Dec 17 - Comfort My People

  Comfort My People

  

   Sunday, December 17, 2023

   By: Fredia Campo

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-10

 

I love the Old Testament. God gives us the history of how He communicated with His chosen people, to love and when necessary, discipline them. A dear friend says that "the Bible is a love story" that tells of God seeking, blessing, rebellion, discipline, asking for forgiveness, returning to God and rest. What descriptive words apply to us and which words describe the love of God?

 

In Isaiah 40 we find a wide range of prophecies and promises. Starting with verse one; 150 years in advance of their return from Babylonian captivity He promises that they will be comforted and they will have paid double for all their sins. Next we see Isaiah prophesying the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3 and Mathew 3:3).

 

In the following verses there is a prophecy of the send coming of Christ where the "glory of the Lord will be revealed and all people will see it together for the mouth of the Lord has spoken" (Isaiah 40:5).

 

In verses 6 - 7 (this is what I believe God is saying to us). God tells Isaiah to "cry out" that we are like the grass and flowers of the field, we wither and are no more. We have a short time to let His light shine through and to tell of the saving grace of our Savior. Although we may have withered, God's Word endures forever.

 

In verses 9-10, Isaiah is told to go up on a high mountain and shout the good news and do not be afraid, "here is your God, the sovereign Lord comes with power, and rules with a mighty arm and His recompense is with him' (amends for loss or harm suffered). I believe that this also gives us a glimpse of the second coming of Christ.

 

With such great news, let's rejoice and celebrate His first coming, 'Christmas', and be filled with joy and expectation for His second coming

 

For Peace Among the Nations

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the

world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among

them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they

may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

[Online] Book of Common Prayer