By Adam Winn, Ph. D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Samford University
THE FOCUS OF OUR WORSHIP
Isaiah 40:21–31
We worship the One who is all-powerful. (21–24)
This passage is set in the context of Israel living under foreign oppression and growing weary doing so. Their faith in God to deliver them is apparently weak, and so this text is a message from God to both comfort them and to renew their faith.
It begins with rhetorical questions that challenge the readers’ doubts by reminding them of what they have long known and what should be obvious to them, namely that their God is both the creator of the world and sovereign over that creation. This becomes clear in verses 22–24.
God is described as stretching out the heavens like a curtain, a vivid description of God’s powerful creation of the sky above and the heavenly bodies that rest in it. He sits above the earth. He inhabits the heavens like a tent. All the inhabitants are like grasshoppers to Him, communicating that no other power in creation can rival Him.
The author then describes God’s authority over all the rulers of the world, with those foreign rulers currently reigning over God’s people particularly in focus. The people are reminded that it is God who establishes them, and it is God, who, after a short, time removes them.
The imagery of the text compares them to flowers that are planted, quickly grow, and then just as quickly blown away as stubble in the wind. Here Israel is reminded God is still sovereign and their oppression will soon come to an end.
We worship the One who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe. (25–28)
The theme of God’s sovereignty over creation is again emphasized, as the reader is asked about who can compare to God or who is His equal.
The text draws the reader’s attention to the heavens to illustrate the incomparability of Israel’s God, as it is He who brings out the heavenly bodies, numbers them and calls them by name. Ancient people had great regard for the heavens and the bodies that dwelt in them, at times, even identifying them with supernatural beings. Thus, God’s power over these bodies, communicates his tremendous and unsurpassed strength.
In light of this great strength and power of God, the prophet asks Israel why it would ever claim that God does not see their situation or that God has in some way disregarded them.
Again, in v. 28, the text uses rhetorical questions to address the people’s lack of faith in the face of what should be obvious to them, namely that their God, YHWH is everlasting, that He created the world and their present suffering is not a sign of His weakness or weariness.
While Israel might not currently understand what is happening, they are reminded that the understanding of God is beyond their own comprehension.
We worship the One who strengthens us. (29–31)
Here the promises of God to those who are weary are given. They are reminded God gives power to the faint and powerless, both of which describe Israel’s current condition. But this promise comes with an important caveat.
It is to those who “wait on the Lord” that will be given this power and strength. The strength is not given in the time frame demanded by those in need or those seeking it. The message to God’s people living in this difficult time. They are called to wait on God’s timing, trusting His strength and power will come to deliver them. When it does, they will rise up on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.
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