Verses 1-8
-
Verses 1-5. Here God announces a coming time of comfort—the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This time came about 500 years after this prophecy was first penned.
-
The arrival of Christ began with the ministry of John the Baptist—a messenger of God—(Malachi 3:1), who primarily preached about repentance and anticipating Christ's imminent arrrival (Matthew 3:1-6). John's message made a straight or clear path for Christ to arrive and bring His own message because John's preaching convicted people of their sins and made them look for a Savior. So, when Jesus arrived, the repentant people were looking for Him and ready to receive Him.
-
As with John, our preaching or teaching can create a straight and smooth path for people to come to Christ. However, bad teaching creates a crooked path and actually hinders people from coming to Christ.
-
When you share about the Word with others, it is good to ask yourself, “Will these words help this person get closer to God more easily? Or will these words only hinder them?
-
To make people's journey to Christ smooth, focus on teaching what John, Jesus, and all the apostles taught: that people should repent from their sins and look to Jesus Christ, believing in Him for their salvation. Keep it simple!
-
-
-
Verses 6-8. This message of the gospel is eternal—it has endured for thousands of years, and if you preach it to others well, it will stay in people's hearts.
-
Add in to your preaching that all people, like grass and flowers, will die, but if they obey the gospel, the eternal Word of God will save them and give them eternal life (see 1 Peter 1:23-25).
-
Verses 9-11
-
When Christ comes to us again, the second time from heaven, He will come with strength to rule over the whole earth and punish evil doers, but believers, who are His sheep, He will lead as a shepherd. Christ gently leads us today, and He will continue to do so.
-
As Jesus said, hear and listen to His Word, and obey/follow Him. Then you will always be provided for by Him, and He will protect you from the enemy (John 10:10-30).
-
Verses 12-26
-
This entire passage has one simple message: God is great, while all the nations and their false gods are nothing.
-
God exercises control and authority over all parts of creation. The powerful people of the earth are easily taken away by Him. Think of this often! It will help remind you to be humble and trust God's works in His own creation.
-
-
Side note: Verse 22. This verse supports the position that the earth is round.
Verses 27-31
-
Knowing God's power, do not think He ignores you. As a believer, God will help you. He will give you power if you are humble—if you know your weakness without Him (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
-
How does God help us? He gives us renewed strength if we learn to wait on Him. Patiently continue in His Word, learning and obeying it, and you will see your mind, spirit, and body constantly renewed and stronger!
-