Apr 10 - Isaiah 40:2

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and

proclaim to her that her hard service
has been completed,

that her sin has been paid for.

Isaiah 40:2

The first parts of Isaiah are God’s repeated warnings to Jerusalem. This kingdom had forgotten the Lord and was following the ways of the world. “Turn back” was the constant message.

God’s people did not turn back. God’s hand of protection was removed. The Babylonians were allowed to conquer Judah and scatter God’s people.

In the first parts of Isaiah and in midst of rebellion, the prophet’s constant message was “turn back.” In the midst of exile and persecution – and in the final parts of Isaiah – we find God “speak[ing] tenderly.”

In the days of Jesus, our Lord was warning Jerusalem. Some followed Jesus the Messiah. Others called for his crucifixion.

In Romans 9-11 (a focus of my current Wednesday night Bible Study), Paul – a Jew who became a Christian – lamented like a prophet over the sin of his people. Paul says that with God’s people turning violently away, the Lord has chosen a new people – the Gentiles, the church – to be his people. Indeed, Paul says, “their rejection is [has led to, has opened the door for] the reconciliation of the world” (Rom 11:15).

Nevertheless, Paul concludes by reminding us

·         that God is faithful (Rom 11:1),

·         that his promise to Israel will endure forever (Rom 11:29),

·         that – as in the days of Isaiah – a door is open and a remnant will return (Rom 11:4-5).

Today, Israel is again a political punching bag. The world is aligned (again) against them. I’m personally inclined to stand with Israel, remembering Paul’s words, “I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so [and then] all Israel will be saved … for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:25-29).

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who personally likes the grace of the next verse too …

“Just as you were once disobedient to God

but have now received mercy …

… so they too may receive mercy” (Rom 11:30-31)