“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:9-11
“Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory over the enemy. To bring good news means “to preach the good news.” The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7-9). The good news today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Jesus Christ and the salvation of all who trust in Him (61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19). God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (40:10), but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (40:11). “We are coming home!” would certainly be good news to the devastated cities of Judah (1:7; 36:1; 37:26).”
Warren Wiersbe in Be Comforted (Isaiah): Feeling Secure in the Arms of God (The BE Series Commentary; David C. Cook, 1992) 131.
God’s people were not only delivered by God; they were subsequently commissioned by the Sovereign Lord to announce salvation to the world. Notice the imperative that accompanies the exhortation for them to go to a high mountain and proclaim this: don’t be afraid. So what is the good news God’s people must fearlessly make known to a lost and broken world: “Here is your God!”
Sovereign Lord, give us opportunities to share the good news this Advent. The world is looking for hope, and we have a watchful anticipation because we have come to know You. Help us gently and generously show at least one person the way to You this season. Dispel our fears by your Holy Spirit and empower us to bring good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.