Comfort

Introduction

Mom’s flyswatter.

The threat of punishment but grace can be offered.

Israel’s rebellion (chs. 1-39), but God is now saying, “Comfort!”

Before Isreal has earned any forgiveness, before they’ve repented, God is offering grace.

“God’s trustworthiness does not end at the point of disobedience.”

God’s Faithfulness

vv. 1-2

What should Israel expect?

Faith in other nations that failed or betrayed them. Egypt & Assyria.

But, “comfort, comfort!” MY People, no longer “those people.”

This comfort is the relief you feel when a bad situation has been resolved.

Warfare = Iniquity. This is God’s discipline.

Hebrews 12:7 ESV

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

In their coming exile, they would be questioning God. Forsaken? Able? Lord of history?

Questions maybe you’ve had? Forsaken? Able? Lord of history?

In suffering, how do we find comfort?

God’s Appearance

vv. 3-5

Here we find comfort for a ruined people.

Wilderness / Desert = judgment & hardship.

In hardship is where God begins His work.

All we do is prepare to receive His comfort - expecting a king to come.

Celebration parades for WWII troops.

God will be seen / revealed.

Theophanies in the OT leading to the incarnation of Jesus.

Incarnation = In the flesh

John 1:14 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

A promise to Israel and a larger fulfillment to the nations.

God’s Endurance

vv. 6-8

This time of the year for yards.

Flesh = Grass.

When God breathes on rebellion, it fades.

But God and His Word endure.

“If I insist that I am permanent, then I become nothing; if I admit that God alone is permanent, then He breathes His permanence on me.”

This begins with an honest assessment of ourselves. Limited & sinful.

And then an honest assessment of God.

God is unlimited and holy and forgiving.

Conclusion

Wreck in college. Completely helpless.

Israel couldn’t do anything.

But...

God offers unmerited grace.

Something not earned.

Offered to you.