Chapel – 4/22/20
Isaiah Devotions
Part 2 — Chapters 40-66
Step 1: Read the introduction below.
As you learned in the previous devotion, the book of Isaiah has an interesting structure in that the first thirty-nine chapters contain calls to repentance and warnings of judgment, yet the promises of God’s forgiveness and renewal shine through the darkness. Chapters forty to sixty-six explode with verses that beautifully pour out on us God’s love and redemption earned by “the Servant.” Certainly, as there are messages of comfort hidden in the first thirty-nine chapters, there are messages of judgment in the last twenty-seven, yet even in the middle of God’s strong words of judgment for our sins, the overwhelming free grace of God clearly comes through to comfort us. Interestingly, do you remember how many books are in the Old Testament? That’s right– thirty-nine. And in the New Testament? Yep, twenty-seven. Coincidence? I don’t really know. Now it is true that the Bible originally was not broken up into chapters and verses. This did not happen until long after it was written down. Chapters were first introduced in the early 1200s and verses were first used in the mid-1500s, but the division is interesting nonetheless. Read this article for more in-depth information.
Isaiah was written during a dark time in the history of the nation of Israel. Yet even though difficulties would come, God promised to bring them through them and to always be with His chosen people. I pray that the words of the Prophet Isaiah may comfort you during this dark time with the certain promises of God who says to you:
“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 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 40:29-31
Step 2–
Watch this great overview of chapters 40-66 by the Bible Project.
Step 3– Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the overwhelming message of comfort that You have revealed for us by the prophet Isaiah. Help us to be committed to studying Your Word and being strengthened by faith in Your promises. Focus our eyes on the certainty of your presence with us and your provision for us. Fill us with Your Spirit and help us to be lights in this dark time to share Your love to others in words and in actions. Amen.