READ: Isaiah 40 (Focus vs. 6-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“The word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8
BACKGROUND
The deadliest forest fire disaster in US history was the Peshtigo Fire in Northeast Wisconsin. It occurred on the same night as the better-known Chicago Fire (October 8, 1871) but claimed several hundred more lives.
Peshtigo, a fast-growing city of wooden buildings and part of the lumber industry, was consumed within an hour by the inferno fanned by gusting winds.
Besides scorched china and a brick kiln, among the few items the fire left behind was a small, open Bible. Flames had singed its cover and extreme heat had petrified its pages, yet it remained intact. It can be viewed in a museum in the city today.
The little Bible’s preservation calls to mind an assurance God gave His people in another trying time: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Though “firestorms” of invasion and exile threatened, God affirmed that He would be faithful to His promises and would never forsake those who turned to Him—come what may.
The Bible in Peshtigo, still partially legible, was opened to Psalms 106 and 107. Both psalms contain these words in their first verses: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Even in the greatest trials of our lives, His words and love never falter. And we will thank Him forever because of it.
James Banks
INSIGHT
The exile—God’s people being taken from their country first by Assyria and then Babylon—came as a result of His judgment for His people’s failures.
However, the tremendous suffering it caused raised serious questions about God’s faithfulness. Had He forsaken His people? Or was God not able to do anything about what had happened to them?
In Isaiah 40, God offers a resounding no to both of those questions. He hadn’t abandoned His people. His promise to be faithful to them could be trusted, for “the word of our God endures forever” (v. 8).
They’d return from exile, and God’s presence and glory would be with them (vv. 3-5), and He would care for them (vv. 10-11). His voice and power would bring restoration, and no other power would be able to resist Him (vv. 10, 15-17).
The reality that God’s promises and love never change provides encouragement for us as we face trials in this world.
Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What’s your favorite promise from God? What can you do to keep His promises in mind today?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Even in the greatest trials of our lives, His words and love never falter.”
PR’s TAKE
“The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.” Lamentations 3:19-25nlt
PRAYER
“Loving God, I praise You for Your faithfulness! Please help me to trust in You even in difficult seasons.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS”
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hast provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Great is Thy faithfulness…
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hast provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
