Today Daily Devotional

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. . . .” — Matthew 28:19 Late August is the best time for us to pick our raspberries. That’s when the berries are turning ripe, red, and sweet. At the same time, honeybees, bumblebees, and other bees are buzzing all around and pollinating, doing their everyday work and living. The honeybees collect pollen and nectar to build their hive and produce food—honey to eat now and throughout the winter. As they go about their work, bees pollinate anything that has flowers. And for us their work produces fruit, vegetables, and foliage in abundance.Bees do not need to be told to go out, gather, and pollinate. It’s programed into their nature. It’s all about doing what God made them to do so that plants and trees will thrive and provide food for all creatures, especially us humans. What’s more, doing what they do helps their hive to survive and thrive.As followers of Jesus, we all are instructed to go and make disciples, inviting people to become followers of Jesus. Wherever we go about doing our work and living in God’s wide world, we can touch people with the message of Jesus’ love. This is the desire of Jesus’ heart. Like pollinating bees, we can touch the lives of lost people and pray that the love of Christ will produce the fruit of faith in them.Have you embraced this mission? In what ways are you engaged in it? Lord, keep sending your followers to bring your message of love and mercy everywhere. Use our deeds and words to draw people to you. Amen.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 In our garden one summer day, I was suddenly assaulted by a bee buzzing furiously around my head. Panicking (never a good idea), I flailed furiously with my hat, trying to swat it away. The bee zeroed in and sunk its stinger into my nose. When it circled and then flew in to sting me again, I knew it could not be one of my honeybees. They lose their stingers and die after one sting. Thankfully, I was able to escape with only one sting.Are you afraid of bees? Many people are. Bee stings are painful. And if you are allergic, bee stings can be dangerous and even deadly. Getting too many bee stings at once could overwhelm and cause death for anyone.Are you afraid of death? Paul’s words to Christ-followers in 1 Corinthians 15 are aimed at calming our fears of being stung to death. Paul explains that sin delivers the sting that leads to death. When people go their own way, their sin is like a deadly stinger that shoots venom into them, resulting in death. The only antidote to the poisonous venom of sin and death is in Jesus—his death for our sins and his resurrection victory over death.We can trust in Jesus and walk in his resurrection power each day, sharing with others the good news of salvation and new life in him. Dear Jesus, you came to die for our sin, taking on the sting of death for all who trust in you. Assure us that in your resurrection power we can be free of sin and death and rise to new life with you. In your name, Amen.

We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. — 2 Corinthians 2:15 People who have studied bee communication have observed a complex system in which bees use pheromones (scents). These “chemical messengers” that bees produce and receive are needed for a hive to thrive. For example, scents are central to the mating process. And if the hive is threatened, worker bees give off an alarm scent that rallies other bees to go out and sting potential intruders. Also, each hive is marked with its own queen’s scent so that the gatherer bees from that hive will find their way safely back to it.In communication among living things, so much is shared in subtle ways. For instance, we can communicate nonverbally through gestures, looks, posture, tone of voice, and so on. People who have studied human interactions assert that 80-90 percent of our communication is nonverbal, and this can either support or contrast with our words.As Christ-followers, we are encouraged to infuse our communication with the “pleasing aroma of Christ.” There is no way to fake this scent. It can come only through our union with Christ. Ephesians 5:2 recommends, for example, that we “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Doing that, we can spread the pleasing scent of Christ to the people around us. Lord Jesus, may our actions and words be infused with your scent so that others may sense your presence in us and be drawn to you. Amen.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. — Galatians 5:25 Did you know that honeybees communicate by dancing? Beekeepers have identified three dances used by these bees.Scout bees use the “waggle dance” to describe the distance, direction, and quality of a food source to be gathered. The number of waggles and the length of the dance indicate how rich and how far away the food supply is.In contrast, the “round dance” communicates that a food source is nearby. Moving in small circles on the honeycomb, scouts recruit foragers to go and get this local food.In the “sickle dance,” the bees use a crescent-shaped pattern and make special sounds and vibrations when the colony needs to be defended from a threat. I’m sure this dance was used when I’ve been stung and chased away.Honeybees learn their dance moves by instinct and imitation. But this is not the case for Christ-followers. Our missteps in communication are often damaging and in need of correction. Going with the flow of the sinful nature brings pain and damage to the body of Christ.The dance that Christ-followers need to learn is to “keep in step with the Spirit.” It is essential that we learn to show “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” in all our interactions with one another. Which steps in this dance have you been learning and practicing lately? Spirit of God, fill us with your love and wisdom, that we may keep in step with you in all of our interactions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that . . . its parts should have equal concern for each other. — 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 During high school I was invited to a party. This had never happened to me before, so it made me feel kind of special. At the party, however, the host privately explained that “they” thought there should be a party for people who were not usually invited. Feeling pitied, I soon left. Being “special” in that way made me feel that I was not genuinely valued.In our reading for today, some parts of the human body are described as “weaker,” “less honorable,” or “unpresentable.” But in the body of believers in Christ, we need to take care not to view or treat anyone in a way like that.Drone bees, aside from the fact that some of them mate with the queen bee (and then die), have not been observed doing any work in the hive. They have been described as just hanging around and eating honey (made and stored by the worker bees). Drones also look different and have no stinger. In autumn they suffer the final indignity of being kicked out of the hive so that the honey for the queen and the worker bees will last during the winter.In the body of Christ, however, no one is a drone. All parts are needed and indispensable, worthy of special concern and honor, not condescension. We are all partners in Christ, and we strive to develop each other’s gifts as the Lord has given them. How are you serving together with all the other parts of Christ body? Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a part of your body. May we all honor and care equally for all the parts of your body as we serve you. Amen.

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. — 1 Corinthians 12:14 When worker bees first hatch and emerge from their cells, their first task is to clean out their cell so that a new egg can be placed there.As worker bees mature, they gain different responsibilities, becoming nurse bees for new bees, clutter cleaners, guards against hive robbers and threats (stinging if necessary), queen feeders (she cannot feed herself!), scouts and foragers for available nectar and pollen to make honey, and builders of new cells for storing honey, nectar, and eggs. All of this is done in about six weeks while the worker bee lives and prepares for the next generation to keep the hive thriving and growing.It would be inconceivable for any of the bees in a hive to say to one another, “I don’t need you!” It would be just as unimaginable for an ear to say to an eye (or any other part of the human body), “I don’t need you!” That would be absurd.For the body of Christ to mature and thrive, each of Jesus’ followers needs to humbly recognize and do their part. There are many, many ways in which Christ needs us to do our part with him and with the other parts of his body. When we each willingly discern and serve as we are gifted to do, we will mature together and thrive with the whole body. Lord Jesus, help us to believe and serve as the part of your body where you need us and call us to be. Guide us to serve as you have gifted us, working with the other parts of your body for the benefit of all and for your glory. Amen.

