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A series on:  Isaiah 40-45

Isaiah: Your Favorite Prophet’s…Favorite Prophet!

Isaiah, meaning "Yahweh is Salvation," was a key figure in Israel, Actually more than a key figure as I eluded to your favorite Prophet’s favorite Prophet he was bold, he was spirit led and most of all he was revealing the Gospel 800 years before the birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah. A Jerusalem native, a city boy so to speak, he served as a divine voice and royal advisor, many biblical scholars presume he was a cousin of King Uzziah, which might explain his access to the royal court. His wife, called "the prophetess" (Isaiah 8:3), had two sons with prophetic names: Shear-jashub ("A remnant will return") and Maher-shalal-hash-baz ("Quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil"), who served as living messages to the nation. To mention his wife as the prophetess and not by name correlates with Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” And this was also God substantiating the continuation of women Prophets in the OT through the NT Exodus 15:20 “Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing.” Judges 4:4 “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.” and Luke 2:36–38 “And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Isaiah’s ministry covered the reigns of four different Kings of Judah during the rise of the Assyrian empire. Assyria was the dominant power in the Near East, known for its ruthless military campaigns and brutal treatment of conquered peoples. It served as God's "rod of anger" to punish unfaithful Israel and Judah. Assyria devastated the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants, and later laid siege to Jerusalem in Judah. Their tactics included widespread destruction, torture, impalement, flaying alive, mass deportations to break national identity, and psychological warfare. They boastfully claimed their conquests were due to their own might, not realizing they were instruments of divine judgment. Though Judah initially became a vassal state, Jerusalem was miraculously spared from complete destruction during Sennacherib's siege, as foretold Isaiah 37:33–35 ““Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, ‘He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield, or throw up a siege ramp against it. ‘By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he will not come to this city,’ declares the Lord. ‘For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’ ”” This passage is also paralleled in 2 Kings 19:32–34 “‘Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, “He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield or throw up a siege ramp against it. “By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he shall not come to this city,” ’ declares the Lord. ‘For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’ ” Sennacherib's wickedness was marked by extreme arrogance and blasphemy. He boasted of his overwhelming military power, conquering numerous nations and cities, and openly mocked the God of Israel, claiming Yahweh was no different from the idols of other defeated peoples 2 Kings 18:33–35 “‘Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? ‘Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? ‘Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their land from my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?’ ”” . His campaigns as describing his nation were brutal. He sought to crush all resistance, displaying a profound hubris in defying the living God by threatening Jerusalem and King Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 32:16–19 “His servants spoke further against the Lord God and against His servant Hezekiah. He also wrote letters to insult the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of the lands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” They called this out with a loud voice in the language of Judah to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them, so that they might take the city. They spoke of the God of Jerusalem as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, the work of men’s hands.”

A contemporary of Micah and Hosea, Isaiah's message was marked by a powerful vision of God's absolute holiness and sovereignty—seeing the Lord "high and exalted," seated on a throne (Isaiah 6:1 “In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.”). This vision of God's glory is echoed in the New Testament, where John says, "These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him" (John 12:41). Later, the Apostle John's own vision, recorded in Revelation 4:2–3 “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.” and Revelation 4:8 “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”, regarding God on His throne surrounded by worship, strongly resonates with Isaiah's first encounter.

The Old Testament prophets, with Isaiah as a leading example, served as essential intermediaries between God and His people, Israel. Their primary role was to encourage the Israelites to renew their commitment to the covenant with the Lord. These prophets were not just fortune-tellers; they were divine messengers who delivered God's truth, often challenging the norms of their time and addressing the common sins of their society.

Consider the prophet Amos, who strongly condemned the widespread social injustice in Israel, particularly the oppression of the poor and vulnerable by the wealthy and powerful. His messages were direct condemnations of hypocrisy and a call for righteousness to "roll down like waters, and justice like an ever-flowing stream." Similarly, Hosea, through his own suffering and the allegorical portrayal of his unfaithful wife Gomer, vividly illustrated God's deep and unwavering covenant love for Israel, even amid their spiritual adultery and idolatry. His prophecy highlighted the extent of God's grace and His persistent pursuit of His wayward people.

Isaiah, among these prophetic giants, delivered a complex message that included both harsh condemnations and uplifting promises. He did not hold back from exposing the moral decay, political corruption, and spiritual turning away of Judah. His words against their pride, injustice, and reliance on human alliances instead of God were strong. Yet, alongside these serious warnings, there were glorious prophecies of hope, redemption, and the coming reign of the Messiah. Isaiah's vision extended well beyond his immediate historical context, vividly illustrating a future restoration, a new heavens and a new earth, and the universal rule of God's righteous King.

Like the powerful prophets Elijah and Elisha who came before him, Isaiah's prophetic voice served as a vital beacon during times of deep spiritual darkness. When the nation drifted toward idolatry and forgot its covenant duties, the prophets acted as a steady reminder of the one true God, Yahweh, and His sovereign plan. They consistently pointed to His character, His law, and His ultimate purposes. Additionally, their messages continually guided the people's attention toward the future, especially to the promise of a coming deliverer—the Messiah—who would bring final salvation, establish true justice, and usher in an era of peace and righteousness. The prophets, therefore, were not only healers of Israel's spiritual wounds but also bearers of divine hope, endlessly shining a light on the way back to God and the fulfillment of His redemptive promises through His chosen King.

The Earthly Kings Isaiah Served Under

Isaiah served four diverse kings, each influencing Judah's spiritual climate:

King Uzziah

Uzziah, also known as Azariah, served as king of Judah for roughly 52 years, from about 792 to 740 BC. 2 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 26, and Isaiah 6 He became king at age 16 and generally did what was right in the Lord's eyes during most of his reign. His leadership brought prosperity and expanded territory for Judah. Uzziah was an effective military leader who strengthened Jerusalem's defenses and successfully fought against the Philistines, Arabs, and Meunites. He also encouraged agricultural growth. However, his long and successful rule ended on a bad note when pride made him unlawfully enter the Temple to burn incense—an act only priests were allowed to do. As a result, he was struck with leprosy and lived in quarantine until his death, with his son Jotham ruling in his place.

King Jotham

A righteous king who followed the Lord but did not remove the pagan high places (2 Kings 15:34–35 “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord.”). Jotham ruled as king of Judah from about 750 to 735 BC. He likely served as co-regent with his father Uzziah for several years because of Uzziah's leprosy. A just ruler like his father, Jotham avoided presuming to enter the Temple. His main focus was strengthening Judah's defenses by building cities, fortresses, and towers. He also experienced military victories, notably conquering the Ammonites and collecting tribute from them. Despite his personal devotion, Jotham didn't fully remove the "high places" used for unauthorized worship, showing that idolatry continued among the people during his reign. This period reflects a "one foot in, one foot out" approach to obedience.

King Ahaz

An evil, idolatrous king who rejected Isaiah’s counsel and formed a disastrous alliance with Assyria (Isaiah 7:1–17). During the reign of Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel advanced on Jerusalem but failed to conquer it. When reports arrived of Arameans camping in Ephraim, the king's and people's hearts trembled like trees in the wind. The Lord instructed Isaiah to meet Ahaz with his son Shear-jashub at the upper pool’s end and to reassure him: 'Take care, be calm, do not fear these two smoldering stubs, because of Rezin’s and Aram’s fierce anger.' Aram, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah conspired to attack Judah, aiming to terrorize and breach its walls, as detailed in 2 Kings 16:7–9, where Ahaz, fearing defeat, sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, offering tribute to get aid. The Assyrian king responded by attacking Damascus, exiling its people, and executing Rezin. This story highlights how trusting human strength over divine promises is perilous. How often do we ignore God's plans, insisting "I’ve got this' instead of trusting in His promise?

King Hezekiah

A righteous reformer who cleaned the temple, restored worship, and trusted God for miraculous deliverance from Assyria (2 Kings 18–19 and Isaiah 36–37). Hezekiah was a shining example of faith and repentance leading to divine intervention. He reigned as king of Judah from about 715 to 686 BC, known for his piety and reforms. He took the throne during a time of idolatry and foreign influence, leading efforts to restore Yahweh worship by reopening the temple, reinstituting Passover, and destroying the bronze serpent Nehushtan. He also showed strategic leadership by fortifying Jerusalem, digging the Siloam Tunnel, and rebelling against Assyria. During Sennacherib's siege in 701 BC, he prayed and saw divine intervention, saving his kingdom. His reign marked a significant period of revival and faithfulness in Judah.

This constant fluctuation between godly and ungodly leadership directly influenced the people's spiritual and moral condition. It laid the groundwork for Isaiah's urgent messages, which alternated between stern warnings of imminent judgment and powerful proclamations of hope and redemption. This dynamic situation clearly illustrated God's unwavering character: His justice evident in discipline amid corruption, and His infinite mercy displayed in deliverance when His people repented to Him.

The Message: A Prophecy for Two Audiences

The book of Isaiah has two main movements:

Chapters 1-39: Mainly directed at Isaiah's generation, these chapters contain warnings of judgment due to Judah's sin, idolatry, and foolish alliances. Isaiah criticizes empty rituals and social injustice, urging a return to faith in "the Holy One of Israel." These chapters often emphasize the immediate results of disobedience, echoing warnings from Deuteronomy and the historical books. The early prophecies of Isaiah focused heavily on his contemporaries, speaking directly to the people of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline. These initial chapters are full of stern warnings of upcoming judgment, a divine result of widespread sin, rampant idolatry, and poorly thought-out political alliances with foreign nations, all showing a severe lack of faith in God's protection.

Isaiah did not shy away from confronting the hypocritical religious practices of his time. He strongly rebuked the empty rituals where outward acts replaced genuine devotion and heartfelt repentance. Additionally, he passionately condemned the widespread social injustice present in Judahite society, emphasizing the oppression of the poor, the exploitation of vulnerable people, and corruption in the legal and government systems. Faced with such moral decline, Isaiah’s main call was for the people to return to sincere and active faith in "the Holy One of Israel," a title that highlighted God's absolute purity, transcendent power, and unwavering covenant loyalty.

These initial chapters often highlight the immediate and tangible results of disobedience. The warnings given by Isaiah were not abstract future possibilities but clear links between the nation's actions and the quick, often painful, consequences they would face. This focus on immediate judgment for sin strongly echoes the curses and warnings in the book of Deuteronomy, where covenant faithfulness was directly connected to blessing and disobedience to curse. Similarly, these prophecies align with the historical books of the Old Testament, which repeatedly show how Israel's fortunes rose and fell based on their obedience or rebellion against God's commands. Isaiah, therefore, acted as a prophetic voice reminding his generation of the consistent pattern of divine justice, urging them to learn from past mistakes and prevent further disaster through repentance and renewed faithfulness to God.

Chapters 40-66 mark a dramatic shift in tone and setting. God prophetically transports Isaiah nearly 150 years into the future to speak comfort and hope to the exiles in Babylon (c. 539 B.C.). Jerusalem lies in ruins, the temple is destroyed, and the people are disheartened. Isaiah predicts their deliverance and names their deliverer, Cyrus, king of Persia, more than a century before his birth (Isaiah 44:28 “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’ ” and Isaiah 45:1 “Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:” ). This specific, verifiable prophecy serves as irrefutable proof of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.

