Isaiah 40:1
In Isaiah 40, one finds a prophecy to the exiles, those who were taken captive by the Babylonians. However, instead of the message being one of destruction and doom, like the pre-exilic prophets, his is one of deliverance and restoration (40:1). Instead of woe, misery and grief which characterized much of the earlier period of the exile; comfort, encouragement, healing and restoration are now extended to the Judahites.
As messengers of the most High we must be ever so careful to preach a balanced message. Surely sin must be denounced and punished, but the same God who sends us to warn and solemnly rebuke, also sends us to comfort and encourage. If ever a time the people of God need encouragement, is today. How dark and excessively dreadful are the times in which we live! No wonder the apostle Paul commanded his son in the faith, Timothy, to “Preach the word, in season and out of season. However, he cautions him not only to reprove and rebuke, but also to exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
The prophet Isaiah clearly announces that something new and unexpected is about to take place. He points out that they have now been sufficiently punished for their sins (v2). As the prologue opens, he proclaims that they had deserved the punishment that was meted out to them. However, he quickly points out that the limit was now reached. In God, the punishment is never greater than the crime! Divine forgiveness and redemption were Yahweh’s prerogative and decision to freely extend to his people, which He freely extends to these disheartened exiles.
Having served their sentence, they were now to be blessed with every kind of good fortune. They had paid their dues. The prophet is commanded to “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that she has received of the Lord’s hands double for her sins” (v2 Niv). Here in this passage, it is not only a judge who speaks, but one who is filled with love and tenderness for His people. Love speaks! Love speaks in tender tones like a mother speaks to her child who has already been severely punished.
I trust that this message will be graciously received today. Your appointed time of trouble, hard service and labor has been completed, has ended, and been paid for! The Almighty Creator and Redeemer is about to turn things around in your favor. The prophets have been commanded and sent with a message of comfort, restoration and deliverance.
As much as we have suffered and endured, we shall be raised up and compensated. The same God who allowed us to be chastened and penalized, promises us renewal and restoration. Retribution to the enemy, but reparation and reinstatement to the people of the covenant. Our health and vitality shall be returned. Jerusalem shall be rebuilt more gloriously than before (44:26,27). The prophecy is, we shall be regathered, rewarded and unalterably renewed. Comfort ye, my people, saith your God (40:1).
What we find outlined in this insightful passage is the argument made that if He alone created so magnificently and intelligibly without instructor, aid or counselor, then surely He can fulfill His promises to repatriate the exiles and adequately compensate them for their suffering and hardships. Receive God’s comforting grace and love today! The prophetic word over your life is, you shall be marvellously restored and established. No weapon formed against you shall prosper!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
