Today's Reading:

Isaiah 40
Isaiah 41
Isaiah 42
Isaiah 43

“I AM HE”. This is God’s eternal name that He told Moses (Exodus 3:14). God said He is sovereign from the beginning to the end (Isaiah 41:4). He had already planned deliverance long before we could see it happen. Even Jesus claimed the same name, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I Am! (John 8:58).

Isaiah prophesied that after Israel is restored from the exile, there were still going to be issues as they would be trusting in idols, foreign powers and their own strength. Israel felt as though God was not aware of or concerned for their problems. Isaiah reminded them that God is omniscient and can see the course of events, their struggles, fears, and failures. God wants them to “Wait on Me”. The remnant that is called to wait will have renewed strength. He gives you strength in place of your own. Like eagles, they will be swift with strength; they will run pressing on through trials (like Elijah outrunning Ahab’s chariot), and they will walk without fainting for the long-haul obedience and not quitting. God sustains both the sprint and the marathon. Wait with hope in expectation.

Here is a list of the 7 “I AM” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, each point to His character and what He offers to those who believe in Him:

• “I AM the Bread of Life” John 6:35
• “I AM the Light of the World” John 8:12
• “I AM the Door (Gate)” John 10:9
• “I AM the Good Shepherd” John 10:11
• “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” John 11:25
• “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life” John 14:6
• “I AM the True Vine” John 15:1

If Jesus were to personally say one of the “I AM” statements directly to you today, which one would you most need to hear right now, and why?

In the book of Isaiah, the first 39 chapters were judgment and warnings of idolatry and the invasion of Assyria, all in pure judgment. Next, Isaiah warned against the Babylonian invasion. In chapter 40, Isaiah switched from their sins and the foreshadowing of the exile to prophesying of the future deliverance and restoration. This was the hope that the punishment on the future generation who would come back from exile in Babylon would be over.

Verse 1 started with “Comfort, comfort,” a double portion of comfort meaning completeness for the exile. This was to provide them with assurance that God would declare their sins were paid for. This was pure grace as they did not earn it. The Israelites were looking far into the future and had wondered if God had abandoned and forgotten them. God does not grow tired and will give strength to those who rely on Him. Isaiah brought the news that God would deliver them. Isaiah had prophesied around 740-681 BC, but the Babylonian exile he warned about did not begin until 605 BC (first deportation), and the final destruction of Jerusalem was in 586 BC.

Isaiah wanted the Israelites to trust God in spite of the Assyrian invasion. He pointed to the coming Messiah and prophesied of John the Baptist, “the one in the wilderness who prepares the way for the Lord” (pointing to Jesus). The full atonement would come through Jesus. The King is coming, “make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (40:1). The roads were prepared for a royal visit in ancient times, and both Isaiah and John the Baptist made a call to repent and make their hearts ready to clear the broken paths in your life so you can see the glory of God. Jerusalem was called to proclaim the good news that God comes powerfully like a king, and also tenderly like a shepherd. Jesus fulfilled this as he both rules with strength and gathers His sheep.

Isaiah asked rhetorical questions in 40:12-17 about God as the Creator and how great He is. This echoes the Book of Job, when God asked Job where he was when all of creation was made. The point being made is that God does not need anything from humans. Even Lebanon with its large cedar trees is lacking for worship. Idols are worth nothing, and it is absurd to worship them as they cannot make prophecies, act, or give advice.

God summons the nations to do His will. He would raise up Cyrus, king of Persia, to conquer Babylon and allow Israel to return from exile (Isaiah was writing this about 150 years before it happened). This was fulfilled in the Book of Ezra, chapter 1. Just like he raised the past nations one by one, Persia over Babylon, Babylon over Assyria, and Assyria over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. God also chooses to use the weak and insignificant to show His Glory. In Isaiah 41:14, He said, “Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, you little people of Israel, I will help you.” Israel was frail and felt helpless, but God gave divine assurance.

Chapter 42 is one of the four servant songs, pointing to Christ as the perfect, ideal servant. Even though Israel broke the covenant by refusing to walk in God’s ways and obey His commands, He brings justice and righteousness to the world through peace not war. His law will continue forward with grace, and God will lead His people home.

Psalm 46- This psalm was about the confidence that God brings to His people. The river was a symbol of God’s presence and peace, similar to the Garden of Eden. God is the source of joy, life, and security. There will be no more attacks on the city as He breaks, shatters and burns the war tools that will no longer be needed. There was bold confidence in Him.

Today's Discussion question:

If Jesus were to personally say one of the “I AM” statements directly to you today, which one would you most need to hear right now, and why?

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