Isaiah’s vision extends further: the return from Babylon foreshadows a greater redemption. This concept of dual fulfillment is crucial to understanding biblical prophecy:

· The deliverance by Cyrus points to the ultimate deliverance by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who frees us from the bondage of sin (John 8:36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” and Romans 6:22 “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”).

· The "Servant of the Lord" (especially in Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53) provides a powerful picture of Jesus in His suffering and glory. New Testament writers frequently link these passages to Christ (e.g., Matthew 8:17 “This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.””, Acts 8:32–35 “Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He does not open His mouth. “In humiliation His judgment was taken away; Who will relate His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.”, 1 Peter 2:22–25 “who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”).

· The "new exodus" from Babylon represents the spiritual exodus from sin made possible by Christ through His atoning work on the cross (Colossians 1:13–14 “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”; Hebrews 9:11–14 “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”).

· The restoration of Jerusalem represents the establishment of the Church, which is the spiritual Israel (Galatians 6:16 “And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”; Ephesians 2:19–22 “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. In whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”), and ultimately, the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling of God with His redeemed people (Revelation 21:1–4 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’").

We will observe this dual fulfillment: the near and the far, the physical and the spiritual, the return from Babylon and the redemption in Christ. Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of all prophecy and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Our Time: Living in the "Meanwhile"

· Isaiah addressed a people on the verge of change. We, too, live in the "meanwhile"—between Christ's first and second coming. We are in a pre-tribulation season, observing the signs Jesus mentioned (Matthew 24:6–12): “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Do not be afraid, because those things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are just the beginning of birth pains. Then they will hand you over to persecution and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. Many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many. Because lawlessness will increase, most people’s love will grow cold.” This passage is also recorded in Mark 13:7–8, as testified by the Apostle Peter: “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; these things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes and famines in various places. These are just the start of birth pains.” Additionally, Luke 21:10–11 records Jesus saying: “Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be large earthquakes, and in various places, plagues and famines; there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.’”

· The Apostle Paul also warned of dangerous times in the last days in his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:1–5 “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.”); and to the church in Thessaloniki in his second letter (2 Thessalonians 2:3–12 “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this…). Modern political corruption and a turning away from truth mirror Isaiah's day, and it is evident in every window of media, both fake and real.

· Therefore, Isaiah 40-45 is urgent for us. It calls us to find comfort not in worldly stability, but in the unchanging character of our incomparable God. It urges us to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal promises of the King who is coming again (Titus 2:13 “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” and Hebrews 9:28 “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”). The time is near, church!

The Holy Spirit, Scripture, and Understanding God's Word

· Before we begin, it is essential to establish a solid foundation for understanding God's Word. The Bible states, (2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”). This verse highlights the supreme importance of Scripture itself. It is our ultimate authority and the direct revelation of God. Do not distort this truth. While doctrine and theology are important, and we deeply respect the wisdom and insights of the Church Fathers and many faithful men and women who have studied and explained God's Word throughout history, their interpretations should always be subordinate to the text itself. They serve as helpful guides, but never ultimate authority. Jesus Christ remains the final authority, the Alpha and the Omega.

· Never forget this: the Holy Spirit is our divine Teacher. Jesus promised, (John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”). And again, (John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”). It is the Spirit who illuminates the Scriptures, making them alive and understandable to us, as Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:10–14 “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.")

· Regarding self-revelation, if it concerns a person's personal insights or experiences that conflict with or are separate from the clear teachings of Scripture, then it is not good. True spiritual revelation will always align with and be confirmed by the written Word of God (Jesus Christ, see John 1). We are called to test everything by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11 “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”; 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”). Any "revelation" that bypasses or contradicts the Bible should be rejected. Our understanding of God and His will comes primarily through His inspired, inerrant Word (Jesus Christ), illuminated by His Spirit in a divine and trinitarian manner in the name of the Father.

I. The God of All Comfort Isaiah 40 NLT

Sermon Introduction:

· Imagine a desolation so deep it touches every part of your being, a feeling of being completely forgotten, a belief that your current situation is unchangeable and permanent. This isn't just a passing sadness; it's a deep-rooted hopelessness, a widespread despair that can affect both the believer and the unbeliever alike, trapping them in a state of hopelessness.

· This anguished state was exactly the plight of the Israelites during their Babylonian captivity. They were a people disciplined by divine hand, defeated in battle, and left utterly desolate. Their vibrant capital lay in ruins, a testament to their downfall. Their magnificent temple, the core of their spiritual life and the dwelling place of God's presence, was gone, reduced to rubble and ash. And perhaps most heartbreaking of all, their God, who had once spoken with thunderous power and comforting whispers, seemed deeply silent. Have you ever experienced such a profound sense of isolation, a feeling that your "sad days" would never end, that the darkness surrounding you was an endless night?

· Yet, into this suffocating darkness, a divine voice pierces the silence. God speaks a word, not of condemnation, but of radical, undeserved, and profoundly powerful comfort. This is no ordinary comfort; it's a divine interruption of our deepest despair, a command to be comforted, a promise of His imminent arrival, and a breathtaking revelation of His incomparable greatness. Isaiah 40, in particular, stands as a monumental turning point, a powerful decree from the Almighty that shatters the chains of hopelessness and announces a new dawn.

· This profound comfort and divine intervention find their fullest expression in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of solace, the source from which all true comfort flows. As 2 Corinthians 1:3 so beautifully affirms, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort." In Christ, silence is broken, desolation is redeemed, and hope becomes a living reality. He is the God who enters our deepest valleys of despair—not just to observe, but to comfort, restore, and lead us into a hope that surpasses all earthly sorrow.

A Voice of Comfort and a Prepared Way Isaiah 40:1-11

Introductory Commentary:

· The following passage serves as the profound prologue to the second half of the Book of Isaiah, establishing the foundational themes and setting the stage for a grand divine drama. Within the celestial chambers of a heavenly council, a chorus of voices proclaims a pivotal and dramatic shift in God's dealings with His people. The era of judgment and punitive suffering has reached its conclusion; in its place, an age of boundless pardon and full restoration begins.

· This promised restoration is not just a human effort but requires a supernaturally built highway, both a literal and metaphorical path, upon which God Himself will majestically lead His people back from exile. This is the core message of the good news, the euangelion, the gospel as revealed and proclaimed through the prophet Isaiah. It speaks of a profound and decisive divine intervention, a sovereign act of unmerited grace that far surpasses all human ability, effort, or inherent worth. The return from Babylonian captivity, a historical event, serves as a powerful earthly foreshadowing of an even greater spiritual freedom. This prophetic declaration points to a time when God’s glory will be fully revealed, and all humanity will witness His redemptive power. It is a message of comfort and hope, reassuring a broken people that their suffering has a divine purpose and a glorious end.

40:1 “Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. 2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”

Verses 1-2: The Command to Comfort:

· The repetition of "Comfort, comfort" (nachamu, nachamu) emphasizes urgency and deep emotion. God insists that His people be comforted. The foundation is twofold: the end of suffering ("sad days are gone") and the forgiveness of sin ("sins are pardoned"). "Punished her twice over" is a Hebrew idiom of abundance, indicating sufficient punishment and pointing powerfully to the cross where Christ paid our sin-debt in full. As (2 Corinthians 5:21) declares, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." The author of Hebrews also states, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." The comfort is rooted in the finished work of Jesus. (Hebrews 9:28 “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”)

40:3 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! 4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”

Verses 3-5: The Herald's Cry:

· A divine messenger proclaims a royal procession: "The King is coming!" This is famously and directly fulfilled by John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. The New Testament Gospels explicitly quote this passage to describe John's ministry.

Matthew 3:1–3 “Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’ 

Mark 1:2–3 “As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way; The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’ ””

Luke 3:4–6 “as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight. ‘Every ravine will be filled, And every mountain and hill will be brought low; The crooked will become straight, And the rough roads smooth; And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’ ””

John 1:23 “He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.””

· John the Baptist’s role was to prepare hearts by calling for repentance, removing the spiritual obstacles that hindered people from accepting their Messiah. The imagery is cosmic—valleys filled, mountains leveled—symbolizing divine intervention to remove every barrier. For us, this emphasizes repentance, preparing our hearts for the Lord's indwelling and His work in our lives. The ultimate goal is the worldwide revelation of God's glory, fulfilled when "every eye will see him" at Jesus' second coming (Revelation 1:7 “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.”; cf. John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”, where John states, "We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth").

40:6 A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Verses 6-8: The Enduring Word:

· A second voice contrasts human frailty ("people are like the grass") with divine permanence. Empires, such as Babylon, are fleeting. The only true anchor in an uncertain world is "the word of our God," which "stands forever." This is applied in the New Testament to the gospel, the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25: "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God... And this is the word that was preached to you"). It also points to Jesus Himself, who is "the Word" made flesh (John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”, John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”), eternally existing and unchanging. His words are eternal and will never pass away (Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away”).

40:9 O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” 10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. 11He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Verses 9-11: The Shepherd King's Arrival:

· Zion (Jerusalem), once desolate, now proclaims good news. The "Sovereign Lord is coming in power," yet this mighty Warrior-King is also the tender Shepherd. This beautiful portrait of God clearly prophesies Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... I know my sheep and my sheep know me"). He is powerful enough to save us and gentle enough to carry us "close to his heart." This imagery is reinforced throughout Scripture, from Psalm 23 to the New Testament's depiction of Christ as the "Great Shepherd of the sheep" John 10, Hebrews 13:20, “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,”) and the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”). In the New Jerusalem, "the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes'" (Revelation 7:17, “for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.").

The Incomparable Creator (Isaiah 40:12-26)

Introductory Commentary:

· The Israelites, exiled in Babylon, felt an overwhelming sense of insignificance. Their personal struggles, though very real, seemed tiny compared to the enormous power of the Babylonian empire and its seemingly all-powerful gods. In this moment of despair, Isaiah offers deep theological insight by shifting the story. He goes beyond just promising comfort and explores the very nature of the Comforter, the source of true solace.

· Through a series of powerful rhetorical questions, Isaiah creates a dramatic contrast. On one side, he presents God, the singular, transcendent being. On the other, he displays the entire created universe: the mighty nations of the world, the vast and complex forces of nature, and the hollow, man-made idols worshiped by humanity. The result of this cosmic comparison is unmistakably clear: there is no contest.

· This section of Isaiah is more than just a theological discourse; it is a masterclass in divine revelation. Its profound purpose is twofold: to lessen the perceived size of our problems and, at the same time, to magnify the incredible greatness of our God. It serves as a strong reminder that the God we worship is not just one among many deities, a god within a pantheon. He is, in fact, the only God, the ultimate and foundational reality against which all other things, no matter how impressive they seem, become insignificant. He is the absolute, the primary truth, the sole force giving existence to everything else, and in His light, every earthly concern and rival power shrinks into nothingness.

Isaiah 40:12-26

40:12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? 14Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? 15 No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand. 16 All the wood in Lebanon’s forests and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God. 17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to him. In his eyes they count for less than nothing—mere emptiness and froth.

