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Bible Book: Isaiah / Jesaja
Chapter: 40
Verse: 12
Verse (to): 31

Isaiah 40:12-31
In verses 12 to 20, Isaiah proclaims that Israel’s God is the Creator God, who cannot be compared to any human construction or image of a god (cf verses 18 & 25). This Creator God is also the sovereign God, who reigns over all creation, as well as the history of humankind (cf verse 22-24).

Although God is too great to be compared with any idol created by any craftsman (cf verses 19-20), this does not mean that He is too great, or too far to care about our pain and suffering. Israel’s complaint in verse 27, that God does not care about them, is turned on its head by the prophet: They may think that God is too great to care, but Isaiah knows that God is too great to fail.

God is not reigning “from a distance” – He is the very present help, who gives power to the weak and strength to those who have no might (verses 30-31).

The often quoted verses 28 to 31 assure us that the sovereign Creator God, who does not grow weary, gives his power to those who wait upon Him. God’s promise to those who wait, who hope, who look forward in trust, is that his strength will be imparted in them. This clears the way to overcome natural weaknesses (for example tiredness and old age) and even to do what seems impossible (soaring like an eagle!).

What wonderful comfort and encouragement are there for those who make these promises their own:
“Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind” (verses 28-31, The Message).

To think about (or discuss): What comfort is there in these verses for us who live in a world with HIV and Aids?
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English