Isaiah 40 | Behold Your God | Pastor Garrett Spencer | Calvary Chapel SRB

Isaiah 40 | Behold Your God Pastor Garrett Spencer | Calvary Chapel SRB Big Idea When God’s people are weary and wondering whether He has forgotten them, God comforts them by reminding them who He is. Setting the Scene Isaiah 40 begins a major new section of the book. Isaiah looks beyond his own day to a future generation living in Babylonian exile. Before they ever enter captivity, God prepares the words they will need when they get there: “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” — Isaiah 40:1 God’s answer to their fear and weariness is an invitation: “Behold your God!” — Isaiah 40:9 1. The God Who Comes — Isaiah 40:1–11 Comfort for God’s people — vv.1–2 • Their warfare is ended. • Their iniquity is pardoned. • Their appointed judgment has been completed. • Even in discipline, they remain “My people,” and He remains “your God.” Prepare the way of the LORD — vv.3–5 • The wilderness highway recalls the Exodus and anticipates a new deliverance. • God Himself is coming for His people. • All four Gospels connect Isaiah 40:3 with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:2–3; Luke 3:4–6; John 1:23 The Word stands forever — vv.6–8 • People, rulers, and empires are temporary. • “But the word of our God stands forever.” • 1 Peter 1:23–25 Behold your God — vv.9–11 • He comes as the sovereign King whose arm rules. • He comes as the gentle Shepherd whose arm gathers His lambs. • Isaiah 35:4; John 10:11 Key Truth The God who is powerful enough to rule is gentle enough to carry His people. 2. The God Who Has No Equal — Isaiah 40:12–26 Isaiah turns our eyes from the greatness of the problem to the greatness of God. • Creation — v.12: Waters, heavens, mountains, and hills are completely manageable to their Creator. • Wisdom — vv.13–14: No one teaches, counsels, or gives understanding to God. Romans 11:33–34 • Nations • Idols — • Rulers — — vv.15–17: Before Him the nations are like a drop in a bucket. vv.18–20: An idol must be made and kept from falling; the Word of God stands forever. vv.21–24: Kings and kingdoms rise and fall, but God remains. • The heavens — vv.25–26: God created the stars, numbers them, and calls them by name. “To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. — Isaiah 40:25 Key Truth Nothing in creation, no nation, ruler, or idol can be compared with the LORD. 3. The God Who Has Not Forgotten His People — Isaiah 40:27–31 Israel’s complaint: “My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God.” — Isaiah 40:27 God’s answer: • He is the everlasting God. • He is the LORD. • He is the Creator of the ends of the earth. • He never faints or grows weary. • His understanding is unsearchable. • He gives power to the weak. The God who knows every star by name has not lost track of His people. “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength…” — Isaiah 40:31 Waiting on the LORD means hoping in Him, looking expectantly to Him, depending upon Him, and trusting His promises. Sometimes He gives strength to soar. Sometimes He gives strength to run. Sometimes He gives strength simply to keep walking. Key Truth Our strength has limits. God’s strength does not. He gives strength to those who depend upon Him. Christ Connection Isaiah announces: “Prepare the way of the LORD.” — Isaiah 40:3 “The glory of the LORD shall be revealed.” — Isaiah 40:5 “Behold your God!” — Isaiah 40:9 John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, and John the Apostle declared: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” — John 1:14 Isaiah 40 announces that iniquity is pardoned. Isaiah 53 will show us how: the Servant bears our iniquity. Isaiah 53:5–6 For Further Study 1. How does Isaiah 40 answer the fear that God has forgotten His people? 2. What contrasts do you see between God and humanity throughout the chapter? 3. Compare Isaiah 40:3–5 with John 1:14–23. What do these passages reveal about Jesus? 4. What does Isaiah 40:27–31 teach about responding to weariness? Reading for Next Week Isaiah 41–48 As you read, look for: God’s repeated contrast between Himself and idols, His promises to Israel, His sovereignty over the nations, and the ways He promises to accomplish His purposes.