Verses 12-17: The Measurer of the Universe:

· The imagery is breathtaking. God's "hand" and "fingers" serve as the tools for measuring the cosmos. He is in complete control. Paul references verse 13 in Romans 11:34, “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?" to highlight God's infinite wisdom. The powerful Babylonian empire was, in God's view, just a "drop in the bucket." This perspective is crucial when we encounter seemingly impossible opposition. The vastness of creation, from the oceans to the mountains, is managed effortlessly by His divine power. This emphasizes the omnipotence of God, the very One who became incarnate in Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:16-17: "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together").

40:18 To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him? 19 Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains? 20 Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won’t decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won’t fall down!

Verses 18-20: The Folly of Idols:

· Isaiah uses sarcasm to expose the absurdity of idolatry. A craftsman gets tired and hungry from making his "god." The creature trying to create the Creator is the ultimate folly. This challenges us to consider our own modern idols—money, power, success, self, comfort, technology—which are just as powerless and fleeting. As Psalm 115:4–7 declares, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but they cannot hear; they have noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but they cannot feel; they have feet, but they cannot walk; they cannot make a sound with their throat.” These crafted images stand in stark contrast to the living God revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the Colossians 1:15 “image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation,” and again the God Breathed in Hebrews 1:3, “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”)

40:21 Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand? Are you deaf to the words of God—the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant? 22 God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them. 23 He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. 24 They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and they wither. The wind carries them off like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. 26 Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.

Verses 21-26: The Sovereign Ruler:

· Isaiah appeals to both revelation ("heard") and reason ("understand"). God's sovereignty is not a new secret; it has been declared since creation. From His transcendent throne ("above the circle of the earth"), world leaders are fleeting. The Babylonians worshiped the stars, but God declares, "I created them. I am their commander." If God has careful, personal control over trillions of stars, surely He has not lost track of you. This truth is essential to our trust in Jesus, for He is the one through whom and for whom all things were created, and by whom they are sustained (Colossians 1:16-17). The temporary nature of human power and the permanence of God's reign are common themes in Scripture, from the rise and fall of empires in Daniel to the ultimate victory of Christ in Revelation.

The Giver of Strength (Isaiah 40:27-31)

Introductory Commentary:

· This final section seamlessly moves from the broad theological truths previously presented to a personal, meaningful application. It specifically addresses the widespread and heartbreaking lament of the exiles: "God has utterly forgotten me; my cause is overlooked by Him."

· Isaiah, far from offering a simple cliché or superficial comfort, responds to this deep cry of the soul with a powerful and final reaffirmation of God's unchanging nature. He delivers a promise that has echoed through generations, becoming one of the most treasured and frequently quoted assurances in Scripture. This promise acts as an anchor, carefully designed to reassure us that even in our moments of extreme exhaustion, deep weariness, and overwhelming despair, God's endless strength is not only available but actively accessible to us through unwavering faith. It emphasizes the truth that divine power is not distant or abstract but a real resource ready to energize our lives, especially when our own strength is depleted.

Isaiah 40:27-31

40:27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?

Verse 27: The Complaint of the Fainting:

· The prophet expresses their deepest fear: "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God" (NIV). This is the cry of anyone who feels their prayers are hitting a brass ceiling, who feels overlooked or abandoned in their struggles. It's a common human lament, echoed in many Psalms (e.g., Psalm 13:1).

40:28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Verses 28-29: The Character of the Unfailing God:

· Isaiah encourages them to remember what they know about God. He is "everlasting," the "Creator," and He "never grows weak or weary." When we are at our weakest, He is not. This is the great exchange: God doesn't just have strength; He gives strength. His infinite supply is available for our limited needs. This truth is powerfully shown in the New Testament: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus Christ Himself, though fully God, experienced human weakness, yet His divine power was always at work.

40:30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Verses 30-31: The Promise to Those Who Wait:

· The greatest human strength will eventually fail. The key is not trying harder, but trusting—or "waiting for"—the Lord. The Hebrew word qavah suggests a confident, eager expectation, a hopeful bond. This waiting brings renewed strength to "soar," to "run," and to "walk." This beautiful progression addresses all of life's challenges, from the extraordinary to the mundane. God doesn't promise to remove the race, but He promises to sustain us through it. This promise is fulfilled in the believer's life through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in my inner being"). It is through our reliance on God, by faith in Jesus Christ, that we receive this supernatural strength.

Conclusion:

· The message of Isaiah 40 is God's response to our despair. When we feel forgotten, He says, "Comfort, I am coming." When we feel small and our enemies seem large, He says, "Look at Me, your incomparable Creator." And when we feel we can't take another step, He says, "Wait for Me. I will give you strength to soar, run, and walk." Today, the world may shout messages of fear and hopelessness, echoing signs of the end times. But a voice from heaven shouts louder: "Your God is coming!" Let us turn from our idols of self-reliance and fear, and wait with hope for the God of all comfort, who promises to renew our strength through His Son, Jesus Christ, and by His Holy Spirit.

II: The Courtroom of the Creator Isaiah 41 NASB

Sermon Introduction:

· Imagine yourself in the defendant's chair, the weight of the world on your shoulders, an overwhelming mountain of evidence rising against you, and your accuser, a powerful global superpower. This intense, high-stakes scene is exactly the picture Isaiah paints in chapter 41 of his prophetic book. Yet, the one on trial in this cosmic courtroom isn't the nation of Israel, despite their frequent wanderings and mistakes. No, the indictment is directly aimed at the countless gods of the nations—the handcrafted idols and the fleeting deities created from human imagination and fear.

· In this divine legal proceeding, God Himself takes on the role of the righteous Judge, His gavel ready, His decree final. He summons the entire world, all its inhabitants, all its philosophies, and all its so-called divinities into His sacred courtroom. The core question at the center of this universal trial is nothing less than ultimate sovereignty: "Who truly controls the flow of history? Who has the foresight to predict the future with perfect accuracy, and—more importantly—who holds the power to bring those predictions to pass?"

· As this divine inquest unfolds, the idols of the nations stand silent and unmoving, their false forms exposing their total powerlessness. Their worshipers, once sure of their chosen gods, now tremble, their faith broken by the undeniable silence coming from their lifeless deities. It is in this moment of deep revelation, amid the quiet awe of the worldwide gathering, that God shifts His focus from the condemned idols to His chosen people, Israel. But His message to them is not a continuation of the summons; it is a shining promise.

· He gently reminds them that while the world around them places its misplaced trust in the fleeting strength of man-made power—in empires, armies, and human ingenuity—their true and lasting hope rests solely in the living God. This is the God who, in His infinite wisdom and boundless grace, chose them not for their might or merit but out of His sovereign love. He calls them, astonishingly, "His friend."

· This ultimate courtroom, where justice is dispensed with divine perfection, is presided over by the one, true, incomparable God. As a breathtaking testament to His unwavering commitment to His people, Jesus Christ Himself stands as the ultimate witness to God’s truth and the unmatched advocate for humanity. As 1 John 2:1 powerfully states, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." He is the one who pleads our case, intercedes on our behalf, and secures our acquittal through His own perfect sacrifice. In this cosmic trial, the verdict is clear: God alone rules, and through Christ, His people are eternally vindicated.

The Case Against the Idols Isaiah 41:1-7

Introductory Commentary:

· This chapter is organized like a great legal dispute. God acts as both prosecutor and judge, presenting His evidence: His sovereign control over history, demonstrated by raising a conqueror from the east—Cyrus. He challenges idols and their followers to respond with proof of their power or foresight. Their silence is damning. The argument reassures Israel that Babylon's power is an illusion, while God's power is the ultimate reality. This divine courtroom scene highlights a unique attribute of God: His ability to declare the end from the beginning, a power no false god has.

41:1 “Coastlands, listen to Me in silence, And let the peoples gain new strength; Let them come forward, then let them speak; Let us come together for judgment. 2 Who has aroused one from the east Whom He calls in righteousness to His feet? He delivers up nations before him And subdues kings. He makes them like dust with his sword, As the wind-driven chaff with his bow. 3He pursues them, passing on in safety, By a way he had not been traversing with his feet. 4 Who has performed and accomplished it, Calling forth the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last. I am He.’”

Verses 1-4: The Summons and the Evidence:

· God calls the nations, or "coastlands," to court. His first evidence is the rise of Cyrus, described as "one from the east." God asks, "Who did this?" The implied answer is, "I did." God's sovereignty is proven by His ability to direct history. He is the "first" and the "last," the Alpha and Omega of history. This title is repeatedly claimed by Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation, affirming His co-equality and eternal nature with God the Father (Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”; Revelation 1:17, “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,”; Revelation 21:6, “Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.”; Revelation 22:13, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”). This demonstrates that the same God who orchestrates the rise and fall of empires is also the God who became flesh in Jesus and holds all authority.

41:5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid; The ends of the earth tremble; They have drawn near and have come. 6 Each one helps his neighbor And says to his brother, “Be strong!” 7 So the craftsman encourages the smelter, And he who smooths metal with the hammer encourages him who beats the anvil, Saying of the soldering, “It is good”; And he fastens it with nails, So that it will not totter.

Verses 5-7: The Reaction of the Nations:

· The nations respond not with reasoned arguments, but with fear. Their only reaction to God's movement in history is to frantically create more idols, encouraging one another in their futile craftsmanship. Their main concern is that their man-made god "will not totter." This desperate attempt to support false deities highlights their spiritual blindness and the emptiness of their trust. This starkly contrasts with the unshakable kingdom of Jesus Christ, which "will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people" (Daniel 2:44 “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”).

The Comfort for God's Servant Isaiah 41:8-20

Introductory Commentary:

· In stark contrast to the trembling, idol-making nations, God turns to Israel with incredible tenderness and assurance. He defines them not by their present weakness but by their eternal relationship with Him. He is their chosen servant, the descendant of His friend Abraham. This identity is the foundation for the command that echoes through this section: "Do not fear." This comfort foreshadows the ultimate comfort found in Jesus Christ, who calls His disciples "friends" (John 15:15 “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”).

41:8 “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend, 9You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its remotest parts And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. 10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Verses 8-10: Israel's Identity and Security:

· But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend. What a title! Abraham was called "God's friend" in 2 Chronicles 20:7 (“Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?”) and James 2:23 (“and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.”). While nations are defined by fear, Israel is defined by God's choice and friendship. This is the basis of their security. He has "not rejected you." "Do not fear, for I am with you." This is the great antidote to fear. God's presence changes everything. He promises to strengthen, help, and uphold them with His "righteous right hand." This points directly to Jesus Christ, who is exalted to the "right hand of God" (Acts 2:33 “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”; Ephesians 1:20 “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,”) and is our very righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30 “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”; Philippians 3:9 “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,”). Our security is found in Him.

41:11 Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. 12 You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. 13 For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’

Verses 11-13: The Fate of Israel's Enemies:

· God promises that everyone who opposes His people will end up "shamed and dishonored... as nothing and non-existent." This is not a call for Israel to fight but a promise for them to trust. God Himself is the one who "upholds your right hand." This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over all His enemies (1 Corinthians 15:25: “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.”; Revelation 19:11–21: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of…”}

41:14 Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you,” declares the Lord, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. 15 Behold, I have made you a new, sharp threshing sledge with double edges; You will thresh the mountains and pulverize them, And will make the hills like chaff. 16You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, And the storm will scatter them; But you will rejoice in the Lord, You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Verses 14-16: From Worm to Weapon:

· "Do not fear, you worm Jacob." God recognizes their feelings of utter weakness and insignificance. A worm is easily crushed. But God's power is perfected in weakness. He promises to transform this "worm" into a "new, sharp threshing sledge." This was a heavy wooden sled with sharp stones or metal embedded underneath, used to shred grain. God will make His weak people into a powerful instrument capable of overcoming mountainous obstacles. The outcome is not pride but praise: "you will rejoice in the Lord." This principle is powerfully expressed by Paul in (2 Corinthians 12:9-10): "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Our strength, therefore, is not our own but the strength of Christ working through us.

