June 15, 2022 - Isaiah 40-46

There’s the Messianic prophecy there in Isaiah 40: “A voice cries, ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (40:3), which includes, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (40:5). There’s just an absoluteness and a finality about that, isn’t there? The Lord has spoken. It’s done. It’s certain.

We do not know and serve a God who is “just doing the best he can.” In fact, this is what he says of himself: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any” (44:6-8).

And: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (46:9,10). That’s our God! We read through these chapters and find ourselves worshipping. What a God! Our God!

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

announces that the Lord is nigh.

Awake and harken, for he brings

glad tidings of the King of kings!

All praise to you, eternal Son,

whose advent has our freedom won,

whom with the Father we adore,

and Holy Spirit, evermore. -- Charles Coffin (1755)