In the first Sunday sermon of 2025, the sermon was delivered from Isaiah 40. The book of Isaiah, originally divided into two sections, shifts in chapter 40 from judgment to comfort, showcasing God’s heart of compassion through His Son, Jesus. In verses 1-2, the Israelites, guilty of idolatry, deserved judgment. Yet, God chose to comfort them, feeling their pain instead of delighting in their punishment. We should proclaim that through Jesus Christ, our sins have been forgiven, ushering in the era of grace. This should be the ultimate source of comfort: the knowledge that our sins are atoned for once and for all, not through our own efforts, but by the sacrifice of God’s Son. As we come to see our sins more clearly, we can fall into despair. However, as believers, we should know and proclaim that we have two divine comforters – Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Verse 3 describes the voice of one calling. This refers to the mission of John the Baptist, who called people to repentance and prepared them for Christ’s arrival. Similarly, we are called to “proclaim,” “cry out,” and “shout out” (verses 1-3) the gospel. Just as Paul was commanded in the Book of Acts to preach to the city, we too are tasked with sharing the Word and not remaining mute. In Isaiah 56: 10, we see that the deliverer of the message couldn’t speak out well. This relates to the fall of humanity due to Satan speaking out first. As Christians, we should reverse this by proclaiming the gospel first. The wilderness represents the spiritual emptiness of each person and the world, where distractions like deceitful worldly philosophies and spiritual beliefs cloud the way to God (Colossians 2:8). Our mission, as the church, is to make the way straight, removing barriers that distort God’s truth.
In verse 4, the world seeks to elevate itself, but Jesus came to the lowest places, serving those in need. Verse 5 reminds us that through humility and service, the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and the promise of a new world fulfilled.
Verse 6 cautions against boasting in worldly achievements, as they are fleeting and cannot save us. True transformation and rest come from God alone, as highlighted in verse 9. The city of Babylon, once the greatest in the world, is used as an example of how human greatness pales before God’s eternal power.
Verses 12-16 reflect on God’s immeasurable greatness. Therefore, we shouldn’t be bound by the circumstances we are in but look to God’s surpassing power. Verse 17 shows that even the people of God sometimes rely on their own strength.
Verses 27-31 reflect the current state of despair and exhaustion for many people of God. Even the strongest and most energetic among us grow weary. However, those who place their hope in the Lord will have their faith renewed. This strength is not drawn from our own abilities but from complete reliance on God. Righteousness from faith comes from God, not us. Relying on our own abilities leads to emptiness, but when we deny ourselves and place our trust fully in God, we are empowered. Jesus exemplified this by emptying Himself, rising like an eagle, and sitting at the right hand of God.
Finally, Pastor Jason concluded by encouraging us to cut off the idols and distractions that confine us. Instead, we should live boldly in the world, relying on God’s strength. He reminded us that we are called to bring comfort to others, just as God has comforted us. May we carry this mission into the new year, living out Isaiah 40:31 in every aspect of our lives.
