Do recall we are in the chapter that began this way: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her.” That chapter being Isaiah 40, the beginning of the second great Section of that large Bible Book.
And yet in the same chapter, before I know it, I am being reminded: “The Word of our God shall stand for ever.” This morning’s inspired Text, Isaiah 40:8.
Now this specific situation births a question in my mind … What could possibly be the nexus (the connection) between Millennial Comfort and, using Isaiah’s phrase, “the Word of our God?”
(By the way, here’s the history of the verb “comfort” in Isaiah, the whole Volume, so far. It has only occurred once prior to Isaiah 40:1, amazing! And there it is rendered in our King James Bible … “Labour NOT to COMFORT me.” A prohibition for comfort! But next in Isaiah, a massive Prophecy, “comfort” appears here in our Text. Doubly so! As I’ve already shown you: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem.” Isaiah 40:1-2, where we have definitely entered into Isaiah’s “Comfort Zone!” Because the Lord Jesus has returned to earth!)
Comfort and God’s Word … any linkage, any direct connection?
Any Proof that God uses His Word to comfort you and me? And the future harried inhabitants of the Millennium, those miraculously surviving the Tribulation?
Yes, there’s Proof, lots of it!
But Paul comes to mind first … “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES might have hope.” Romans 15:4, truly a classic!
But other verses easily come to the forefront with a little study. Like this one … “When wilt thou (Lord) COMFORT me? For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy STATUTES (Thy Word).” Psalm 119:81, of course!
Let me add one more … Psalm 119:50. “This is my COMFORT in my affliction: for THY WORD hath quickened (revived) me.”(Now you go find some!)
Wow!
So now I more clearly see why Isaiah blends the defining COMFORT of the coming Millennium with the Presence and Power of GOD’S WORD!
To which fact I an only say …“Hallelujah!”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
In Joel’s recent death God’s Word as applied by the Holy Spirit has sure been a comfort to me. Especially Psalm 23 (“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For THOU art with me”) and 2 Corinthians 5 (“Willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”)
I’ve said all I can right now …
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