Turning the page from the 39th to the 40th chapter of Isaiah is like stepping out of the darkness of judgment into the light of salvation. Dark clouds have overshadowed the book up until now, but the sunshine of God’s grace will occupy the prophet’s thoughts for the remaining chapters. As we begin this new section of the book, it is important to realize that Isaiah is no longer speaking to Judah in his own generation during the 8th century BC. Now he is looking to the future and speaking to the Jewish people held in Babylonian exile in the 6th century B.C. At this point, his prediction (39:5-7) will have come true. God’s people are far from home, enduring humiliation in a prolonged period of captivity, wondering if God has abandoned them. So, Isaiah changes the tone of his ministry. His primary emphasis becomes comfort rather than confrontation. Though the people have failed God, His gracious purpose for them has not failed. Brighter days are ahead. These captives are still God’s people, and He is still their God. It was their sin that led them into exile, but those sins have been dealt with. There is always an end to God’s discipline, but never an end to His tender comfort (v 1-2). As a consequence of their forgiveness, God will bring His people home again, smoothing their way, gathering His flock like a shepherd, and displaying His glory for the whole world to see. As John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ’s first coming, the church is called to prepare the way for His return. People are faithless and fading, but God’s Word is true and timeless. So we rejoice in the good news that He is coming to reign in righteousness (v 3-11). Isaiah has called us to proclaim the message, “Behold your God!” So how well do you know Him? How would you describe Him to others? To make sure we don’t undersize the Almighty, Isaiah takes the rest of the chapter to unpack His sheer majesty. The oceans are held in one of His hands, while the nations are like a drop from a bucket He’s carrying in the other! As the wise Creator of all things, God alone governs His creation, right down to the details. All human theories that leave God out are a disgrace—just man-made idols. It’s our God who is ruling the universe, raising up and bringing down leaders, while attending to the smallest star He placed in the distant sky (v 12-26). So how could He lose sight of you and me? God’s greatness is immense, yet He stoops down to share His strength with the weak. The strongest human will falter, but all who depend on Him will persevere by His strength (v 27-31). For further meditation: