December 13: THE WORK OF THE LORD

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3 (ESV)

In Isaiah 40, the stage is magnificently set for the “New Testament” message that culminates in chapter 66. Much emphasis is made upon the theme of comforting. For those who begin to comprehend the greatness of God, the recognition of their own sin brings deep and profound sorrow. Like a classical music composition, the writings of Isaiah are filled with dramatic shifts. The interwoven beauty of the various themes fit together in the perfect cohesion of a majestic masterpiece. The more we learn of the greatness of God and of His righteous judgements, the more we will see how His provision for forgiveness empowers the will of His creatures to come into alignment with His righteous commandments.

The theme of preparation for the coming of the Lord is metaphorically compared to clearing a roadway of obstacles and making level the dips and bumps that do not belong: “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” (v.4). All of this preparation is leading to the revelation of the Lord in His unveiled glory. There is a requisite purity that is essential for His people before meeting Him face to face. The most important thing to understand about purification is that it is the work of the Lord Himself. He invites each of us to come to Him for washing (see Isaiah 4:4, Luke 3:3; John 13:8; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Alongside of the fact that we are invited to come to Him for washing, we must allow Him to do His work. The work of cleansing includes the discipline and correction that He is so anxious to bestow upon you and me. All of these things are gifts from the divine Giver. Even if parts of it are not pleasant at the time (see Hebrews 12:11), the Lord gives us His word, not because He hates us but because He loves us. Beloved, take comfort in the corrective measures of His rod of discipline. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

Isaiah speaks of disobedient ones who reject the correction of the Lord, and their response on the day that He returns: The LORD alone will be exalted in that day… They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty… Sever yourselves from such a man, Whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he? (Isaiah 2:17b, 19, 22 – compare to Revelation 6:15-16)

Beloved, it is the work of the Lord to prepare you to meet Him. Let Him do His work in you!

“And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5