Isaiah 40:2 says, ” Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins” (NIV). I love this passage as it shows God’s great mercy and love her his rebellious children. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, let her know her redemption is nigh. And I’ll be honest here, I’m not sure how to take that last bit, but to me it seems as if the Lord is saying that not only has Jerusalem paid her dues for her rebelliousness, but that He will restore her with twice what she had before. Maybe I’m reading a little more into what is really there, but look at Job. After all his trials and tribulations, after all had been stripped from him God gave him twice as much as he had before.
When I look at how Job’s family and friends came to him and brought with them gifts, I see a realization of God’s goodness and glory. The scriptures say they came to comfort and console Job, but I’m wondering if he really needed consolation for God had already brought restoration and healing to Job. So too, when Jerusalem receives her complete restoration and healing will God’s glory be revealed.
“And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 40:5
**********************************************************
Now, I have the great honor and privilege to pray for all of my wonderful friends as they congregate in St. Louis for the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference.
Father God, I lift all those bodies in attendance to you. I pray above all Your name be glorified and hearts will be touched that all may know You are the one true God. For those first time attendees, I pray you calm their spirits and give them Your peace. May they be attentive to what it is You’d have them learn. As they ready for their pitch appointments grant them focus and coherent speech. May You close doors meant to be closed and open wide opportunities that they would know Your will.
Father, I lift Joy, Ane, Susie H., Delia, Susie M., Ralene, Donna G., Sarah, Fred, Lora, Barbara, Bob, Daniel and Stephanie as they enjoy and participate in the conference. Bless them greatly with fellowship. I lift up Sally to you as she waits for word on her manuscript entered into the Genesis. Father, she is such a blessing to those around her, I pray you give her the desires of her heart. And I lift up Susan F.’s family as they deal with family medical issues. Father, you are the Great and Holy healer. You are the ultimate Comforter.
And Father God, I lift Jerusalem to You. Father may You remember Your promises to Your City. May her eyes be opened to Your will, reveal Your glory, may she recall her first love, may she turn her eyes back to You, O God, may she be like a precious ruby.
In Your son Jesus’s name,
Amen