Scripture reading: Isaiah 40-43
The breadth of today’s Scripture reading is so great that I am limiting my devotional commentary to Isaiah 40.
The destruction of Jerusalem and God’s judgment against Judah for her wickedness appears imminent in Isaiah 40. Knowing the grace and longsuffering of the LORD, we are not surprised that nearly a century passed before Babylon attacked the capital city, destroyed the Temple, and took the people captive.
Let’s take a few minutes and glean from Isaiah 40 some insight into the character of God.
The God of Israel is portrayed as longsuffering, forgiving and comforting (40:1-2). Seven hundred years before he was born, the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah was foretold here (40:3-5; Matthew 3:3).
Observing the temporal nature of this earthly life and knowing that our lives are like grass that withers and flowers that fade, Isaiah declares, “the Word of our God shall stand forever” (40:6-8). What comfort we should take from our confidence in the immutable nature of God! Times change and men change; however, God changes not and His Word is established forever!
Who is my God?
He is the Creator and the depths of the waters in the oceans are like “the hollow of his hand” (40:12a). He knows the span of the heavens, the stars, moons, and planets. He has calculated the dust of the earth and knows the weight of the mountains and hills (40:12b).
My God is so great that all the nations and their armies of the earth are as nothing to Him (40:15-17).
There is nothing and no one greater than my God! The beauty of earth’s sphere reflects the glory of His throne and men are like grasshoppers in his presence (40:22-23). He is omniscient, and calls the stars of heaven by name (40:26). He is Everlasting God, Creator and Sustainer of all things (40:28). He is my Savior and my Strength (40:30-31).
Isaiah 40:30-31 – “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 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.”
From whence did my God come?
He was God before there was time and creation. I confess my poor finite mind cannot explain this doctrine, but His person and handiwork, are they not evidenced in all He has created? (Psalm 90:1-2)
Isaiah 43:10b-11, 13a – “… I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour…13 Yea, before the day was I am he…”
Before the first day…there was God! He alone is God!
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith