Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Saturday, April 6, 2013 Read – Isaiah 40 Interpreters of the Bible, as far back as Luther and even earlier, have noticed a marks change occurring between Isaiah 39 and 40. Isaiah 39 tells of the terrible destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Isaiah 40 announces a new day – a new “exodus” more glorious than the first exodus. As readers of Luke’s gospel we remember the words of Moses and Elijah on the mount of Transfiguration when they spoke to Jesus about the “exodus” that he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Beginning with Isaiah 40, a prophet announces the good news of deliverance to people held in bondage in Babylon. It is especially the chapters we find in Isaiah 40 and to the end of the book that inform Luke’s story. As we read them we gain insight into the accomplishment of Jesus through the cross and resurrection.