David Bahn – Reflections

This morning I realized that I needed to read Isaiah. And as I began, it occurred to me that this book is for people such as me at a time such as this. For I need God’s comfort – as do many today in the face of the economic turmoil and worldly uncertainties we face. And Isaiah ultimately has that message of comfort: “Comfort, comfort my people says your God…” (Isaiah 40:1).

But the book begins with an in-your-face call to repentance by God. He accuses His people of sinning by their false worship and unfaithfulness to Him. He says He will redeem His people who come to Him, but will destroy the sinners because they refuse to come to Him. The issue, of course, is not just that of sin. For He has already told them that even scarlet-red sin can be washed white as snow. The issue is whether or not those who sin will come to Him.

Perhaps, because of my own personal pain, I am now more aware of the need for God’s comfort; Nici’s illness has rendered her nearly bedridden. This is so difficult to see, and makes me cry out for God’s mercy and comfort. But I believe there are many who have no conscious awareness of their misery. They are angry and frustrated.

It doesn’t take long to see it if you look around or turn on the TV: whether the stories in the news or the subjects of prime time dramas there is an undercurrent of anger and frustration (I watched Law and Order last night). Women are victimized or crusading. Men are menacing or impotent. Youths are rebellious. North Korea is rattling their sabers. Pundits wring their hands in frustration over the economy.

What we don’t easily see is our need for God’s comfort. We believe we need a solution to the economic crisis: Let’s fix GM, let’s get the stock market on the right path again. We think our greatest need in the arena of world peace is a stronger military or a more humble attitude, or a reasonable discourse with our allies and adversaries. Take your pick: while there certainly is a right way to deal with global issues, what remains un-addressed is our need for God and His ways.

God calls us, through Isaiah. to “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows.” (Isaiah 1:17 NLT) Such is God’s call to those who face such desolation as is described in Isaiah 1. Now admittedly we are nowhere near as bad off as the people of Isaiah’s day were. Their country lied in ruins and their cities were burned. They had been conquered. But we do face some real challenges these days. And in the face of those challenges God’s desire is that we come to Him and seek His comfort, and honor His name. Even in the last part of Isaiah – when the message turns from confrontation to comfort, God says, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6 NIV) Good words: Lord, have mercy!