Isaiah 40

Comfort, Comfort My People

1“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. 2“Speak to Jerusalem’s heart and call to her:
her hard service is complete, her guilt has been accepted as paid;
she has received from the LORD’s hand
double for all her sins.”

A Voice in the Wilderness

3A voice calls:
“In the wilderness clear a way for the LORD;
make a straight highway through the desert for our God. 4Every valley will be raised, every mountain and hill brought low;
uneven ground will become level,
and ridges a plain. 5The LORD’s glory will be revealed,
and all flesh will see it together,
for the LORD’s mouth has spoken.” 6A voice says, “Call out!”
And he says, “What shall I call?”
“All flesh is grass,
and all its faithfulness like a field’s flower. 7Grass dries up, a flower withers,
when the LORD’s breath blows on it.
Surely the people are grass. 8Grass dries up, a flower withers,
but our God’s word stands forever.”

Look Your God

9Climb a high mountain, Zion, bearer of good news!
Raise your voice with strength, Jerusalem, bearer of good news!
Raise it; do not fear.
Say to Judah’s cities, “Look, your God!” 10Look, the Lord GOD comes with might;
his arm rules for him.
Look, his reward is with him, his recompense before him. 11Like a shepherd he tends his flock;
with his arm he gathers the lambs
and carries them against his chest.
He gently leads those nursing their young.