He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. — Colossians 1:18 Honeybees and human beings have a fascination with royalty. Queens and kings rise and fall, and it’s a mystery that we get so interested in them. With honeybees, there’s a life-and-death fixation on the queen bee. A colony cannot survive without a queen. Beekeepers learn this quickly, and their hope for a yield of honey depends on having a healthy queen.In each hive there is only one queen. She has been described as “the mother of all the bees,” “the matriarch,” and “the one in charge of the hive.” The queen is the only fertile female, and a healthy queen will lay up to 2,000 eggs per day!The queen is at the center of the hive’s life—until she can no longer perform her duties. When the colony senses that its queen is ailing or preparing to leave, the workers begin a special process to raise a new queen. They feed a young female “royal jelly” to activate her reproductive system. Soon she will be able to lay eggs to ensure the future growth and survival of the hive.It may be tempting to view the rise and fall of royalty as an unbreakable pattern. But our Bible reading today makes clear that there is one glowing exception. Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is the eternal King over all things. He is our head, and we, his people, are his one body. No replacements. We can trust the Son of God to be the King of the universe and the Savior of our lives forever. King Jesus, thank you for rescuing us from darkness and bringing us into your marvelous kingdom of light, love, and forgiveness. Amen.

You yourselves are God’s temple and . . . God’s Spirit dwells in your midst. . . . — 1 Corinthians 3:16 A few years ago, a strong wind toppled one of the beehives behind our barn. The hive had been thriving, and it was five boxes tall. The hive had stuck together well. Amazingly, it didn’t break open till it hit the ground. “Bee glue”—propolis— gets the credit for that. But, sadly, the hive was destroyed, and its bees quickly scattered.In his letters to the Christ-followers in Corinth, Paul gets personal and pours out his heart to these new believers. They were going through some stormy and threatening times together, and that was surely predictable. Starting off as a new community in Christ can be hard, and as their pastor and mentor, Paul did all that he could to hold this body of Christ together. They especially needed to be reminded of their identity together— whose they were and who held them together.Propolis is an amazing glue produced by worker bees. This sticky glue is used to fill small gaps to seal and protect the hive from bacteria and viruses. As propolis ages, it strengthens and holds the hive structure together.As Christ-followers, our “glue” is the Holy Spirit, who “dwells in [our] midst,” and together we are God’s temple!In what ways are you standing tall together in the Spirit with other Christ-followers in your community as you worship God and serve him? Thank you, God, for your grace that enriches the followers of Jesus in every way. Hold us together by your Spirit as a unified temple in service to you, to each other, and to everyone around us. Amen.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. — Acts 2:42 Have you heard of “personal space”? It’s described as the amount of space a person feels is needed in order to relate to and live well with others. Personal space can differ by culture, situation, relationship, and personal preference. For an average Westerner, personal space is about two feet on all sides. Does this seem right and healthy to you? In some other cultures, the distance can be a bit less.Have you ever heard of “bee space”? Specifically, that is the space honeybees leave between combs in a hive. It’s about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 - 9 mm)—a delicate balance of “enough room to move freely but not too much empty space,” according to sources on beekeeping. Bee space allows two bees to pass each other back-to- back and makes it possible for thousands of bees to live and work closely together. Smaller spaces are filled with propolis (“bee glue”), and larger spaces are packed with unneeded “burr comb.”Bees are at their best for life in the hive when they are in close quarters with each other. It’s a matter of instinct, not choice.People have more choices in defining personal space. In Acts 2:42 the Spirit of God draws us into a “good and pleasant” space for being and thriving together as followers of Christ. Choose and commit yourself to living in this good space with each other. Holy Spirit, guide us to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we grow together faithfully in you so that others may come to know you also. Amen.

We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. — 1 Corinthians 3:9 Honeybees are great builders. Inside their hive they make honeycombs consisting of hundreds of six-sided cells. These are the basic building blocks of beehives. The amazing geometry of these cells maximizes storage space while minimizing the wax needed for a stable structure. Beeswax is an ingenious blend of nectar, pollen, saliva, and other ingredients produced by worker bees to form the walls of the cells, which keep their shape in both heat and cold. While these cells are used mainly to store honey and some pollen and nectar, some of the cells are also used as nurseries for eggs and larvae.Hive building is a tribute to the bees’ ability to work well together. Each bee takes up its role in the building process.A tragic contrast to this is our struggle as human beings to build caring communities. Jesus came to reverse our faulty construction habits by reconnecting people to his Father and to one another. Yet we often fail to practice what he taught us. In place of humbly serving with each other in caring, harmonious, constructive ways, for example, the Christian community gets distracted by competing and comparing and by excluding and neglecting one another.Are you a co-worker with God in building a community with others? In what ways is God calling you from self-service to serving him with others? Thank you, God, for the firm foundation you have made for us in Christ. By your Spirit, direct us to care for each other as we serve to build up the body of Christ. Amen.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. — 1 Corinthians 12:12 People who count honeybees estimate that there are 20,000 to 60,000 bees in any given hive. Yet there is one hive. The hive has three basic kinds of bees: the queen, workers, and drones. Yet there is one hive. All of the bees work together by instinct to function as an interdependent community, like a living organism.The Christ-followers at Corinth, estimated to be about 40 to 150 people, were not acting as “one.” This multiethnic group of recent converts included a mixture of educated and working-class people, rich and poor, and they struggled to care for and show God’s love to one another. The letter Paul wrote to them describes a divided, individualistic, selfish, and proud gaggle of believers. At best, they revealed that they were many parts struggling to become one body.Similarly, our world today does little to encourage us to believe and act like we are an organic, interdependent community— one body. Individualism, privilege, possessions, and self-gratification are often the altars at which people worship. These behaviors make being one body most difficult.Christ-followers can be one body only “in Christ.” This is not instinctual. It takes heart change and the hard and humble work of love. Will you pray and work humbly to love and serve with others who make up the body of Christ? Lord Jesus, inspire us all to work toward the unity of your one body. Change our hearts and energize us to love and build up others as we serve with you. Amen.

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” — John 9:4-5 My favorite time at our beehives is around sunset. Gatherer bees are coming back to the hive. If I look closely, I can see the bulging pollen packs on their hind legs, holding the fruit of their labor. Amazing! These worker bees have been busy since sunrise—making the most of their opportunities to gather pollen and nectar. With darkness coming—and eventually the dark and cold of winter— the opportunity to work will end. Bees work and make honey “as long as it is day.”In John 9, Jesus talks about being “the light of the world,” and he warns his disciples about a kind of darkness that is coming. In this chapter we see Jesus bring light to a blind man’s eyes in the face of growing opposition and looming darkness. Jesus says,” As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.” And did you notice that Jesus includes his followers in the work he is doing?The rest of the story in John 9 gets very dark. We can observe a similar darkness in the world around us as well. Yet Jesus, the light of the world, keeps working to bring sight to the blind.In your coming and going, what are your opportunities to shine? How can you make the most of your opportunities to spread the light of Jesus? Lord Jesus, live in us and through us to bring your light into the darkness of this world. May the fruit of your goodness and truth shine brightly as we make the most of the opportunities we have. In your name, Amen.

