Text: Isaiah 40:28-31
We live in a world that is difficult, discouraging, unfair, and wicked. It has always been this way. Yet when we put our trust in God and follow His way, we can endure these trials and enjoy His promises. God’s people needed to be reminded of this in our text. They thought God had abandoned and forgotten them. In this lesson, we are going to see what situation God’s people were in and what they were promised, then see what application we can make for us today.
The Preceding Context
- Prophecy of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3-5; cf. Matthew 3:3) – promise that the Messiah was coming
- Promise that the word of God endures forever (Isaiah 40:6-8; cf. 1 Peter 1:24-25) – this word would be preached (1 Peter 1:25)
- Description of the Lord as a shepherd (Isaiah 40:11; cf. John 10:11) – emphasizes His care for His people
- The nations are as nothing before Him (Isaiah 40:15-17) – we must trust in Him over earthly rulers (Psalm 118:8-9); He is over all things (Isaiah 40:22)
- Idols are worthless (Isaiah 40:18-20) – God is the only true and living God (cf. Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9)
- God is the creator of all things (Isaiah 40:26)
The Question
- Why do you say… (Isaiah 40:27)
- My way is hidden from the Lord – nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13)
- Justice due me escapes the notice of God – He will judge righteously (Acts 17:31; cf. 1 Peter 4:19)
- Based on what has been said in this chapter, this question should not have been asked – yet they forgot the Lord; we may do the same thing, even though we know all these things about God
Promises about God
- God is everlasting (Isaiah 40:28) – always able to save (Hebrews 7:23-25)
- God does not grow weary (Isaiah 40:28) – able to do more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)
- God’s understanding is beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 40:28) – His ways are infinitely higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:25)
Promise from God
- He gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29) – not physical strength, because even the strongest get tired (Isaiah 40:30); He promises “new strength” (Isaiah 40:31); wings like eagles; not tire or grow weary
- Who receives this promise – those who wait for the Lord (Isaiah 40:31); this word signifies a gathering or tying together (cf. Genesis 1:9; Jeremiah 3:17); we hope in God with an expectation of deliverance from Him AND we bind ourselves to Him
The Example of Paul
- He had reason to despair, but maintained his trust in God (2 Corinthians 1:5, 8-10)
- He bound himself to the Lord – crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20); we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
- He received strength from the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:11-13) – we receive strength through God’s word (Acts 20:32), and this protects us from harm (Ephesians 6:10-17)
- He finished his course (2 Timothy 4:7-8) – we must run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Conclusion
- God was worthy of their devotion then – the same is true for us today
- Remember that only God can save us and help us through the hardships of this life
- Let us never forget this, lest we start acting like those in the world who have no hope
