Three Voices (3)
If the first voice called us to repentance and the second voice called us away from hubris and towards humility, then the third voice introduces God to us.And what an introduction it is!
There are three amazing things about it:
Firstly, the triumphant introduction "Here is your God!" is placed in our lips - we are the third voice. The news we have is a "good tiding" and we can proclaim it from high mountains to the towns of Judah. It implies that we have tasted and seen that God is good.
The second aspect is that God is introduced with two ends of an important continuum: On one end is His omnipotence and justice which is seen in v.10 - God is able and capable. He is not limited or ineffectual in the light of injustice and brokenness. He is "mighty to save." He is able to reward and recompense - He is able to balance the scales.
The third aspect takes us to the other side of the continuum in v.11: He is not only a powerful, capable and able judge, but he is also a tender and gentle shepherd - able to pick up the broken and wounded and young. He is a COMPASSIONATE God and the hope of nations!
What a magnificent picture: God is coming!
We're to make straight paths for Him but He helps us.
We're to leave behind our hubris and remember our frailty.
But His might and majesty and His kindness and compassion are such that we will be the ones who can shout of His goodness.
| You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah40:9-11) |
