Nougat 19

Did you go look up the lyrics yesterday? I might have in your shoes, and actually did prior. Knowing the lyrics is fine, and when we got to the chorus, I hope we felt a bit more confident about what love is. If not, perhaps today’s Holy Nougat will help.

““Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There’s a school of thought that argues that the repetition of a word in scripture means pay attention to the context and usage. Given that these are the first two words coming from God, this is a rule worth noting. We too are reflecting on the context and its implications for us.

In hindsight it is easy to say this message points to the Christ. The irony is, it was directed to people who were either also exiled or in spaces of possible despair due to the exile. So while the Word was forth telling about Jesus, it was also a current word of comfort for the people in that time.

Again, the Exile was the end-product of a national lifestyle that failed to put God first. Despite all God brought them through: Exodus, Land of Promise, Nation state, Kingdom; the people on the whole did as they pleased. Their idolatry was public, including liaisons with nations that had nothing to do with YHWH. In fact, they operated on the premise that the kings or emperors were either gods or the sons of local gods. Israel’s relationship with YHWH precluded the worship of other gods, so we can easily see the conflict of practices there. Soon Israel relied less on YHWH and more on political liaisons, and this was the beginning of the end. Their allies were more interested in conquest than actual support.

The result: Exile

But there was a remnant that remained faithful to YHWH. They continued to observe the laws of the Torah under the Israelite monarchy, despite what was happening with the rulers. For those people, even if they had advanced warning, the Exile would have been very devastating. Most of the skilled workers intellectuals, religious or tradesmen were deported into Babylon to serve the empire. Some of the remnant was left behind, while others were among the deported. Spirits were low, Faith was under fire

God’s word could then be interpreted as a reminder that they were still God’s elect (note the term ‘my people’, which was like an endearment), and they should be encouraged despite what was happening. Additionally, it was a directive for the believing remnant to be the evangels of hope in those uncertain times.

That directive was likely to be a turning point for the exiled and remaining faithful. It was a fresh assurance of God’s love for God’s elect even in a ‘strange land’ and under captivity. Love sent Hope packaged in Peace of mind and spirit, even if their bodies were at risk. And, having received God’s comfort, joy was also present.

That’s the way of God’s love.

It comforts us in our distress and sends us forth to comfort others. God’s love is that profound. For, a message for captives and exiles was also a prophetic word about the coming Messiah and for His return at the right moment. Are we comforted? Can we feel the love?

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May all we seek be found in Christ