Isaiah 40:12-31
Saturday, 07 January 2023
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength……– Isaiah 40: 31 NLT
In the world we see many in the pursuit of fulfilling their thirst for happiness and their quest to find meaning for their lives. Searching the meaning of life outside of God is futile, because He is the source of existence for everything.
In today’s reading, God is graphically portraying Himself through Isaiah– He is speaking to the people of Israel Who He is, so that the message that He started to speak in the beginning of Chapter 40 will be endorsed— Isaiah 40:1 says “Comfort, O comfort My people” and then follows the comforting words of God- it is the message of Hope.
However, immediately from Vs.12 - 31, the majesty of God is explained – His distinct works and His power is incomparable and we can only stand in awe of Him! All this plainly states that He who promised to comfort, is capable of doing it. Understanding God is very much needed to accept His promises. The Bible has numerous promises that speak to every situation of our daily lives. Yet, we will be able to appropriate them in our lives only if we understand who gave them. All the attributes of God explained in the above text is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
He is the Creator God (Is.40:12): The reference to measurements given in this verse, tells us that with precision, He created everything. In verses 25 & 26 God expounds that all the starry host in the sky, even though look as countless, God has created them individually and placed in their exact position. They display His might and power.
In Jeremiah 10:11&12, a comparison is given, God created everything, but those who claim to be gods in the world, did not create anything!! The deity of God is revealed through His creation! John 1:3 speaks of Christ thus: “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”
He is the Wise God (Is.40:13,14) – Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD or counsel Him? His wisdom is unparalleled; therefore, when He speaks, He speaks wisely and to heed to His words is wise counsel. Christ is the wisdom of God: 1 Cor.1:30 says, “… you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God…” In Colossians 2: 2& 3:“… resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
He is the All-Powerful God (Is.40:21-23): His authority is supreme, and He controls the affairs of the world. Princes or rulers of the world are nothing before Him. He can sweep them away like chaff. In Christ is all authority and power: In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
This God tells us that He will give us strength. If you feel weak and tired today and feel you no vigour to move on, come to the One who is all powerful and mighty and able to give you strength to prod on. When you feel weak, His strength will be made perfect in you! The Creator, wise and all-powerful God says He will strengthen you. Will you receive it as a word for you?
Think on it: “He gives power to the weak
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40: 29,31)
Listen - 'O my soul'