Isaiah
July 11
Isaiah 39:5, 40:1-11
Words of encouragement
Isaiah told King Hezekiah that the Babylonians would attack and raid Jerusalem, carrying off everything the people owned and taking them to Babylon as slaves.
But there was hope! Isaiah encouraged the people that a time would come when the Lord would bring them back and God’s glory would be seen by the whole world.
This is what the Lord said: “All people are like the grass of the field. They don’t live much longer than wild flowers, which bloom for only a short while. Yet, even though the grass withers and the flowers fade, the Word of God stands forever. The Lord is coming to rule with power, bringing with Him a reward for His people. He will care for His flock like a shepherd and carry the young ones in His arms. He will gently lead the mothers and carry the little lambs close to His heart.”
Is there hope for people living in this messed-up world?
Isaiah told the people living in Judah that things would go from bad to worse. In spite of many, many warnings, the people no longer followed the Lord’s commands. God would let the enemy take them as captives to a far-away place so that their hearts would return to Him. But God did not want them to lose hope. He knew that the years of slavery in Babylon would set their hearts free from wanting to worship idols. God would come to rule, bringing with Him a reward for each one that had been faithful.
As in Isaiah’s day, godless people today are making our world an unsafe and unfriendly place; but we should not become discouraged by the evil around us. All this will change when Jesus comes again. He will lead us like a gentle shepherd and keep us safe forever. Be encouraged: Jesus said that He is coming back soon, bringing with Him a reward for His faithful ones!
Verse for today
(Jesus said), “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12
