The Transcendent God Descends | Isaiah 40:1-4
Sermon Discussion | Isaiah 40:1-4
God has been speaking to the tribe of Judah, through Isaiah in the first 39 chapters; calling them to turn away from aligning themselves with other kingdoms. He is warning them of the Babylonian captivity that will come. Isaiah has portrayed a frustrated God, rightly so. They have heard bad news about their future. We are seeing the story of Israel living independently from God, not following, not listening, not waiting on the Lord, instead turning to other things to bring rescue. Here in ch.40 Isaiah will bring a message of future hope to Israel.
(For further context and understanding of the book of Isaiah, The Bible Project has videos of Isaiah 1-39 and Isaiah 40-66)
1. Paul made the comment that, “The only thing worse than waiting on God is wishing you had”. Failed marriages, businesses, broken relationships etc because we wouldn't wait and do life God's way and so our life has become worse. When life becomes hard or complicated due to your bad decisions how do you handle that? What is your primary way of dealing with frustration? Can you share a time or season in your life that you experienced this?
2. God does not delight in the misfortune of his children. However, because of his high value of human dignity will allow us to be given over (Romans 1) to sin and our own ways. And yet, when that way drives us to repentance, when we turn back to God - that's the moment God rejoices! Is it hard for you to understand this part of God's character? Do you believe he rejoices or is it easier to believe he's waiting with an "I told you so"? If you identify with the latter, what would it take for you to believe that God rejoices over your repentance?
3. Verse 40:1 - Comfort, comfort my people (the people that have repeatedly turned from me). They know they've made bad decisions - it’s completely on them. Yet, God wants to send a word to them - Comfort. Just breathe. He comes in comfort not condemnation. This is the God of the Bible! This is the God we serve! Why does God respond this way? How does God come to you? How does God tend to your needs?
4. Romans 2:4 says that kindness leads to repentance, not our repentance leads to God's kindness. Do you think people get this confused? Do christians treat one another this way? Regardless of feeling, they/we ARE God's people, he has tethered himself to us in Christ! It is a call on our lives to show kindness...even to those who hurt us or sin against us. What does it require of you to live this way? Have you ever been on the receiving end of this kindness?
5. Isaiah 40:3-4, "A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain." The king is coming! We are to be about the work between the first and second arrival of Jesus. We are called to kingdom work. Justice, compassion etc. We are ALL invited to participate- no matter our past, God wants you. How would you define "kingdom work"? How have you been called to participate in the coming of the kingdom? What environments has God placed you to be good news to those around you?
*Weekly Practice*
This week pray and ask God to show you someone who needs to be encouraged, then hand write a note of kindness to them. Share the reasons why you love them or how something in their life is encouraging to you.