Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:1-48:22
Memory Verse: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:31
Introduction:
Isaiah now focuses upon the greatness of our Father God in contrast to the uselessness of heathen idols. This section also opens what Jewish rabbis have called “The Book of Consolation” (all of Isaiah 40-66). Isaiah is attempting to comfort the Jewish remnant in Babylon after their hard years in captivity, assuring them that God was present with them and would safely return them to the Promised Land.
Isaiah 40-66 were written to a group of very discouraged refugees facing a difficult journey to get home and a hard job of rebuilding. Over and over God tells them to “Fear not!” and repeatedly assures them of His forgiveness and divine presence with them. Due to these words of encouragement, people for centuries have meditated on this portion of Holy Writ, soaking in the assurance and hope they need in difficult times. These scriptures cry out to every believer, “Be comforted!”
In Isaiah 40-48, Isaiah stresses the greatness of God. In times of difficulty, when even more difficult times can be seen for the future, and the resources to meet those challenges are not within our control, it is especially vital that we understand the great majesty of God. The hymn, How Great Thou Art, has been a tremendous blessing and comfort to multitudes of believers, for precisely this reason. The song helps us to lift our eyes from our troubles and worries and pressures, and to focus entirely upon the Lord. When the greatness of God fills our entire scope of vision, our problems will appear miniature by comparison.
Isaiah extols the greatness of God in three primary ways through these chapters: (1) God is greater than our circumstances (including problems behind us, before us, and within us), (2) God is greater than our fears, and (3) God is greater than our enemies. When we bring God into focus, regardless of the difficulties, we can robustly sing, HOW GREAT THOU ART!
Studying the Word
- What is absolutely certain to stand forever? (Isaiah 40:6-8; Psalm 89:34; 119:89; 119:152; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:22-25)
- Discuss the difference between men choosing and fashioning their own gods (idols), and the God of heaven choosing a people to Himself. (Isaiah 41:2-10, 21-24, 28-29; 44:9-20, 24-28)
- What does Isaiah reveal are the character qualities of God’s Servant, the Messiah? (Isaiah 42:1-9)
- What ultimate statement of God’s identity is given to His people? (Isaiah 43:10-13; Exodus 3:13-15)
[Special Note: The phrase, “The Lord,” is actually an English substitution for God’s personal name in Hebrew. This was probably, though not definitely, pronounced “Yahweh.” “I am Yahweh” denotes rulership and total sovereignty. So, what does “you will know that I am Yahweh” mean? The name would be a verbal sentence meaning “He causes to be.” That is, God is the origin, the foundation, the basis, and the end of all things. He is not merely the Lord; He is everything.]
- What shows us that God has the right to do the things He is promising to His people? (Isaiah 45:9-13)
- To whom does God make the offer of salvation? (Isaiah 45:20-25)
- How sudden and complete was Babylon’s fall to be? (Isaiah 47:8-11)
- What does God say has prevented Israel from enjoying the full promises of God’s covenants with them? (Isaiah 48:17-19)