Read Isaiah 40:1-11

Tuesday

Read Isaiah 40:1-11

“Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them!
2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem.
Tell them they have suffered long enough
    and their sins are now forgiven.[a]
I have punished them in full for all their sins.”

3 A voice cries out,
“Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord!
    Clear the way in the desert for our God!
4 Fill every valley;
    level every mountain.
The hills will become a plain,
    and the rough country will be made smooth.
5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it.
The Lord himself has promised this.”

6 A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message!”
“What message shall I proclaim?” I ask.
“Proclaim that all human beings are like grass;
    they last no longer than wild flowers.
7 Grass withers and flowers fade
    when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them.
    People are no more enduring than grass.
8 Yes, grass withers and flowers fade,
    but the word of our God endures forever.”

9 Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain
    and proclaim the good news!
Call out with a loud voice, Zion;
    announce the good news![b]
Speak out and do not be afraid.
Tell the towns of Judah
    that their God is coming!

10 The Sovereign Lord is coming to rule with power,
    bringing with him the people he has rescued.[c]
11 He will take care of his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs together
    and carry them in his arms;
    he will gently lead their mothers.

Think

As we anticipate the birth of Christ we read what John quoted about him - from the Isaiah scroll.  
The meaning of Jesus is God reaching out to the lost - God lovingly shepherding his people (vs 10).

Pray

Sometimes the pathway to your throne seems full of hills, valleys and obstacles.  But Isaiah speaks of a highway - valleys lifted, hills excavated, the rough made smooth.
Let me walk that highway - assisted by your grace - as I grow closer to you. My God and King.