Thursday—The Lord Returns
Read: Isaiah 40:1–11
SOAP: Isaiah 40:10–11
Look, the Sovereign Lᴏʀᴅ comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him. Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along.
Into the Text
This week we’ve spent time reflecting on the brokenness of the world. Doing so has opened our eyes to see our need for God. It has helped us remember His faithfulness in the past and wait expectantly for what He will do in the future. Isaiah 40 tells us what our Lord’s return will be like.
He comes as a victorious warrior, showing His power and establishing His kingdom. He comes with great anticipation, with His people proclaiming His coming. His return is a comfort to His people, ushering in peace and justice under His reign. He fights for His people, destroying the wicked and rewarding those who are righteous.
Our great God, our all-powerful King, will return. When He does He will make His power and majesty known to the world. He will bring judgment to the world of sin, and He will also comfort His people and restore them to Himself after they have repented. Isaiah reminds us that we are like the flowers and the grass that dry up and wither, but His Word is forever reliable. What He promises is unchanging, just like Himself.
He is not only a mighty warrior, but He is also a good shepherd. Like a shepherd knows his sheep, our God knows us intimately. He sees our pain, knows our struggles, and keeps us from harm. He carries us in His arms. He cares intimately for each one of His people. He knows His flock, cares for His lambs, and carries them along.
Advent is a time to slow down, to say “no” to what the world says this season should be. Advent is a time to remember our coming King, our Good Shepherd, our Savior, and our Redeemer. May we proclaim His coming with our words and our lives this season.