Isaiah 40:9-11 shows us what the proclaimers of good tidings were to do. In brief they were to do three things - stand up, speak up, and explain the good news.

First, bearers of good news must stand up. The Lord exhorts those who bring good news to get up into the high mountain (40:9). Preachers must be prepared to stand up and get into position to proclaim good news.

I like this picture of someone standing up. It shows someone is willing to do something about the situation. God’s messengers must stand up and be ready for action. There is no time to sit around feeling defeated and miserable and depressed. It is time to stand up.

Recall what old Jacob said to his sons when there was famine in the land. He said “Why do you look at one another” (Gen. 42:1). Jacob rebuked his sons for not doing anything about the situation. He instructed them to go to Egypt for food. It was time for them to stand up and get into action.

The most precious picture of someone standing up and getting into action is that of Jesus Christ. He, as it were, stood up in heaven and came to earth. As Charles Wesley said “He left his Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite in grace.” Jesus saw a fallen humanity under the dominion of sin. He did not remain seated in heaven. He stood up and went into action. Thank God that Jesus stood up and came to redeem his people.

Next, bearers of good news must speak up. It is one thing to stand up but unless you speak up your willingness to serve is of no avail. So it is that the Lord requires his prophets to lift up their voices and to do so with strength and without fear (40:9).

Preachers must lift up their voices with strength. They must speak so that people hear. A mumbled message is no message. They must also speak with strong conviction. Jesus spoke loudly, that is, all could hear his message. He also spoke with conviction.

Preachers must not be afraid. Christ came and fearlessly proclaimed the kingdom of God. In the days of Pentecost his disciples also showed they were fearless even when threatened with harm (Acts 4:17-20).

Thirdly, bearers of good news must explain the good tidings. The Jews were under pressure and God’s messengers must explain to them what the good news is all about.

And what did the prophets explain? They assured the Jews that the Lord God would come with a strong hand (40:10). The Assyrians and Babylonians were strong and would take the Jews into captivity but God would come. This was his word of comfort to the Jews. God would come with power and deliver the Jews from captivity. And come he did. The nations were eventually humbled and the Jews returned to the promised land.

The Lord would come and his reward is with him and his work before him (40:10). His reward is his people. His work is the gathering of his people. When the Lord would come his people would be with him. The world shall see the believing community intact and rejoicing. When Jesus comes he shall have his saints with him. They shall be with him forever. We, like the people of Isaiah’s day can rejoice in the comfort of Lord’s coming.

The Lord shall come, and like a shepherd feed his flock. He will gather all his lambs and gently lead his people. O how precious a promise. In the midst of difficulties let us understand that the Lord is with us as a tender shepherd.

Let us learn the lesson from Isaiah 40:9-11. First we must not sit around and mope about the poor condition of the church. Let us stand up for action. Let us speak up with strength and without fear. Let us explain the good news of the gospel to the church and remind fellow believers of our great hope.

But let us also address the unbeliever. We need to stand up ready for action and speak up. Let us explain to all people that God so loved this fallen world that he sent his Son Jesus to save those who would believe. We have heard this good news and have received it. How can we not stand up and declare it to others? How can we not want to explain it to the whole world?

Let’s get into action. Stand up. Speak up. Explain the gospel - the good news that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners.

- Summary of sermon by Pastor David Yan