41:17 “The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, And their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself, As the God of Israel I will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers on the bare heights And springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water And the dry land fountains of water. 19 I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia and the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert Together with the box tree and the cypress, 20 That they may see and recognize, And consider and gain insight as well, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Verses 17-20: From Wasteland to Wonderland:

· God promises to meet the needs of His 'afflicted and needy' people on their journey home. The imagery recalls the first Exodus (e.g., Exodus 17:6, 'Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.' And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.'; Numbers 20:11, 'Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank.') but surpasses it. He will turn the barren desert into a lush, watered garden. This speaks not only of physical provision but also of spiritual renewal. Jesus Himself declared, 'Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them' (John 7:38, 'He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’'), referring to the Holy Spirit. The ultimate purpose of this miracle is evangelistic: 'That they may see and recognize... That the hand of the Lord has done this.' God's care for His people is a witness to the world, drawing all to acknowledge His unique power and saving grace. This vision of a transformed wilderness also points to the new heavens and new earth, where the 'river of the water of life' flows (Revelation 22:1–2, 'Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.').

41:21 “Present your case,” the Lord says. “Bring forward your strong arguments,” The King of Jacob says. 22Let them bring forth and declare to us what is going to take place; As for the former events, declare what they were, That we may consider them and know their outcome. Or announce to us what is coming; 23Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together. 24 Behold, you are of no account, And your work amounts to nothing; He who chooses you is an abomination.

Verses 21-24: The Challenge to the Idols:

· God openly challenges the idols to "Present your case." The test is straightforward: predict the future. "Declare the things that are going to come." Or, if that's too difficult, do anything—"do good or evil." But they cannot. The verdict is clear: "you are of no importance, and your work amounts to nothing." This strong condemnation against false gods echoes throughout the Old Testament, from the confrontation on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18: ...), and the mockery of idols in (Psalm 115: ...). Their inability to predict or perform proves their non-existence and powerlessness.

40:25 “I have aroused one from the north, and he has come; From the rising of the sun he will call on My name; And he will come upon rulers as upon mortar, Even as the potter treads clay.” 26 Who has declared this from the beginning, that we might know? Or from former times, that we may say, “He is right!”? Surely there was no one who declared, Surely there was no one who proclaimed, Surely there was no one who heard your words. 27 “Formerly I said to Zion, ‘Behold, here they are.’ And to Jerusalem, ‘I will give a messenger of good news.’ 28 But when I look, there is no one, And there is no counselor among them Who, if I ask, can give an answer. 29 Behold, all of them are false; Their works are worthless, Their molten images are wind and emptiness.

Verses 25-29: The Lord's Uncontested Claim:

· God contrasts their silence with His own clear prophecy. He is the one who "aroused one from the north" (Cyrus, whose empire encompassed both north and east). He declared it from the beginning. He looks for a counselor among the idols, but there is "no one." The case is closed. Idols are "wind and emptiness." This passage powerfully affirms God's unique attribute of foreknowledge and His sovereign control over history, demonstrating that He alone is worthy of worship. The "messenger of good news" (v. 27) points forward to the gospel message, ultimately delivered by Jesus Christ and proclaimed by His Church.

Conclusion:

· The courtroom is adjourned. The verdict is in. The idols of this world are nothing but wind and emptiness. They are powerless to predict, act, or save. But the God of Israel, the Lord, is the sovereign King of history. He holds the world in His hands and His people in His heart. To the world, He issues a challenge. To His people, He offers comfort. He calls us to lay down our fears and feelings of insignificance. He reminds us that we are His chosen servants and friends. He promises to take our weakness and turn it into His strength, to transform our wasteland into a garden. Our task is not to be strong, but to trust the One who is. This trust is ultimately placed in Jesus Christ, the true and living God, who has proven His power over all things.

III: The Servant and His Song (Isaiah 42, NASB)

Sermon Introduction:

· In a world struggling with uncertainty and the perceived futility of human efforts, the divine question rings out: Who is God's true agent of change? The prophet Isaiah, having methodically dismantled the powerlessness of idols, now reveals a profound and majestic divine plan for the world's salvation. This plan focuses on introducing a figure of unmatched importance in prophetic literature: the Servant of the Lord.

· Within this pivotal chapter, we are presented with the inaugural "Servant Song"—the first of four such profound passages that collectively create a breathtakingly clear and detailed portrait of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through these inspired words, we gain an intimate glimpse into His unique character. We see His inherent gentleness, a tenderness that hides an indomitable will and an unstoppable force for righteousness. His compassion is clear, yet His resolve remains unshakeable, ultimately fulfilling God's perfect plan.

· Furthermore, this passage highlights His divinely appointed mission: to be a radiant "light to the nations." This is not just a regional or ethnocentric goal but a worldwide symbol of truth, hope, and salvation for all people, crossing geographic and cultural borders. He is the answer to humanity's spiritual blindness, providing clarity and guidance to those lost in darkness.

· However, the Servant Song also shows a powerful and sad contrast. It compares the perfect and loyal faith of this divine Servant with the deep spiritual blindness of God's chosen people, Israel. Even though they were given divine revelations and covenants, they, in their own spiritual darkness, sadly failed to see the very "light" when He appeared among them. This clear difference highlights how much humanity needs divine help and the great grace given through the Servant.

· Ultimately, this chapter is a significant revelation of our Savior's person and redemptive work. It provides deep theological insights into His dual nature—both fully divine and fully human—and His complex roles as prophet, priest, and king. It is a fundamental text for understanding God's plan for salvation, His unwavering dedication to justice, and His limitless love for a world in desperate need of His transformative touch.

The First Servant Song: A Portrait of the Messiah (Isaiah 42:1-9)

Introductory Commentary:

· This is the first and fundamental portrait of the Servant. God the Father speaks, presenting His chosen Son. Notice the deep affection: "My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights." This is exactly the language of the Father's proclamation over Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:17: "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased'") and at His transfiguration (Matthew 17:5: “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!””). This song reveals the Servant's identity, His empowerment by the Holy Spirit, the nature of His ministry, and the global scope of His mission. It is a messianic prophecy of the highest order, outlining the divine blueprint for the Savior.

42:1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”

Verses 1-4: The Character of the Servant:

· He is chosen and delighted in by God, and empowered by the Holy Spirit (v. 1). This clearly identifies Jesus. (Luke 4:18–19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.") describes Jesus starting His public ministry by quoting (Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;") affirming the Spirit's anointing upon Him. (Acts 10:38) states, "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." His mission is to bring justice (mishpat)—God's true order and righteous rule—to the whole world. His method is gentle and quiet (v. 2). He doesn't use worldly methods of self-promotion or coercion. (Matthew 12:18-21) directly quotes these verses to describe Jesus' humble ministry, concluding, "In his name the Gentiles will put their hope." He is tender with the weak (v. 3). A "bruised reed" and a "dimly burning wick" are images of people who are fragile, broken, and have almost lost hope. Jesus doesn't crush the broken; He restores them, offering grace and healing to the marginalized (e.g., Matthew 11:28–30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."). He is unstoppable (v. 4). Despite His gentleness, He will not fail until His mission is accomplished and the whole world ("the coastlands") awaits His law (torah—teaching). His patience and perseverance are unwavering until His righteous kingdom is fully established.

42:5 Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its offspring, Who gives breath to the people on it And spirit to those who walk in it, 6 “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, 7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those who dwell in darkness from the prison. 8 I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

Verses 5-9: The Commission of the Servant:

· God the Creator commissions His Servant, granting ultimate authority to this calling (v. 5). The Servant is called "in righteousness" to serve as a "covenant to the people" (Israel) and a "light to the nations" (Gentiles) (v. 6). This is fulfilled in Jesus, who is the new covenant in person (Luke 22:20) and the "light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" as prophesied by Simeon (Luke 2:32).

· The Servant's work is redemptive, aiming to open blind eyes and free prisoners (v. 7). This mission was declared by Jesus Himself in Luke 4:18–19, where He quotes Isaiah 61: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." Jesus demonstrated this throughout His ministry, for example, by stating in John 9:39, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." Through Him, God "rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13).

· God's glory is central to this plan (v. 8). He will accomplish this through His Servant and will not share His glory with idols. The arrival of the Servant signifies a "new thing" God is declaring (v. 9), marking a new era of salvation and revelation.

The Song of the Redeemed and the Wrath of the Warrior (Isaiah 42:10-17)

Introductory Commentary:

· The revelation of the Servant is such good news that it calls for a "new song" of praise from all the earth. Everything in creation, from the sea to the desert, is invited to celebrate. This praise is a response to the fact that God is no longer holding back. The time of divine silence has ended. God is now entering history like a mighty warrior, groaning like a woman in labor, to bring forth His new creation by judging His enemies and guiding His blind people into the light. This dual role of God as both Deliverer and Judge is fully embodied in Jesus Christ.

42:10 Sing to the Lord a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it. You islands, and those who dwell on them. 11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices, The settlements where Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud, Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains. 12 Let them give glory to the Lord And declare His praise in the coastlands. 13 The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.

Verses 10-13: A New Song:

· The global mission of the Servant (vv. 1-9) inspires a worldwide song of praise. The "new song' signifies a new act of salvation, a theme echoed in (Revelation 5:9) “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”), where the redeemed sing a new song to the Lamb. Including Kedar (an Arabian tribe) and Sela (a city in Edom) shows that this praise extends even to Israel's traditional enemies, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. The song celebrates the Lord as a "warrior" who will triumph over His enemies. This embodies the "Lion of Judah" aspect of the Messiah (Revelation 5:5) “and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”), who will return to judge the world in righteous wrath and establish His kingdom (Revelation 19:11–16) “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”).

42:14 “I have kept silent for a long time, I have kept still and restrained Myself. Now like a woman in labor I will groan, I will both gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills And wither all their vegetation; I will make the rivers into coastlands And dry up the ponds. 16I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.” 17 They will be turned back and be utterly put to shame, Who trust in idols, Who say to molten images, “You are our gods.”

Verses 14-17: The Warrior's Cry and Work:

· God declares that His long period of restraint is over. The imagery of a "woman in labor" is powerful; it symbolizes intense, painful, yet ultimately productive effort. God is about to "give birth" to a new reality. This involves judgment ("lay waste the mountains") and salvation ("lead the blind"). He will create a way for His people where there was none. This work will bring complete shame to those who trust in idols. This judgment on the wicked and salvation for the redeemed is a consistent theme in both the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the final judgment at Christ's return (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 “and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”). The task of leading the blind into light is the work of the Holy Spirit, illuminating the hearts of those in darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”).

