Isaiah 40: On Eagles Wings

Introduction: Isaiah 40 is a chapter that stands out as a ray of hope for the people of Israel during a time of despair and uncertainty. The chapter begins with words of comfort and assurance, and then moves on to describe the greatness and power of God, who is the source of all hope. The chapter concludes with a promise of renewal and strength for those who trust in the Lord. This chapter serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope to be found in God.

I. Comfort for God’s People (Isaiah 40:1-2)
The chapter begins with the Lord instructing Isaiah to speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim that her hard service has been completed and her sins have been paid for. This is a message of hope and reassurance for a people who have endured much suffering.

• Psalm 103:8-14 describes the Lord as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love, which echoes the message of comfort in Isaiah 40:1-2.
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 speaks of the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others, similar to the comfort that is being offered to Jerusalem in this chapter.

II. The Greatness of God (Isaiah 40:3-26)
This section describes the greatness and power of God, who is the creator of all things and the one who sustains the universe. The chapter uses imagery of a mighty ruler who is above all earthly powers and whose ways are beyond human understanding.

• Job 38:4-7 speaks of the Lord as the creator of the earth and the one who laid its foundations, which is similar to the description of God’s power in Isaiah 40:12-14.
• Romans 11:33-36 describes the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God, which is also echoed in Isaiah 40:13-14, where it is said that no one can fathom His understanding.

III. The Promise of Renewal and Strength (Isaiah 40:27-31)
The chapter concludes with a promise that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. This is a message of encouragement for those who are weary and burdened, reminding them that the Lord is the source of strength and renewal.

• Psalm 103:5 speaks of the Lord as the one who satisfies desires with good things and renews youth like the eagle, which is similar to the promise of renewal in Isaiah 40:31.
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 speaks of the renewal that comes from focusing on the unseen eternal things rather than the seen temporary things, which is similar to the message of hope and renewal in Isaiah 40:27-31.

Conclusion: Isaiah 40 is a chapter that provides a message of hope and comfort to the people of Israel during a time of despair. The chapter begins with words of comfort and assurance, and then moves on to describe the greatness and power of God, who is the source of all hope. The chapter concludes with a promise of renewal and strength for those who trust in the Lord. This chapter serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope to be found in God.