“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” – Isaiah 40:1, 2

Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Through all of life, comfort is a major goal we all want. Life in this world is rough: aches, sorrows, disappointments and stress. Every one of us experiences our share of these negatives. How thankful we are that the message of Scripture is so comforting to those who are disciples of Jesus. We can and should live our lives reflecting upon the ministry of Jesus as upheld by the comfort of the Lord. To us, who come to Christ by faith, the prophet declares that God speaks in a tender voice. In that voice, God tells us through the Gospel that our warfare has ended, not because we have no earthly struggles, but because Christ Jesus is victorious! Our iniquity is pardoned because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

What of the future? The “double” that the prophet declares God’s people receive is not a double punishment, nor a declaration of, “you get what your sins deserve.” Rather it is a promise that God’s people receive from the Lord a double blessing; sins are forgiven and a new life begins!

Do you worry about the past? If you believe in Christ, the message is comforting: your sins are pardoned. Do you worry about the future? Our text promises every disciple a double blessing: a forgiven past and a present and a future in which you, by faith, live a new life in Christ. What wonderful comfort God gives to His people! Prepare to celebrate the great deeds of our Saviour in the joy of this comfort.

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the Lord for the daily comfort He gives you through the gracious promises of Scripture and above all, through the saving ministry of Jesus. Pray for the opportunity to share this comfort and joy with others around you.

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.