The Blindness of the Servant Israel (Isaiah 42:18-25)

Introductory Commentary:

· Scripture reveals a striking irony: the very chapter where God introduces His perfect, perceptive Servant, the Messiah, also reveals the deep spiritual blindness and deafness of His chosen nation, Israel. Although it is meant to light the way for the nations, Israel itself falters in darkness. This spiritual condition, a common theme in the Bible, explains their exile—not as a sign of God's weakness, but as a result of their sin and disobedience. Jesus mourned this spiritual blindness (Matthew 23:37), and Paul further addressed it by describing a partial hardening of Israel (Romans 11:25) and a veil over their hearts when reading the old covenant, which is lifted only in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14–16).

42:18 Hear, you deaf! And look, you blind, that you may see. 19 Who is blind but My servant, Or so deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is so blind as he that is at peace with Me, Or so blind as the servant of the Lord? 20 You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; Your ears are open, but none hears.

Verses 18-20: A Shocking Indictment:

· God calls out, "Hear, you deaf! And look, you blind!" But who is He talking to? Verse 19 gives the shocking answer: "Who is blind but My servant... the servant of the Lord?" Israel, the one who had seen God's mighty acts ("seen many things") and received His law ("ears are open"), had failed to truly observe or listen. They had the light but refused to see through it. This spiritual blindness, a result of their rebellion, is a tragic parallel to the physical blindness Jesus healed, which often symbolizes a greater spiritual need (John 9:39–41: “And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” Jesus replied to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”).

21 The Lord was pleased for His righteousness’ sake To make the law great and glorious. 22 But this is a people plundered and despoiled; All of them are trapped in caves, Or are hidden away in prisons; They have become a prey with none to deliver them, And a spoil, with none to say, “Give them back!”

Verses 21-22: The Reason and the Result:

· God's desire was to "make the law great and glorious" through His people. His law is perfect and guides to life. But because they rejected it, they became a "people plundered and despoiled," trapped and hidden, with no one to save them. Their spiritual blindness led to physical bondage. This shows the principle that disobedience to God's righteous standards brings serious consequences, a truth seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Judges, 2 Kings).

42:23 Who among you will give ear to this? Who will give heed and listen hereafter? 24 Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to plunderers? Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned, And in whose ways they were not willing to walk, And whose law they did not obey? 25 So He poured out on him the heat of His anger And the fierceness of battle; And it set him aflame all around, Yet he did not recognize it; And it burned him, but he paid no attention.

Verses 23-25: The Cause of Calamity:

· Isaiah asks who is responsible for Jacob's plunder. "Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned?" The exile was not an accident of history or a sign of Babylon's strength. It was the direct result of Israel's willful disobedience. God poured out His anger like a fire, yet in their blindness, the people still "did not recognize it." They failed to understand the spiritual meaning of their suffering. This judicial hardening is a serious warning: persistent rejection of God's truth can lead to a hardened heart (Romans 1:21–23 “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.”).

Conclusion:

· Chapter 42 of Isaiah presents a deep story, showing a clear difference between two different servants and a key decision that echoes through history. On one side, we meet the perfect Servant, Jesus. He is shown as being deeply filled with the Spirit, displaying gentleness in His attitude, and carrying a glorious mission to bring light and justice to a world covered in darkness. His coming and purpose are not just about fixing things but about radical change and establishing divine order.

· In stark contrast, we see the flawed servant, Israel. This nation, chosen and privileged by God, nevertheless became tragically blind and deaf to the very God who called and sustained them. Their story serves as a sobering, timeless warning. It highlights the unsettling possibility of being fully surrounded by God's truth yet choosing to stay in darkness. It shows how one can hear His sacred word repeatedly and still remain stubbornly deaf to His persistent call. This paradox of being close to truth but not embracing it is a key theme.

· However, the good news, the profound grace that permeates this chapter, is that the perfect Servant, Jesus, did not come for the perfect or the self-sufficient. He came precisely for the blind servant, for those who were lost in their own spiritual incapacities. His mission was fundamentally restorative: to open our eyes that have been closed by spiritual slumber or willful ignorance, and to unstop our ears that have been deafened by distraction, pride, or disbelief.

· The central question that Chapter 42 presents to us is not just a theological one but a deeply personal and existential one: Will we, in response to His loving advances, choose to turn to Him and genuinely listen to His voice? Or will we, in a tragic cycle of repeating history, resemble ancient Israel and ignore Him, allowing the noise of the world or the whispers of our stubborn hearts to drown out His divine invitation? Jesus's constant call, resonating through the ages, directly challenges our attention and will: "Whoever has ears, let them hear" (Matthew 11:15). This is not merely about physical hearing but about spiritual reception, about opening ourselves to the life-changing power of His truth. Ultimately, the decision lies with each person—to embrace the light and heed the call of the perfect Servant.

IV: Redeemed, Called, and Precious (Isaiah 43 NASB)

Sermon Introduction:

· After the stern rebuke for Israel's blindness at the end of chapter 42, where God's frustration with His people's spiritual dullness and disobedience reached a peak, the tone shifts significantly again. The move into chapter 43 is marked by a deep change, immediately signaled by the phrase, "But now..." This is more than a conjunction; it is a turning point, a theological shift from judgment to grace. Despite their serious sins, repeated failures, and well-deserved punishment, God's core attitude toward His chosen people remains one of lasting, redeeming love.

· Chapter 43 is one of the most powerful and tender expressions of God's unmerited favor and endless grace in the entire Old Testament. It is a divine declaration, revealing God's unchanging character: He is our sovereign Creator, who formed us, and our faithful Redeemer, who acts decisively to free us from bondage and sin. Furthermore, it is a profound affirmation of our identity in His eyes: we are called by name, not just as an anonymous group, but as individuals known intimately by Him; we are precious in His sight, of great value and worth; we are honored, given dignity and distinction because of His choosing; and most importantly, we are loved with an everlasting and unconditional love. This incredible grace, so vividly displayed in the prophetic words of Isaiah, finds its ultimate, most tangible, and most complete expression in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection fully embody God's redemptive heart revealed in this chapter.

The Redeemer's Promise (Isaiah 43:1-7)

Introductory Commentary:

· This opening oracle is a series of promises, rooted not in Israel's merit but in God's character. God describes His relationship with His people through four key verbs: I have created you, I have formed you, I have redeemed you, I have called you. These actions establish their identity and future. The command "Do not fear" is not merely a suggestion but a logical conclusion based on who God is and what He has done. It reflects a promise of steadfast faithfulness, grounded in His covenant love.

43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, And gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth, 7Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”

Verse 1: The Foundation of Fearlessness:

· God's titles form the foundation of His promises. He is their Creator (bara), their Former (yatsar), their Redeemer (ga'al- the kinsman-redeemer who pays a price to buy back a relative), and their Caller. The peak of this is the declaration of ownership and intimacy: "I have called you by name; you are Mine!" This statement is at the heart of our security in Christ. We are "bought at a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20 “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”), redeemed not with perishable possessions but "with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18–19 “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”).

Verse 2: Presence in the Perils:

· God doesn't promise a life free of trials ("waters," "rivers," "fire"), but He does promise His presence during those trials. These images recall the crossings of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, and the fiery furnace faced by Daniel's friends (Daniel 3). God's presence with us is our ultimate protection. This assurance is echoed in the New Testament: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:35, 37; "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”, "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”). Even when facing death, Paul could say, "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me" (2 Timothy 4:17, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.”).

Verses 3-4: The Ransom of Love:

· God reveals the depth of His love. He is their Savior. The value He places on them is infinite: "Since you are precious in My sight... and I love you, I will give other men in your place." He gave mighty nations like Egypt, Cush (Ethiopia), and Seba to Persia as the "ransom" for setting Israel free. This points to the ultimate ransom: God gave His own Son for us (Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"; 1 Timothy 2:6: "who gave himself as a ransom for all people"). This is the unparalleled love of God, demonstrated in Jesus Christ.

Verses 5-7: The Global Gathering:

· The promise extends to a worldwide gathering of God's people. He will command the four corners of the earth to release His "sons" and "daughters." This has a partial fulfillment in the return from Babylon but points to the final gathering of the Church from all nations (Matthew 24:31: "And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."). The Church, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, becomes the new "offspring," united into one body in Christ (Ephesians 2:19–22: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”). The ultimate purpose: they were created "for My glory." Our salvation is for His glorification (Ephesians 1:11-12: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.").

The Witness of the Chosen (Isaiah 43:8-13)

Introductory Commentary:

· God reenters the courtroom scene from chapter 41. He calls for the "blind" and "deaf" people—both Israel and the nations—to step forward. The trial goes on. The question still stands: who can explain and predict history? God now officially gives Israel a new role. Despite their spiritual blindness, they are to be His witnesses. Their history—of prophecy given and fulfilled, of sin and salvation—is the proof that Yahweh alone is God. This role of witness is ultimately passed on to the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to testify about Jesus Christ.

43:8 Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And the deaf, even though they have ears. 9All the nations have gathered together So that the peoples may be assembled. Who among them can declare this And proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified, Or let them hear and say, “It is true.” 10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. 11I, even I, am the Lord, And there is no savior besides Me. 12 It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “And I am God. 13 Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?”

Verses 8-9: The Court Assembles:

· God calls the nations and their witnesses. The challenge remains: "Who among them can declare this...? Who can demonstrate their god is real by showing fulfilled prophecy?” The silence of the nations reveals their case is empty. This divine challenge highlights God's unique power of foreknowledge, a power that sets Him apart from all false gods.

Verse 10: Israel's Commission:

· "You are My witnesses," declares the Lord. This is a core identity for God's people. We are not called only to be blessed but to be witnesses. The purpose of their witness is so that they themselves "may know and believe Me and understand that I am He." Witnessing strengthens our own faith. The content of their witness is God's uniqueness: "Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me." This directly opposes Babylonian myths of gods being born and creating other gods. This calling to be witnesses is fulfilled in the New Testament by the disciples of Jesus, who were commanded, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.")

Verses 11-13: The Testimony of the Witness:

· God provides them with the exact words for their testimony. "I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me." He alone has declared (prophesied), saved (acted), and proclaimed (interpreted His actions). No "strange god" can take the credit. Therefore, Israel's own experience makes them witnesses that "I am God." His sovereignty is absolute and eternal; when He acts, who can reverse it? This truth is foundational to the New Testament message: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."), referring to Jesus Christ.

The New Thing and the Old Failure (Isaiah 43:14-28)

Introductory Commentary:

· God now announces the specific act of redemption He will carry out: the destruction of Babylon. This act will be so significant that it will mark a new defining moment for Israel, a "new thing" that will surpass even the legendary exodus from Egypt. However, this promise of grace is immediately followed by a clear reminder of why judgment was necessary in the first place. Israel's worship had become tired and burdened by sin. This sets the stage for the chapter's powerful conclusion: God's forgiveness is not based on their merit but solely on His own character—"for My own sake." This emphasizes the radical nature of God's grace, fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

43:14 Thus says the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “For your sake I have sent to Babylon, And will bring them all down as fugitives, Even the Chaldeans, into the ships in which they rejoice. 15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.” 16 Thus says the Lord, Who makes a way through the sea And a path through the mighty waters, 17 Who brings forth the chariot and the horse, The army and the mighty man (They will lie down together and not rise again; They have been quenched and extinguished like a wick):

Verses 14-17: Babylon's Doom:

· God, as Israel's Redeemer and King, declares He has "sent to Babylon" the forces that will bring it down. The Chaldeans who rejoiced in their commercial ships will now flee in them. God reminds them of His power by recalling the exodus, when He made a "way through the sea" (Exodus 14) and extinguished Pharaoh's army like a wick. This demonstrates God's consistent power over nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

43:18 “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. 19 Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. 20 The beasts of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. 21The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise.

