Isaiah 40:1-2
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call out to her. Her warfare really is over. Her guilt is fully paid for. Yes, she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You want all to know your love and comfort for your people. Our actions, words, and thoughts often cause us suffering because we offend others. Then, we deal with their retaliation, and everything spirals out of control. We live in a sinful world; sin is all around us, and it can be exhausting to remain positive. All this consternation makes us want to go far away and scream because of all this strife. Sin is the root of all our troubles.
Therefore, as we deal with the world, you comfort us so we can let go of all our guilt and shame because You have brought peace. You have granted us pardon and reconciliation through your Son, our Savior. Jesus suffered on the cross to redeem us, and the warfare is over because, with Jesus as our atonement offering, sins’ debt was paid in full. The forgiveness Jesus won for us on the cross overflows in abundance, so we never have to worry about whether a particular sin is covered. As Isaiah wrote, Jerusalem received double from your hand for all her sins.
Let us share your comfort and love for all people. Change the hearts of those around us to receive your comfort through faith in Jesus. Let them enjoy true peace, knowing their sins are also covered, and there is no reason to fight when Jesus forgives them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God wants you to be comforted by him and united with him for eternity, so he sent his Son. Why? Because he created you to be with him, and he loves you.