Receiving Comfort Through the Goodness of God

Receiving Comfort Through the Goodness of God

December 5, 2014 Year B

God’s goodness can give us comfort. There is a voice which comforts us, a voice that speaks about the goodness of God.

““Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1, HCSB)

Another voice tells us to get ready to receive that comfort. In order to do that, we have to prepare for God come to us. God does not just give us His comfort because of who we are. We have to change and be ready to receive His comfort and goodness.

“A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth and the rough places, a plain. And the glory of the Lord will appear, and all humanity together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3–5, HCSB)

Why is this so? Because in contrast to the goodness of God, the goodness of humanity is lacking. Humanity has a goodness that fades, that wanes, that disappears.

“A voice was saying, “Cry out!” Another said, “What should I cry out?” “All humanity is grass, and all its goodness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flowers fade when the breath of the Lord blows on them; indeed, the people are grass.” (Isaiah 40:6–7, HCSB)

Like the grass and the flowers, human goodness withers and fades away. God’s word (His word of comfort and goodness) stays forever.

“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”” (Isaiah 40:8, HCSB)

The goodness of God becomes the good news which needs to be shared by God’s people. We are called to be a “herald,” an announcer of that good news.

“Zion, herald of good news, go up on a high mountain. Jerusalem, herald of good news, raise your voice loudly. Raise it, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”” (Isaiah 40:9, HCSB)

What do we tell people? “God is here.” Not only is the One true God here, but He wants to share His goodness with you.

“See, the Lord God comes with strength, and His power establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him. He protects His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them in the fold of His garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.” (Isaiah 40:10–11, HCSB)

God comes with His strength.

God rules your life by His own power.

God brings rewards and gifts to those who place their trust in Him.

God protects, gathers, carries, and leads, all because of His goodness.