word does not come from human beings but from God. Jesus, the definitive revelation from heaven, speaks truth and new life to His children (Hebrews 1:1). He offers eternal life to all who will call on His name (John 3:16) that they may walk in the newness of life offered in the Gospel (Romans 6:4). What words, messages, or slogans today seem to exert strong influence in our culture? How do these messages align with or contradict God s words to us in Isaiah? How do people typically respond when facing their own weaknesses or frailty? As God s children, how can we respond? Isaiah 40:9-26 [Read] Sub-Point: Jesus reveals God s power as He rules over all heaven and earth. The message of good tidings continues in Isaiah 40 as the prophet develops the greatness of Gods power in ruling over heaven and earth with wisdom and justice. Isaiah calls all of God s chosen to rise up in shouts of praise and adoration (v. 9). He symbolically points to Zion and Jerusalem as witnesses to God s glory and love. It s natural for Isaiah to point to a social and cultural center such as Jerusalem to indicate the far-reaching affect of God s redemption. In the renewed strength granted by God s promised restoration, the people lift up their song without any more fear of punishment, destruction, or exile (v. 9). God s people shout out as those who are no longer separated from God though sin and rebellion. Instead, the fellowship between God and man has been restored; Judah can now shout out in full confidence as they rest in God s favor (v. 9). The strength of the redeemed comes from the power of God s presence. God s presence no longer causes the people to fade like the grass and the flowers of the field. He now brings his people life and well-being, ready to dispense rewards and offer restitution where appropriate (v. 10). 6 Isaiah returns to shepherding imagery in verse 11, revealing that God shepherds the people with gentle leadership and compassionate care. 5 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 165. 6 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 166.
If there was any doubt about God s power or ability to restore the people, Isaiah seeks to dispel it through a series of questions confirming and reaffirming God s commitment to fulfill all His promises. In fact, the rest of Isaiah 40 reveals God as wise Creator. He rules over heaven and earth with immeasurable greatness as the true source of the strength and hope for the all people. 7 In the face of all their doubt, God s people can safely trust in one who rules over all things. Each section of verses 12 26 begins with rhetorical questions asserting God as sole Creator (vv. 12 14, 21), followed by an affirmation of God ruler of all people and nations (15 17, 22 24), and concluding with a focus on God s singular power over all things, whether that s idols or all other heavenly beings (vv. 18, 25 26). 8 God created all things and sustains all things as the sole power capable of both shaping all we know in the universe as well as standing apart from things we see around us (vv. 12 13). God created all things but he is also totally separate from creation. He created the mountains, hills, waters, and skies, but he is not to be confused with those things. Furthermore, no other being offered God advice or wisdom in shaping and crafting the universe (v. 13). God s limitless power extends from His limitless being (v. 13) and absolute knowledge of all things (v. 14). Isaiah s declarations stand in unique contrast to other common deities of this time period and region of the world. Unlike false gods who frequently are told to consult together or share counsel together, God s transcendence requires no assistance from any other source. 9 In fact, the one true God cannot be solely identified with one nation or one geographic location (v. 15). Yahweh is not some local deity with limited power or authoritative only in Judea. Rather, God stands infinitely greater than all other nations and at all other times. All other human powers are just a drop in the bucket or a speck of dust before the Almighty God (v. 15). Babylon, Assyria, Egypt, or any other nation might seem great in their own eyes, but such pride is false. Only God stands as the sovereign power over all things, knowing even the smallest details about creation down to the amount of dust on the ground (v. 15). Not even the great resources of Lebanon, known for towering cedars, vast forests, and lush pastureland, could offer sufficient resources for an acceptable offering to change God s sovereign plan (v. 16). Before the greatness of God, all nations count for nothing at all, a phrasing repeated in triplet for strong emphasis (v. 17). Isaiah s 10 questions in verses 12 17 contrast God s power with man s frailty. To the first four questions emphasizing God s absolute power, we must answer God. To the last six questions emphasizing man s frailty, we must answer no one. 10 7 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 166. 8 Oswalt, Isaiah, 446. 9 Oswalt, Isaiah, 447. 10 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 166.
Isaiah s description of idol worship and idol creation serves as a final indictment of man s frailty in the face of God s greatness (vv. 18 20). Unlike the ultimate, sovereign Creator, an idol must be crafted and created by weak, finite men (v. 19). Unlike the God who lacks nothing and possesses all greatness and glory, craftsmen must settle for inferior resources that will one day waste away or wear out (v. 20). How can anything made by human hands possibly be the maker of the humans who made it? God never tires, changes, or lacks anything. He stands alone as the great power over all things, fully self-sufficient and glorious in mighty strength. Unlike the idol that cannot move around to accomplish anything in this world, our God stands ready and willing to work His will in the world (v. 20). Isaiah asks several other rhetorical questions in verse 21 intended to draw attention deeper into the obvious displays of God s greatness and glory seen by and declared to the people (v. 21). God sits high above in absolute authority in the heavens while all the earth s inhabitants seem as small as insects before His grandeur (v. 22). No insect is capable of creating and shaping entire ecosystems, but God powerfully crafted all things by His own power (v. 22). In contrast to God s might, all the kingdoms and rulers of this world become empty nothingness (v. 23). God is unimpressed by the wealth and prestige of human rulers because He is the one who determines the times, seasons, and extent of all the kingdoms of this world (v. 24). 11 Much like Isaiah s language of mankind fading like grass and a flower under God s mighty breath (vv. 6 7), so we see the transient greatness of even the mightiest human ruler in the face of God s everlasting reign (v. 24). God possesses no equal in all creation, and Isaiah challenges the reader to search and find a rival to God s greatness (v. 25). Even more, the New Testament reveals Jesus sitting in exalted power at the right hand of God, far above all other powers (Ephesians 1:21). Jesus displays God s greatness in and to the world through his mighty acts on earth (Matthew 9:1 8), resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 6:14), and authoritative return yet to come (Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26). Rather than drawing us up to worship created things, God set the universe in motion to display His greatness to all peoples (v. 26). Nothing comes into being or fades away apart from God s prefect will (v. 26). What things do people feel the need to tell others about? How do these things contrast with Isaiah s message? What things prevent us from shouting God s goodness to the world? In what ways can we better proclaim our great God boldly? Whom do people today see as great or powerful? Why? How do these people compare to Isaiah s description of God? Isaiah 40:27 31 [Read] 11 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 167.
