(Part One)
Isaiah 40:1-11
“Comfort My people,” God speaks with a plea. “All war has ended. From sin, you’re set free.” In the wilderness, Hear the voice cry, “Prepare the Lord’s way. Speak, testify. Make in the desert God’s highway to show Valleys exalted, The mountains brought low. Crooked ways made straight And smooth as can be, Showing God’s glory, And all flesh will see.” For God has spoken. The voice said, “Cry out, But what shall I cry And what shall I shout? All flesh is like grass, And like the flower, They wither and fade, Results of God’s power. Because of His breath That blows His commands, All on earth will fade, But the Lord’s Word stands.” You who bring good tidings, Go to the mountain high. Lift up your strong voice, Your God magnify. Behold the Lord God Comes with a strong hand. His arm rules for Him. His reward is grand. His work before Him, His flock, the Lord feeds. He gathers His lambs, Like a shepherd leads. He will lift the lambs With His gentle arm And carry them all, Far away from harm. He will gently lead Those who are with young Safely to pasture. His love songs are sung.
Israel has been set free, free from captivity and suffering. They can now rejoice and speak of God’s loving comfort. We also have been set free, free from our sin and suffering. We, like John the Baptist, can prepare the Lord’s way. He was the voice in the wilderness preparing the people for the coming Messiah. We can also speak and testify of Christ’s coming.
All flesh is like grass. It has its season and then it is gone, but God’s Word stands forever. Therefore, we are to lift up our voices and tell about our Lord and Savior who is coming soon. He rules with a strong hand, but is also our gentle Shepherd. We are like sheep in need of a shepherd. The comfort He gave to His people 2,700 years ago is the same comfort He gives today. He does not change. There is bad news all around us and sometimes in our own lives, but there is also good news. God promises to take care of us, to carry us, and to comfort us. Be comforted with God’s love and care today, and He will rejoice over you with singing.