God's Comfort
Where do you go to meet your essential need for comfort on a daily basis? Who or what do you turn to? What is God’s comfort, and who needs it? Isaiah prophecies a word of comfort over God’s people who are tired, broken, wearied, and exiled. They desperately needed God’s promise of comfort. And despite their lack of faithfulness, God remains faithful for his sake and for his glory to be known. We won’t ever stop needing God’s comfort; for him to lighten our burden and make our yoke easy. How do we now stop resisting the comfort of God and enter into his rest?
God's Judgement and Mercy
The judgment of God is personal and national. The faithfulness of God is our only hope. The mercy of God is the song of the redeemed. Do you ever wonder when specific people and nations will have to answer to God? How does God have the final say within justice? Will prosperous cultures who rebelled against God and bring destruction simply get away with it?
You Have a Holy Calling
There is a calling on your life from God. This calling has three elements: your personal relationship with God, your character, and your influence. Isaiah was called by God to bring a message to people with hard hearts. Our role is to be faithful, and trust God with the results. Do you not focus on what you cannot control. God has given you many talents, resources, and opportunities. God is glorified as you represent Him even in the most difficult circumstances.
Turn To God Now
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the nation and calling them to return to God. What is the condition of your soul? Jesus is the cure for our sin and rebellion. Jesus heals deep wounds. Jesus brings hope when you feel despair. The invitation from God is trustworthy. His kindness leads you home. There is one voice that is strong, true and reliable. What will it take for you to repent and lead others to God and His goodness?
A Meaningful Pause
Do you feel exhausted by the pace of life? Do you take time to stop, think, and pray? When was the last time you had a spiritually refreshing experience with God?
Jesus Is Prevailing
We are in the middle of a spiritual battle. Everyday, we make significant choices, as we decide between good and evil, darkness and light, God and the devil. We can try to deny these realities, but denial does not lead to transformation and fruit. These realities should drive us to reliance on Jesus, His power and protection. The Holy Spirit inside of you is greater than the temptations that surround you.
Jesus Is Sending
How do you know when God is leading you to do some thing? Do you listen closely to his voice? Will you trust him as you step in to new territory, rolls, and adventures? Our calling is not to live a comfortable life! The greatest joys often come in times of incredible challenge and even hardships. Jesus walked this path, and the eternal glory far outweighs the temporary trials and pain.
Jesus Is Nourishing
Have you felt like you are running out of resources? Where do you turn when you cannot find a solution? How do you keep pace with the needs that surround you? Jesus nourishes people physically and spiritually. The disciples learned to rely on the Lord and offer to Jesus what they have as a step of faith.Jesus takes small acts of obedience and transforms them into a colossal provision and demonstration of his power.
Jesus Is Teaching
What kind of a worshipper are you? God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Does Jesus have your attention, affection and devotion? Jesus uses the contrast of responses between a sinful woman and a self-righteous Pharisee to lead us to Him. People who are forgiven much love much. People who are in denial and reject forgiveness do not love much. Let’s abide with Jesus and draw near to Him.
Jesus Is Honoring
We will be connecting the words of Jesus in vs 9 to the compassion of Jesus in vs 13. First, we will look at someone who “heard of Jesus”, and intentionally acknowledged (honored) Jesus’ power and ability to heal and restore life. Then, someone who “just happened” to be at the city gate; a mom who was in the middle of a funeral processional. Her son was being taken to be buried. We will apply how these individuals responded to what Jesus had done (the lives that He restored) and how they honored Jesus in what they did next.