Isaiah 40, the chapter on Comfort for God’s People begins with a command in verse 1 to comfort God’s people. Then it flows into a beautiful picture of making a way in people’s lives for the glory of the LORD to be revealed. That is followed immediately by another command, “Cry out,” and the prophet’s response, “What shall I cry?” [vs 3-5, 6]
God’s command is three-fold.
First, remind men of their fragility, “All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall.” [Verses 6-8]
Second, remind men of their God, “Here is your God! See the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him … He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” [Verse 10-11]
Third, do this at the top of your lungs! “You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid.” [Verse 9]
There is a certain perspective needed for comfort. First must come an acknowledgement of need. We are finite. We cannot do it alone. There are times when we have to say, “I’m withering God and about to fall.” With that acknowledgment of need we open the door for the power of God in our lives. It is the first true step to starting that highway for the glory of the Lord to be revealed.
For true comfort there is also the need to know that the one who provides the comfort is capable of doing so. Is our God truly strong enough to comfort us? (Tomorrow that answer.)
And sometimes the message must be loud enough to drown out the noise of this world!