“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” — John 10:16 As a keeper of honeybees, I’ve grown a bit narrowminded. I’ve become partial to honeybees even though I know there are lots of others—like bumblebees, sweat bees, and carpenter bees—to name a few. Recently I learned there are also mason bees, which use mud to make nests is small cavities. There are actually over 20,000 species of bees all around the world. Mind-boggling!This could lead us to wonder about people groups too. Estimates for the number of people groups in the world range from about 11,000 to 24,000. Did you know that?Jesus knew about other people groups—"other sheep” besides the people into which he was born. Jesus, the good shepherd, could not and would not be content in rescuing just one people group. He came to bring God’s salvation to all the people groups throughout the world.In my thinking about honeybees, I need to remember that all of the bees in God’s creation are treasured. And when it comes to people, we need to remember that each one is made in the image of God. Jesus came to rescue God’s children from every people group in the whole human race.In what ways can we show others that they are precious in God’s sight? Jesus, thank you for being the good shepherd. Thank you for rescuing us from the curse of sin and death. Guide us to pray for and work with others whom you have come to rescue as well. In your name, Amen.

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. — Ephesians 6:18 As a child, I was taught to pray a simple bedtime prayer. It was a “repeat-after-me” prayer, and it started like this: “Now I lay me down to sleep . . .” After memorizing it, I was encouraged to add other requests— mostly for sick family members or friends or about other concerns. Learning to pray with a parent was a good start for which I am grateful.Over the years, my prayers have expanded and matured by fits and starts through the examples of others, prayer courses, and readings—and most profoundly by prayers in the Bible. Still, my prayers are often limited. I am still a child learning to pray. It has been a humbling path.Near the close of his life, Paul urged Christ-followers to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” “Keep on praying for all the Lord’s people,” he said, and “pray also for me.” These words came to mind while I was reading a book that included a prayer for the “Keeping of Bees.” Looking back, I realize that I’ve often overlooked this step in my caring for bees. No prayer is too small. Here is another lesson from the Spirit about praying on all occasions.Are you praying in the Spirit? In what ways are your prayers maturing or being expanded? For what and whom are you being led to pray? “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.” Continue the good and perfect teaching of your Word in our lives, Lord. In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. — Romans 8:22 We might think that beekeeping should be easy: get some bees, put them in a hive, and let them do their thing, right? But a seasoned beekeeper will tell you that it’s never easy. Hive beetles, varroa mites, wax moths, and foul brood disease are some of the more common threats to bees and their hives. Pesticides, pollution, habitat loss, and other threats add to the mix. Clearly the beauty and harmony of God’s creation has been blighted. Honeybees are cursed along with the rest of creation. Bees need help and restoration.In one of the most mysterious and tragic chapters of the Bible, a crafty and deceitful enemy slithers into God’s good garden to subvert God’s desires for his creation. Human beings—meant to reflect God’s goodness—are seduced and infected. Sickness and death invade our homes and hearts.The curse saps life from our bodies and souls, unless someone will come to save us.We and the bees are still here, groaning but alive and kicking. This is proof of God’s stubborn and strong love for us and for his whole creation. Christians are being brought from death to life by being united with Christ Jesus in his death and resurrection. And we, “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our . . . redemption. . . .”The curse is being reversed. Thanks be to God! Thank you, Jesus, for coming to reverse the curse of sin and death. May our hope in you energize us to wait patiently for our and all of creation’s redemption. Amen.

Since you excel in everything . . . see that you also excel in this grace of giving. — 2 Corinthians 8:7 When we installed two new “nucs” of bees in our hive boxes last spring, both seemed ready to become strong colonies. After a few weeks, one hive seemed to be doing better than the other, but we were not worried. Both were still growing and improving.During summer—when bees build up and increase their honey stores—we kept adding boxes to the stronger hive. By comparison, the weaker hive seemed to languish. A more careful inspection toward the end of summer revealed that the queen of the weaker hive was gone! A hive cannot survive without its queen, since she is the only bee that lays eggs to produce offspring. So our neglect in watching over that hive led to its death.The missionary pastor Paul noticed strengths and weaknesses in the churches he served. Were the Christ-followers in Corinth somewhat stung by the comparison Paul made in today’s passage? They excelled in many things, but Paul had to point out that they could be more gracious in giving. Failing to give generously for the needs of brothers and sisters in Christ was a serious flaw that could lead to their decline.Christians today do well to be concerned about the decline and disbanding of churches. Apathy and stinginess can be destructive. The good news is that when God’s people are stirred to “excel in the grace of giving,” the community of believers can thrive. Lord Jesus, you became poor for our sake so that we might become rich in your grace. Live in and through us so that we may give graciously, as you have taught us. Amen.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” — Acts 17:26 Our reading from Psalm 104 paints a picture of all God’s provisions for the creatures in his wonderful world. But when we look around us, it’s easy to find hungry people and other creatures without shelter or food. Homelessness—for beleaguered people, habitat-deprived creatures, or even hiveless bees—is not the way it’s supposed to be.Honeybees have lived in a variety of homes over the course of time. A hollow log in a sheltered area can provide a great home for bees. People have also provided homes or hives for them. In earlier times a pot or basket would work well. Beehives for producing honey today are commonly made of stackable boxes with removable frames.Last spring, my son and I installed two small colonies of honeybees in our bee boxes. The process is fairly simple. We transferred frames from a couple of “nucs” (nucleus colonies of bees) into our boxes. The bees quickly settled into their new home.As a family, my wife and children and I have lived in many different places, and God has supplied all that we have needed. We find strength in knowing that God has been with us in all the places where we have been called to live.From the abundance God has given, may we open our hearts and hands to help people who need a home today. Lord, thank you for providing us with homes and so much more. Fill us with gratitude and generosity, that we may share with people in need. Amen.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. — Hebrews 11:3 I started beekeeping about 20 years ago and then dropped out of it for a while. After a few more years, however, I got excited to start into it again.A problem that occurred earlier was that my previous hives became “dead-outs.” I needed new honeybees. So I called my beekeeper friend and ordered a couple of boxes of bees. He said he could prepare a couple of “nucs” (small nucleus colonies) of bees to begin new hives, but I would need to wait till they were ready for transport to my beehives.I wonder if God was excited to put all of the pieces in place when he created this wonderful world. Genesis 1 is so full and bursting with life that we can barely begin to describe the vast and marvelous variety of things God created. Among the many unnamed creatures, honeybees are often overlooked. “In the beginning . . .” God created them too.And what’s truly amazing is that God did not order the first batch of honeybees. He created them at his command! This is what Hebrews 11:3 reminds us about.Out of God’s creative genius and far beyond our imagining and ability, God created this universe and all living things, including bees. Along with bees, you and I have our beginning from that original creation. I invite you to join me in gathering glimpses of these things and to be amazed. Creator Spirit, we praise and thank you for creating everything—including bees as well as us—so that we can reflect your goodness and glory. Amen.

