Read: Isaiah 40:6-26
Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. (v. 9)
Many Christians use the words “good news” for the message of hope found in Jesus Christ. But what is “good news” and where does this idea come from? The first use of “good news” in the Bible is found in Isaiah 40. This word is used for announcing the beginning of a new age (v. 9), the imminent arrival of the Shepherd who is mighty and yet gentle (vv. 10-11), who will not only forgive all sins but also deliver and reward. The news was to be delivered to the people of God who were living in exile as slaves and refugees and had lost all their hopes of returning to their homes.
The good news starts with bad news. All people are like grass that withers and flowers that fall (vv. 6-7). But the word of our God will endure forever (v. 8). No matter what, it will come to its fulfillment. The listeners must reconsider their God. The powerful phrase used in Isaiah 40:9 is “Here is your God” (NIV). He is not a figure that is a product of the poor imagination of human beings (vv. 18-20). Is there anyone worth comparing to him? (vv. 25-26)
The good news is that God is faithful, even to us, people who are chained in all kinds of slavery and sinful habits. God’s faithfulness was fulfilled in Jesus and the complete forgiveness we receive from him. When you believe in Jesus, you are called to share this good news with people who haven’t heard!
As you pray, thank God for the good news.
Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, we have chosen not to share his name.
