Reflecting God: Embrace Holy Living from The Foundry Publishing of the Global Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "Comfort" by Stefanie Hendrickson for Monday ,26 November 2018 - Isaiah 40:1-8
"Comfort" by Stefanie Hendrickson
Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort and keep comforting my people,” says your God.
2 “Tell Yerushalayim to take heart; proclaim to her
that she has completed her time of service,
that her guilt has been paid off,
that she has received at the hand of Adonai
double for all her sins.”
3 A voice cries out:
“Clear a road through the desert for Adonai!
Level a highway in the ‘Aravah for our God!
4 Let every valley be filled in,
every mountain and hill lowered,
the bumpy places made level
and the crags become a plain.
5 Then the glory of Adonai will be revealed;
all humankind together will see it,
for the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Proclaim!”
And I answer, “What should I proclaim?”
“All humanity is merely grass,
all its kindness like wildflowers:
7 the grass dries up, the flower fades,
when a wind from Adonai blows on it.
Surely the people are grass!
8 The grass dries up, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Complete Jewish Bible).
Then the glory of Adonai will be revealed;all humankind together will see it, for the mouth of Adonai has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:5).
Israel suffered under the power and rule of Babylon. Destruction and exile reigned over the people of God. For years the Israelites were afflicted with exile-banished from their homes. The Promised Land—that which God said would be theirs when they were freed from slavery in Egypt—was no longer their home. Pain and loneliness were surely companions of the Israelites.
Then the prophet Isaiah shared a word from the Lord: “Comfort, comfort my people, . . . Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, . . . that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for” (vv 1-2). Comfort! Can you imagine the power of that word to be people tired, lonely, homesick?
While this encouraging word does not mean there are no longer challenges to overcome, it does convey hope. God, like a mighty warrior, has come to the defense of his people. Like a mother, God gently comforts His children. They will not wander in the desert for years; he will make their paths home straight.
What situation do you find yourself in today? Are you waiting in a desert place for the Lord to bring comfort? Have hope—the Lord brings comfort and guidance to his people.
Hymn for Today: "All the Way Along" by Ada Blenkhorn
1. There is One who loves me, One who is my friend.
All the way along, all the way along.
He is ever near me, ready to defend.
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
2. He doth still the tempest, bid its tumult cease,
All the way along, all the way along.
In the time of trouble keeps in perfect peace;
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
3. In my Lord and Savior I will joyful be,
All the way along, all the way along.
Speaking words of comfort sweet and dear to me,
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
4. I will sing the praises of His wondrous love,
All the way along, all the way along.
I will sing more sweetly in my home above,
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
Thought for Today: He is like a shepherd feeding his flock,
gathering his lambs with his arm,
carrying them against his chest,
gently leading the mother sheep.” (Isaiah 40:11).
Please pray: For Christians in the Eurasia Region who are persecuted for their faith.
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