Isaiah 40:15-31
Q.1. How do the nations compare with God? Why is the crafting of idols pointless? How far does God’s power extend? What does the creation and naming of the stars say about God? – (Isa.40:15-26)
How do all the nations of the world compare with God? – 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust … 17 All the nations are as nothing before Him, they are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless (Isa.40:15 & 17). This truth reinforces how remarkable God is, in that He not only considers us but has found a way to redeem us (c.f. Ps.8:3-4; Heb.2:5-9). God mocked at the irrationality of people who turn to idols that they had crafted and believe that they are greater than God (Isa.40:18-20). He contrasted the vastness and intricacies of the universe and compared this with weak and temporal humanity (Isa.40:21-24). God asked – To whom then will you liken Me That I would be his equal? (Isa.40:25). We may examine and discover the heavens above, but God actually created the stars and planned their movements – There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory (c.f. 1 Cor.15:41). He gave names that describe the uniqueness of each star He has made – Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars. The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing (Isa.40:26). No person, nor anything created, can compare with God for greatness and glory.
Q.2. Why did Israel’s complaint against God show ignorance? How much greater is God than what we can conceive? What is God’s promise to those who wait upon Him? – (Isa.40:27-31)
People are limited in their understanding, and their energy runs out. Israel, in their blindness, had reduced God to man’s level. He therefore reminded them – …The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding cannot be fathomed (Isa.40:28). God promised to make special provision for those who look to Him – 29 He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power … 31 those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary (Isa.40:29 & 31). People with power in this world are usually inaccessible to the ordinary person. Though they are as nothing compared with God, yet He cares about all who turn to Him.