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 The strength of human power and will is not enough to keep us on our feet. It’s not enough to keep us going when we need to carry on. But renewal comes from the Lord, who not only gives us strength but also lifts our spirits, toning the muscles of our souls. God makes us soar like eagles, providing us with the strength and determination to continue running and walking through life as we serve him, depending on his strength, wisdom, and power.It is interesting that Isaiah describes our actions here on a decreasing scale—soar, run, walk—rather than on an increasing scale. It may seem to us that he should say we are strengthened to walk, run, and soar. What is the writer’s purpose here?When we look back on the times of our lives, we can see that we soar like eagles once in a while. And sometimes we are able to run like athletes. But most of the time we walk along, day in and day out. What drains our strength and wears us out the most is not the few times we soar or run, but the daily routines in which we walk. The eagle, with its powerful wings, rises to lofty heights. The fast runner reaches the finish line in record time. The walker treads along with perseverance.But the one who renews our strength is the Lord. God is the one who strengthens our soul and empowers us to keep on in our mission in this world. Lord, renew our strength each day. Help us soar in victory, run with endurance, and walk faithfully in our life with you. Help us to finish the race you have set before us. Amen.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. — Isaiah 40:29-30 The sovereign Lord of the universe, who does not grow tired or weary, gives strength when we are weak and exhausted. We are subject to many weaknesses. Our strength quickly withers and fades. Our muscles and minds grow weary on the hard journeys of life. Fatigue is an unavoidable reality for us. Even the most dedicated, energetic people have passed through times of discouragement and weariness.From Moses to Elijah and from David to Hezekiah, the Lord’s chosen prophets and kings felt weakened at times (see Exodus 3-16; 1 Samuel 19-24; 1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 18-20). We can often feel the same way.But God is the source of our strength. God is our refuge and fortress. The apostle Paul agrees: “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).God is our sustainer, and he renews our strength when we stumble and fall. He forgives our sins and heals our diseases. God keeps us on our feet in the struggles of life. He fights our battles and gives us victory. The Lord gives us our life, and he supplies us the power to live. Only in him can we move forward, despite our weaknesses. We can trust in him. Lord, in our weakness we ask that you renew our strength. Lift us when we are weary, uphold us in every challenge and hardship, and fill us with your sustaining power so that we may find strength and rest in you. Amen.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. — Isaiah 40:28 People get exhausted, but the Lord never grows tired. People are born and die, but God is immortal and everlasting. People are creatures, but God is their Creator. People have some knowledge, but God's understanding is beyond our comprehension. People dare to question God, but our arguments are unreasonable.In our text for today the prophet Isaiah points out the eternal nature of God. He is before and beyond time. Time is in his hands. God is the one who was, who is, and who is to come. Further, Isaiah emphasizes the sovereignty of God. He is the Lord. He governs the universe, the nations, the church, and our lives.God is the Creator of the ends of the earth, the master of the whole universe. Matter is not eternal. The world did not arise by itself. Our world and its solar system and all the stars and galaxies we can see when we look into space—all of it has been created by God.Isaiah also emphasizes that God is tireless. He is still at work today. He does not need to regain strength. He gives strength to the powerless.In addition, God’s understanding is unsearchable. His wisdom and knowledge are unfathomable. What a great, amazing God we serve! We can trust and obey him as we live each day in his care. Eternal God, tireless and wise, strengthen us in our weakness. Help us to trust in your sovereignty, to rest in your care, and to obey your will. Amen.

Why do you complain . . . ? Why do you say . . . “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? — Isaiah 40:27 God’s people were discouraged and feeling helpless. Despite the majesty God had shown for them in the uniqueness of his being and the greatness of his work, the people were mistaken in two ways.First, they thought God had forgotten them. They began to doubt God’s goodness and care. They were like deists, who imagine that God is distant and indifferent to our struggles.Second, they thought God was being unfair to them. They believed they had special rights that were not being delivered to them. They accused God of neglect and injustice. They did not see God’s loving care in his discipline. They ignored his commands and his call to love him with all their heart, soul, and strength and to love their neighbors as themselves (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; see Matthew 22:34-40).God’s discipline is not done without love. Storms in life may come, but they do not nullify God’s care. We are loved by God, and he graciously gives us life and offers us forgiveness despite our sins. We are chosen not on the basis of how good we are or what we have done. We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord and by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Through Jesus we are freed to approach the Lord with humility and gratitude, no matter what our circumstances might be. Loving God, remind us that you never forsake us. When we face hard times and even discipline, teach us humility and trust. Help us to rest in your grace and goodness. Amen.

Lift up your eyes . . . to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. . . . — Isaiah 40:26 Life’s problems can weigh us down so much that we may feel as if we can’t look up. But we need to lift our gaze to consider the greatness of God and the majesty of his creation. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” In a similar way, Romans 1:20 testifies, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. . . .”When God summons the great multitude of stars, calling each one by name, not one is absent. The Creator not only made them but also named each one. There are more stars in the sky than we count. Yet God summons each one, calling them by name, and they promptly appear.God knows every one of the trillions of living cells in our bodies. He knows every hair on our heads. He upholds all things by the power of his word. “In him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). He has created, preserves, and governs all things. All things exist for the praise of his glory.In what ways are you discovering how great and powerful the Lord is? We can trust in him to handle whatever problems we might encounter. Creator God, lift our eyes from our burdens to your majestic power. You sustain all things. Deepen our faith in you as we observe your care, wisdom, and amazing work each day in the world around us. Amen.

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. — Isaiah 40:25 The Lord God is unique. There is no one like him. He is the Lord, “and there is no other.”God is incomparably great. He is above and beyond all creation. He did not have to create the universe to be God; he was already God before the foundation of the earth. The Lord is not like idols made by human imagining; he is the one who gives life to all.God is not vulnerable or fleeting like the rulers of this world. His throne is unshakable. His kingdom is eternal. He cannot be challenged or defeated by any enemy or coalition. God is the undefeated victor in all battles. He does not share his glory with anyone. He does not decentralize his power. On the contrary, in God’s hands are all power and authority.The Lord is incomparably holy, separate from everything and everyone. In him there is no fault. He is pure in who he is and perfect in all he does.Moses declared, “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).We can trust in God because his power is unlimited. His love is eternal, and no one can separate us from that love. His wisdom is perfect, and therefore none of his plans can be thwarted. Lord, you are incomparable in holiness and power. You are the eternal, unrivaled God. We worship you. Help us to trust that you have perfect wisdom, unchanging love, and sovereign authority. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

