INTRODUCTION:This is one of the more famous chapters in the Bible. The words have been set to music by Handel in the "Messiah." Also, by Brahms in his "German Requiem." These are words of comfort for God's people. God's people need comforting! (Consider our recent prayers for Persecuted Believers, and now the Prayer Group murders in Paducah. Not only these extremes, but simple day to day living involves its own share of trouble and suffering.) What does God say to comfort His people?

I. Your sins have been paid for (Is. 40:2).
A. Our generation is fond of speaking of other reasons to be a Christian.
Self-esteem. Living a good life. Power of positive thinking. Healing your
marriage. Etc.
B. These are only by-products. The heart of Christianity has to do with
repentance from sin, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life in Heaven.
We need to re-emphasize the basics, the church has become so watered down.
If this statement doesn't bring comfort to your soul, then you need to
re-examine what it means to you to be a Christian.

II. God won't chastise you more than you need (Is. 40:2b).
A. This is a prophetic statement about the future. Israel was being chastised
by God as Isaiah wrote, and is still being chastised by God today.
B. When God's children sin, He chastises them (Hebrews 12:5-7).
C. Every spanking comes to an end, and God will not chastise us more than we need.
There is coming a day when we will be mature in Christ, and no more chastisment
will be necessary. God will wipe away every tear, and heal every grief.
He is our great Shepherd (Is. 40:11).

III. God wants you to work for Him (Is. 40:3).
A. John the Baptist was the voice to prepare for Jesus' first appearance.
(Matt. 3:1-6).
B. Jesus is coming again, and our job is to be a voice in the wilderness today, calling
people to repentance, preparting for Christ's return. (Isaiah 40:10).
Many Christians really don't want to obey God's command about this,
but make no mistake: this is God's job for us to do (Matt. 28:18-20).
C. But you are not John the Baptist, nor Billy Graham, nor a missionary to Peru.
How can YOU do the Great Commission? Just talk with your neighbors, your
friends, your relatives, people at work, etc. Invite visitors to church
and fellowship meetings. If you are willing to be used by God, God will use you.
D. It is a comfort to know that God wants us to work for Him! (Ask most retirees!)

CONCLUSION: Be comforted by these three Bible facts:
1. Your sins have been paid for.
2. God won't chastise you more than you need it.
3. God wants you to work for Him.

*Prayer *Hymn # 274 "Break Thou the Bread of Life"
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