Our scripture today is Isaiah 40:1-2 (ESV).
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Once again Isaiah offers God’s people a hope for the future. The Lord has made a way for us to be forgiven, but we must choose it for ourselves. We have to see the wrong we have done and ask forgiveness. The prophet says we can find comfort in this reconnection. Jesus told the story of a son who took his inheritance and wasted it selfishly. Later when he returns destitute, the father runs to greet him and welcome him home (Luke 15:11-32). This is our story, falling into sin due to our poor choices and coming back with nothing to offer but our repentance. God the Father stands ready to welcome us back!
Gracious God, we are sorry for the way we waste the gifts You have given. Forgive us and send us into the world to share Your love everywhere. Amen.
