Finding Comfort in God's Multi-Faceted Glory
Isaiah 40:10-11
[10] Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. [11] He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
I was reading through this passage during my devotions recently and these 2 verses stood out to me in a special way as I enjoyed the diverse view of God they presented. Isaiah is writing to Israel as they find themselves in a very weak position as they live in exile. As their hope is flounders Isaiah seeks to inspire comfort for the exiled Israelites by describing how God will come to them through 3 pictures… The God of all might, the God of all grace, and the God of all tenderness. As God’s children we can take comfort in the reality that God comes to us in the same manner, as He is unchanging (Mal 3:6)!
The God of All Might
The first way that Isaiah reveals God is that Yahweh is the God who comes with all might. Our hearts should find rest in that God comes in all power (Psa 147:5). He is able to do anything He wills (Dan 4:35). There is nothing too difficult for Him (Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17). There is nothing that can thwart His plan (Isa 14:27). The promises that He has so graciously made will be fulfilled because who can stay His hand (Dan 4:35)? And if He is for us then who can stand against us (Rom 8:31)? Rejoice, Christian! The God we serve can’t be stopped!
The God of All Grace
Not only is Yahweh the God of all might, He is infinitely gracious. Verse 10 says that His reward is with Him. When He comes to His children He comes imparting grace (2 Cor 8:9). He blesses in ways that we could never earn or merit (Psa 145:8). He doesn’t give stingily, but generously (Matt 20:1-16). He doesn’t give us what we deserve, but gives us what Christ deserves instead (2 Cor 5:21). Rejoice, Christian! The God that we serve has come to rescue us from His just wrath on sin!
The God of All Tenderness
When we think of the God of all might, we could have envisioned a strong warrior from an action movie that we have seen who is all muscle and wouldn’t recognize an emotion if it came up and slapped him in the face. This is not Yahweh however. While God knows no weakness He is tender with us, like a shepherd with his flock (Psa 23). He cares for us and picks us up in our weakness as the shepherd gives tender care to the young ewe (Isa 40:11). He has a heart for us! He hears our prayers. He sees us when we are suffering (Ex 2:23-25). He cares and cares deeply. He gives us grace to support us in our times of need (Heb 4:16). He calls to us as an encouraging father, not a hard-nosed drill sergeant. Rejoice, Christian! The God that we serve is gentle towards us!
Be Encouraged Child of God
What is so amazing about the God that we serve is that He is all of these things at once and so much more. All of this should culminate to encourage your hearts. These realities are what the Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to share with exiled Israel to inspire hope, comfort, and encouragement in their hearts in the midst of darkness. They should offer no less to us.
So when we find ourselves in over our heads and overwhelmed with life, let us remember that we serve the God of All Might. There is nothing to great for Him! When we find ourselves defeated by sin and dejected by our own sinfulness, let us remember that we serve the God of All Grace who forgives even the most unworthy. When we see the difficult terrain ahead of us as we seek to grow to become more like Jesus, let us remember that we serve the God of All Tenderness who will handle us gently in our moments of painful growth. Our Heavenly Father meets every need we have with His surpassing excellencies! God’s glory is multi-faceted. He is everything we need at once! He is enough!
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