
Comfort for the In-between Times
Isaiah 40:1-11
Part of Advent 2020
December 20, 2020
Download Printable Notes (Open in browser)
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. Isaiah 40:1
Three Sources of Comfort & Hope
No matter what guilt, grief, or great challenge I face:
- God’s
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:2
A voice of one calling in the desert: “Prepare the way for the Lord;
make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;
The rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
And all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5 - God’s
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “what shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall…
But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6,8
You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. Isaiah 40:9-10 - God’s
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11
When I believe these things, I have true
IN TWO WEEKS:
New series
- Based on Max Lucado’s best-seller Anxious for Nothing
- Deep dive into Philippians 4:6-9
- Pick up your book at TLC by calling 831-465-3300 or visit tlc.org/calm to order today.
- Sign up for a five-week virtual small group
- All details at tlc.org/calm
QUESTIONS
for personal reflection or group discussion
- In what area do you need to experience God’s comfort right now? Ask him to lead you into his comfort now.
- Read Isaiah 40:1-11. Isaiah is speaking to exiled Jews about the restoration of Jerusalem. He’s also hinting about an even grander restoration the Messiah brings. What is the main idea in this passage?
- Verses 6-8 say the glory of humans fades, while the glory and power of God lasts forever. How would this be comforting to people in exile? How does this comfort you?
- Verses 10 & 11 paint two contrasting (but not contradictory) images of God. How do these verses contrast? How do both sides of the contrast bring you comfort? Why are both sides important? How does the birth of Jesus display the truth in both verses?
- How will you speak and act to bring the comfort of God to someone else this week?
LIFE AT TLC
Visit tlc.org/life for more details on today’s announcements.