THE LORD…WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON HIS AFFLICTED

⏰Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent (29 March 2017)

Isa 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 (R.v.8a); John 5:17-30

“THE LORD…WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON HIS AFFLICTED” (Isa 49:13)

In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminded the people of Israel that God chose them from all the nations of the earth and gave them a place of pride as his very own people (cf. Deut 7:6-8). With such an assurance, it was difficult for them to understand why God would allow them to suffer the pains of oppression and separation in exile. I guess they would have joined Horace Duke’s book to ask, “Where is God when bad things happen?”

The people were in that state of hopelessness and resultant faithlessness when the prophet Isaiah came with the prophecy in Isa 49:8-26. In that prophecy, he reassured the people of God’s tender love for them which is greater than even the love that a woman has for a child at her breast or the one in her womb (cf. Isa 49:15).

As that prophecy was made to the Israelites of old, so it is made to us today. Jesus assures us that the Father goes on working and he is working with the Father (cf. John 5:17). All that is required of us to gain the freedom and life that he offers us is to hear his voice and believe in him (cf. John 5:24) in the same way Isaiah had invited the people to come forward (cf. Isa 49:9).

My dear, do not allow yourself to remain in that state where everyone comes around to pity you and tell you sorry. Cheer up and walk up to God. Remind that your ugly situation that you have a loving God who is able to do all things for you. Remember that he already invited you to come and take rest in him (cf. Matt 11:28).

I pray for you today that your own time of God’s favour and day of salvation (Isa 49:8) would surely come and would not delay in coming. Amen.

I wish you a favoured and lovely day. Peace be with you.