Isaiah 40:27-31
Introduction:
1. Isaiah is bookended with the terrible reality of Israel’s rebellion (1:2-3; 66:24).
2. Chapters 1-39 predominantly warn of God’s wrath for that rebellion, while chapters 40-66 predominantly provide comfort to the remnant that God will restore them.
3. Chapter 40 is akin to the sun shining through dark clouds offering hope to God’s people in every place and time because of the coming of the Lord (40:1-5; Matthew 3:1-3).
Discussion:
I. The Promise of God’s Comfort (40:1-11)
A. The contrast with the dire warning of 39:5-7 could scarcely be sharper.
B. The word comfort occurs three times in two verses, clearly naming the theme.
C. God’s intentions to restore and continually care for them are emphatically stated.
II. The Surety of God’s Comfort (40:12-26)
A. Anyone can make promises, but can they deliver on those promises?
B. This section sets forth God’s omnipotence through a series of rhetorical questions.
C. Line by line, His ability to deliver is made sure (Jeremiah 32:17; Ephesians 3:30).
III. The Results of God’s Comfort (40:27-31)
A. The previous elements were not revealed simply to provide knowledge of God, but they were revealed to produce a particular effect in His people.
B. If we fall into doubt and despair, we become paralyzed and are sure to fail.
C. Times of weariness are certain with any strenuous endeavor (39:30; Hebrews 12:1-2).
D. However, God “…gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength” (40:29).
E. The imagery of those who wait on the Lord mounting up with wings like eagles is exciting as we ponder the majesty of the eagle soaring through the skies.
Conclusion:
1. This image of God restoring the righteous remnant of Israel gives strength to all those who wait on the Lord in any dispensation.
2. When we get weary, let us wait on the Lord with confidence that He will strengthen us.
3. You may be crawling in your spirit today, but soon you will soar like the eagles.
Further Food for Thought
1. Do you ever find yourself faint and weary in your life of service?
2. How do you refocus your attention on the big picture to look beyond today’s struggle?
3. How can we work together to promote this patient wait for God’s deliverance?