“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…”- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Historians revealed that during the period of 586/587 B.C, the southern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Babylonians, and many of God’s people had been taken captive to that foreign land. The Israelites acknowledged that it was because of their transgressions against God that their enemies were able to triumph over them. As such, they concluded that God had abandoned them and their lives were worthless. In summary, they believed that they were powerless as an oppressed people under the authority of a foreign power.
During this period of oppression, however, Isaiah comforted them with words of hope that they would again ‘soar like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint’ (Isaiah 40:31), but all of these promises were couched within the idea of waiting and their ability to trust God enough to be patient. Living in exile, however, darkened the Israelites’ perspectives with despairing thoughts: “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God” (Isaiah 40:27 – NKJV). They thought that God could not help or did not care.
Before Isaiah’s prophetic decrees in Isaiah 40:27-31, however, the prophet clearly articulated the sins of God’s people, which included dealing with others unjustly and offering hypocritical sacrifices to God. This is a lesson for us in the 21st Century. We need to turn the searchlight on ourselves and do an introspection to see whether we observe anything in our lives that will fall under Isaiah’s critique of injustices. These include treating families, colleagues, or even strangers with disdain or unkindness while believing that giving God’s tithes, our offerings, and ritual prayers will act as penance for these sins. Beloved, Isaiah’s message is for us to return to purity in love for God and our neighbours.
There is no sin that God cannot forgive (except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – Luke 12:10) since Jesus Christ, His Son, died on the Cross of Calvary for our sins. Do not allow the devil to convince you that you will not be delivered from your sinful disposition and that God will leave you to wallow in hopelessness and despair.
God is not only a God of wrath but a God of compassion and love, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration, grace, mercy, and blessings. His message of salvation has not changed, for He is married to the backslider (Jeremiah 3:14-15). The mercy of God that was available then is still available to us now (Lamentation 3:22-23). His loving arms are open wide awaiting your return; therefore, seek the Lord while He can be found (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Read: Psalm 145:13; Colossians 3:12
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 105:23-36; 2 Corinthians 7:2-16; Isaiah 5:8-30; Isaiah 6; Isaiah 7; Isaiah 8:1-10
