Comfort

O. T. #1626  "Comfort"
Feb. 11, 2020
Isaiah 40

LET IT GLOW

Let's consider our time table so we can get a perspective as to when things occur according to the Rose Book of Bible and Christian History Time Lines:

*760-673 B.C. Isaiah prophesied (during that time, the kings of Judah included Uzziah, Jotham,
                        Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh)
*612 B.C. Babylon conquers Nineveh (capital of Assyrian Empire)
*586 B.C. Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and Temple (70 years of captivity of Jews in foreign land)
*539 B.C. Babylon falls to Persia
*538 B.C. First group of Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild (Cyrus the Great is king)

III. God's Deliverance of His People or Comfort to the Babylonian Exiles

This third section of this book has three divisions: (1) chapters 40-48 (2)chapters 49-57 (3) chapters 58-66. In the first part, we look at the hope and comfort of a blessed future for Judah after God's judgment of the Babylonian captivity. Living seventy years in captivity of another county that is foreign to them, results in generations dying and being born there. The Jews are God's covenant people and they will never be permanently cast away (Romans 11:2). Judah's forced labor there would end after they experienced the full measure of discipline for their many sins. Over 63,000 Jews returned to the place where Jerusalem once stood, as well as rebuilding the Temple.

As Isaiah sees a day of salvation, what is God saying to Judah?

• He is calling for comfort (repent, console) for His people. (verse 1)
• Speak to the heart because Jerusalem's warfare days are gone, her iniquity is pardoned, and she was punished twice by the Lord. (verse 2)
• Clear the way through the wilderness; prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (verse 3)
• Fill in the valleys and level the mountains and hills; straighten the curves; smooth out the rough places. (verse 4)

John the Baptist had this role in preparing the people for the coming Messiah as he called for repentance of sin. We find this in the Gospels. "Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world," was John's declaration and introduction of Jesus.

Today, there are still some major highways from the Sea of Galilee along the Jordan River, down to Jericho and Jerusalem. Also, on the other side through Nazareth, the Valley of Jezerel, to Jerusalem, on which we traveled during our tour of Israel.

In addition, we are to prepare people spiritually for the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ. The Lord is coming back, a second trip for Him. He will reign with peace for 1,000 years. He will make Jerusalem, His Beloved city, the place where all come from the ends of the earth.


LET IT GROW

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (verse 5)

The Jewish remnants' hearts were stirred up by the Lord, as well as King Cyrus, with courage to make it through the hills, valleys, and rough places on their way back to Jerusalem.

The divine glory was a light to lighten the Gentiles, as Jesus offered salvation to them and to us. He offers hope and deliverance from sin for us.
Remove the obstacles and roll out the red carpet for the coming of the Lord. As the wilderness pictures the trials and sufferings in life, we are not immune to them as believers. Our faith is not to be hindered by them either. So when our life seems to fall apart, we can find comfort, God's comfort through it all. In His Word we can find strength and encouragement, and His Holy Spirit's presence.
Let us comfort each other with these word.


LET IT GO
You are forever mine, Jesus.
Glory to You.
I wait for Your soon coming.