Isaiah 40-43 / July 25

Just as a little side note before I begin; its been said the book of Isaiah is like a “mini Bible;” 66 chapters corresponding to 66 books of the Bible. The first 39 chapters focus on judgment like the 39 books of the Old Testament, and the last 27 chapters focus on restoration like the 27 books of the New Testament. Isaiah 40 begins by speaking of John the Baptist, and Matthew (the 40th book) begins by quoting Isaiah about John the Baptist (See Matt 3:3) I don’t want to make too much of this since the chapters are not necessarily inspired, but it is interesting.

The LORD is still exhorting them to wait on Him in chapter 40. After He tells of His greatness, He proclaims in Isaiah 40:30-31, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” This is almost the same thing He said in 30:18: “the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; …Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” What does it mean to wait on the LORD? It’s when we look to Him and trust in Him alone. We don’t try to do things our way, but only His. It is important that we continually seek Him and His ways, trusting Him.

He will never let us down; He said, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2).

I’m so glad for the grace we can have in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 43:25 says, "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins."