Come Follow Me 39

Come Follow Me Lesson 39

Introduction:

How can we bring comfort to the Lord’s people?

Beginning in chapter 40, the emphasis of Isaiah’s message changes direction, beginning with the word “Comfort.” His earlier message was one of warning about destruction and captivity. It seems clear why the message would then be one of comfort. These people saw Jerusalem destroyed, their temple desecrated, and they were taken into captivity. Isaiah’s words, the Lord’s message here, is for our day too. He can comfort us in our own challenges.

“Fear not” Isaiah 43:1. God is at the helm. He created all things and you are His sons and daughters. He has all power to comfort, sustain, protect, and direct you. Isaiah 42:5 He is more powerful that anyone or anything that holds us captive! He pleads for us to return unto Him, because He has redeemed us. Isaiah 44:22 (This is past tense. It is finished. He has redeemed us, and we need to trust Him enough to choose redemption and the blessings He offers.) He can do all things for you. He can heal, strengthen, forgive, guard, restore, and comfort you…He’ll give what that portion you need and desire to feel whole.

(Extra reading to go along with Isaiah 48–49: 1 Nephi 22 and 2 Nephi 6. How did Nephi and Jacob liken Isaiah to their people? How do you liken the scripture to yourself?)

Personal Study: Jesus Christ can comfort me and give me hope.

When the Israelites were taken into captivity, many of them may have thought that they’d lost the favor of the Lord forever? Have you ever felt like them when you’ve suffered the consequences of poor decisions and sin? How is this faulty thinking?

In Isaiah 40–49 look for passages of comfort and hope.

How can you share these messages of hope with others? Isaiah 40:1–2

Watch with Bob: A Perfect Brightness of Hope

God’s power is greater than worldly power.

God’s power is matches. Look for messages of God’s power in your reading. What do these chapters teach you about worldly things? What do they teach you about God? How were the messages important to Israel then? How are they important to you now?

Abide with Me!

“Thou art my servant.”

Are you a servant and a witness of the Lord?

Jesus Christ is. Isaiah 42:1–7
The House of Israel is. Isaiah 45:4
King Cyrus was. 44:26–45:4

What has the Lord called you to do?

Isaiah 41:8–13 He has called me to fear not, to not be dismayed, to trust Him that He will help me. He’ll hold my hand.
42:6 He has called me to be one of His covenant people. He will hold my hand and keep me in the right way. He expects me to be a light to others.
44:21 He asks me to remember His words and His dealing with His people. He formed me. He has brought me to where I am today. He will never forget me.

How has the Lord supported you and held your hand as you serve in your family, in your community, and in the Church? In school, in work?
How has He formed you into His servant?

How are you a witness of Jesus Christ?

Isaiah 43:9–12 Jesus is the Son of God. He was formed to be our Savior and our God. Besides Him there is no other. He is our Only Hope, our Way, are Light, our Salvation. There is no other truth, in any thing that denies the Christ.

What experiences in your life have shown you that He is the Savior?

Have you ever felt like your efforts are for naught?

Isaiah 49:1–9 Jesus chooses to still save us, even those who despise Him and forsake Him. The work of salvation goes on, and His love doesn’t end. His hand is stretched out still.

He who knows the end from the beginning will help us in all our efforts, and multiply to us our successes.

Mosiah 18:9 We have covenanted to keep going, to keep loving, to keep serving, to keep feeling, to keep standing up for Christ; and He’ll give us eternal life with Him if we do.

Watch with Bob A Child and a Disciple

Family Study:Prepare the Way of the Lord

How can we prepare the way of the Lord. Isaiah 40:3–4
How did they prepare the way of the Lord?: Luke 3:2–18; Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 How can I prepare? 33:10

Family Study: Titles of the Lord

Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
43:14–15 Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.
I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
44:6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Family Study: How Firm a Foundation

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

43:2–5 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

What does the song and these scriptures teach us about Jesus Christ?

Family Study: The Lord has poured out blessings upon us

Isaiah 44:3–4 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it.

What happens to a plant that we water? What does the Lord expect from us when He pours out blessings upon us?

Family Study: How can peace be like a river and righteousness like waves?

Isaiah 48:17–18 Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

“The Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted” (Isaiah 49:13). Balm of Gilead, by Ann Adele Henrie (shared to facebook)

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/40?lang=eng

Isaiah speaks about the Messiah—Prepare ye the way of the Lord—He will feed His flock like a shepherd—Israel’s God is incomparably great.

Isaiah 40:1–2
1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

I think it’s important to remember that whom the Lord loves, He chastises. He wants to bring us home.
When we have repented, we do not need to hold unto guilt. The Lord will turn us to blessings again.

Power 40:3–8, 15–23

Vs 3-5 We have been endowed in the temples of our God, and we are to prepare the world for the Lord’s return. There must be as great a change in our hearts as there will be in the mountains and the hills at the Lord’s coming. All of us will witness it. We need to prepare ourselves and others in love, righteousness and invitation.

Vs 8 We are to declare the word of the Lord. All things will pass away, but the God’s word will stand forever.

Vs 9-10 Go to the temples. Don't be afraid to teach the gospel. The Lord is returning with a strong hand to be our Ruler. He has His work and His reward with Him.

