Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 6: Isaiah 40:31
Tom, you’re telling me Bible verses are ranked? Apparently, some couch potato with a lot of time has surveyed Christians, and thus, a list has appeared. So, let’s take a peek at Isaiah 40:31. Maybe it’s on your top-ten list.
I’m going to jump back to Verse 28 for context. You may even want to read from Verse 9. In Verse 28, two questions are presented: “Have you not known?” and “Have you not heard?” Known what, and heard what?
God is the “everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary.” This message prevails throughout the Word. We don’t serve a small god, and, for me, knowing God is eternal, means He is always present for needs. How can we not worship Him?
When you find yourself powerless, seemingly unable to wrap your arms around your situation, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (V. 29, ESV).
Let’s take a moment and reflect back on those two verses. They truly illustrate the magnitude of the awesome God, the Sovereign of the universe, dispensing grace and love for all who profess the name of Jesus. Soaring above all this, however, is the simple concept that “God is the Gospel!” (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Isaiah, Andrew M. Davis).
We all have those days when we wake up feeling our energy has been zapped from us. This is why we need to focus on Verse 31. Waiting isn’t something I want to necessarily do when I’m struggling. This, in essence, is a command: “[B]ut they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.” As with all of God’s promises, there are rewards. Look at what you’ll be capable of doing: flying on eagles wings, running and not being weary, walking and not fainting. I’d say those are powerful and amazing words of encouragement. Again, from the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: “The greater God appears to us, the smaller our afflictions will seem.” Jesus stated in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all who labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The same God, in Isaiah, extends the same invitation.
In America, the bald eagle I believe represents freedom. It’s a majestic bird and deserves the protection given to it. No wonder, in Isaiah, “it appears to capture the effortless power of the eagle in flight in contrast to futile human efforts” (The Moody Bible Commentary).
“Oh soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free” (“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” Helen H. Lemmel).
Who are you waiting for? When was the last time you experienced the true freedom we have through the blood of Christ, and flown, run, walked, and not fainted?
Tom Dye