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Perspective:-
God Who Comforts Us
"I, even I, am He who comforts you.Isaiah 51:12
What a reassuring truth that our God Almighty is concerned about our struggles and wants to comfort us. Isaiah wrote these words for the people of Judah who will be in captivity later on. After facing untold troubles in their life, they will definitely look for a word of encouragement.
This divine comfort is available for any child of God as they go through various troubles in their life. Quite often we long for a word of inspiration from our dear ones. But it may not come. David prophetically spoke of a similar situation the Messiah would in Psalm 69, 0 Reproach has broken my heart, And I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none. V. 20. Even it could be the experience of David himself, as we too can well identify with him.
Even if someone shows pity on us, that may not be enough to console our broken heart. Jobs experience is the best example. His friends came to support him in his affliction, but turned out to be troublesome to him. He told them, you are worthless physicians and miserable comforters. Job 13:4; 16:2. Take heart believers, in all our pain and sorrow, its God alone who knows the real state and comes to calm our heart down.
Notice, the way the Lord illustrates His approach to them as a comforter in Isaiah 66:13. As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you. We can easily imagine the way a mother comforts her child who is in distress. Her soothing words with tender compassion and affection always pacify the little ones in their pain. Elsewhere He says, even such a mother could forget her child, yet He will not.
Its not just a promise; down through the centuries Gods people have always experienced this divine intimacy and His reassuring words in all their struggles. No wonder Apostle Paul writes, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. 2Corinthians 1:3, 4a. Yes, Not only He comforts us always, but He also comforts us in all our tribulations.
As we are going through unparalleled agonies due to the covid -19 pandemic all over the world, let us continue to trust in the Lord Almighty for He does all things well for His glory. Find comfort and strength in Gods word, His unfailing promises, for He declares, "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12
Out line:-
Threefold comfort
- God for us - Romans 8:31
- God with us - Matthew 1:23
- God in us - 1John 4:6 - Who is against us?
E.C.M
Anecdote: -
'Gone in to see the King
Comfort in time of bereavement is unique for all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Story of Mrs. Charles Beer, who served the Lord in Narsapur, Andrapradesh is very touching. When her husband was in his death bed, she was sitting on side of the bed. On the other side was one of their close associate in the ministry among the Telugu speaking people, Mr. E. S. Bowden was sitting.
They watched his strength failing and looked on as the veteran worker passed into the presence of his Lord and Master Whom he had loved and served. As the heart ceased to beat and the last breath was drawn, Mr. Bowden looked across to the now widowed and sorrowing sister and said quietly, 'Gone in to see the King.' Mrs. Beer found in those these simple yet profound words the comfort that her heart needed.
Yes, the departed servant of God saw the king in His beauty cf. Isaiah 33: 17; 2 Corinthians 5: 8; Philippians . 1: 23
Source unknown
Anecdote: -
Response to Calamities.
What shall we do today as we face unexpected, unfavorable circumstances? Is it enough to be satisfied that we are born again children of God and nothing will happen to us without Gods permission?
Of course its not wrong to trust God and hope for His gracious intervention as we face any hostile situation. But thats only a one-sided remedy. There were occasions when false prophets tried to comfort the people of God with soothing words; the Lord denounced them for it was not from Him. Jeremiah 27:13ff. So the right response in the light of Gods word is imperative.
Seven important lessons are noteworthy:
1. Introspect sincerely.
We need to seek the Lords help in finding out the real cause behind such strange happenings. Joshua failed to seek the root cause for the unexpected defeat at Ai. Joshua 7:7 Isaiah the prophet has done that;>i> O LORD, why have You made us stray from Your ways, And hardened our heart from Your fear?. Isaiah 63:17a. The Lord expected the Jewish people to ask similar questions. Jeremiah 5:19. Cf. Psa 10:1; 74:1; 81:14.
Often, we fail to see our own failure. Thats why we need the help of the Lord that He may graciously open our eyes to see our real state. Isaiah 6:5. 1Corinthians 4:4. Of course, it is one of the works of the Holy Spirit. John 16:8 10. Let us sincerely pray with the Psalmist, Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23, 24. More
Worthy Quotes:-
Comfort
We know nothing of tomorrow, our business is to be good and happy today.
_________ Sydney Smith.
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.
_________ J. H. Jowett
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