As I read today's scripture reading for my own time of contemplation and journaling I was reminded about Gods' incredible heart. It is to COMFORT and extend GRACE.
Scripture:
The God of Comfort
Isaiah 40: 1, 2, 5, 10, 11
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends 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.
Who is like the Lord our God?
Isaiah 40: 12, 13 & 14
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
The God of Strength
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Observation:
As I read these verses today I was given a refresher course on the heart of God. It is His heart to provide us with comfort when we are in need and strength when we become week. It is this God, the one that I serve that is like no other God. He does not need a counselor nor does he seek advise from another. He is all sufficient and self-contained. He alone is worthy of my worship , trust and dependency. In Isaiah's time, people carved idols out of stone or wood; today, people create idols in their hearts: Money, fame, success, social status; pleasure. An idol is anything that replaces God, and for most of us, the most potent idol is ourselves. But if we want to experience true comfort and have a hope for the future, our focus must become less self-centered and more God-ward. Who is like our God? Who can give strength to us? Who is there that knows it all (not who thinks they know it all but who really does)? God alone.
Isaiah went on to emphasis his point about God and it speaks volumes to my own heart. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in" (Isaiah 40:21-22). There are hints, here, of modern cosmology, not that of 700 B.C. - the earth is a "circle," the heavens "stretched out." Wow! As I read this I observe once again (as part of my refresher) God's promises can be trusted because He is above and outside the world. And Isaiah says that these things have been known about God from the very beginning. "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one,and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing" (Isaiah 40:26).Isaiah's purpose is to convey the hope and comfort offered by the mighty Creator of the Heavens. This hope is grounded in God's promises, which in turn, are established by His power and character to keep them. He is coming to you and me and someday He will demonstrate the power of His rule outwardly - He will establish His rule forever. He will gather those who love Him like sheep and tenderly lead us. These verses clearly set the backdrop for the Savior, Jesus to come to Earth as much of these words are fulfilled and extended in the life of Jesus and His sacrifice for us.
Application:
As I continue to deal with personal growth, ordering my days and my time, our current church expansion (patience with contractors) trusting God and the release of funding for our multi-purpose building (future) these words are amazing reminders to me. I serve a God who is incredible - powerful - all wise and yet is willing to provide me with comfort and strength. This God shares His wisdom and His heart with me as I need Him. He does not hoard His power or His blessing as I live out my days on this "circle." A fresh view of God puts my life in perspective and gives clarity and lift to my faith. When I hear the negative comments, carry the weight of life, watch my own waistline shrink and grow and hopefully now to shrink again - I have a God who is intimately acquainted with all my ways and all my days. I serve the God who rules above all - He is wise and powerful and cares more about me than I know. He cares the same for you.
It is God's heart to COMFORT and extend GRACE.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust in you at a new level and to believe in you like never before. You are the God of all comfort and you share your comfort - help me to run to you and teach me to receive from you. Allow me often times like today, where I am able to have a fresh view of you. Help me to wait on you - to get new strength before pressing ahead and to open my heart to you - for there is none like you. Thank you that these verses that remind me too of your Son, Jesus and His love for me. I praise you God for you are my strength and comfort. Amen.
Let God's word speak to your heart each day as you get a fresh glimpse of our eternal God.
I love being your pastor,
Pastor Bernie
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