The Gift of Comfort: Isaiah 4:1-11

 

Introduction

What an incredible beginning to Isaiah chapter 40. Comfort repeated twice. This is a word from God to His people in the midst of their failure and brokenness. The word comes to a people who have turned from God's ways and are now suffering the consequences. Previously in the book of Isaiah God's word has brought repeated warnings as God sought to bring his people back to Him. Yet His people persisted in their stubbornness and ignored God's call. Now that the consequences God sought to have them avoid have occurred it would be natural to think that God would turn away and say I warned you. Yet God sends a word of comfort. God is in a covenant relationship with His people and God will always be faithful to that covenant. There is always a word of comfort for mankind even in the darkest hours. There is a word of comfort for us even in the darkest seasons of our lives.

Some Background Information

Pay particular attention to the words and images used by Isaiah in these verses. The word comfort is a word that runs throughout the book of Isaiah - Isaiah 12:1; 61:2; 49:13; 51:3, 12; 52:9; 66:13. Isaiah connects comfort to the forgiveness of sins (verse 2). Think of a child who has been disciplined by a loving father who after the discipline brings comfort and dries the tears. Verse 10 and 11 paint a picture of God as a warrior and also as a shepherd (Psalm 23). The good shepherd of course gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Man is compared to grass and flowers that fade. This is a common image for man in scripture - James 1:10; Psalm 103:14. The image of going up to a Mountain to proclaim the Good news is powerful and speaks to our privileged responsibility to tell the Good news to all.

These verses in addition to painting compelling pictures of God's character and work also are a prophecy about the coming of the Messiah or savior and the forerunner who will announce His coming. Luke 3:1-6 points to John the Baptist as the fulfillment of this great prophecy. The verses can be easily divided into four movements. First verses 1-2 introduce the theme of comfort and restoration. Second verses 3-5 speak of the intervention of God to accomplish the salvation and restoration of His people. Third verses 6-8 point to the temporary nature of man and the inability of man to stop God's plan and purpose. Finally verses 9-11 issue a call to proclaim the message of comfort to the entire world.

Devotional Ideas

1. Look for others to tell the good news of comfort this week
2. Ask God in prayer to use you as a herald (messenger) of  His message of salvation 

Final Thoughts

Lets go tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is born!