Verses 18-21: Forgetting the Former, Seeing the New:

· Do not dwell on the past. The coming redemption will be so remarkable that it will set a new standard for God's power. This "new thing" is a pathway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. It will be for His "chosen people," so they, whom He "formed for Myself," will "declare My praise." This "new thing" reaches its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, resulting in a "new creation" in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"). The promise of rivers in the desert also hints at the spiritual outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days (Joel 2:28–29 'It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”; Acts 2:17–18 'And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams; Even on My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit And they shall prophesy.”).

43:22 “Yet you have not called on Me, O Jacob; But you have become weary of Me, O Israel. 23 You have not brought to Me the sheep of your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, Nor wearied you with incense. 24 You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices; Rather you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities.

Verses 22-24: Israel's Weary Worship:

· The tone shifts to rebuke as God exposes their hearts. It wasn't that they couldn't offer sacrifices in exile; it was that even before, their hearts were not in it. "You have become weary of Me." Their religion had become a burden to them. In a shocking reversal, God states that their sins have burdened Him. "You have wearied Me with your iniquities." This emphasizes the ongoing spiritual apathy and hypocrisy that God consistently condemns, (see Amos 5:21–24: “I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”). Their failure to genuinely worship and obey burdened God, not their sacrifices.

43:25 “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.

Verse 25: Forgiveness for His Own Sake:

· This is one of the clearest statements of grace in the Bible. "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins." Forgiveness is not earned. It is not a response to our repentance or goodness. It is an act that comes entirely from the gracious character of God. He does it to stay true to Himself, for His own glory. This is the core of the gospel: God's initiative in salvation, based on His character, not our merit (Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast"; Titus 3:5: "he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy"). This forgiveness is made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

43:26 Put Me in remembrance, let us argue our case together; State your cause, that you may be proved right. 27Your first forefather sinned, And your spokesmen have transgressed against Me. 28 So I will pollute the princes of the sanctuary, And I will consign Jacob to the ban and Israel to revilement.

Verses 26-28: No Case for Innocence:

· God challenges them to argue their case and prove their innocence, but they cannot. Their history, from their "first forefather'—whether Jacob or collectively their ancestors, including Adam and Abraham—to their current leaders ("spokesmen"), is a history marked by sin. Therefore, the judgment of exile was justified. This highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness, as (Romans 3:23) states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Conclusion:

· What truly forms the foundation of your identity? Do you find yourself constantly pushing, believing your worth depends on your achievements, strength, or moral goodness? If so, you are likely caught in a never-ending cycle of fear and insecurity, always worried about not measuring up and craving external validation. But the ancient prophet Isaiah, in chapter 43 of his powerful message, offers a radical alternative—a new identity, one not based on the unstable sands of human effort but on the unchanging, steadfast character of God Himself.

· To us, just as He did for ancient Israel, God declares, "You are My creation." This isn't merely a biological statement; it's a powerful declaration of ownership and purpose. You are not a random accident but a carefully designed masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands of a loving Creator. "You are My redeemed." This speaks of liberation from bondage, a rescue from the chains of sin and the tyranny of self-reliance. It signifies a profound act of grace, where a price was paid—a divine transaction that set you free from the ultimate slavery.

· You are called by My name." This is an intimate claim, a mark of belonging that goes beyond any earthly title or status. To be called by God's name means to be identified with His very essence, to be His representative in the world. And with clear emphasis, He declares, "You are Mine." This is the ultimate security, the ultimate affirmation. You belong to the Sovereign Lord of the universe, and nothing can snatch you from His hand.

· Furthermore, God tenderly declares, "You are precious in My sight. You are loved." This is not a conditional love, earned through good deeds or flawless behavior. This is an unconditional, unwavering affection, a deep-seated value that God places upon you simply because you are His. This, then, is our profound and unwavering identity in Christ: we are His cherished creation, His dearly bought redemption, called by His sacred name, belonging entirely to Him, and eternally precious and loved in His sight.

· Because this profound truth defines who we are, it inevitably shapes what we do. Our identity as God's beloved compels us to be His witnesses. Our very lives—our personal stories of being delivered from the crushing weight and oppressive bondage of sin—become powerful evidence we present to a world desperately seeking meaning and truth. Our stories are not just anecdotes; they are testimonies to God's transforming power. They are living proof that our God, and He alone, is the true and ultimate Savior. This salvation is not a reward for our efforts, nor is it a human achievement. It is entirely a work of divine grace, freely given through Jesus Christ's sacrificial love, and energized and sustained by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our lives, touched by this grace, become a beacon of hope, testifying to the reality of His liberating and life-giving power.

V: The Folly of Idols and the Faithfulness of God (Isaiah 44 NASB)

Sermon Introduction:

The Living God vs. Lifeless Idols: A Foundation for Trust

· When the storms of life rage and the ground beneath us feels unsteady, where do we place our trust? What anchor do we cling to for security and deliverance? These are not mere rhetorical questions but fundamental inquiries that reveal the very core of our being and what we ultimately rely on. In the profound and piercing words of Isaiah 44, God confronts humanity with this stark reality, presenting a vivid and undeniable contrast between two radically different foundations for existence: the vibrant, life-giving promise of His Spirit and the unshakeable, eternal assurance of His spoken Word, versus the inherent absurdity and tragic foolishness of idolatry.

· Isaiah, a master of divine rhetoric, does not merely state the case; he dismantles the very logic of idol worship with masterful satire and biting irony. He paints a picture of the idolater, carefully crafting an image from wood or metal, using part of the same material to fuel their fire for warmth or to cook their food, and then bowing down to the remaining part, a creation made by their own hands. This vivid imagery shows that idol worship is not just a theological mistake, but a deep intellectual and spiritual falsehood—a dead-end street that offers no real comfort, no lasting security, and definitely no salvation. The prophet reveals the complete uselessness of worshipping something that has no breath, no power, no knowledge, and depends entirely on its creator.

· Yet, beyond dismantling false gods, Isaiah 44 reaches the ultimate, undeniable proof of God's complete sovereignty and unmatched power. He does not just promise deliverance in a vague, indefinite future; He names His chosen deliverer, Cyrus, explicitly, more than a century before Cyrus appears in history. This remarkable accuracy, this prophetic insight, clearly shows that God is not simply someone who makes promises; He is the God who carefully and powerfully fulfills them. He is the creator of history, the ruler over nations, and the one who guides events to accomplish His divine plans.

· Therefore, as we face the uncertainties and challenges of life, Isaiah 44 powerfully and clearly affirms a timeless truth: our only true hope, our unwavering security, and our ultimate deliverance are not found in anything created by humans, any fleeting philosophy, or any material possession. Instead, they are found solely and fully in the living God, the God who reveals Himself through His Spirit, establishes Himself through His Word, and ultimately shows the fullness of His glory and redemptive purpose in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He alone is worthy of our trust, for He alone is the God who keeps His promises.

The Promise of the Spirit (Isaiah 44:1-8)

Introductory Commentary:

· After reminding Israel of their history of sin, God immediately shifts back to grace. He reaffirms their identity as His chosen servant, "Jeshurun," a term of endearment meaning "the upright one." This is who they are by His grace, not by their works. The future He promises is not just a physical return but a spiritual renewal, symbolized by the outpouring of water and the Holy Spirit upon their descendants. This spiritual life will be so attractive that even Gentiles will want to join themselves to God's people, foreshadowing the global reach of the gospel.

44:1 “But now listen, O Jacob, My servant, And Israel, whom I have chosen: 2 Thus says the Lord who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you, ‘Do not fear, O Jacob My servant; And you Jeshurun whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants; 4 And they will spring up among the grass Like poplars by streams of water.’ 5 This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’; And that one will call on the name of Jacob; And another will write on his hand, ‘Belonging to the Lord,’ And will name Israel’s name with honor.

Verses 1-5: The Blessing of the Spirit:

· God speaks to Israel with terms of endearment: "My servant," "whom I have chosen," "Jeshurun" (v. 2). The promise is of spiritual renewal: "I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring" (v. 3). This is a key Old Testament promise of the New Covenant era, explicitly fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:17-18: "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy’"). This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers in Christ. The result is abundant life, like "poplars by streams of water." This revival will be evangelistic (v. 5). People from outside Israel will observe this new life and say, "I am the Lord's." They will want to identify with God's people, even writing on their hands, "Belonging to the Lord," similar to how a soldier brands himself for his king or a slave for his master (cf. Galatians 6:17 “From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:19 “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.””). This depicts heartfelt conversion and dedication to Jesus Christ.

44:6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me. 7 Who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; Yes, let him recount it to Me in order, From the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming And the events that are going to take place. 8 Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.’”

Verses 6-8: The Uniqueness of the Rock:

· God associates Himself with His most powerful titles: King of Israel, Redeemer, Lord of hosts. He makes one of the Bible's strongest claims to exclusivity: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me" (v. 6). Jesus takes this very title for Himself in (Revelation 1:17 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,”) and (Revelation 22:13 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’), a clear claim to deity and co-equality with the Father. The test of deity is again the ability to predict the future (v. 7). God has already done this for Israel, making them His "witnesses" (v. 8). He concludes, "Is there any other Rock? I know of none." God is the only solid, dependable foundation for life. This "Rock" is also identified with Christ in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 10:4: "for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ").

The Satire on Idolatry (Isaiah 44:9-20)

Introductory Commentary:

· This section is a masterful display of satire, using mocking humor to expose foolishness. Isaiah carefully unpacks the entire process of making idols to show its inherent irrationality. He traces the wood from the forest to the craftsman's shop and finally to the shrine, revealing at each step that the idol is simply the result of human effort and delusion. The argument is straightforward: how can something you make, make you? This powerful critique of idolatry is timeless, urging us to examine what we truly worship.

44:9 Those who fashion a graven image are all of them futile, and their precious things are of no profit; even their own witnesses fail to see or know, so that they will be put to shame. 10Who has fashioned a god or cast an idol to no profit? 11 Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are mere men. Let them all assemble themselves, let them stand up, let them tremble, let them together be put to shame.

Verses 9-11: The Futility of the Fashioners:

· The creators of idols are "futile," and their creations bring "no profit." They are their own witnesses to this, yet they remain blind to it. In the end, they and their "companions" (fellow worshipers) will be "put to shame." This shame results from their misplaced trust, a theme reflected in (Psalm 97:7): "All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols."

44:12 The man shapes iron into a cutting tool and does his work over the coals, fashioning it with hammers and working it with his strong arm. He also gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. 13 Another shapes wood, he extends a measuring line; he outlines it with red chalk. He works it with planes and outlines it with a compass, and makes it like the form of a man, like the beauty of man, so that it may sit in a house. 14 Surely he cuts cedars for himself, and takes a cypress or an oak and raises it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir, and the rain makes it grow. 15 Then it becomes something for a man to burn, so he takes one of them and warms himself; he also makes a fire to bake bread. He also makes a god and worships it; he makes it a graven image and falls down before it. 16 Half of it he burns in the fire; over this half he eats meat as he roasts a roast and is satisfied. He also warms himself and says, “Aha! I am warm, I have seen the fire.” 17 But the rest of it he makes into a god, his graven image. He falls down before it and worships; he also prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god.”

