outlived - In Isaiah 40 we see an energizing tradition of faithful God-speech that serves as a timeless legacy to succeeding generations. While prophets do not live forever, the word God has spoken o/through them carries the unique timelessness that far outlives, out-survives them. The Word of the Lord will survive to speak again to another generation on another day; "overtaking and ambushing generation after generation." [1]

valleys and mountains - This leveling image is uttered by the Council of Heaven, but rooted on terra firma from within ancient culture. It conjures up a Middle Eastern king approaching his city-state while servants scurry and scamper ahead to smooth out the mounds and fill in the gullies in order to ensure a smooth ride to the city. In Isaiah 4, the approach begins in Babylon and leads all the way to the broken gates of Jerusalem, yet it echoes an even earlier wilderness experience: the exodus from Egypt via the wilderness. [2]

What’s the furthest distance you’ve ever walked or run?

What’s some great news that was especially welcomed because of the hope or relief it brought you?

How can you prepare for God’s way in your life? What valleys or mountains need your attention? Need some adjustment?

See Barbara Brown Taylor’s "Saving Space," and Richard Eslinger’s, "Marduk? Or Yahweh?" for Homiletical approaches to Isaiah 40.

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible VI (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001), page 338.
[2] Proclamation Year B (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), page 10.
[3] Barbara Brown Taylor, Mixed Blessings (Atlanta: Susan Hunter Press, 1986), pp. 26-29; Richard L. Eslinger, Prepare in the Wilderness (Lima, Ohio: The  CSS Publishing Company, 1984), pp. 15-18.