Comfort To Be Sought

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

This Facebook Page was begun with exactly that in mind. There have been and doubtless will be a few occasions when it has been felt commentary on political issues was expedient.

This passage was written right after a dark time in the life of Israel. Because of their sin God had turned His people over to be exiled by the cruel Babylonians. This had happened to them because of their sin. God always disciplines sin. 

Chapter 40 of Isaiah relates to their return to their home land. Having just returned, the prophet is called to share with them a message of comfort. They needed it and God provided. I love the Authorized King James translation of the passage, “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people.”

During the long exile the Lord had been absent from them as they endured their deserved discipline.

In verse 5 assurance is given “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” Oh, glorious day. How we conduct ourselves, our efforts to call His people to repentance, and our personal devotion should be such as to not deserve the discipline of the Lord on America with the result that the glory of the Lord that once was evidenced in America might once again be ours. 

Note some of the promises God made to them as reason for comfort for them. To do so he uses the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep.

• “His reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” (verse 10)

• “He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms.” (verse 11)

• “He will “carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” (verse 11)

We must find in our day reasons for comfort. List some things that comfort you. Write them down and thank the Lord for them.

I am comforted that there is a praying legion among us. Many people are praying that God will work so that there will be revival. In the life of our nation, as in the life of individuals, something of a dramatic nature will likely be needed causing a public need for the working of God in our lives. Though undesired, a traumatic event is often needed. If it results in a dramatic widespread revival, it will be worth it.

Then the comfort given Israel will be ours. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.

Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned.” WOW!

I am comforted that God’s children live in a bubble. It will not exempt us from difficulty, but it will ensure that the enabling presence of the Lord is with us.

May we so bear ourselves to our duty as to hear the lines from Handel’s Messiah  “Comfort, ye, comfort ye my people,” followed by the exaltation of . . . .

 “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise ye the Lord.”