Seventh Day of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
Comfort for God’s People
40
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
After 39 chapters of warning and woe, Isaiah received a message of redemption and restoration that would offer encouragement to the Jews in exile as they waited.
Centuries later John the Baptist called people back to the Lord using the same message to a people still waiting.
Today, this call to action challenges us to get ready for the coming Messiah. While they were waiting for the Promised One, preparation was necessary. As we wait especially during this Advent Season, there are things we can do to get ready, not only to celebrate His first coming as a baby, but also to anticipate His ultimate coming as Conquering King.
Straighten the road of our hearts and lives in preparation for spiritual renewal.
Knock down the mountains by repenting of sins, busyness, and distractions.
Smooth and level the soil of our hearts so that nothing will hinder God’s work in and through us.
Isaiah foresaw the day when God would say, “your sin is paid for, I’ve accepted your sacrifice, it’s time to go home.” This is the good news of the Gospel; our just God is full of mercy and grace for those who wait on Him.
Jane Witcher
Re: Verse reading – John 1:1-18