No sooner are [rulers] planted . . . no sooner do they take root . . . than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. — Isaiah 40:24 The powerful people of this world tend to think they are strong and mighty, but they are fragile. They think they have the control of history in their hands, but they do not. Their stability is provisional. Their strength is temporary. Their wealth is volatile.Their fragility contrasts with the omnipotence of God. Their instability contrasts with the eternity of God. Political rulers are fragile and temporary, but God is all-powerful and permanent. Scripture says people “are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow” (Psalm 144:4), but God is unshakably the same “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2).God controls the nations. He raises up kingdoms and overthrows them. He gives politicians and other leaders positions of power and takes them down. Compared to the Lord, rulers on the earth are barely planted and rooted before they wither. All it takes is a breath from the Almighty to blow them away like chaff.Rulers who try to defy God do not prevail. The arrogant may try to stand against the righteous God, but they will only be swept away.Put your trust in God, our only true refuge and strength! Almighty God, teach us not to trust in fragile human power but in your eternal strength. Humble the proud and uphold the faithful, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. — Isaiah 40:23 Isaiah points out the Lord’s supremacy over the government leaders of this world. They rise to power and seem unshakable, but they are eventually overthrown and replaced.Where are the pharaohs of Egypt? Where is Sennacherib of Assyria? Where is Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon? Where is Cyrus of Persia? Where is Alexander the Great? Where are the caesars of Rome? Where are the dictators who ruled with an iron fist? Where are the judges who made the courts a place of injustice and oppression? They have all fallen and will fall.The Lord himself is the one who reduces them to nothing. No political power can stand against the Lord’s sovereignty. No court, however respected, can annul God’s decrees. Human power is limited. The powerful people of this age will fall. All who exalt themselves and crush the defenseless with inhuman brutality will be torn from the earth and will perish.God brings down the proud and exalts the humble. History shows that one empire on the earth will follow after another. Great kings and powerful generals and clever judges will fall. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” and “soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). Sovereign Lord over all, you humble the proud and overthrow unjust powers. Teach us to trust in you, to defend the oppressed, and to wait on you with hope so that we may rise with renewed strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. — Isaiah 40:22 Isaiah reminds us that God's reign is not only in heaven but is also established over the entire earth. God rules over everything and everyone. All of the world’s inhabitants—although great in number—cannot be compared to the immensity of God. The Lord is greater than all things.God is sovereign over the heavens and the earth. No empire or nation can compare to his reign. Before the greatness of God, humanity is tiny. No human being can be compared to God. Our strength is mere weakness, while God is all-powerful. Our wisdom is only foolishness, while God’s wisdom is impenetrable. We need to place our trust in him.God is the Creator and sustainer of the universe. He created the world with a purpose and maintains it to fulfill that purpose. In the presence of God’s divine majesty, the best we can do is bow down and worship the Lord in spirit and truth. The Lord of the universe loves and cares for us, and although we are small, he crowns us “with glory and honor.”Have you placed your trust in God? How have you surrendered the desires for your life to him today? Sovereign Lord of the universe, we are humbled before your majesty. Teach us to trust your wisdom, to yield our desires to you, and to worship you. Amen.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? — Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks some more rhetorical questions here, and these emphasize that our knowledge of God is not something new or unheard of. Instead it’s a divine revelation from the very beginning, since the creation of the world.God’s people, however, often act as if they are not aware of God. And ignorance of the knowledge of God is a highway to disaster, for we can perish if we do not know God. It is also important to emphasize that we can know God only because he has revealed himself: in creation, in human consciousness, in Scripture, and ultimately in Christ Jesus—all with the help of the Holy Spirit. Because God has revealed himself to us in so many ways, this knowledge is certainly available.We can see God’s handiwork in creation, for the created world speaks eloquently about him. We can see God’s purposes and the good news of his salvation for us in the Scriptures, which are inspired by the Spirit of God. We can see God’s amazing grace in Christ Jesus, the Savior.The God who created and established the universe has everything in his control. He rules over and sustains all things. Therefore we can trust in him.Have you come to know the living God and how much he cares for you? He wants to give you full life so that you can live with him forever. Lord, thank you for making yourself known to us. Help us to trust in you always. Lead us to grow in faith and to share the good news of your love everywhere. Amen.

A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. — Isaiah 40:20 As we noted yesterday, idolatry is an offense to God. Today’s text describes how a person who cannot afford to use gold or silver might choose a special kind of wood and then hire a craftsman to carve it into an idol that they can worship.An idol cannot do anything or even support itself, so how can a person trust it? Idols are fragile and lifeless in contrast to the all-powerful, living God. Idols are handmade from some kind of found material in contrast to the Creator God, who is spirit. If a person makes an idol and worships it, that would be like the creator worshiping the creature, revealing the foolishness of idolatry. Why would a person want to worship something that is lesser than they are?The psalmist, after speaking of the uselessness of idols, says, “Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them” (Psalm 115:8).The French reformer and theologian John Calvin said that the human heart is like a factory of idols. We think of our favorite idols, and we bow down before them: money, sex, power, status, leisure, ideals, and more.Let’s be aware of the idols that we can too easily manufacture in our deceitful human hearts. Instead of being foolish, let’s live by the wisdom of God. Living God, free us from the idols that our hearts can create. Expose every false trust and tear down every lifeless substitute. Guide us to worship you alone and to devote our lives wholly to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. — Isaiah 40:19 God's people have always been surrounded by worshipers of idols that represent other gods—and all other gods besides the Lord are false.Sadly, we have always been drawn to worship things other than the one true God. In the past, most idols were made of wood, stone, or precious metals such as silver and gold. But an idol can be anything to which we bow down. An idol can be a material thing, a person, a relationship, an ideal, a philosophy, a status or accomplishment, and more. Idols are a grotesque substitute for God and a crude representation of him. They are human works, not divine works. They are works or ideas forged by human imagination, not by divine guidance.Idols are powerless. An image may have a mouth, but it cannot speak. It cannot see or hear or walk. It cannot feel. Idols are inert and powerless. They can fall and break. To worship an idol is to become like it, without any understanding.Idolatry is a distortion of the worship we are called to offer the Lord in spirit and in truth. Idolatry is an abomination to the Lord. The idea of worshiping something other than God is an offense—a great insult—to the Lord. God cannot be represented by any figure or thing or idea. Let’s be aware of the deception of idolatry. Let’s serve the Lord alone. Lord, free our hearts from every kind of idol or false god. Teach us to worship you alone—in spirit and in truth, with undivided love and loyalty. Amen.

