Isaiah 40-43
Original Post:  August 2, 2014

Each of these chapters is filled with familiar and encouraging verses that we use all the time to bring hope and restore faith in God.   I want to list a few of them here, but before we do that, let's reflect on the literal, historical intent of the writing.

God is revealing through Isaiah how much He loves His people Israel.   In my mind's eye He stands before them like a prosecuting attorney, and puts the idols on the stand.  "which of these has ever answered you, or predicted the future?"  He says, as he looks at the defendant, Israel.    Maybe my mind is working overtime, but that's how it seems to me.   In fact, it works even better if Israel is on the stand, and the idols are the defendant....except that at the end of the day, it's Israel being punished, not the idols.

Even though they are to endure a very difficult time of slavery and persecution, God is reminding them that they will one day be restored, and the people who persecuted them will taste persecution for themselves.

OK, let's take a quick tour of some popular verses:

40:3 and following refer to John the Baptist.  They are quoted in part in the New Testament.   John is referred to as "the voice of one calling out"

40:8  often used to remind us that all things are temporary, except for the Word of the Lord, which endures.

40:29-31    A phrase often found on plaques and motivational signs.  It applies only to those who put God first in their lives.   If you do, then you can expect that God will bless you with sufficient strength and renewed vigor for the tasks he sets you to.

42:1 and following.   Isaiah is speaking of Jesus, who will not appear for about 700 years.   In this whole argument, God has said "the idols cannot foretell the future, but I can"  and in this place that's exactly what He does, so that we will know without a doubt that He is truly God.    He states it plainly in 42:9.

43:2   Often used in funeral services.  God will not leave us or forsake us.  If we run into great trouble He will be there with us to help us.   Death is often referred to as "crossing the river" or "crossing over Jordan" by Christians.   Both of which mean "entering into a new land".    The phrase "when you pass through the waters" brings to mind the imagery of moving from this life into the next.

43:10-13    The validity of all other religions is dashed in this paragraph.   "Apart from me there is no savior".   Wow.   It can't get any more plain than that.

43:18-19   Leaders often use this phrase to call attention to something new that they believe God is doing among the people.    It probably gets a little more use than it should.  On the other hand, God is often working in new ways among His servants.s

So, a quick recap...looking at the last verses of chapter 43.    God is saying "look, you bring all your gifts to the idols, and then come to me with all your problems.  That's not right."

I find that we are sometimes guilty of the same thing.   We use almost all of our resources on ourselves, and then come to church and ask God for His help, or His intervention in our medical or financial problems.     I suspect that the Lord wonders where the gifts that are supposed to be laid at His feet have gone.    Where is the tithe, the offerings, the good deeds done in the name of Jesus?    Certainly none of them save us, but do you go before the King empty handed?   Do you allow the one you love to go day after day without any response from you?  

As I look back at these verses, I know that God is angry with Israel, but I also think His feelings are hurt.   God has feelings.  He loves, He cares, He is jealous for our praise.    He wants to see practical expressions of our love for Him, and not just "lip service".


PR