This Prophecy is for You          

Read: Isaiah 40:1-5 NLT – Comfort for God’s People – Bible Gateway

“Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” Isaiah 40:4 NLT

“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” John 6:44 NLT

Isaiah brings a prophecy of comfort to the nation Israel after just prophesying of the judgment to come upon them for their sin against God. They will be carried off by the Babylonians into exile for seventy years. The Lord God tells Isaiah to “Comfort, comfort my people, Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned.” (Is.40:1-2 nlt)

The road back to the Promised Land was cleared by the Lord after their forgiveness. They will be able to return home and re-establish worship with God. “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Is.40:3 nlt) This prophecy also references the coming of the Messiah for the Jewish people. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, quoted these verses announcing His arrival. John’s words were not only for the Jewish people but for all mankind. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world has come.

How does this prophecy relate to each of us in our current day? The road to salvation for us is made straight and smooth as it was for the nation of Israel on their return to the Promised Land. The geographical features of the valleys, mountains and hills, along with the curves and rough places symbolizes the carnal mind and heart of the sinner. The road must be leveled for us to reach the promised land of salvation in Christ. The Lord has done this through Holy Spirit for all who accept God’s calling unto salvation. We cannot clear the way on our own. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us unto salvation.

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5-6 nlt)