With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? — Isaiah 40:18 Here again Isaiah uses a rhetorical question to highlight the greatness and uniqueness of God. The Lord is incomparable in his greatness. He rules over all creation without needing anyone to guide him. In comparison to the Lord, all nations are insignificant. Our trust, therefore, must be not in human power or governments but in the one who rules from the eternal throne in heaven.Isaiah points out that God is not like any image or idol either. Since ancient times, people have carved or cast images to represent their ideas of gods that they believe have power over them. But the only true God is the Lord, who made heaven and earth. All other gods are false. They know nothing and can do nothing. People’s idols are powerless, but God is all-powerful.God is also incomparable in his care for us. He is the one who provides for us and renews our strength when we are weary.Nothing and no one compares with the Lord. He is the source of life, so his life is not derived from anyone or anything. He does not depend on anyone to rule or to protect himself.God is unique, singular, incomparable. Put your trust in him! Incomparable Lord, unequaled in power and wisdom, turn our trust from human notions of strength and power to recognize you alone. By your grace and through your Spirit, anchor our hearts in your sovereign care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. — Isaiah 40:17 As he continues describing God in his majesty and superiority, Isaiah says that all the nations, in comparison, are “as nothing”—even “less than nothing.” This means there is no room for pride or any sense of self-accomplishment in the sight of God. When Isaiah wrote this passage, Babylon was the superpower in that part of the world. It conquered many nations and had dominion over them.Looking back, we see that the empires of the past fell. The great realm of Egypt lay covered with the dust of centuries. Assyria lost its far-reaching empire. Babylon, greater than Assyria, would soon fall into the hands of the Medo-Persians, and later Persia would fall to the Greeks. That is how it goes: nations rise and fall. Strong today, weak tomorrow. A nation may be rich and powerful for a time, but then it will crumble, fall, and eventually be forgotten— less than nothing.Only God is never removed from his throne. Only the glory of God never fades. Only the power of God is never confronted by a greater power. Proud nations drink the cup of failure, but the Lord God will never face defeat. Sovereign Lord, nations are as nothing before you, and yet you care for them and all people. Help us to trust in your unshakable rule. Root us in your eternal glory, unfailing power, and eternal reign that can never be challenged. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. — Isaiah 40:16 After discussing God’s incomparable supremacy, Isaiah emphasizes our human insufficiency to please the Lord. Lebanon is known in the Old Testament as a nation with great forests of beautiful trees producing the finest wood. The cedars and junipers of Lebanon were used in the construction of God’s temple and the king’s palace (1 Kings 5-7).But even Lebanon’s great trees were not worthy enough to burn on God’s altar. And Lebanon’s animals were not sufficient for a burnt offering to the Lord. The prophet Micah asked God’s people, similarly, “Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?” Quantity does not impress God. An abundance of offerings cannot buy the Lord’s favor. Human resources are too small and limited to please the sovereign Lord of the universe.Micah asks further, “With what shall I come before the LORD . . . ?”And, by the guidance of the Spirit, the prophet answers: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Lord, you are far greater than we can imagine, and you are beyond anything we can offer. Teach us to honor you by practicing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you each day. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. — Isaiah 40:15 Here the prophet Isaiah portrays God's superiority over all the nations of the earth. The world’s great economic and military powers are no match for God. Empires rise and fall, but God remains the Sovereign Lord over all. Armies develop weapons and conquer other powers, but then other, stronger armies rise—and fall. In the meantime God remains on the throne of the universe. In poetic language, Isaiah says that all these nations, with all their power, are to God “like a drop in a bucket” or like dust on a set of scales. And islands, with their charm and beauty, are only like fine dust that can blow away in a breeze.God is incomparable in his power. He is unique in his wisdom. He is indisputable in his governing. He is infinitely greater than everything he has created. Nothing compares to God. No one can equal him. In today’s world we have more than 200 nations. Even all of them together cannot compare with God. God is greater than the universe. He is infinitely greater than anything that exists.Despite his greatness, the Lord is the personal God who cares about each one of us. He knows your name. He loves you with an everlasting love and draws you to himself. He has never given up on loving you, and he wants you to have full life with him forever. Sovereign Lord, humble our hearts before you. Though you rule the universe, you know and love each one of us. Draw us close, and keep us in your never-ending care. Amen.

Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who . . . taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? — Isaiah 40:14 One of the pillars of Christian teaching is that God knows all things, understands all things, sees all things, and searches all things. Nothing is too complex for God to understand. There is no area of knowledge in which God needs instruction. God is the righteous judge and does not need someone to interpret the law to instruct him on how to judge. The wisest person doesn’t compare with God. We cannot add anything to God because he is perfect in himself.We cannot tell God anything that he does not already know. No one has had to teach God wisdom because he is the source of all wisdom. No one has needed to shed the light of understanding on him because he discerns all things with perfect clarity.God's wisdom is evident in the work of creation. He made everything with a definite purpose, for his glory and for our good.God’s wisdom can be seen in both the macrocosm and the microuniverse. We see God’s wisdom in the stars and in a drop of dew. We see his handiwork in the formation of the human body and in the complexity of a tender flower.God is the counselor par excellence. He is the just judge. He is wisdom itself personified. Hallelujah! All-wise God, deepen our awe of you. Teach our hearts to trust your judgments, rejoice in your creation, and rest in your knowledge that guides all things for your glory. In Jesus, Amen.

Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? — Isaiah 40:13 Continuing with the description of the incomparable majesty of God, Isaiah highlights the fact that the Spirit of the Lord cannot be fully understood. There is no wisdom or knowledge higher than the Lord’s. No one else has greater wisdom. God is all-powerful, so he is not dependent on another being. God holds all knowledge, so he knows everything, sees all things, and can search all things, even to the depths of our being.God is the guiding light itself, so he cannot be guided. God is the light of truth itself, so he needs no one to teach him. He knows all things, so there is not an unknown way for him to be guided by another. God is the way itself. God knows all that is revealed and all that is hidden. For him, the unknown is nonexistent. God is not surprised by anything. Nor is he helped by anyone.God is the one who helps us. God is the one who guides us. God is the one who carries us. God is the one who gives us life and breath and everything else, for in him we live and move and have our being.From the Lord our God comes every good gift. In him we have all that we need to live a full, abundant life (John 10:10). All-wise God, you need no teacher and depend on no one. Carry us in your strength, fill us with your truth, and supply every good gift we need for life. In Jesus, Amen.

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? — Isaiah 40:12 From this section of Isaiah 40 to its end, the prophet asks rhetorical questions that highlight God’s amazing power, ability, and majesty over all things. In relation to creation, knowledge, nations, and rulers, nothing and no one compares with God.For example, who is able to measure the waters of the earth in just the hollow of his hand? Think of all the oceans, lakes, rivers, and other waters on this earth. To the Lord these are smaller than the hollow in the palm of his hand!Similarly, the span of the Lord’s fingers can mark off the heavens. Scientists say that the universe is more than 93 billion light years in diameter. This means that if we flew at the speed of light, it would take us more than 93 billion years to go from one end of the universe to the other. And yet God can measure that mind-boggling distance with just the breadth of his hand.What’s more, God can weigh the earth’s mountains and hills on a scale and gather all of the earth’s dust in a basket. With these astonishing descriptions, the prophet Isaiah makes abundantly clear that our God is incomparably great. He is the creator of the universe and the sustainer of his work of creation. There is no one like him. He alone is God. And this God is our Lord and Savior! Majestic Lord, you measure the oceans, the heavens, the mountains, and more as if they are small things. Fill us with awe at your greatness. Sustain our faith, we pray, and remind us that you are our Savior. Amen.

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 The Lord is not only the almighty God of the universe; he is also the shepherd of his people. God tends his people like a flock, watching over them, caring for all their needs, gently leading them, and providing them with comfort and restoration.In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that he is the good shepherd (John 10:11), and his followers echo that in calling him the great shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20) and the chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). As our shepherd, Jesus laid down his life for his sheep, rose again to live for us, and will return to live with us forever.The prophet Isaiah, speaking of this good and great shepherd, offers three truths about the Lord’s shepherding care. The first is that this shepherd provides for his flock, feeding it, protecting it, and guiding it. The second truth is that this shepherd takes special care of his tender lambs, carrying them close. The third truth is that this shepherd gently and lovingly guides his sheep that need special care.With the Lord as our shepherd, we will lack nothing. With the Lord as our shepherd, we will have all we need for everyday life, security in death, and our Savior’s constant presence for eternity. Lord Jesus, our good and faithful shepherd, nourish and guide us in your constant care. Lift us up when we are weak, comfort us when we hurt, and lead us with your gentle strength. In your name we pray. Amen.

