20 April 2020 -Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
Scripture
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”
Reflection
Isaiah 40:8 forms part of the pericope that begins with verse 6 and ends with verse 8. In verse 6 we read about a voice, most likely God’s, which is in contrast to the voice in verse 3, which is most likely Isaiah. For the author to employ such a disparity between Isaiah’s voice and God’s voice, sets the stage for the coming contrast between mankind’s fallibility and God’s dependability. The author is likening human beings to grass and their beauty to that of flowers. However, like grass and flowers that spring to life during Spring, they fade and die at some point. However, in contrast, God never fails or fades because His Word stands forever.
This message was very fitting for the Israelites at that time, as the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire and the Southern Kingdom of Judah almost followed suit, and it is during this uncertain and anxious time for Judah, that Isaiah delivered this message. Similarly, these verses are also very fitting for us in these times where things are so uncertain, and we don’t know what the future holds. But one thing we do know, circumstances and even our futures might fade or fail, but God’s Words endures forever. He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. He is the ‘Great I AM’.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to be present with you in this moment. And then, wait. Allow God’s peace to draw near.