Isaiah 40:1-2a – ““Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”
Chapter 40 begins “Words of Comfort” by God to his children. They had paid the harsh consequences of disobeying the Lord. Judah still had 100 years of trouble before Jerusalem would fall … then 70 years in exile in Babylon. This testifies to us today that although God’s promises absolutely will come to pass, it will be when he ordains it to take place. It should be understood that “when your life seems to be falling apart, you would need to ask God to comfort you. You may not escape adversity, but you may find God’s comfort as you face said adversity.” * There will be times when knowing you will be with the Lord someday is the only comfort you may have to hold onto.
Verses 3–5 are prophetic in that they reveal future events that will transpire when the time is right. The voice being spoken of here is, of course, John the Baptist. The wasteland represents life’s trials and sufferings. Just because we serve the Lord, it doesn’t mean we are immune to said events. The key in all this for believers is that whatever happens in your life God is with you and is IN you in the form of the Holy Spirit. Because he is all places at one time (Omnipresent) he is standing with you and also at the end of your trial waiting for you. A freaky concept to be sure, but one that should give us immense comfort.
Making the highway straight for the Lord is to remove all obstacles that stand in the way to prepare for his coming. It is smoothing out rough patches of the terrain to expedite travel. The one that is coming is the Messiah. We shall continue looking into chapter 40 next time. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!
Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible
* Part of the Bible Footnote for Isaiah 40:1-2.
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