Verses 12-17: The Absurd Process:

· The blacksmith (v. 12) works hard with his tools, becoming hungry and thirsty. The irony is that the "god" he is helping to create cannot satisfy him. The carpenter (v. 13) carefully measures and carves the wood, shaping it into a man. The highest view of his god is just a reflection of himself. The wood's source is a tree that God Himself caused to grow with His rain (v. 14). The idolater depends on the true God for the material to make a false god. The ultimate absurdity (vv. 15-17): the man uses half the log to make a fire to warm himself and cook his food, then he bows down to the other half and says, "Deliver me, for you are my god." He worships what’s left over from his campfire! This vivid, almost humorous, scene highlights the complete irrationality of idolatry, a theme also found in (Jeremiah 10:3–5 “For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, and they cannot speak; They must be carried, because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good.").

44:18 They do not know, nor do they understand, for He has smeared over their eyes so that they cannot see and their hearts so that they cannot comprehend. 19 No one recalls, nor is there knowledge or understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire and also have baked bread over its coals. I roast meat and eat it. Then I make the rest of it into an abomination, I fall down before a block of wood!” 20 He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside. And he cannot deliver himself, nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

Verses 18-20: The Blindness of the Heart:

· Why do people do this? Because of spiritual blindness. "He has smeared over their eyes so that they cannot see" (v. 18). This is a judicial hardening from God as a consequence of their rejection of truth (Romans 1:21-23: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles."). The idolater "feeds on ashes"—a metaphor for pursuing something that has no spiritual nourishment. A "deceived heart" has led him astray, and he is so lost he cannot even ask the basic question: "Is there not a lie in my right hand?" This spiritual deception serves as a strong warning against turning away from God's truth.

The Certainty of Redemption (Isaiah 44:21-28)

Introductory Commentary:

· After shattering the false hopes of idolatry, God calls Israel back to the true hope of His redemption. He commands them to "Remember these things"—the foolishness of idols and the uniqueness of Yahweh. He then declares their forgiveness in the most beautiful ways and invites all of creation to rejoice. The chapter ends on a powerful note: God, the Creator of all, who frustrates false prophets, confirms the words of His true prophets by specifically naming Cyrus as the one who will fulfill His purpose for Jerusalem. This is a strong demonstration of God's sovereignty and His steadfast commitment to His redemptive plan, centered on Jesus Christ.

44:21 “Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. 22 I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud And your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

Verses 21-22: Remember and Return:

· God calls His servant Jacob to remember their relationship. "You will not be forgotten by Me." He then proclaims their forgiveness: "I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud." Just as the sun and wind disperse a cloud, God's grace causes our sins to vanish. The call is to "Return to Me," and the reason is grace: "for I have redeemed you." Redemption is the foundation for repentance, not the other way around. This profound forgiveness is made possible through Jesus Christ, who "wiped out the [record of] debt that stood against us... He took it away, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14 “having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”).

44:23 Shout for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it; For the Lord has redeemed Jacob And in Israel He shows forth His glory.

Verse 23: The Cosmic Celebration:

· This redemption is so significant that all of creation—heavens, earth, mountains, forests—is called to "Shout for joy." The redemption of God's people marks the beginning of the restoration of all things, a theme beautifully expressed in Romans 8:19-21: "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed... that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." This cosmic celebration points to the ultimate triumph of Christ and the renewal of all creation.

44:24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, “I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, 25 Causing the omens of boasters to fail, Making fools out of diviners, Causing wise men to draw back And turning their knowledge into foolishness, 26 Confirming the word of His servant And performing the purpose of His messengers. It is I who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited!’ And of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built.’ And I will raise up her ruins again. 27 It is I who says to the depth of the sea, ‘Be dried up!’ And I will make your rivers dry. 28 It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’”

Verses 24-28: The Word of the Creator and Controller:

· God identifies Himself as the Redeemer and Maker of all things (v. 24). He is the one who frustrates the "omens of boasters" and makes "fools out of diviners" (v. 25). He exposes the emptiness of all other spiritual systems, including human wisdom apart from Him (1 Corinthians 1:19-20: "For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"). In contrast, He is "confirming the word of His servant" (the prophet Isaiah) (v. 26). He makes a specific promise: Jerusalem "shall be inhabited" and the temple's "foundation will be laid." And then, the ultimate proof: He names His instrument. "It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’" (v. 28). This prophecy, given 150 years before Cyrus came to power, is one of the most powerful proofs in the Bible of God's sovereign control over history and His ability to use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine will.

Conclusion:

· Isaiah 44 challenges us to confront a profound and deeply personal question: What holds the most importance, what do we cling to in our "right hand"? This is not just a rhetorical question but a spiritual examination, revealing the true objects of our reliance and love. Are we, like the idolater vividly described in this prophetic chapter, desperately holding onto a falsehood, a comforting lie that promises security but only leaves us empty?

· The prophet Isaiah exposes the foolishness of idolatry, prompting us to question the very foundations of our lives. Are we trusting in the fleeting creations of our own hands and minds—our rising careers, carefully managed financial portfolios, the sturdy structures of our reputation, or the illusion of control provided by our own strength and ingenuity? Do we believe that these self-made gods have the power to relieve us of anxiety, shield us from hardship, or give us ultimate fulfillment?

· In an act of profound and unwavering love, God, through Isaiah, removes the façade from these treasured idols, revealing them for what they truly are: nothing more than inert wood and fleeting ash. He destroys the illusion of their power, exposing their complete inability to truly support or save. This divine revelation is not meant to condemn but to set free. It is a loving yet firm call to let go of these deceptions, to abandon the false comforts they provide, and to turn decisively toward the living truth.

· For He is the God who generously pours out His Spirit, a life-giving torrent that refreshes and empowers. He is the immutable Rock, a steadfast foundation in a world of shifting sands, the only source of genuine stability and security. He is the God who, in an act of breathtaking grace, wipes away our transgressions with the same effortless ease that a cloud dissipates in the vastness of the sky. And, most significantly, He is the sovereign God who meticulously orchestrates and controls the entirety of human history, from its beginning to its end, all for the magnificent purpose of accomplishing His redemptive plan.

· He stands alone as the one truly worthy of our complete trust, and this trust, when placed in Jesus Christ, our faithful Redeemer, is not only appropriate but perfectly and forever secured. In Him, all promises find their "Yes" and "Amen," and through His redemptive work, our deepest longings are fulfilled and our greatest needs are met. Let go of the lie; embrace the living truth.

VI: The Anointed and His Appointer (Isaiah 45, NASB)

Sermon Introduction:

· Imagine being a conquered people in exile, and the prophet of God tells you that your deliverance will come not from a king of your own lineage, but from a foreign, pagan emperor. And not only that, but God calls this pagan emperor "His anointed." This is the shocking message of Isaiah 45. God pulls back the curtain of history to reveal His sovereign hand at work in the rise of Cyrus the Great. This chapter challenges our expectations of how God works. It reveals that God's purpose is far bigger than just the restoration of Israel; His goal is the revelation of His own name to the ends of the earth, so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He alone is God. This ultimate purpose is fulfilled in the universal Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Commissioning of Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-8)

Introductory Commentary:

· God speaks directly to Cyrus, even though Cyrus does not yet recognize Him. This is a divine calling, a royal command. God grants Cyrus the surprising title "His anointed" (mashiach), a term usually saved for Israel's kings like Saul and David, and ultimately pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. God vows to empower Cyrus for a specific, dual purpose: for Israel's sake and so that the entire world may know that Yahweh is the only God. This shows God's total sovereignty over all rulers and nations.

45:1 Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:

Verse 1: The Anointed:

· God calls Cyrus "His anointed" (mashiach). This is a shocking title for a pagan king. It shows that God's anointing is for His purpose, and He can use anyone He chooses, even those who do not know Him, to fulfill His divine plan. This title, mashiach, is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek Christos, from which we get "Christ." This highlights that while Cyrus was an "anointed" agent for a specific purpose, he was a mere shadow of the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, who is the Messiah, the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16 “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.””). God takes Cyrus "by the right hand," a sign of empowerment and support. He will "loose the loins of kings" (weaken them) and "open doors"—a prophecy fulfilled when the gates of Babylon were left open during Cyrus's invasion (Herodotus, Xenophon).

45:2 “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. 4 For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor Though you have not known Me.

Verses 2-4: The Purpose of the Power:

· God promises to go before Cyrus, shattering "doors of bronze" (Babylon had 100 such gates) and giving him "treasures of darkness" (the hidden wealth of conquered nations). The purpose is so that Cyrus himself will "know that it is I, The Lord." The primary motive, however, is "For the sake of Jacob My servant." God's work in world politics is always ultimately for the sake of His redemptive plan for His people. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, using them as instruments for His greater purpose.

45:5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; 6 That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, 7 The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.

Verses 5-7: The Goal of the Glory:

· The ultimate goal is global evangelism: "That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me" (v. 6). God's sovereignty is absolute. He is the one "forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity" (v. 7). This does not mean God creates moral evil, but that He is sovereign over all circumstances, both prosperity ("well-being," Hebrew shalom) and disaster ("calamity"). This truth is also found in (Lamentations 3:38): "Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?" This reaffirms God's comprehensive control over all of creation and history.

45:8 “Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it. I, the Lord, have created it.

Verse 8: The Prayer for Revival:

· This verse is a poetic plea for God's plan to be fulfilled. The heavens are asked to "pour down righteousness," and the earth to "bear fruit" in salvation. God's righteousness from above encounters receptive hearts below, leading to salvation. It is a prayer for the coming of the Messiah and the outpouring of His saving grace—work of the Holy Spirit that produces righteousness and salvation in believers' hearts.

The Potter and the Clay (Isaiah 45:9-19)

Introductory Commentary:

· God's plan to use a pagan king was controversial. The exiles were likely grumbling, "This isn't how it's supposed to happen! Where is the son of David?" God anticipates this objection with two sharp "Woe" oracles. He uses the powerful analogy of the potter and the clay to assert His absolute right as Creator to do as He pleases. To question His methods is to question His very being. This foundational truth of God's sovereignty is critical for understanding His ways, even when they seem mysterious or contrary to our expectations.

45:9 “Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’ Or the thing you are making say, ‘He has no hands’? 10 Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ Or to a woman, ‘To what are you giving birth?’”

Verses 9-10: The Woe to the Quarrelers:

· God pronounces a "Woe" on anyone who "quarrels with his Maker." He compares such a person to a broken piece of pottery arguing with the potter. The clay has no right to question the potter's design or skill. The analogy extends to a child questioning its parents. The point is clear: the creature has no right to criticize the Creator's plans. Paul uses this very passage in (Romans 9:20–21 “On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?”) to defend God's sovereign choice in salvation: "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? 'Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?" This highlights God's absolute authority as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things.

45:11 Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands. 12 It is I who made the earth, and created man upon it. I stretched out the heavens with My hands And I ordained all their host. 13I have aroused him in righteousness And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and will let My exiles go free, Without any payment or reward,” says the Lord of hosts.

