Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received for the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare they way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every Valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry!” and I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah is comforting the future generations, He is encouraging them that the Messiah is coming. True comfort comes from the Trinity – Our triune God. Verses 3-8 have many levels of meaning and application. However, today, we are just going to focus on one. We are going to focus on the part of the Messiah.
When Jesus the Messiah comes and dies for our atonement, the mercy of God is to show the glory of his justice. We also see how John the Baptist goes before Jesus to prepare the way.
Jesus will be the great shepherd to His people. He will show tender care for young believers, weak believers, and those who are sorrowful in spirit. He will strength us. When we spend time with our shepherd will know His voice, follow Him, and prove ourselves as his sheep. We will be comforted.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us prophets that gives us future hope and comfort. Help us to reflect this Christmas all that you have done for us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
