In chapter 51 of Isaiah, God’s talking to the Jews, saying that they’ve gone through a lot of pain and trouble because of their sins; and then at the end of the chapter, He tells them that He’s going to remove the “cup” of His wrath from them and give it to their enemies to drink (basically, He’s going to stop punishing the Jews and turn on their enemies).
But this verse. I can hear it being said in an weeping/pleading voice, and I’m almost crying while typing this.
…who shall be sorry for thee?…by whom shall I [God] comfort thee?
Isaiah 51:19 (KJV)
Who will have compassion on the hurting, the disappointed, the lost, the dying?
Who will tell them about Jesus, about His dying to save us? About the way He can mend a heart and bring beauty out of the ashes? About His love and joy and peace and strength, and the way He longs to fill us till we overflow?
Who will tell them about God, about His caring for our needs, about His abundant forgiveness? About His power, His ability to heal and provide and deliver? About His moving in ways we don’t understand, but working it all out for good, according to His will?
Who will be there for them? Listen to them talk? Let them cry, and cry with them? Point them to God? Pray for/with them?
Who will come before God on someone else’s behalf? Begging Him for mercy, for strength, for direction, for another chance?
Who will cry for those who don’t yet know Jesus and are dying without Him? Who will reach out to them, hoping to lead at least one soul to the Father?
Who will allow God to use them to comfort somebody? To give them hope? To point them to Him? To direct them Home?
Will you? Will I?
If we–children of the King, saved by grace, having the knowledge of the Good News–don’t do it…who will?
