God's Comfort

Isaiah 40:1-11

When I read this passage, I am drawn to Handel's Messiah.  Take a moment and let this majestic music speak to you.  Listen here.

Handel wrote The Messiah in 23 days.  Some scholars say that when he finished the Hallelujah Chorus, he said "I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God Himself."  Whether that is true or not, I am grateful that God used this man 250 years ago to create beautiful music celebrating Jesus' life, death and resurrection.

 Why does Isaiah tell the people that God says "Comfort, comfort, my people?'  They have been in captivity for 150 years.  Jerusalem, their sacred city, has been sacked, and Babylon is the new world power.  What comfort is God bringing them?  He assures them that he has not forgotten them:  "her sin has been paid for," (v. 2).

And then we read the familiar words of prophecy in verse 3:  A voice of one calling:  In the desert prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.'  Christians know that verse prophesies how John the Baptist will make the way clear for Jesus. 

But I think those who heard Isaiah speak these words drew comfort that their exile would not last forever.  God would 'tend his flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (v. 11) '

Do you need comfort?  God is there for you, even when he seems far away.  Remember, his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

Lord, the Christmas season is upon us.  In this busy season, help me to find my comfort in you, and to take time each day to thank you for the gift of eternal life.  Yes, your yoke is easy, and your burden is light.  Amen

Isaiah 40:1-10

How often in our lives do we look for comfort, do we seek to feel better about the world, especially our little piece of the world?  Is your world falling apart today, do you feel alone or rejected?  Oh, dear friend, this too is part of life, part of growing strong in faith and part of developing a personal testimony God can use.

It is good to know that God doesn't leave us alone during these seasons.  When we look around us we can find people God has placed in our lives who will understand our problems.  We can also gain comfort by reaching out and grabbing hold of God himself.  His Word in this Isaiah text is meant to comfort us and to provide hope for tomorrow.

 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God. 
 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

It has been a year since my world began to fall apart, a year since life as I knew it began to change.  If I did not have The Living Hope to reach out for, everything would be much different now.  Because of God and the faith I have in His goodness I can claim the scripture above as mine.  "Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low..."

We are all invited to draw near to God and experience His comfort.

Read the Isaiah 40:1-11 text here.  Listen to the text here.