Book of Isaiah4 God comforts His people (note to the leader aunder each point the leader must clearly explain the immediate relevance of the prophetic words to the people of that time, to Israel at a later date and to us as the promised children of God. bThis is a long lesson. The leader may cover this lesson in one or two classes) Introduction QEvery year for the republic day celebration of our country, another country head is invited as the chief guest. What preparation does our country do?discuss When a king, Prime minister or President of a country, visits another country, a lot of preparation takes place. An extensive security plan is enacted to ensure the safety of the visiting leader. The host nation provides the best of accommodation, food, vehicle transport, entertainment and many other things. The entire sequence of things is designed and planned to treat the leader in a manner worthy of a world leader. Extensive and careful preparation, is the key to making a favorable impression on a person who wields considerable power and influence in the world. In this week’s passage, Isaiah stated the need for Jerusalem to prepare herself for the coming of an important, high ranking dignitary the Lord himself. Isaiah pointed out the need for preparation. If the people, as a nation humble themselves and prepare to receive the visitor(messiah) and If the people would welcome him, God would provide comfort and strength to them. Lesson 1. God proclaims Comfort Isaiah 40:18 The background to the book of Isaiah changes dramatically as it moves from Ch 39 to Ch 40. In ch39, Babylon is mentioned as the future oppressor, in chapter 40 Isaiah speaks about the time, when the exile in Babylon is coming to an end. An event that would happen many years later (future), after Isaiah gave the prophecy. But in the present, the prophecy was meant to inspire and give hope to the people. After having their Capital (Jerusalem) destroyed and their being deported to various places in the Babylonian Empire, why should the people of Judah have a hope for a bright future ? This troubling future fate is what Isaiah addressing in ch 40.
Israel and Judah went through two centuries of struggle against two powerful oppressors; Assyria and Babylon. Their struggles tested their faith in God. Unfortunately most often they failed the tests. Even though they experienced God’s miraculous power time and again, they turned to other Gods and they made alliances with unbelievers (which God forbid them to do). They trusted more in themselves than in God. Their faithlessness and sinfulness caused them great suffering. Inspite of their faithlessness, the loving father God is sending them words of hope through his prophet, that their sufferings would come to an end (Is 40:12). In v 35, we see the prophecy for the future. When the exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the temple, in anticipation of God’s glory returning to the temple. They were to prepare for the Lord’s coming as one would prepare for a visiting King. (Note to the leaderHere the leader can briefly explain, How the manifest glory of God descended and rested on the Ark in the Holy of Holies , when King Solomon dedicated the Temple in 1kings8;1011 and how it left in Ezekiel 10;18 and 11;23. ) This prophecy also looked forward to the time, when John the Baptist prepared the way for the arrival of Jesus. John the Baptist instructed them to repent and do righteous works. Matt 3:13. In Is 40:68, Isaiah’s words return to the then present crisis. Just as the beauty of grass fades, the power of the Assyrians and Babylon will also fade. They were mighty and powerful but, they were human. The only thing that will not fade is the word of God. Sin destroys families, causes financial problems, breaks relationships and ruins the body: but more importantly it destroys the soul. Yet Isaiah’s words offer hope today, just as they did long ago. For those who trust in God’s enduring word and make a place for him in their lives, He will restore them. Christ came to pay the price for our sins, so there is no need for anyone to languish in their sinfulness any longer. No matter what devastation sin has brought, there is hope today. QHow does a person prepare himself for the Lord to come into his life?Discuss 2. God is gentle and strong Isaiah 40:914 V 914 place the emphasis on God and the two distinctive qualities that will be evident when he comes to his people. Strength and Gentleness. These qualities rarely come together in a manner described here. V9, declares the preparation for the coming dignitary is now over and His arrival is announced: “behold your God!” The arrival of God is marked by two evidences of his power: the description of a strong hand and of his ruling arm, and of the entourage that accompanies him (v10). The ruling arm is the symbol of God’s strength and the sizable entourage is the indicator of his power. The people of Judah are restored, following their leader back to Jerusalem to reclaim their city.
V 11 elaborates on the relationship between the strong God and the vulnerable people who follow Him. The Shepherd flock relationship. ( Ps 23, Jer31:10, Eze34:23) explain the nature of god’s relationship to Judah. The shepherd gathers, carries and gently leads the flock in a tender manner. Like the Shepherd who carries the baby lambs in his arms, when they cannot keep up with the flock, so the Lord gently leads his people along the paths of life. It requires a strong and firm but yet a gentle shepherd to keep the sheep on the right path: the paths of righteousness. In v 1214 , Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s omniscience and omnipotence. Isaiah reminds the people that the powerful creator is also the gentle Shepherd, who can comfort us. Q have you ever experienced the gentle comfort of the mighty God?share 1 or 2 brief testimonies 3.God strengthens the wearyIsaiah 2731 As the chapter ends, Isaiah addressed those who would grow impatient during the waiting process. God’s plan for them would take years to unfold. Often the promises of God don’t come to pass instantly. Do you become impatient waiting for the promises of God to come to pass?Discuss In this age of fast food, instant mixes and faster computers, patience has become a rare commodity. God’s words through Isaiah encourage us to wait on God and to trust him even when we cannot see the answers. In v 27, Isaiah says what the people perceive as God not caring, is actually God preparing them to receive his strength. When Israel fought the Enemy in their own strength they failed. But when they placed their limited strength in the hands of God they received God’s unlimited divine strength. Many people are so fiercely independent that they cannot surrender to God totally. When we pray, and continue to worry, it means we did not surrender totally. When we surrender and let go totally, God takes control. Often surrender is a process. We should continue to pray till the Holy Spirit enables us to totally surrender, and we have the peace in the midst of the trouble . Is 40:31 tells us to wait on the Lord, to renew our strength. We can rely on God’s comfort and strength to see us through this life all the way to heaven.
Concluding prayer
Let everyone pray together. Ask the Holy spirit to help you to surrender your problem and worry to God. Pray for special needs in the cell group Pray for GCLC pastors, missions, ministries and services.