“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’s hand double for her sins.” (vv.1-2)
In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, God’s people (and their leadership) had been warned many times to repent and change their ways by the prophet Isaiah. But as we can see from our text, the result for not doing so was a “double portion” of God's discipline. Now, here in chapter 40, Isaiah records for us the words of God to him concerning a new message for His people, “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, cry out to her, that her warfare is ended and her iniquity is pardoned” (v.2).
We all need compassion and forgiveness in our lives, especially when we have gone awry. Without it, there would have no comfort, and our spirits would be constantly at war with our selves and others, for our lack of good judgment. Thankfully we have a redeemer who has paid our debt, that our sins might be forgiven, and our souls comforted.
“Comfort My people,” was Isaiah’s instruction. And, “Prepare them for the coming of Christ” (v.3). Are you prepared? Do you need His comfort? If so, see the prayer to the right on this page (Connect with God) and ask Him to do just that.
The Truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, God’s people (and their leadership) had been warned many times to repent and change their ways by the prophet Isaiah. But as we can see from our text, the result for not doing so was a “double portion” of God's discipline. Now, here in chapter 40, Isaiah records for us the words of God to him concerning a new message for His people, “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, cry out to her, that her warfare is ended and her iniquity is pardoned” (v.2).
We all need compassion and forgiveness in our lives, especially when we have gone awry. Without it, there would have no comfort, and our spirits would be constantly at war with our selves and others, for our lack of good judgment. Thankfully we have a redeemer who has paid our debt, that our sins might be forgiven, and our souls comforted.
“Comfort My people,” was Isaiah’s instruction. And, “Prepare them for the coming of Christ” (v.3). Are you prepared? Do you need His comfort? If so, see the prayer to the right on this page (Connect with God) and ask Him to do just that.
The Truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
