Day 203, July 22 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Isaiah 61–66
Hope for the Hurting
Many people are hurting. They may be hurting because of sickness or injury, foolish mistakes, or uncontrollable circumstances. How do we minister to them in their pain? In most cases, we do not want to add to it with words of judgment. What do we do?
Have Pity
In 722 B.C., Assyria conquered Israel and took the survivors away from their homeland because of their despicable wickedness. Israel’s sister nation is soon to follow.
Isaiah records prophecies of doom for Judah and the surrounding countries in chapters 1–39, but in God’s grace, Judah is given 150 more years to turn to him from her sins. Under some kings, she repents, but she returns to her wickedness and is later judged. Isaiah does not leave Judah without hope, however; he writes the last chapters to encourage her.
Neither should we leave others without hope. We should have pity for the wounded and those who are misled. When people are hurting, they need sympathy and encouragement.
In today’s Bible reading, Isaiah brings comfort to Judah as they face their near destruction and exile. Someday, they will have joy instead of sorrow.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me [Isaiah], because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted [the exiles]; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:1-3, NIV).
Those who are familiar with the teachings of the Bible may recognize these verses. About 600 years after Isaiah finishes his prophecy, Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2a in the synagogue and applies it to his ministry (Luke 4:18-19). In the immediate context, however, these Scripture verses refer to the exiles.
To what place of service has God called us? If we are Christians, we are called to be like Christ, which means exercising compassion when people are suffering. Let us have pity.
Give Hope
We should give hope to those who are in misery (but not false hope). Isaiah comforts Judah and Israel by speaking words of confidence about their future: “they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations; and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations” (Isaiah 61:4, NIV).
After Judah is taken to Babylon and all Israel is in captivity for seventy years, she will repent. Then God will have mercy on her. Kings of Persia, under the sovereign direction of God, will allow any willing Israelites to return to their land and rebuild their temple and city walls. God is gracious, and they will sing about it!We, too, need to be compassionate. We should strengthen the spirits of those who hurt with kind words so they might praise the Lord, even under challenging circumstances.
Instill Confidence in the LORD
Those who are suffering need confidence in the LORD that he can work in mighty ways to restore us or to help us in our unfortunate situation.
God will quickly restore the nation of Israel, like a country being birthed in a single day (Isaiah 66:8). This happens partially in the days of King Cyrus of Persia—Israel is allowed to go back to her land, but she is a vassal nation.
In the last days of the earth, as we know it, Jesus Christ will come to Israel’s rescue personally when she is attacked by many nations. In a bloody battle, he will save all Israel (Isaiah 63:1-6; Revelation 19:11-21). He will forgive and restore her people. He will give them peace and respect, beautiful land with bountiful vineyards, and much wealth. God’s Son will rule from Jerusalem over the entire world in justice and righteousness for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4), and then into eternity. What future blessings there will be for Israel!
The prophet says,
I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has one for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses” (Isaiah 63:7, NIV).
God will provide sustaining grace through their trials and deliver them in the end.
The LORD is not only Israel’s God; he is our God, too. He works for his glory, forgiving, and blessing those who repent because he is our gracious God. We, also, can sing praise to him for his deliverance and answered prayers.
Encourage the Discouraged to Draw Near to God
We can encourage the oppressed to draw near to God in their times of trouble. Trials and difficulties are not an indication of sin in every case, but it often was for Israel. They needed to remember the former days when times were good, and they were blessed. They needed to turn from their sins and seek the LORD (Isaiah 64).
Now, they are being punished for their sins. From Isaiah 65 and 66, we learn that only those who turn to God from their sins will be able to return to their land and receive God’s blessings. He will make all things new in the end. Those who turn to him away from their sins are the ones who would truly belong to him. The wicked will suffer.
If our sins are hurting us, we should remember, “the goodness of God leads us to repentance” (Romans 2:4, NIV). He restores those who grieve over their sins and look to him for mercy (more...)
Whether or not our pain comes from sin, sickness, or circumstances, these are the times to seek the LORD and draw near to him. He brings healing for our souls, and someday he will bring healing to our bodies.
Discussion
How can we minister to others in their pain and offer some hope?
What might be one good purpose for a person’s suffering?
How can we instill confidence in the LORD when a person is in pain?
Focus Verse
Job 16:5 (NIV) “But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
A Look Ahead: The LORD is good, but we have a choice to Turn Away From or Toward God.
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