Sub-Point: Jesus reveals God s greatness as He strengthens us to proclaim His goodness to the entire world. The final section of Isaiah 40 puts the finishing touches on an overwhelming revelation of God s great love for His people and great power displayed in creation. In verses 27 31, Isaiah argues from the greater to the lesser, showing that a God who stands in such singular authority over all things is more than able to restore and preserve His people. 12 When it seems as though life will never get better, Isaiah challenges the listener to remember God s greatness and to proclaim God s goodness to the world. It is so easy for God s people to forget the greatness and grandeur of Yahweh. We often struggle to connect God s mighty acts in creation with His sure ability to come to our aid in difficult days. Isaiah points out that any doubt regarding Judah s future restoration should be dispelled by all that God is and all that God has done (vv. 27 28). The doubts of the present can be dispelled by God s faithfulness in the past. When worry arises, remember God never changes. He is everlasting. When fears arise, God never grows tired. He is almighty. When you think no one understands your life, God possesses perfect knowledge. He knows all things. How could the God who created all things in wisdom and power ever grow tired or incapable of watching over His children (v. 28)? When you feel weak, cry out to God for strength (v. 29). God cannot grow tired or frustrated by human insecurities or frailties. He crafted and shaped us with full awareness of our weaknesses (Psalm 103:14). When we feel as though we can t go on, God can carry us through (v. 29). The fact is that even the most energetic, lively created things cannot sustain themselves apart from God (v. 30). 13 Isaiah s conclusion to the admonition to trust in God is summed up as a disciplined practice of waiting on God (v. 31). To wait on God is not simply to sit around watching time pass by, it is living in confident expectation that God acts on our behalf, refusing to run ahead of God s timing while also refusing to sit inactive under God s blessing. 14 His timing and His way are perfect, revealed time and again in our lives and in the story of Scripture. God offers us immeasurable reserves of strength to accomplish all He plans for us. In the fullness of time, God sent Jesus into the world to redeem His people (cf. Romans 5:6; Galatians 4:4 7) and free us for service. God grants exactly what we need at exactly the right time for exactly the right season to accomplish exactly His purposes as we mount up, run, and walk (v. 31). What challenges in life seem to drain us the most? How can God s promises of strength and restoration revive our hearts today? 12 Beyer, Encountering the Book of Isaiah, 167. 13 Oswalt, Isaiah, 448. 14 Oswalt, Isaiah, 448.
Where do most people struggle to wait on the Lord? What does it mean for you to wait on the Lord?
Week 5: The Messiah Who Reveals Isaiah 40 Took Main Point: God reveals Himself in great power and might, offering us rest as we wait on Him. Isaiah offers a powerful message of hope, comfort, and peace. He offers an incredible big reveal unlike anything else in the universe. We serve a God who is great and majestic, yet chooses to love and comfort us. Consider these ways to live out Isaiah s big reveal. Challenges Find comfort in God. We all long for a comfort and peace. When life seems to turn against you, where do you run for peace? Seek comfort in the precious message of hope found in Jesus Christ. As the risen and glorified Son of God, our Savior lives and abides with us forever. Thank Him for this wonderful gift! Meditate on the ever-present, ever-living, ever-loving Messiah who brings the final word of comfort and restoration into your life. Find strength in God. Life is hard. We face challenges daily that seem to drain our souls and sap our joy. When life seems as though it can t get more complicated or more challenging, it almost always does! When it seems as though you can t go on, look to Christ for strength. Our God rules in heaven as a kind, comforting Savior who understands your weaknesses and stands capable of helping you along the way. Go to Him in prayer and seek the Holy Spirit s strength to endure. Reach out to Christian friends and family who can help you bear your burdens. Seek solace in the promises of Scripture where God reveals Himself as mighty, strong, and loving toward you. Wait on God. Regardless of where we are, most of us struggle to wait. Whether it s at the grocery store, on our commute, or simply waiting for an app to download on our phones, we want what we want and we want it NOW. Isaiah impresses our impatient hearts with a challenge to wait on God. The rush of life drains us and only taking time to slow down and wait on God offers a path toward relief. Don t allow your work, hobbies, or family schedule to overwhelm your life. Take time for Sabbath rest. Allow yourself to be accountable to others for your time management. Confess where you are too busy and ask God s Spirit to help you wait on His timing, all the while resting in His goodness and grace.