NOVEMBER 13, 2024 – COMFORT

READ: Is. 40:1-11: Comfort, yes, comfort My people! says your God. Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God …

From chapter 40, Isaiah is, as it were, moved by the Spirit to the time of the exile in Babylon, long after the time in which he lived and prophesied. It is because of the iniquity, the sin of Israel (especially Judah), that Jerusalem will lie in ruins. But where can they then find comfort?

Now, the LORD ensures that Isaiah’s words already contain comfort for that future time. God reveals Himself to Isaiah as the One with whom alone redemption is possible (this is what Isaiah’s name signifies).

But why would God still care for His unfaithful people? Because the LORD, in His good pleasure, has His own reasons for doing so. He says, “Comfort My people and tell her that I find it enough. The punishment is enough, yes, more than enough. I am your God and will speak kindly and encouragingly to your heart! You may return from exile!”

This return involves more than just Israel being allowed to journey back to Canaan. It is about the coming of their Savior, who will be born in Bethlehem. Reconciliation for Israel can only be spoken of because of His coming and His atonement (Rom.3:25). But for this to happen, a way must be prepared: the people must be made ready to meet God as He comes to His people. Therefore, the people must repent.

This is the task of John the Baptist (Matt. 3:3). Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed in His Son (John 14:9). The comfort is that God fulfills His Word, even though all things on earth are transient (v.8)! That Word contains the good news that God will deliver His people and surround them with His love and shepherd-like care in all tenderness (v.11).

Are we punished on earth for our sins?                           

Sing: Ps. 126:1