As John the Baptist preaches in the desert he quotes Isaiah 40. John is consciously preparing the way for the Lord Jesus Christ to come into our world. As we study carefully Isaiah 40:3 we see that it’s the Lord (Yahweh - note the capitals in your NIV Bible) who is coming. Jesus is coming in the NT and Yahweh is coming in the OT. What does it say about Jesus, except that Jesus is the Lord God Almighty and comes in His name.
This coming one will bring comfort. The repetition of ‘comfort’ in Isaiah 40:1 suggests that it’s a deep deep comfort from God Himself. He will speak tenderly and lovingly to the people telling them that their sins are paid for, their hard service has come to an end. Blessing and restitution are coming. The sovereign Lord is coming to tend and shepherd His flock. He is coming to lead them to green pastures. The creator God is coming to bring strength and vitality back to His people. There’s no more need to complain. There’s no more need to cry out and writhe in agony because Yahweh is coming to help His people.
You and I have a great message of comfort to take to the people of this world. To those who are burdened by their sins, to those chained in captivity, to those under the power of the evil one, we have deeply comforting good news - news that Jesus has paid for their sin. Jesus has set them free. Jesus has defeated the evil one and will free them from captivity. Surely, everyone who turns to the Lord will never be driven away. Everyone who comes to Him will never be snatched away. Good news! Comforting News! How beautiful are even the feet of Him who brings such wonderfully good news.
You my brother and sister in Christ have beautiful feet to take this good news to those around you who desperately need to hear it. You are a messenger of comfort to the needy and dying. You are a light of hope, a beacon of salvation to those drowning in the sea of sin.
God has a great rescue plan to save the world. You and I are lifesavers in that rescue plan. He has sent us out in the life raft to gather in those drowning in the sea of sin. We go out with confidence that all who grab the life buoy will be saved.
Prayer:-
- Pray for the work of OMF as they continue to take the message of salvation and good news to various regions around the world. Pray that they would be well equipped and resourced to do the work God has called them to do.
- Pray that God would continue to bless the World Changers Group at ChristLife Presbyterian Church with the funds they need to continue supporting missionaries and to continue planning missions for 2011.
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