God comforts his own

Wednesday 2 June 2021

God comforts his own

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Isaiah 40. 1

Israel's future was not very bright. King Hezekiah had seen how God had delivered his people during the Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 37), but his faithfulness had fallen asleep somewhat. He had just revealed to the envoys of the king of Babylon all his wealth and even worse his military arsenal! Isaiah then told the king that soon the Babylonians would invade his land, seize all the wealth accumulated by his ancestors, and make his sons eunuchs at the court of Babylon. This gloomy picture did not affect Hezekiah, who exclaimed : “Indeed, there will be peace and security during my life” (Isaiah 39.8). God, who had planned to punish his people for their long disobedience, nevertheless wanted to give them some hope, so He declares through the mouth of the prophet : “Comfort, console my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, cry out to her that her period of battle is over, that her sin has been atoned for, that she has received from the Lord the wages of all her sins” (v. 1-2). We all make mistakes, we all make bad decisions that more or less impact those around us and can change the course of our life. This had been the case with the people of Jerusalem and Judah. But God did not want His people to become overly discouraged, thinking that all was lost and that there was no hope of restoration. The worst situations do not prevent Him from forgiving and comforting those He loves. It is the same for us. Notice the words “speak in the heart of Jerusalem”. When He wants to console His own, to comfort them after times of trial or falls, He does not come with a mouthful of criticism and holding up a list of all our sins, faults and mistakes. It is with tenderness and love that He comforts us. Of course we never deserve His forgiveness. David had felt it well after his adultery with Batcheba. Divine grace had saved him, even before he recognized his sin. Forgiveness is a miraculous gift. What does He ask in return ? That we accept our responsibility, confess our sin, accept His forgiveness, and be ready to change our lives. Is it too much to ask ?

Source (His Word for Today)