But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah saw two things that forever changed him, God in His Holiness, and man’s sin in its ugliness. From the beginning Isaiah understood that his message would fall on deaf ears. The people of Jerusalem made every excuse except to turn from their idolatrous ways. He spent his entire life living in Jerusalem with the Assyrian army ready to destroy the walled fortress, take the population as slaves and obliterate God’s Covenant nation from the face of the earth. God said to Isaiah, remind them of my steadfast patience and longing to forgive. That message did not, nor ever will change.
Isaiah spoke in present time to the people he shared life with, foretold of Jesus’ birth as vividly as Matthew, Mark or Luke and gave first hand witness to the assurance that awaits all believers. His message to ancient Israel, each one of us, all of those who will struggle with sin, fear and an uncertain future, is hope.
While spoken in a land of ancient people, this is our promise too. Those who hope will continuously renew and restore their souls so they may bless all people.
Love,
Gretchen