Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:20; 44:9-20 A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. — Isaiah 40:20As we noted yesterday, idolatry is an offense to God. Today’s text describes
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:19; Romans 1:20-26As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. — Isaiah 40:19God's people have always been surrounded by worshipers of idols that represent other gods—and all other gods b
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:18; Psalm 115:1-8With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? — Isaiah 40:18Here again Isaiah uses a rhetorical question to highlight the greatness and uniqueness of God. The Lord is incomparable in his greatness. He rules over
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:17; Psalm 2:1-12Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. — Isaiah 40:17As he continues describing God in his majesty and superiority, Isaiah says that all the nations, in comparison, are “as n
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:16; Micah 6:6-8Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. — Isaiah 40:16After discussing God’s incomparable supremacy, Isaiah emphasizes our human insufficiency to please the Lord. Lebanon is known in the Old Te
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:15; Psalm 99:1-9Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. — Isaiah 40:15Here the prophet Isaiah portrays God's superiority over all the nations of the eart
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:14; Romans 11:33-36Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who . . . taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? — Isaiah 40:14One of the pillars of Christian teaching is that God knows all things,
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:13; Psalm 139:1-16Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? — Isaiah 40:13Continuing with the description of the incomparable majesty of God, Isaiah highlights the fact that the Spirit of the Lord cannot be fully unders
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:12; Revelation 4:9-11Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? — Isaiah 40:12From this section of Isaiah 40 to its end, the prophet asks rhetorical questions that highlight God’s amazing
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 23:1-6He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. — Isaiah 40:11The Lord is not only the almighty God of the universe; he is also the shepherd o
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:10; Psalm 46:1-11See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him. . . . — Isaiah 40:10Having introduced the Lord to his people, Isaiah describes the majestic revelation of God.First, he is the Sovereig
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:9; John 1:15-18You who bring good news . . . lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; [saying] . . . “Here is your God!” — Isaiah 40:9The good news that must be announced with a shout is that the Lord has come to make himself known.