40:2
Isaiah speaks to Jerusalem, to tell her that her “hard service has been completed.'' In the most immediate context this would be referring to the Assyrian invasion. Assyria had now retreated and would not trouble them again. The time of discipline was over. In the Babylonian context it means that the period of exile was coming to an end, once again Jerusalem could be rebuilt. The reference to receiving “double” is emphasising the completeness. The fullest context is that Christ’s death on the cross means our sins have been paid for in full. There is a time for discipline, but then a time for tenderness.
40:3
This is a famous verse, and one that is quoted at the beginning of Mark’s gospel. There is a call that goes out, and it goes out to people who are lost, who are in the wilderness. It does not deny that they are in a wilderness, but declares that God God is coming and we are to make a way for Him. We are to make a straight way. This means repenting, as John the Baptist called people to repentance. If we hold on to our sinful ways, insistent on proclaiming our own righteousness, then there is no highway for God to come into our lives. If we repent then we open up a highway for God. A highway is a major road, God can come into our own lives in a big way. Jesus preached “repent for the kingdom of God is at hand”, Peter preached “repent and believe”. Repentance is vital, it is also powerful, for it opens up a highway in the desert. It means that if we are in a desolate place God can still come and rescue us.
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