[T]here is nothing in us or done by us at any stage of our earthly development because of which we are acceptable to God. We must always be accepted for Christ’s sake or we cannot ever be accepted at all. This is not true of us only “when we believe,” it is just as true after we have believed. It will continue to be true as long as we live… It is always, on His “blood and righteousness” alone that we can rest. There is never anything that we are or have or do that can take His place or that take a place along with Him. We are always unworthy, and all that we have or do of good is always of pure grace.
B.B. Warfield

42 WORDS OF COMFORT

42 WORDS OF COMFORT F O O T ================================

  • H O L D

READING

42 WORDS OF COMFORT

PRAY Show me the path of life, O Lord.

READ Isaiah 40:1-11.

THINK What hints can you find in this chapter which go beyond the Old Testament fulfillment to the New Testament and the coming of Jesus? —————————————————————- FOCUS A new day would break! The Jews had been in exile in Babylon but soon it would be over. Soon they would return home. FORGIVENESS. Jerusalem was so central to the life of Israel that when it was destroyed it was as if God had left the nation. There was no greater punishment for national sin (2). Now Isaiah was looking ahead to the restoration of Jerusalem and its people. There was comfort and hope (1,2). They were assured of God’s forgiveness. When people drift away from God, the same words of comfort and hope can be applied to them. They too can be assured of forgiveness, if they truly repent. PROMISE. A long journey (1500 kms) over wilderness and desert lay between the Jewish exiles and their home. But verse 3 was a word of encouragement as the people faced the daunting prospect. It was a call for a road gang to fill in the potholes and remove the obstructions ready for the king’s coming. God promised to go before his people and open up the way. But can they be sure of his promise? Mortals are frail and not always reliable (6,7). But God is totally reliable and his word stands forever (8). He is the Sovereign Lord (10). All power belongs to him. But he is also infinitely tender and he cares for his people with the gentleness of a shepherd (11). Verse 3 was applied to someone in New Testament times. Who was it? (Matthew 3:3)? —————————————————————-

PRAY Praise God for his powerfulness and his gentleness.

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