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him. . . . — Isaiah 40:10 Having introduced the Lord to his people, Isaiah describes the majestic revelation of God.First, he is the Sovereign LORD, the Lord Almighty. The Lord is neither a pagan deity nor a tribal idol; he is the one, true God, clothed with power and majesty. Since he is all-powerful, nothing is too difficult for the Lord.Second, the Lord has control over the universe, history, and nations, for his mighty arm rules over all things. Kingdoms rise and fall, but the Lord remains King over all. He is the one who gives life and takes it away. He is the one who exalts and brings low. He is the one who raises up presidents, prime ministers, and other rulers on the earth, and yet before him they are like nothing, no more than a drop in a bucket (Isaiah 40:15-17).Third, he is the God who rewards. The Lord saves by his grace and brings rewards by his goodness. Scripture says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). And “when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).The Lord our God is sovereign, almighty, in control, and faithful to his promises. Lord, you rule with all power and majesty over all nations and all time. Strengthen our faith. Help us to serve you with love, trusting that you see, remember, and reward us with the gift of full life with you. Amen.

You who bring good news . . . lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; [saying] . . . “Here is your God!” — Isaiah 40:9 The good news that must be announced with a shout is that the Lord has come to make himself known. Knowing and glorifying God is the reason for life itself. The prophet announces: “Here is your God!”Who is this God? This is the Lord who made covenant promises long ago with his people. This is the God who keeps promises, despite the failures and sins of his people for many generations. Though the people had to be disciplined, they remained the people of God. Similarly, the Lord does not give up on us, despite our unfaithfulness.This is the God of all grace. He is rich in forgiveness and abounding in mercy. He is the faithful God who keeps his word, for he has proclaimed restoration. He loves, and he disciplines. He disciplines, and he forgives. He forgives, and he restores. The prophet presents God to the people so that they may know him.The people who know God are strong and active. Our greatest need is to know God. He is eternal, unchanging, all-knowing, all-powerful, transcendent, and sovereign. He is holy and just, faithful and true, kind and merciful. God is our creator, provider, protector, redeemer, comforter, and reward. He is our joy, peace, righteousness, refuge, and strength. In him we have eternal security, full life, and a sure salvation. Lord, help us to know you. Be our strength and joy. Reveal your holiness, mercy, and power, and anchor our lives in your unchanging love and salvation. In Jesus, Amen.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” — Isaiah 40:8 The prophet Isaiah contrasts the briefness of human life with the eternity of the Word of God. We are born, grow, mature, and die, but the Word of God remains forever. We come and go from history, but the Word of God remains alive, sovereign, and victorious from generation to generation.Many have tried to discredit the Word of God, but its truths endure. Many unbelievers and skeptics have tried to stand against the credibility of Scripture, shouting with arrogance and claiming it is false, but the Word of God is the anvil that has broken their hammer every time. The Word of God has overcome all the fires of intolerance and remained victorious. It is inspired, inerrant, infallible, and sufficient. It does not need to be updated or redefined.Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word of God will not pass away (see Luke 21:33). It is the truth. It is the sword of the Spirit. It is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). It is more precious than much refined gold and sweeter than honey.The Word of God restores the soul, enlightens the eyes, gladdens the heart, and gives wisdom to the simple. It is living and active. It is powerful. God’s Word endures forever! Lord God, remind us that although our lives fade, your Word stands forever. Plant your eternal truth in our hearts. May your Word guide our steps, strengthen our faith, silence our doubts, and anchor us in your unchanging victory. Amen.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.” — Isaiah 40:7 Again we find the shortness of life compared to grass that sprouts in the morning, flourishes briefly, and is scorched by the sun in the heat of the day. Our life is brief, as fleeting as morning mist that disappears as the sun rises. Our life is as unstable as a cloud that dances with the wind in the heights. As Psalm 103:15-16 puts it, our life is like “a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”Even if we live long and reach a very old age, in the light of eternity our life is short and uncertain. We do not know the length of our days. We have no guarantee that we will be alive tomorrow. Our health does not guarantee us a long life. The strength of our muscles does not protect us from danger. Our intelligence does not shield us, and our academic achievements cannot hide us from death.The money we earn cannot lengthen our days or free us from death. We are vulnerable and powerless. We cannot stand on self-reliance. We are absolutely dependent on God. He must be our refuge. Only in him can we rest.Is God the refuge of your life? In what ways have you found peace in him? Father, remind us of the brevity of life, and free us from self-reliance. In our vulnerability, be our refuge. Help us to rest in your eternal strength, trust in your care, and find peace in your faithful presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.” — Isaiah 40:6 Our text today emphasizes two solemn truths that point to the same fact. There is no room for human vanity. Human pride is nothing but utter foolishness.Our bodies are as fragile as grass. We have physical weaknesses that cannot be disguised. Time carves wrinkles into our faces, and make-up cannot cover it. Our legs become weak, our knees wobble, our hands droop, our eyes blur, and every gray hair that sprouts on our heads is a reminder of the shortness of our lives.We also have emotional weaknesses. There are times when we despair of life itself. We cry, we moan, we sob, assailed by anguish. We have moral and spiritual weaknesses as well. We promise to walk in righteousness, and yet our feet often stray down winding paths. We are ambiguous and contradictory people. The good we want to do, we do not do; and the evil we hate, we practice.Besides being fragile like grass, all the glory we achieve has a fleeting beauty like that of the flowers of the field. The heat of the sun makes the delicate flower wither and dry. Our glory is fleeting, and our accomplishments pass away. Our achievements are lost in the dust of time. We are too small, too fragile, too young!But, thankfully, that doesn’t have to be our end. In the Lord we can trust that our destiny is safe with him. O God, remind us of our frailty and free us from pride. In our weakness, be our strength. In your glory, fill us with your life. Anchor our hearts in you alone. Amen.

