I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.  I am going to be on vacation today through August 10th.  I have prepared my daily Bible Studies for each day throughout that time in advance since I will have limited access to the Internet during this time.  The timing on when I publish these blogs may be erratic during this time.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Isaiah 39-42.

John the Baptist applied Isaiah 40 to himself, which helps me see the prophet’s meaning.  When I read this passage I have a tendency to imagine God clearing a path in front of Himself, leveling hills and filling in valleys with the rubble, creating a smooth, straight path,  kind of like you might see in a Science Fiction movie.  But comparing what this passage actually says with John the Baptist’s ministry gives me another picture.  I picture each one of us clearing out the obstacles and distractions which separate us from God.  John the Baptist called for people to clean up their lives and open themselves to God.  I believe that is the image the prophet was going for here as well.  The prophet even tells us why we should clear the way for God to come to us.  God coming to us will bring us great joy.  We may not know it, but we want what God is bringing us.  

Isaiah goes on to describe God’s great and wonderful power.   No one and nothing can compare to God.  The sun, moon, and stars cannot compare because God made each and everyone of them.  What idol made by man could possibly compare?  God has spoken of what happened in the past and what will happen in the future.  God has performed wonders time and again.  Good luck finding an idol which can compare.