Scripture Reading : Isaiah 40
Theme : Consolation and Trustworthiness of God
Consolation of God (1-11)
In light of the gloomy prophecy about the future Babylonian captivity, God comforts His people and urges them to rely on Him even in the midst of trouble. Chapters 40-66 emphasizes on God’s comfort, while chapters 1-39 emphasizes on sin and judgement. Israel’s sins are great, but God is greater than their sins. He promises to forgive their sins through the work of the promised king, whose way will be prepared by a herald (v. 3). This is fulfilled in John the Baptist (Mark 1:3). This section prophesies about Jesus’ first and second comings. When Jesus comes back the second time, He will literally flatten the earth and make Jerusalem the highest mountain (Is. 2:2; Rev. 16:20). As hard as it is to believe in such incredible transformation of Israel and the world, God reminds us that His words stand forever, unlike flowers and other things of this world. His words are completely trustworthy even if they sound incredible to limited humans (Matt. 24:35).
Trustworthiness of God (12-31).
Why is it that God can accomplish all these incredible things in the future? It is because of His sovereignty and His power in creating and sustaining the universe. His rule is above all human rules. No king, prime minister, or president can compare to His power. Those who trust in God will not be ashamed but will be strengthen spiritually and physically to accomplish God’s purposes even in difficult situations such as the Babylonian exile.
Praying the Scripture
- God comforts us in times of trouble and distress in order to build character in us so that we will be more like the character of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” Praise God for His character-building comfort so that we will be more like our Lord Jesus. Praise God for sending Jesus to die on our behalf. Highest glory, honor and praise to God.
- Lord, you are a great God. Nothing can compare to you. No one is like you. Your power and your character are worthy to be praised above all. Please increase our amazement of you and worship you even more. May we be so griped and comforted by the greatness of your character and power that we will boldly and gladly proclaim your gospel. May we also patiently and faithfully love others just as you love Israel and your church patiently and faithfully.
经文：以赛亚书40
主题：神的安慰和信实
神的安慰（1-11）。
以色列领受自己将被巴比伦俘虏的悲惨预言后，神安慰祂的子民，并劝他们即便在患难中也要依靠祂。第40-66章的焦点是神的安慰；1-39章则是罪和审判。以色列的罪孽深重，但神比他们的罪还大。神承诺要借着那位应许之王所成就的赦免他们的罪；一位开路先锋将预备祂的路（3节）。应验这预言的就是施洗约翰了（可1:3）。这段经文是对耶稣首次与二次到来的预言。当耶稣再来时，祂将铲平全地，使耶路撒冷高于万岭（赛2:2；启16:20）。虽然我们难以想象以色列与全地会有如此改变，神却提醒我们祂的话永远立定，不像世间的花草与其他物质那样。神的话纵然对有限的人类而言看似不可思议，却是完全可信的（太24:35）。
神的信实（12-31）。
为什么神将来能成就这些奇妙的事？这是因着祂创造并维持宇宙万物的权柄和大能。祂的律超过人的律。无君王、总理或总统能与神的大能相比。信靠神的必不蒙羞，身心乃要得坚固，叫他们即便在困境中，如巴比伦的流放，也要成就神的旨意。
用经文祷告
- 神在患难困境中安慰我们，叫我们能刚强起来，品性更像耶稣的。哥林多后书1:3-7说：“愿颂赞归于我们的主耶稣基督的父神，就是发慈悲的父，赐各样安慰的神！我们在一切患难中，他就安慰我们，叫我们能用神所赐的安慰去安慰那遭各样患难的人。我们既多受基督的苦楚，就靠基督多得安慰。我们受患难呢，是为叫你们得安慰、得拯救；我们得安慰呢，也是为叫你们得安慰。这安慰能叫你们忍受我们所受的那样苦楚。我们为你们所存的盼望是确定的，因为知道你们既是同受苦楚，也必同得安慰。”我们要为神这种建立品格的安慰赞美祂，叫我们能更像主耶稣一样。我们要为神差遣耶稣替我们代死赞美祂。愿至高的荣耀、尊贵和赞美归于神。
- 主，您是伟大的神。你胜过万物，无人能像你。你的大能和性情配得极大的颂赞。求你加添我们对你的赞叹，让我们越加敬拜你。让我们因你伟大的性情和大能受到如此吸引和安慰，叫我们能乐意并壮胆宣扬你的福音。让我们耐心、忠心地爱他人，如同你耐心、忠心地爱以色列与你的教会一样。