“The glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.” — Isaiah 40:5 As we noted yesterday, spiritual reformation happens before spiritual revival. First, with God’s help and grace, his people seek to live in his way, and then the Lord visits them with revival. Without valleys filled in, mountains leveled, crooked paths made straight, and rough places made smooth, there is no revelation of God’s glory or salvation for all people. Sin must be confronted, confessed, and forsaken before revival can come.Preaching about revival without urging people to turn from their evil ways is the same as putting the cart before the horse. It reverses the order of things. Revival is the demonstration of the glory of the Lord. It is the revelation of the presence of God. Of course, God is present everywhere, but he reveals his presence in glorious power when people seek him in repentance and faith, with the help of the Lord himself. And when God reveals himself and manifests his glory, hearts melt, knees bow, and lips confess to the Lord.How we need a visitation from God! We may enjoy prosperity and wealth, but is God still present among us? In many churches there are signs that God’s glory has departed. We need to seek God’s help in aligning our lives with his way. May we desire the unmistakable presence of God more than the air we breathe! Lord, cleanse our hearts and straighten our paths. Confront and remove every sin that gets in the way of your glory. Visit us with true revival, melt our hearts, and fill us with your life, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” — Isaiah 40:4 This passage in Isaiah describes the content of John the Baptist’s preaching, as shown in Luke 3:1-5. It is not about the topography of the land; it is not about road construction, as found in the Roman Empire. The prophet is speaking of the profound changes that need to take place in our lives for revival to come. “Every valley” refers to the dark places in our lives, the secret archives of the heart. Those valleys of darkness and sin need to be filled in and brought up to the light.The mountains refer to pride, haughtiness of spirit, and arrogance. The arrogance of the human heart needs to be broken down by the plow of God’s Word. The crooked paths speak of double-lives, of people who are hypocrites. When people are two-faced, they are not who they claim to be. The winding paths of their twisted lives need to be straightened out.The rough paths refer to things that are out of place in our lives. These paths need to be realigned with the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. When spiritual reformation takes place in our lives, revival will come, as we will see in Isaiah’s words that follow.Spiritual reformation happens before spiritual revival. We need to repent and seek God’s help in aligning our lives with his way. Then powerful revival will come. Lord, search our hearts and reshape us. Fill our hidden valleys, humble our pride, straighten our crooked ways, and realign all that is rough. May your transforming glory be revealed in us. Amen.

“In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” — Isaiah 40:3 The prophet Isaiah looks ahead, pointing to a prophet who would prepare the way for the coming Messiah. John the Baptist was that prophet, and the Messiah was Jesus Christ.John presented the Messiah, Jesus, as the true light that comes into the world and enlightens every person. John also said of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). John came baptizing with water, and he presented Jesus as someone greater than himself, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John did not feel worthy even to untie the straps of Jesus’ sandals. John lived by this principle: “[Jesus] must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).The church cannot produce revival; however, it is up to the church to prepare the way for the Lord so that he may transform lives. Revival is the work of God, and preparing for it is our responsibility. Revival is a supernatural work of God, and we need to make a way straight in the wilderness for our God. Our lives must be the unobstructed road by which the Lord reveals himself to the world.In what ways have you been a path through which the Lord has revealed himself? Prepare the way of the Lord! Lord Jesus, make us a people who prepare your way with humility and faith. Help us to become less so that you may become greater among us. Clear our hearts of every obstacle so that your light may shine through our lives. Amen.

Proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for. . . . — Isaiah 40:2 God’s people had ignored his law and had closed their ears to the words of his prophets. As a consequence, the people were taken into captivity and exile. Because they would not listen to the voice of grace, they heard the crack of the whip of discipline.But the same God who disciplines his people restores them by his mercy. God called Isaiah to speak tenderly and with assurance to his exiled people, proclaiming that their time of captivity was over and that their sins were forgiven. What a comforting message!Because God loves his people, he disciplines them. And along with disciplining his people, God also forgives them. God forgives his people, and he also restores them.There is no remedy for guilt except in God's forgiveness. No medicine can calm a heart tormented by guilt. No therapy can stifle the desperate cries of a conscience plagued with remorse for wrongdoing. Only God’s forgiveness can lift the heavy burden that crushes us.Have you been forgiven by God? Do you enjoy the peace that “transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7)?Now is the time of grace. If your heart weighs heavy with sin, now is the opportune time to turn to God in repentance and seek his forgiveness. Lord God, speak to our hearts with your restoring mercy. Lift the weight of our guilt, forgive us, and lead us from discipline to renewal, bringing the peace that only you can give. In Jesus, Amen.

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. — Isaiah 40:1 The book of Isaiah is sometimes called “the gospel of the Old Testament” because it announces the good news (gospel) of the coming of God’s servant, the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. In chapters 1-39, Isaiah writes about history. And in the rest of the book he delivers a message of comfort, restoration, and hope.Comfort has its source in God. Only the Lord can bring peace to the human soul. Only God can forgive sins, and only in God do we find redemption.True comfort does not come from earthly things. It does not come from people. Comfort comes from God.We cannot find full comfort in various therapies or in self-help psychology. True comfort cannot be found on a couch or in a gym. We do not find our greatest comfort by enjoying the most splendid vacations or the most appetizing pleasures. Comfort cannot be acquired with money or inherited from parents. Real comfort is the work of God. God is both the source and the giver of this gift.Isaiah the prophet is ordered to comfort the people of God. But how? Not with flattering words or deceptive praise. True comfort can only be experienced when we turn to God, the inexhaustible source of grace. God alone can cancel our debt and forgive our sins. True comfort can only be found in God. God of all comfort, only you can fill our deepest needs. Throughout this month, help us to find our only comfort in you by hearing from and living into your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“You have heard that it was said. . . . But I tell you. . . .” — Matthew 5:21-22 In this passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, our Lord cites several references from the Old Testament Law, such as “Do not murder,” “Do not commit adultery,” and so on. Then he adds his own divine wisdom on the deeper meanings of those laws, insisting that even our thoughts and motives are subject to the Law’s commands. So if we think about killing someone, or committing adultery, or any other sin, we have actually committed that sin. Ouch!Jesus’ main message here is about life in the kingdom of God. He shows us that kingdom living goes beyond simply following God’s law. In the kingdom of God, even our thoughts must be pure, good, and truthful.Now, if we are saved in Christ, our sinful thoughts certainly won’t change that. Similarly in some ways, we can say that people do not go to prison for thinking of murder. So does it really matter if we revel in sinful thinking?It does matter. We are saved so that we will become more fitting, effective agents in God’s kingdom. When our thoughts align with Christ’s, we gain power and understanding into the ways of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, more and more of our mind can become like the mind of Christ. And if our mind is like Christ’s, we will share in his compassion, confidence, hope, and power.Let the mind of Christ grow effectively in you. Lord Jesus, make us effective servants in your kingdom. May even our thoughts and desires be worthy of you. Amen.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ. . . . — 2 Corinthians 4:4 In this passage Paul speaks of people’s minds being blinded by “the god of this age.” This is a reference to Satan, the devil, who is still very active in our world today.Has the god of this age, the devil, blinded you? I think an honest answer would be that although we can see the gift of the gospel, we can certainly be blinded by the devil’s distractions and attractions today.For example, how about constant and malicious online stories about political opponents?How about porn? Looking at it may make you feel virile and powerful—for a short time. But it is not reality, and it is not God’s will for our sexuality.How about scrolling through your favorite social media hour after hour? Too often we see only one side of the story in increasingly demeaning ways.How about false religion like the prosperity gospel, claiming God will make you wealthy if you just follow its teaching?How about “action movies,” in which people are killed or tortured in gruesome ways for entertainment?The god of this age is present in so many ways today, making all of these things seem normal and desirable. Most of these influences, and more, are also just updated versions of what people faced in Paul’s day.Give your mind a break. Let the true gospel enlighten you. Dear God, so many influences today are used by the devil to lead us astray. Help us to reject the evil they present as if it were normal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.