7.28 Isaiah 40-43

Sharon Knox

7.28.2020

Isaiah 40-43

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Chapters 40-43, God’s people are still in exile in Babylon due to their sin and rebellion against Him.  In these chapters, God speaks comfort, care, mercy, and hope over His people.  He also reminds them of His absolute power and sovereignty over all nations, all “gods” and all creation. These chapters also contain prophesy fulfilled in the New Testament about John the Baptist and of Jesus, the Messiah. We get a glimpse into God’s plan to restore, redeem, and reconcile His people to Himself.

What is one key verse?

Isaiah 43:4

“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God’s people were going through such an intense time of pain and discipline due to their own sin.  Even in those times, God chose to bring words of hope, comfort and mercy to His people.  He is fully just AND fully merciful. This helps me to see that God does the same for me.  When I sin, and suffer consequences for it, God still sends words of hope, comfort and restoration through His Word and through others.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

In Isaiah 43, God calls His people precious, honored, and loved (though clearly they were a rebellious, disobedient people). Wow!  Their lives were still precious to God.  God has not changed so He feels the same about us (His people) today.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I will strive to see people the way that God sees them and treat them as precious and valuable, no matter what they have done against me and whether I feel they deserve it or not.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Isaiah 42:1-4 points to the coming of the “Servant of the Lord”. This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 12:17-21 through Jesus! The second half of Isaiah 43:4 reads “…I will give people in exchange for you.” Jesus’ life was literally given in exchange for mine (and yours).  Because of my sin, I deserved death (Romans 6:23). He died and was raised so that I could be reconciled with God!