Daily Devotional Isaiah 40:6–8
Almost everything we see in the world around us will eventually wear out and die. The grass fades. Flowers wilt. Stars burn out. Pens run out of ink. Cars break down. Technology becomes outdated. This is the way it is in a fallen world: everything must decay and die.
The word of our God endures forever.
ISAIAH 40:8
The Bible says that even our “faithfulness” is like the grass of the field, that is, it too withers and dies (Isa. 40:6). The word “faithfulness” has also been translated as “beauty,” “goodness,” and “constancy.” The basic meaning of verse 6 is, as one translation explains: “Human beings and their faithfulness... are short-lived and unreliable, in stark contrast to the decrees and promises of the eternal God.”
Scripture tells us that one thing stands in sharp contrast to the transitory nature of this world: “the word of our God endures forever” (Isa. 40:8). This month, we are studying the doctrine of Scripture; we will learn what the Bible teaches about God’s Word and how we can apply it to our lives. We hope you will join us as we learn about the perfect Word of God!
Today’s reading in Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 1:23–25. Here Peter connects the living and enduring Word of God to our imperishable salvation in Christ. God’s Word is not just eternal, as important as that is. It is also true and life-giving and reflects God’s faithfulness, power, and love (see Ps. 119:89–90).
Jesus made the same claim for His own words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35). They are eternal, and they will be fulfilled or proved true. We can trust God’s Word absolutely.
>> Have you ever started the year with a plan to read through the entire Bible? For most of us our well-intentioned plans are short-lived. Since it is July, midway through the year, why not make a new commitment to study the Bible each day for this entire month?
Pray with Us
Thank You, Lord God! Your law is “perfect, refreshing the soul.” Your statutes are “trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Your precepts are “right, giving joy to the heart” (Ps. 19:7–8).