“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:28-31
One of the most beautifully written scriptures is Isaiah, chapter 40. It is a chapter filled with comfort, peace, and hope. Isaiah 40 declares the eternal presence, strength, and mercy of our God. The words of this chapter declare a powerful hope at work in the world.
Chapter 40 marks a significant turn in the book of Isaiah. The first 39 chapters of Isaiah are written in the wake of the nation being conquered and the destruction of Jerusalem. The people of God have been taken into exile. During this time, God’s people struggle to hold onto their faith and culture. Their temple has been destroyed, and they have been taken from the land God promised them. They have been scattered across the Babylonian empire. It was difficult for God’s prophets to speak a word of hope as the people suffered in exile.
Isaiah 40 begins with a proclamation from God. “Comfort, comfort my people says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isaiah 40:1-2) The word “comfort” is repeated on purpose. God is present and will intervene on behalf of His people. The time for exile is over and God will now lead the people home.
This chapter in the Book of Isaiah not only proclaims a change in geography but it also describes the healing that comes from God. God is aware that we often find ourselves in difficult situations. The challenges of our lives often drain us of joy, peace, and hope. Few things weigh heavily on our souls, like when we feel our situation will not change. This is when God’s word reminds us that “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Isaiah 40:28-31 has been a foundational scripture for my life. I can easily feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. This is when I remember these powerful words of comfort, joy, and hope. God will not leave us. God knows our struggles. The everlasting love of God will reach out to us. God is at work no matter where we are or the circumstances we find ourselves in. “Comfort, comfort!” Wait on the Lord. God is with us.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