Comfort 40:11, 29–31:

Vs 11 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Vs 28-31 The Lord has all knowledge and power. He will give the humble and the righteous, way wait upon Him, strength to do whatever is necessary for them to do.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/41?lang=eng

To Israel the Lord says, Ye are my servants; I will preserve you—Idols are nothing—One will bring good tidings to Jerusalem.

vs 6-9 I am looking forward to the day when we will barter with our friends, families, and neighbors in love, righteousness and brotherhood, with no usury and no greediness.

If we love our neighbors as ourselves, we will be as the Lord's servants. He will choose us and keep us.

Comfort 41:10–13, 17–18

Vs 10 Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

Vs 13 Fear not, God will hold your right hand and help you.

Vs 16 Do your missionary word to be carried throughout the earth.

Vs 17 When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

Sing How Firm a Foundation

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/42?lang=eng

Isaiah speaks about the Messiah—The Lord will bring His law and His justice, be a light to the Gentiles, and free the prisoners—Praise the Lord.

Comfort 42:6–7

Vs 6-8 We have been born, as Nephi of old, To goodly parents who love the Lord.
We have been taught, and we understand, That we must do as the Lord commands.
We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord's missionaries To bring the world his truth.
We have been saved for these latter days To build the kingdom in righteous ways.
We hear the words our prophet declares: "
Let each who's worthy go forth and share."
We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord's missionaries To bring the world his truth.
We know his plan, and we will prepare, Increase our knowledge through study and prayer.
Daily we'll learn until we are called To take the gospel to all the world.
We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord's missionaries To bring the world his truth.
To bring the world his truth.

Vs 10  Sing unto the Lord a new song,

Vs 12 Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.

Power 42:15–16

Vs 16 The Lord will bless those who did not know to see and understand and be blessed with the treasures of heaven.

Vs 17 They shall be turned back! They shall repent.

Vs 22 People are inprisoned because they do not have the gospel light. Will you not help the Lord to restore unto them their blessings?

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/43?lang=eng

To Israel the Lord says, I am your God; I will gather your descendants; beside me there is no Savior; you are my witnesses.

Comfort 43:1–7: 25

vs 1-7 God watches over Israel, and all those who covenant with Him. He will bless and sustain you.
vs 10-11 God made us and gave us all things. We should witness of Him. Besides Jesus Christ, there is no Savior.

Vs 25 Jesus is the One that can blot out our sins and make us clean again, and the remember us for our goodness.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/44?lang=eng

The Lord’s Spirit will be poured out on the descendants of Israel—Idols of wood are as fuel for a fire—The Lord will gather, bless, and redeem Israel and rebuild Jerusalem.

Comfort 44:1–4, 21–24

Vs 6 Jesus is our God and our King from everlasting to everlasting.

Vs 8 When know He is our God. We are His witnesses. We should not fear, because He is with us.

Vs 21-23 Jesus set us apart to be His servants. We have been endowed with ower from on high. He will never forget or forsake us. He has redeemed us and taken away our sins. We have ever reason to rejoice and to glorify Him.

Vs 28 Cyrus was a friend to Israel. He shepherded them and empowered them to rebuild their city and their temple. He won't lose his reward.

 

 

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/45?lang=eng

Cyrus will free the captives of Israel from Babylon—Come unto Jehovah (Christ) and be saved—To Him every knee will bow and every tongue will take an oath.

Vs 4-7 Look to Jesus. He is the One True Lord, there is not another. He formed us, gave us a name and a covenant. He can do all things.

Vs 17 God has saved eternally His covenant people. Choose Him and choose to keep your covenants.

Vs 21-25 Everyone will one day know that Jesus is Lord and King and God of the whole earth. Every knew shall bow, and every tongue shall confess Him.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/46?lang=eng

Idols are not to be compared with the Lord—He alone is God and will save Israel.

Comfort 46:3–4:

Vs 3-4 The Lord will carry and deliever us.

Vs 9-13 Remember and hearken. Turn to the Lord. He will bring His righteousness and His salvation for us.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/47?lang=eng

Babylon and Chaldea will be destroyed for their iniquities—No one will save them.

Power 47:7–11

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/48?lang=eng

The Lord reveals His purposes to Israel—Israel has been chosen in the furnace of affliction and is to depart from Babylon—Compare 1 Nephi 20.

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/49?lang=eng

The Messiah will be a light to the Gentiles and will free the prisoners—Israel will be gathered with power in the last days—Kings will be the nursing fathers of Israel—Compare 1 Nephi 21.

Vs 3-4 We are not the only ones who feel down-trodden from time to time. The Lord of Hosts has also felt like that.

Still Israel will be gathered, and His rigteous purposes will come to pass.

Comfort 49:7–16

Vs 5-13 We can become joint-heirs with Christ by being joint-servants in his work of gathering and salvation here. The Millennium and Eternal Life wll be glorious, because of Jesus and our covenants to do the will of the Father.

Vs 14-16 The Lord will never forsake or forget us. We are written on His hands and in His heart.

Vs 22-23 The Restored Church of Jesus Christ was restored through the Gentiles, and it is being taken to all the earth, old, young, rich, poor, everyone. We have been endowed with power and authority to help bring God's children home; especially those who are waiting for Him.

Vs 24-26 It is a great comfort to know that the Lord is watching over us, and he will save our children from the evil all around them i the world today. Evil will be destroyed and our Good King will reign forever.