A Word for the Discouraged, Confused and Weary

9th January to 6th February 2022

Isaiah 40

After 39 chapters of narrative, the Book of Isaiah takes a dramatic shift and becomes a book of poetry.

Up to this point the focus has been the future exile of the northern kingdom of Israel before it is conquered and its people taken into captivity. But from chapter 40 the book of Isaiah skips ahead about 150 years into the future and speaks to those living in captivity.

In exile, the Israelites are discouraged, depressed and suffering deeply.

They are filled with deep questions such as:

• Has God abandoned us?
• Will the promises God made to us be kept?
• Does God want to deliver us.
• Can God deliver us?
• And will God deliver us?

They answer is an emphatic “yes!” God calls the prophet to “comfort” Israel in exile. He is to bring the people bringing hope, encouragement, and good news to ease and soothe their troubled hearts.

Thousands of years later, God still speaks to us from Isaiah 40. We can learn from the experience of the exiles and draw from their promised hope. Amid the challenges we face in our world and our communities, we too need to be reminded that God is with us even in the middle of our troubles, questions and challenges. Isaiah gives us insights into how God can comfort us today and give hope in the days ahead.