Weekly Meditation – Advent – Isaiah 40:1-11

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December 4, 2022

God’s word provides clear instruction to His children. As we meditate on His Word, we find exactly what we need to continue our journey through this life.

This week, our passage for meditation is Isaiah 40:1-11.

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Isaiah 40:1‭-‬11 NLT

PAUSE

Approaching the word of God for meditation requires us to pause (the creation of space).

  • Create an environment to reduce interruption of thought.
  • Grab some resources, like different bible versions or commentaries.
  • Quiet your thoughts in order to receive God’s wisdom and instruction.

How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked

or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!

Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,

and he meditates on it day and night.

He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

PRAY

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of God-inspired scripture. It is through Your word that I am able to gain heavenly instruction. God, use this meditation time to impart Your wisdom into my spirit. Teach me more about who You are, Lord. Show me how to become a better image bearer and shine Your light into this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*This is a prayer starter. Feel free to modify as the Spirit leads you.

PONDER

  • Review the passage.
    • Explore the context.
      • Who was the author? Who was the original audience?
      • When was it written? Are there any historical events taking place?
      • What is the overall message of this book of the Bible?
    • Explore the language.
      • Review different translations.
      • Are there any themes in the language?
      • Review cross-references from different areas of the Bible.
    • Explore further.
      • Review trusted commentaries.
      • Where does this story fit into the bigger story of redemption?
      • What principles are found in the passage?
  • Listen for God’s wisdom.
  • Examine your takeaways.
  • Look for ways to apply what you have learned.

PRAY(SE)

As your meditation time begins to wrap up, honor God through prayer and praise for new insights and wisdom from His Heavenly Kingdom.

S. Enoch

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