God told Isaiah to tell the Gentile converts to: “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people. Speak comfortably (lit: speak to the heart) of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 40:1). To the war-weary people of Israel, the message of comfort from the Bride of Christ is that their Messiah, whom we love so dearly, is coming to save, gather, and defend His people.
The Lord even tells us what to say… “Say to the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God is coming with a strong hand … He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs in His arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” His protective reign is coming, and they will revel in it.
The first appearing of Jesus demonstrated His love for the world by saving us from sin and death. But His second advent will be in the full military power of Heaven, to right every wrong on earth - and He will begin at Jerusalem.
The Lord also speaks to our war-weary hearts, for our world has declared open war on truth, science, reason, babies, children, the family, the elderly, Christians, and ultimately, upon their Creator.
He also comforts us by telling us to anticipate His Presence… “For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a (military) shout, with the voice of the archangel (Michael, who specifically defends Israel) and with the trump of God (awakening the whole earth). And the dead in Christ shall arise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
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