Devotions from Israel – Isaiah 40

by | Jul 13, 2021 | Context and Culture of the Bible, Devotionals from Israel, Historical Geography, Israel Tour, Life of Jesus | 0 comments

An encouraging word from Isaiah 40

 

Biblical Israel Ministries & Tours (BIMT) is all about teaching the Bible in the context of the land of Israel and other biblical countries (Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy). We teach the historical geography of the Bible as well as archaeology, customs and culture of the land. We aim to make connections between  the Bible and the land in all that we do.

This is another session in the new series of teaching videos called “Devotions from Israel.” This brief five-minute devotional comes from Isaiah 40. This narrative from the Bible takes us to the heart of the Judean Desert east of Jerusalem.

 

About the Devotional

 
 
One of my favorite places in Israel is the Judean Desert. As a Jerusalem University College or JUC (back then called IHLS) student back in the 80s, I had the opportunity to hike the entire Wadi Qelt from just outside of Jerusalem to Jericho six times. There is a path that descends about 12-14 miles (depending on where you start) all the way down to Herod’s winter palace at Jericho. What mades the experience so special is that people like Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptizer, and Jesus spent time here.
 
While Isaiah was an eighth century BC Judean prophet who sharply shared words of warning against the sinful ways of his fellow Judeans, he also shared nuggets of hope. Isaiah 40 is one of those passages that records these words of promise.

“Isaiah proclaimed the glorious word of God. His voice echoed off the deep canyon walls of the Judean Desert. His words would be shared once more 700 years later by John the Baptizer.”

Judean Desert
Personally, I can picture Isaiah somewhere here in the Wadi Qelt part of the wider Judean Desert proclaiming words like “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” and “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight a highway for our God.” Perhaps this part of the Judean Desert served as a quiet and reflective place where the prophet heard the voice of God speak to him.
 
Isaiah’s words would once again be echoed over 700 years later by John the Baptizer as he “prepared the way” for Jesus, the coming Messiah!
 
By the way, if you want to hear someone dressed up as Isaiah (that would be me, HA), and share these words, go HERE to listen to the video (start at about 3:30). However, the video below is our primary five minute word of encouragement today!
 
I hope you enjoy this video below. These five minute devotionals will be produced on a regular basis. We will try to share two devotionals per week this summer. As you are encouraged by the video, please consider sharing this post with others for their encouragement as well.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *