Isaiah 40:1–11 (NIV)
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 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.
Comment
The repeated words, Comfort, Comfort in Isaiah 40 signals a great change in the book. Suddenly, the warnings and woes give way to hope and peace. How does this come? Though the voice of God, gathering, carrying and gently leading his people as he covers and pays double for their sins. This is the great anticipation of advent – Jesus is coming and he will redeem the world to himself. All the good things of December – rest, food, family, friends, BBQ’s and beach days are tiny moments of grace we look forward to. But, Advent asks us to anticipate something much more wonderful – the coming of Jesus. As Isaiah says, despite the withering and fading of his people and their loyalty, God will remain true to his word and will return in power to care for us.
This Week
How does the immanence of Christ’s return impact how you view what you’re doing in the here and now? How does the way you structure your life reflect a belief that Jesus really is coming back?
Prayer
Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Song
Come Tho Long Expected Jesus