Verses 11-13: The Prerogative of the Maker:

· God challenges them: instead of questioning Him, they should be asking about the future He has planned for His children. He, the Creator of all things (v. 12), is the one who has "aroused him [Cyrus] in righteousness" (v. 13). Cyrus will fulfill God's plan to build His city and free His exiles, not for a price but as an agent of God's free grace. This shows that God's purposes are always righteous and will be achieved, regardless of the instruments He chooses.

45:14 Thus says the Lord, “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush And the Sabeans, men of stature, Will come over to you and will be yours; They will walk behind you, they will come over in chains And will bow down to you; They will make supplication to you: ‘Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, No other God.’” 15Truly, You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior! 16 They will be put to shame and even humiliated, all of them; The manufacturers of idols will go away together in humiliation. 17 Israel has been saved by the Lord With an everlasting salvation; You will not be put to shame or humiliated To all eternity.

Verses 14-17: The Conversion of the Nations:

· The result of God's work through Cyrus will be the conversion of the Gentiles. The wealth of Egypt and the tall Sabeans will come to Israel, not as conquerors, but as willing captives in "chains" of devotion, declaring, "Surely, God is with you, and there is none else." This foreshadows the Great Commission given by Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.") and the ingathering of Gentiles into the Church (Romans 15:9–12: “and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him.” Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope."). Their confession in verse 15, "Truly, You are a God who hides Himself," acknowledges that God's ways are mysterious and not always obvious to human understanding (Romans 11:33: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"). While the idol-makers are shamed, Israel finds "everlasting salvation" in the Lord, a salvation secured by Jesus Christ.

45:18 For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited), “I am the Lord, and there is none else. 19 I have not spoken in secret, In some dark land; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a waste place’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, Declaring things that are upright.

Verses 18-19: The Clarity of the Creator's Word:

· God's ways may be hidden, but His word is not. He did not create the earth "a waste place" (tohu, the same word used in Genesis 1:2 for "formless") — “The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” — and He did not call Jacob to seek Him "in a waste place." Unlike the obscure oracles of pagan gods given in "secret," God's word is public, righteous, and true. This emphasizes the clarity and accessibility of God's revelation through His prophets and ultimately through Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”, John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”).

The Universal Call to Salvation (Isaiah 45:20-25)

Introductory Commentary:

· The chapter ends with one of the most powerful and universal calls to salvation in the Old Testament. The courtroom scene resumes for the final judgment. The idol-worshiping nations are shown to have "no knowledge." Then God, the "righteous God and a Savior," turns away from the defendant's box and spreads His arms to the whole world, inviting everyone to turn to Him and be saved. This is the main goal of His work in history, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

45:20 “Gather yourselves and come; Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations; They have no knowledge, Who carry about their wooden idol And pray to a god who cannot save. 21Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

Verses 20-21: The Final Challenge:

· God calls the "fugitives of the nations" who have run from His judgments. He points out their ignorance in praying to a "god who cannot save." He presents a final challenge: Who has predicted these events long ago? The answer is clear: "Is it not I, the Lord?" He alone is a "righteous God and a Savior." His justice and His salvation go hand in hand. This sets the stage for the universal invitation, as only the true God can offer real salvation.

22 “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. 23 I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.

Verse 22: The Global Invitation:

· "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other." This is the gospel in its purest Old Testament form. The call is universal ("all the ends of the earth"). The method is simple ("Turn to Me," which is the essence of repentance and faith). The result is guaranteed ("and be saved"). The reason is His unique deity ("For I am God"). This invitation finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who declared, in (John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.””). The call to repentance is central to the New Testament message (Acts 17:30: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent").

24 They will say of Me, ‘Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.’ Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. 25 In the Lord all the offspring of Israel Will be justified and will glory.”

Verses 23-25: The Universal Submission:

· God swears by Himself that His word will be fulfilled. The outcome will be universal submission: "to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance." Paul quotes this in Philippians 2:10–11, saying, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He applies this directly to Jesus Christ's universal lordship: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." All people will acknowledge Him one day. For some, it will be a willing act of praise; for others, a forced acknowledgment in judgment. The chapter concludes with a promise for the true "offspring of Israel"—all who find their righteousness and strength in the Lord—that they will be "justified and will glory." This justification is through faith in Christ alone, as Romans 3:28 states, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law," and Galatians 2:16 emphasizes, "nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified."

Conclusion:

· God’s grand design often unfolds in ways that challenge human expectations, surpassing the limits of our carefully made plans, political schemes, and even our most heartfelt prayers. He is not restricted by our logic or limited by our understanding; instead, He works on a cosmic level, a sovereign Potter shaping the universe, and we, His creations, are simply the clay. This powerful truth is clearly shown in His raising up a pagan king, Cyrus of Persia, an individual seemingly opposite to His chosen people, yet He surprisingly calls him His “anointed.”

· Why would the Almighty God grant such a title to a Gentile ruler? The answer lies in His steadfast commitment to His greater purpose: the salvation of His own people and, through them, the revelation of His unique divinity to the entire world. His immediate goal was not just to orchestrate the return of a few exiles to the ancient city of Jerusalem, a significant event in itself, but to deliver a powerful, worldwide invitation: “Turn to Me and be saved.” This universal call to salvation, echoing through history, remains as urgent and relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

· This divine invitation reaches its ultimate and most profound expression in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God’s redemptive love, the central figure around whom all of history converges. It is to Him that every knee will one day bow, and every tongue confess His Lordship, a testament to His unparalleled authority and universal dominion.

· While God’s methods may sometimes seem shrouded in mystery, His ultimate call is undeniably clear and unmistakably resonant. The core question facing humanity is not whether God’s plan is understandable but, rather, what our response will be. Will we, in our limited understanding, try to argue with the all-powerful Potter, questioning His wisdom or resisting His divine will? Or will we, with humble submission and deep gratitude, turn to Him and accept the salvation freely offered through Jesus Christ? The choice, made clear before us, has eternal consequences.

The Incomparable God, Now What?

· As we finish our historical, theological, and spiritual journey through Isaiah 40-45, the series, aptly titled "The Incomparable God," has revealed a truly remarkable view of the divine. This deep exploration has illuminated many qualities of God's character, showing His complete sovereignty over all creation and, most importantly, His unwavering and boundless love for humanity. We have gained a profound glimpse of a God who goes beyond typical human ideas of deity – a God who is neither distant nor indifferent to the struggles and victories of His creation. Instead, we see a God who is personally and diligently involved in the complex story of human history, guiding every event, from the biggest empires to the smallest individual lives, with one clear purpose: to bring about His ultimate, glorious plan of redemption for the world. This journey through Isaiah has not just been an academic exercise; it has been an encounter with the living God that challenges our beliefs and deepens our understanding of His incomparable nature.

Series Highlights:

· Isaiah 40: The God of All Comfort We began with a profound message of comfort for a desolate people. In a world of fleeting human strength and fading glory, God stands eternal, never growing weak or weary. He is the tender Shepherd who promises to renew the strength of those who wait on Him, enabling them to soar like eagles, run without tiring, and walk without fainting. This chapter laid the foundation: our comfort is found in the incomparable greatness of our God, and ultimately in Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.

· Isaiah 41: The Courtroom of the Creator This chapter brought us into God's divine courtroom, where He put the powerless idols of the nations on trial. Through His ability to declare the future and bring it to pass, God unequivocally proved His sole sovereignty over history. In stark contrast to the trembling nations, He turned to His chosen servant, Israel, with tender assurance: "Do not fear, for I am with you." He transforms the "worm Jacob" into a powerful instrument, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in our weakness, a truth powerfully embodied in Christ.

· Isaiah 42: The Servant and His Song Here, we encountered the magnificent portrait of the Messiah, the perfect Servant of the Lord. Gentle yet unstoppable, empowered by the Spirit, He is called to bring justice and be a light to the nations, opening blind eyes and freeing prisoners. This vision of Jesus Christ stands in tragic contrast to Israel's own spiritual blindness and deafness, reminding us that even God's chosen can fail to see His truth. Yet, the perfect Servant came precisely for the flawed, offering sight and hearing to those who would receive it.

· Isaiah 43: Redeemed, Called, and Precious Despite Israel's weariness and sin, God's grace shines brightest. The "But now..." of this chapter marked a turning point, declaring our identity not in our performance, but in God's unmerited love. He is our Creator, Former, and Redeemer, calling us by name and declaring us "precious in My sight." He promises His presence through every trial and announces a "new thing" – a new exodus from sin, culminating in His people declaring His praise to the world. This redemption is fully realized in Jesus Christ and His atoning work.

· Isaiah 44: The Folly of Idols and the Faithfulness of God This chapter masterfully exposed the utter absurdity of idolatry, satirizing the human folly of worshipping what one's own hands have made. God, the only "Rock," the "First and the Last," reaffirmed His exclusive deity. He promised the outpouring of His Spirit, leading to a spiritual revival that would draw even Gentiles to Himself. The ultimate proof of His faithfulness came with the specific naming of Cyrus, demonstrating God's absolute control over all historical events and His ability to use any means to accomplish His will.

· Isaiah 45: The Anointed and His Appointer We witnessed God's shocking choice to call a pagan king, Cyrus, "His anointed," using him as an instrument for His divine purpose: the restoration of Israel and the global revelation of His name. This chapter powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty as the Potter over the clay, challenging any who would quarrel with His methods. It culminates in one of the Bible's most profound and universal invitations: "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other." This invitation finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: Our Sovereign Lord, Warrior, and Savior

· Our journey through "The Incomparable God" series has consistently revealed a profound truth: Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The ancient prophecies of Isaiah strongly point to Him, reaching their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in His person and work. He is the perfect Servant, the compassionate Good Shepherd, the guiding light to the nations, the one who restores sight to the blind and freedom to the captives. Every promise of comfort, every display of divine power, and every act of redemption ultimately lead us to Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of God's redemptive story.

· We have seen a sovereign and providential God who carefully orchestrates all of history—past, present, and future—to fulfill His perfect will. From raising powerful kings like Cyrus to the detailed aspects of our lives, nothing escapes His control. This divine prophecy, spoken centuries ahead of time, was fulfilled in the past with the return from exile, continues to be fulfilled today through the worldwide spread of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” ), and will be completed in the future with the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11 “They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”” ; Revelation 22:12 ““Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” ).

· The universal declaration, "To Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance," is not just a future event. For those who willingly submit to Him now, it is a present reality (Romans 10:9–10 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” ). But for others, it will be a forced confession of judgment (Philippians 2:10–11 “so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ).

· Therefore, do not delay, for grace is limited. The signs of the times are unmistakably clear, showing the imminent return of our Lord (Matthew 24:32–35 ““Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” ; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11). The invitation to "Turn to Me and be saved" remains open, but this grace period is finite (2 Corinthians 6:2 “for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—” ). Let us produce fruit through genuine repentance, turning away from our self-made idols and trusting in the one true God (Acts 3:19 ““Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;” ). Let us live in a way that shows our trust in God, for the time is approaching when Christ will return to establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 11:15 “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”” ; 2 Timothy 4:1 “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:” ).

· May this study of "The Incomparable God" inspire us to live with steadfast faith, eager expectation, and fruitful obedience. Our God is returning—for judgment. His judgment is near, and eternal salvation awaits you!