1. Prepare the Lord's way (1-5)
Isaiah speaks to the people who are enduring the long night of Babylonian captivity (Isa 39:6). His prophecy was partly fulfilled when the people came back to their homeland after 70 years of exile. But the real fulfillment came when John the Baptist prepared the way, and Jesus the Messiah came to deliver people from their bondage to sin. John called on all people to repent: to turn from despair and self-condemnation and raise up the valleys; to level their proud minds and straighten their crooked and rebellious hearts so that their spiritual eyes might be opened to see the glory of the Lord (Mk 1:1-4).
2. He is like a shepherd (6-11)
Man's plans and glory fade like flowers in the heat of the noonday sun. But God's word is eternal (1 Pe 1:24-25). It is good news that the mighty God has come. He uses his power to heal and restore, for he is our Shepherd.
Application: Lord, thank you for my Good Shepherd Jesus and his sure promises. Thank you for the good news that my sins have been atoned for.
One Word: Proclaim the good news