When we hear the word ‘prophecy’ it is both sad and true that most people immediately think about bad news. It is the current assumption that prophets bring predictions of doom and use the term “gnashing of teeth” an inordinate amount of times (which is never a good thing). This opinion, however, is most likely due to our current negative state of mind, and should not be seen as the posture of the prophets of the Bible.
Biblical prophets were actually an extraordinarily positive group of people. While they certainly proclaimed their share of bad news (both to contemporary and future audiences) they did so with the bold assurance that God was in control, and that God was good. They also knew that God’s people, even when judged, were both loved and cared for. In other words, the prophets knew that good times were coming even when bad times were ahead.
One of the most positive and inspirational passages of scripture is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah. Isaiah is telling the people of God to remember who they serve and writes that even in the most difficult times, God still remembers them.
Extracted from the same chapter that traditionally begins our season of Advent (the famous “a voice of one calling: ‘in the desert prepare the way of the Lord’” passage), Isaiah 40 reminds us that God is not done with us yet. Even when things look grim, God still predicts a victory for His chosen people.
Come and join us in worship this Sunday at 10:30 and hear the promises of God for us today: God still gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
“Relentless Faith”
Isaiah 40: 21-31
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