The Gospel Story 7: Isaiah 40:1-8

When Israel was finally finished with the exile, the full reign of God on Earth would finally be realized. As opposed to before, when the glory of God was hidden from humans, now all flesh would be able to see it together. The reign of God means that all the blessings of the covenant come to God’s people and all the curses of the fall are eradicated in a New Creation. Israel’s sins meant that they were really in exile until Jesus came, and God was literally present with humans. Not only is our suffering meaningful in fulfilling our role in the world, but we can look forward to the end of suffering because God is coming to be with his people.