|
After fighting, it is time to make up. Isaiah is instructed to give words of comfort and hope to Israel. The “comfort” Isaiah speaks of has a meaning of “safety.” They can rest easy knowing that God will be their fortress. God will bring Israel home. God will bring them home, but Israel must prepare. They must prepare by smoothing out the way, bringing the high places down, and raising the low. God has been patient so that all might prepare. God’s patience is our salvation. We too must prepare by identifying our mountains and valleys, obstacles to God. What is standing in our way? Our mountains of ego? Our valley of shame? How are we a mountain blocking another to the Lord? How have we created a valley of unforgiveness that others are scared to cross? The Good Shepherd is giving us time. How will we prepare?
2011 Advent Series: The Make-Up Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-9, 14-15
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” – Isaiah 40:3-4
“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
|