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God Blesses Those Who Wait Upon Him
(Isaiah 40:18-31)

​Introduction:

         1. The primary message taught in these verses is that "God blesses those who wait
             upon Him" -- this is especially emphasized in vs.31.
         2. It is fitting for us to study these verses as we observe our 5th anniversary.
         3. Let us begin our study by examining . . .

Discussion:

I.           THE  SITUATION  THAT  EXISTED  WHEN  ISAIAH  WROTE  THESE  WORDS


         A. (1:1-2) The people of Judah had rebelled against God.
         B. (39:5-7) Isaiah informed King Hezekiah that his treasures and his descendants would
             be taken to Babylon.
         C. (44:28) Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus would eventually give the command for Jerusalem
             and the temple to be rebuilt.
         D. According to Jeremiah 29:10, the captivity in Babylon would last 70 years.
         E. As the Jews waited in captivity, they would have to avoid 2 practices.
             1. They would have to avoid developing an improper concept of God.
             2. They would have to avoid thinking that God did not care for them.

II.          (vs.18-24) WHILE  WAITING  IN  CAPTIVITY,  THE  JEWS  WOULD  HAVE  TO  AVOID 
             DEVELOPING  AN  IMPROPER  CONCEPT  OF  GOD


         A. (vs.18-20) Some people have the idea that God can be compared to images made of
              various materials.
             1. Some images are made of silver and gold, and others are made of wood.
             2. Can God be compared to any image made by man?
         B. (vs.21-24) Isaiah pointed out the folly of comparing God to graven images.
             1. Of all people the Jews had known, they had heard, they had been told, and they
                 understood certain things about God.
                 a. He sits upon "the circle of the earth" -- He reigns in heaven.
                 b. The inhabitants of the earth are as grasshoppers before God.
                 c. God stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in.
                 d. God rules over the princes and judges of the earth.
             2. Remember: The Jews would be in Babylon while they waited upon God.
                 a. The Babylonians worshipped idols and images.
                 b. The Jews would have to guard against this influence.

III.         (vs.25-31) WHILE  WAITING  IN  CAPTIVITY,  THE  JEWS  WOULD  HAVE  TO  AVOID 
             THINKING  THAT  HE  DID  NOT  CARE  FOR  THEM


         A. (vs.25-26) The Jews could be reminded of God's power by observing the objects in the
             heavens He created.
             1. However, if they were not careful they might think that God was so distant that He did not
                 care for them.
             2. See vs.27.
         B. (vs.28-31) Isaiah pointed out the folly of thinking that God did not care for His people.
             1. God does not faint or become weary (Psalm 121:4 - "Behold, He that keepeth Israel
                 shall neither slumber nor sleep").

             2. There is no searching of God's understanding.
                 a. (Psalm 147:5) God's "understanding is infinite."
                 b. He knows the needs of His people, and He cares.
             3. (vs.29) God gives power to the faint, and He increases strength to the weak.
                 a. (vs.30) Eventually, even the young will faint, grow weary, and fall; however, . . .
                 b. See vs.31.
         C. God cannot be compared to any image because He reigns in heaven over everything.
         D. Even though God reigns in heaven, He cares for and wants to bless His people.

IV.         SOMETIMES  WE  FIND  OURSELVES  IN  SITUATIONS  THAT  REQUIRE  US  TO  WAIT

         A. It is up to us whether we will "wait upon God."
         B. When we find ourselves in situations that require us to wait,:
             1. we must not lose sight of God's true identity -- He is Lord of heaven and earth, and He
                 is in control
             2. we must not think that God does not care for us (1 Peter 5:7).
         C. Additional instructions from the Psalms to follow when we are in situations that require us
              to wait:
             1. We must allow God to lead us in His truth and teach us (Psalm 25:5).
             2. We must be of good courage (Psalm 27:14).
             3. We must wait patiently (Psalm 37:7a).
             4. We must hope in God's Word (Psalm 130:5).

Conclusion:

         1. Sooner or later we will find ourselves in situations that will require waiting.
         2. We have to decide whether we will "wait upon God."
         3. If we will follow these instructions we will remain faithful to God, and He will bless us
             in return -- He will renew our strength, we will mount up with wings as eagles, we shall run
             and not be weary, and we shall walk and not faint.
Webmaster Gary L. Wade
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