Renew your Strength

Isaiah 40:27-31

1. The Weary Question the Lord (v27)

a) Because of what happened in the Babylonian captivity, Israel questioned God’s dealing with her (forgetting that like Jacob, she brought it upon herself). She claimed her way was hidden or escaped God’s notice & she was not justice from God.

b) Our concept of justice zooms into our experience over a brief period. We ignore our injustice (59:8-11), forget that God love justice (61:8), no one can teach God justice (v14) and He longs to be gracious to His people (30:18).

2. The Lord does not grow weary (v28)

a) The Lord raises His questions (v21). As the “Everlasting God” without beginning or end, He alone is qualified to carry out justice. He is the eternal, self-existent One who establishes covenant relationships with people to which He is faithful. “Creator/ends/earth”- v26 describes His power/control with stars (pagans saw them controlling the affairs of people), He created everything & so knows everything & is able to create new things for people.

b) He does not become weary (4X) & need nourishment (44:12), or tired from over-exerting Himself (3X). His understanding is inscrutable/beyond our ability to search out (55:8-9, Rom 11:33). Keep this in mind when your limitations lead to you questioning His ways with you.

3. He can strengthen the weary (v29-31)

a) Not only does He never grow weary, but He is willing to strengthen the weary who wait on Him. This does not diminish His power or tire Him.

b) Young strong individuals are the epitome of tireless strength, yet they grow weary/tired & can stagger & stumble from exhaustion.

c) “Yet” contrast “wait/Lord” TWOT “to wait or look for with eager expectation…waiting with steadfast endurance…enduring patiently in confident hope that God will decisively act for the salvation of His people.” Judah had to wait for & through the exile for His goodness & deliverance. Our exile is ultimately from sin. While we are waiting for Him to complete our salvation, He renews our strength to serve Him & follow His paths. We gain (change/exchange like clothing) new strength, which we do not have. When weary & questioning, stop to pray & mediation on this truth. Renew your sense of waiting expectantly for the Lord to act & receive the gaining of new strength.

d) You will fly like an eagle, who can hover with easy & swiftness over obstacles on earth; you will run when there is a hurry to get something accomplished & not give out over exhaustion; & you will walk through various terrains (across a wilderness for Israel) of life without becoming weary/faint.