I.        INTRODUCTION

A.      Much of the book of Isaiah is filled with prophecies of impending judgment and destruction for those who had rejected God and His ways.

                                                             1.      Not only did Isaiah prophesy against the nation of Judah, but he also gave prophecies of condemnation to almost every other nation known to Judah.

                                                             2.      These prophecies were fulfilled in dramatic fashion in the years to follow as the nations were severely punished by the hand of God.

B.      However, Isaiah is also filled with comfort and hope for the people of God.

                                                             1.      Isaiah has been called the Messianic Prophet because of the abundance of prophecies concerning the Christ in his writings.  These are especially prevalent in the latter chapters of the book (chapters 40-66).

                                                             2.      The comfort of God’s people was their hope of redemption and restoration through God and His Suffering Servant, who is Christ (chapter 53).

C.      Presently, let us consider portions of chapter 40 of Isaiah, in which God is presented in all of His magnificence for our consideration and comfort.

                                                             1.      Isaiah demonstrates that our God is an incomparable God.  There is none like Him.

                                                             2.      It naturally follows that we must place our hope and trust completely in Him.

II.      “TO WHOM WILL YOU LIKEN GOD?”

A.      His word stands forever (Isa. 40:6-8).

                                                             1.      This passage presents a contrast between the word of God and “flesh,” meaning mankind.

a.       Even though we often place trust in ourselves and others, the word of God will outlast all flesh.  Therefore, we should trust in His word if we would live forever.

b.       These verses are quoted in 1Peter 1:22-25, where it is said that Christians are born again of seed which is “imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.”

c.        Notice that the word of God comes forth by the breath of God (“inspired of God” – 2Tim. 3:16), and it is the breath of God that causes all flesh to wither and fade (Isa. 40:7, 24).

                                                             2.      This demonstrates the greatness of God, for there is no one else whose word is indestructible (Jer. 36), irresistible (Isa. 55:11), and settled forever (Ps. 119:89).

B.      He has measured the earth (Isa. 40:12).

                                                             1.      Man has estimated certain parameters of the earth.

a.       We estimate that the earth is 70.8% covered by water.

b.       We estimate that the earth is 7926 miles in diameter.

c.        We estimate that the earth weighs 1.3x10²⁵ pounds.

                                                             2.      Whereas man does not know any of these things about the earth for certain, God knows all things exactly.

a.       It is not that God actually measures the water in His hand or weighs the mountains on a scale, but rather that He knows all of these things because is the Creator of them all.  See Job 38-39.

b.       This demonstrates that knowledge which is unobtainable for man is elementary to God.  As God said, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than you thoughts” (Isa. 55:9).

C.      He was taught by no one (Isa. 40:13-14).

                                                             1.      By His own nature, God is omniscient, which means that He knows all things (Heb. 4:13; 1John 3:20).  No one has taught Him anything, and no one ever could.

                                                             2.      However, men often behave as if there are things that God does not know or that they can teach Him.

a.       Who are we to dare to counsel God about anything?  As God said to Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?  Let him who reproves God answer it” (Job 40:1).

b.       Do we tell God that our ways are better than His ways?  Do we dare to find fault with Him?  We may not challenge God’s knowledge explicitly, but we do challenge Him when we are disobedient and rebellious against Him.

D.      The nations are as nothing to Him (Isa. 40:15-17).

                                                             1.      Men are impressed with the power of nations and kingdoms in this world.

a.       We are impressed by our own nation’s military force and technology.

b.       We are also impressed by our own economic prowess and prosperity.

                                                             2.      Yet to God, the nations “are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.”

a.       Consider the figures used in this passage.

i.         A drop of water from a bucket is insignificant.

ii.        A speck of dust on the scales has no effect on the measurement.

iii.      Fine dust weighs so little that it is unnoticeable.

iv.      God is so great that all of the magnificent cedars of Lebanon and its animals were insufficient as a sacrifice to Him.

b.       These all demonstrate that the powers that man considers to be great are as nothing in the sight of God.

E.       The inhabitants of the earth are like grasshoppers to Him (Isa. 40:21-24).

                                                             1.      The people of God have nothing to fear from men, for the all-powerful God is on their side.

a.       In verse 21, Isaiah asked three rhetorical questions as if he was stunned that anyone would not know of the power of God, for His power has been declared from the beginning.  See Romans 1:20.

b.       The figure of grasshoppers indicates that the inhabitants of the earth are powerless against God.  They are nothing to the God who sits above the earth and stretches out the heavens.

                                                             2.      Therefore, God’s people should trust in Him to protect and sustain them.

a.       If God can crush our enemies under His feet like grasshoppers, then what have we to fear?

b.       “The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” (Ps. 118:6)

F.       He has created and sustained the universe (Isa. 40:25-26).

                                                             1.      God’s people are told to lift up their eyes on high to see the evidence of their great God’s power.

a.       Every day, the sun, moon, and stars are all in their places.  They are predictable, and they do not change.  This is because God has set them in their places and causes them to continue.

b.       These things speak forth the glory of God.  See Psalm 19:1-6.

                                                             2.      If we are impressed with the wonders of the universe, then we should be all the more impressed with the God who created it all.

G.      Nothing escapes His attention (Isa. 40:27-31).

                                                             1.      These verses counsel God’s people to be patient for God’s deliverance, for He knows of their plight.

a.       Isaiah anticipated that Judah would complain that God had not noticed their suffering.  He answered that complaint by declaring that nothing escapes the notice of God, for He never grows weary, and His understanding is unsearchable.

b.       The correct course was for the people of God to be patient and wait for Him.  If they would, then He would give them new strength which would not be exhausted.

                                                             2.      This message of patience is prevalent in the New Testament as well, for now we are waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus.

a.       Consider James 5:7-8.

b.       God knows all of our trials, temptations, and sufferings.  Nothing has escaped His attention, and He will recompense every deed that all people do, whether good or evil (2Cor. 5:10).

III.   CONCLUSION

A.      Therefore, because God is incomparable to anyone else and is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, let us place our trust in Him.

B.      Is God your God, or are you trusting in someone else (self, family, etc.) who cannot begin to compare to Him?

                                                             1.      Is there anyone that you know that can compare to God?  Can anyone else save you?

                                                             2.      “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)