Day 147 – Isaiah: Words of Comfort
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” Isaiah 40:1-2 NLT
Reading Isaiah 40:1 to Isaiah 66:24
The final 27 chapters in Isaiah generally bring a message of forgiveness, comfort, and hope. This message of hope looks forward to the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah speaks more (but not exclusively) about the Messiah than any other Old Testament prophet. He describes Jesus as both the suffering Servant and the sovereign Lord. This could not be understood clearly until New Testament times. Based on what Jesus Christ has done, God freely offers forgiveness to all (Gentiles like you and me included) who turn to Him in faith. This is God’s message of comfort to us because those who heed it find eternal peace and fellowship with him. He promises comfort, deliverance, and restoration in His future Kingdom. The Messiah will rule over the faithful followers in the age to come.
Hope is possible because Christ is coming. We can be refreshed because compassion is available for those who repent. No matter how bleak the situation or how evil the world, we must continue to be God’s faithful people who hope with steadfast faith for His return.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the prophesied return of Jesus Christ and the comfort we can take from the last chapters. Even through the words of judgment, You show Your mercy to speak tenderly to Your people. We pray with hope for the return of Jesus Christ and the glory of Your Kingdom. Amen.
