“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isa 40:28-31).
Isaiah 40 begins a whole new section in the literary structure of Isaiah, commonly known as “Isaiah’s New Exodus” (Isaiah 40–55). The opening chapter is filled with rhetorical questions (see verses 12–14, 18, 21, 25, 27–28), whose purpose is to encourage those who are weak and discouraged (vv. 29–31). Isaiah invites us to consider the infinite wisdom (vv. 12–14) and power (vv. 25–26) of the Creator of the universe (vv. 26, 28), who Himself promised that He will come to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah to save us (vv. 3, 5, 9, 10). And since there is none who can compare with Him (Isa 40:18, 25), we are called to exchange our limited strength for His infinite power (v. 29) by putting our trust in Him (v. 31).
Isaiah invites us to consider the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator of the universe, who Himself promised that He will come to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah to save us.
And though Yeshua doesn’t specifically cite this passage in Matthew 11:28–30, it is difficult not to see in this call to discipleship—given by Immanuel, who truly is God with us (Matt 1:23)—the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that God has finally come in the flesh to give us His power to live and His rest from burdensome religion!
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).
