God’s Message to Isaiah
Like a good father, who must be firm and definite with His children, God spoke His words of warning and His prophet Isaiah proclaimed them to the people. But the heart of God is filled with compassion. “My unfailing love for you will not be shaken,” He declared. So we see that along with the words of warning came many words of promise.
The people are like grass, Isaiah explained as God led him, “All their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our Lord stands forever.”
The word of God to His people at this time was the promise that God would reveal Himself as the redeemer of His people. Mere sacrifices of animals could not save them. Religious ceremonies could not save them. God pointed out their sin and warned them of the judgment to come. Yes, the people were as weak as grass blowing in the wind, and their hearts were fearful.
Yet, God told Isaiah to say to them, “Be strong. Do not fear. Your Lord will come. He will come to save you!”
We can almost hear Isaiah’s voice, loud with joy as he presented the words of God: “Lift up your voice with a shout; lift it up, do not be afraid. Here is God! See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power!”
Isaiah explained that the nature of God is like a conquering sovereign, who will save His people from the forces of destruction. But at the same time, He is like a tender shepherd who tends His flocks with care. He lifts the needy ones in His arms to carry them close to His heart. God knows that people need a powerful One ruling over them. But they need love, too, and comfort for the hurts of life. They need to know God is personal and gentle. No person is hidden nor disregarded by God, and He never gets tired of helping us.
He said, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not he faint.”
Hear from the book of Isaiah these wonderful promises, which God spoke through the prophet:
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.
Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you, declares the Lord, your redeemer.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
For You To Do
Read again the promises of God given in this lesson. You should memorize them, for they are a great comfort when you have them in your heart. Find in the promises answers to these questions. a What is promised to those who hope in God? We Hear From The Prophet: b What promises are given by God, so that His people should not be afraid??