Please forgive the delay in posting these.
Isaiah 40:1-11
Isaiah comes in the midst of great distress with a message of comfort. The people have gone into exile because of their disobedience to God and Isaiah comes tell them that their sins have been paid for. The debt is fulfilled. Imagine the relief that comes for anyone who has struggled to pay a debt and finally gets the receipt – PAID IN FULL!
VSS 3-5 is poetic language like a song being sung about a message or word from God about a message that is spreading throughout the desert or wilderness – even to a place of exile about the work that God is doing for his people. The prophet tells about God’s call for him to speak that word. At first, he is unsure what he is to say, but God gives the word: All people are fragile and their lives are but a brief span, but e word of God stands forever.
Vss 9-11 the prophet speaks boldly cand encouragingly to the people about what God is doing for them.
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
The Psalmist remembers that God has been good to Israel and restored them. Vs. 8: The speaker promises to listen to God because God promises peace to his people, but will not let them return to the folly or disobedience that got them into trouble.
Vs. 10 has interesting couplets when love and faithfulness meet together and righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Think of the mid east culture practice of kissing each other on the cheek as a greeting!)
The psalm resolves int eh peaceful affirmation: The Lord will give what is good.
Mark 1:1-8
Mark begins his gospel with an introduction noting that Isaiah’s prophecy of a messenger that comes to prepare the way for the Lord. He then identifies John the Baptist as one who prepares the way for one to come after him.
Vs. 4: John preaches a baptism for the repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Vss 5& 6 The location of John’s preaching , the response of the people and a ridescription of John are recorded.
II Peter 3:8-15
In the early church there was a strong focus on the coming of the Lord, but as time passed, people became restless and questioning so Peter writes letters to encourage them to stay the course of faith. He told them God does not regard time as we do, but God is patient wanting all to be save.
Vs. 10: Peter as others also do, reminds the church that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.