Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
Isaiah 40:1
When do we need comfort?
Think of a little boy: He's rough and tumble, jumping and rough-housing. Little boys are trucks and balls ... and inevitably, way too many skinned knees.
That's when a defeated little boy crawls tenderly into his daddy's strong arms. The little one grabs tight and wipes his tears on his father's strong shoulder, as his father whispers words of both comfort -- "That's my boy. There. There. It'll be okay" -- and wisdom -- "You know, you probably shouldn't climb up on that chair next time." The little guy catches his breath, and then like a shot, he's off again -- ready for the next battle.
When God calls, "Comfort." It's not because our lives are easy and we need more creature comforts. It's because much of life is hard. Do you ever feel like you're living with skinned hearts and bruised knees?
Much of Israel's prophecy is like a pendulum. Like the father who warns his children not to climb up on the wobbly chair, the pendulum swing in one direction was continual warning. It was repeatedly, "If you want God's protection, follow his words and advice." Once Israel inevitably slipped and fell, though, the prophets' pendulum would swing back toward reassurance. "1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term."
"8 The grass withers, the flower fades," warns the Father. Your life here is shorter than you can imagine, is essentially the warning. Therefore, says the prophet, cling to something that will "8 stand forever." And what is the only lifeline that will last forever? "8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the Lord stands forever."
Today begins the season of Advent. The year is fading. We're all a little tired. But the Father is opening his arms and saying, "Come to me all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
In Christ's Love,
a clumsy guy who falls
and wants to climb
into his Father's arms
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