Bible Study recap, Isaiah 40: 1-11

The reactions are mixed: hope, optimism, renewal; tempered with a sense of powerlessness and futility. Yes, God's forgiveness and comfort is ready and available for the people, but our lives and efforts are temporary - like withering and fading grass and flowers.

We marvelled at how lucky we are to be living in a nation such as Canada where governments can be overthrown without a shot fired or punch thrown. We got to thinking about reincarnation whether or not the lessons of past lives do affect our living. Yet the scripture is future-oriented, prophesying about the coming of God's glory and might, instructing us as to what we are to do.

Our role is to clear a path for God, levelling out obstacles so that all may find their way to God's eternal and holy presence unimpeded. While we interpret this clearly as John the Baptist's ministry, it is still a call for our present action.

Cry out! is the recurring theme. It doesn't matter what we cry, each of has a truth within that needs to be shared with those around. In our world, we like to keep things private, especially matters of faith and belief, perhaps not wanting to impose upon others. Instead, we are to be heralds of good tidings!

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Like this particular passage, we know that the ending is gentle, as a shepherd leading sheep, being carried close to the heart of God. Let this be the comfort we carry with us.