6/21 Isaiah 40 - Comfort & Hope in the Midst of Judgment

When we sin, does God abandon us? No! And today in our study of Isaiah 40, we see a clear example of this principle as God comforts His people even while they are in exile under His judgment. Isaiah 40 is a well-known chapter that will be even more cherished as we examine the comfort of the Lord. 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    The podcast mentioned that Isaiah 40 represents a major shift in the tone and theme of the book of Isaiah. What is that shift and why do you think it occurs here? 
2.    According to the podcast, what are the overall circumstances that this passage is prophetically speaking to? Who is the intended audience and why do they need to hear this message of comfort? 
3.    In verse 1, why does the Lord want His people to know His comfort and “kind words”? What has been the Lord’s message up until now? Why is this change necessary? 
4.    In verse 3, who will bring their comfort? 
5.    In past episodes of the podcast, we’ve discussed how often prophecies are like a "mountain range" where there are small fulfillments along the way to confirm the validity of the promises and encourage us to wait for their ultimate fulfillment when Christ returns to establish His kingdom. With this in mind, what event is being spoken of in verses 4 to 11? How was this partially fulfilled at the end of the exile? How was this partially fulfilled in Christ’s first coming? How will this ultimately be fulfilled in His Second Coming? 
6.    How would the restoration being spoken about in these verses bring comfort to people who are under God’s judgment? 
7.    In verse 10, why is the word “GOD” in all caps? In light of your answer, what is the nature of the Messiah that is being spoken of in these verses? 
8.    Look over verses 10 to 12. How do these verses reveal the fingerprints of the Trinity? 
9.    How does Isaiah describe God’s relationship to His people in verse 11? How was this fulfilled by Jesus?
10.    What do verses 12 to 14 tell us about the wisdom and power of God? Why is this so important for establishing the kind of faith that waits for the Lord? 
11.    In verses 15 to 17, is the Lord bound by the machinations of the nations? Why is that answer vital for us to know as God unfolds His plans for the world? 
12.    Read over verses 18 to 26. What do these verses tell you about the power and wisdom of God? Which ones do you find most meaningful? Why?
13.    Verses 28 to 31 give a famous passage of scripture. Think about what the Lord has been saying through Isaiah for the past 39 chapters. What new point is He making here? Why is this vital to being able to wait for the Lord? Why do we need Him to strengthen us to wait for Him? 
14.    In your own life, are there any places where you need to wait for the Lord? Have you sought His strengthening grace that you might wait for Him with enduring faithfulness? What does this kind of waiting look like in your life? 

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