Isaiah 40:1-11. Experiencing God

EXPERIENCING GOD IN THE EXILE ISAIAH 40:1-5 • Does God really love me? • Where is God in this? • Has God abandon me? Isaiah 40:1-5 Comfort for God’s People 40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” The book of Isaiah is regarded a miniature Bible • The first 39 chapters focusing on judgment and punishment • The next 27 chapters bringing messages of comfort and restoration Today’s topics 1. God’s compassion about His people 2. The importance of preparing our hearts to experience God Isaiah 40:1-2 Comfort for God’s People 40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. Way Maker (Lyrics) … Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You are way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper Light in the darkness, my God That is who You are Ephesians 3:20 Now to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Today’s topics 1. God’s compassion about His people 2. The importance of preparing our hearts to experience God Isaiah 40:3-5 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” To prepare our hearts involves 1. Repentance 2. Worship 3. Surrendering to God’s will Matthew 3:1-2 1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Repentance is an ongoing proccess. To prepare our hearts involves 1. Repentance 2. Worship 3. Surrendering to God’s will Worship is our spiritual superpower. I Raise a hallelujah (Lyrics) I raise a hallelujah In the presence of my enemies I raise a hallelujah Louder than the unbelief I raise a hallelujah My weapon is a melody I raise a hallelujah Heaven comes to fight for me … To prepare our hearts involves 1. Repentance 2. Worship 3. Surrendering to God’s will Luke 1:38 Mary said, “…let it be with me according to your word.” Let go and let God. Takeaway: 1. God is always compassionate about you. 2. To experience God's faithfulness, you need to prepare your heart through repentance, worship, and surrendering to God’s will. Isaiah 40:1-5 Outline: 1. God is always compassionate about you. 2. To experience God's faithfulness, you need to prepare your heart through repentance, worship, and surrendering to God’s will. Isaiah 40:1-5 Questions: 1. Have you ever been through an spiritual desert or exile, where God may seem absent? 2. What new perspectives do you have if you know God is compassionate about you? 3. Can you share some of your experience of God's faithfulness, when you prepared your heart through repentance, worship, or surrendering to God’s will?