Day 201, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Isaiah 51–55
Comfort for Those Who Suffer
What do we say when someone is suffering from their stubbornness? “You got what you deserved?” No, that won’t bring much comfort. Should we deny their own poor choices caused their problems? No, there is no reason to lie to them; they probably know the truth. Should we lecture them? No, those who are being punished do not need lectures. Those who are suffering and depressed need hope. Some look for comfort in a bar, but there is real comfort for those who seek help from God.
Hope for Those Who are Punished
In Isaiah 40-66, God gives hope to the exiled Israelites. They are or soon will be captives in other lands—God is punishing them for their continual wickedness and idolatry. He has not forgotten them, however, any more than a mother could forget her disobedient children.
In today’s Bible reading, Isaiah first directs his attention to the righteous Jews. When people make poor choices, the innocent also suffers. The Israelites belonging to the northern kingdom are already in exile. Judah will soon follow. They will cower before their captors and live in constant fear of the wrath of their oppressors (51:13-14).
The LORD, in his anger over her national sins, will cast her away from her homeland. Figuratively, in Judah’s sufferings, she will drink the cup of his wrath. God temporarily divorces her, like a husband to his unfaithful wife, suspending his covenant until she turns from her sins and comes back to him. Divorces in most societies are not like the divorce God executed upon her, for it was more like a punitive separation (see Isaiah 54:5-8). Like Hosea, the LORD will buy her back from her life of sin and love her once again.
Before or during their exile, some Jews will turn from their sin and seek the LORD. What hope will there be for them? They are to remember that they are descendants of Abraham, children of the promise. The promises given to Abraham were land, seed, and blessing (Genesis 17:1-10). God declares those ancient promises will still be fulfilled, although their homeland is in ruins, and they are in exile.
About 150 years after Isaiah writes this prophecy, God will move King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their temple. For a short while, they will obey God. Once again, however, they will lose their land to foreign invaders and be dispersed across the world.
In a coming day, when God’s judgment on the Jews is complete, he will graciously forgive them, and they will be forever restored to their land. God promises,
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
“I [God], even I, am he who comforts you” (Isaiah 51:11-12a, NIV).
In the last days, even though the earth and most of its people will be destroyed in the seven-year Tribulation Period, the LORD will save the Jewish people (Romans 11:26; Revelation 14:1-3). Then Jesus will return to rule and reign in Jerusalem for 1,000 years. Afterward, he will continue his reign forever on a new or rejuvenated earth (Revelation 20:6; 21:1-7, 10-27).
Hope for Those Who Unjustly Suffer
Jesus Christ gives comfort in times of trouble. Do we know him? He suffered unjustly. Isaiah writes, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (53:5, NIV).
Isaiah’s prophecy says this suffering servant will do this for Israel’s transgressions. He also extends his salvation to us (John 1:12). Have we trusted him to save, forgive, and heal our souls? All of us need forgiveness. (more...).God will call Israel back into a relationship with himself. During the thousand-year reign of Christ, her homeland will no longer be desolate but lush with vegetation like the Garden of Eden. The nation will not be able to contain all those who inhabit her borders. The fulfillment of God’s Abrahamic blessings on Israel will finally be seen by all. She will have an abundance of people, jewels, and precious metals in her Promised Land—all evidence of God’s blessings.
If we turn from our sins to God, we, too, can be restored and blessed. God will not hold our past sins against us. He will restore his favor in our lives (although that does not necessarily mean the promise of material riches).
Find Comfort in God
Returning to her present situation, God reminds Israel that he defends the righteous but punishes the wicked. Although the LORD will restore Israel to her land after the exile, once again, she will fall into sin. In the last days of the earth, as we know it, however, Israel will be saved, and God will defend her against all attacks (Isaiah 55:15-17).
The Psalmist sings, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7, NIV). Is the LORD our strength and shield? Why not sing about it?
An invitation is extended to Israel, and the same is extended to us: Come! Let us seek the LORD while we have the opportunity. There, we will find mercy, pardon, joy, and peace—comfort and help for our hurting souls. We do not need money to bribe our way out of trouble. We can come to Jesus and ask him to forgive our sins. Then God will help us straighten out any messes we may have made in our lives. God offers us his everlasting love and restoration. His promises are true—we can trust him to deliver!
Discussion
What comfort can we give to those who suffer for their sins?
Many times, the innocent suffers for the sins of others. What comfort is there for them?
What invitation does Isaiah give to Israel and us—where can we find comfort? How can our souls be restored?
Hosea was an Old Testament prophet who had an unfaithful wife. You can find the story about her in the book of Hosea, discussed on Day 178, June 27.
Focus Verse
Romans 12:12 (NIV) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Even though we might suffer from being associated with others who are being punished, there are Rewards of Righteousness for those who remain faithful. See this in our Next Lesson.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
Go to Home pagepage last re-edited July 18, 2020
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES