People in distress need comfort. Israel was no exception. She was distressed as she was being chastised for her sins. God, through the prophet Isaiah speaks comfort to Israel (40:1,2). After chastisement comes consolation. But God’s comfort comes in God’s time and in his way.

One remarkable aspect of these verses is that Isaiah was not only speaking of a present comfort but also a future one. Israel was still to face the Babylonian captivity but even before that she was being prophetically spoken to with words of comfort. There are some people who deny the foretelling aspect of prophecy. They suggest that Isaiah chapter 40 onwards was written by a second person who lived at the time of the Babylonian exile. But this idea springs from unbelief in prophecy. It should be noted that the apostle John spoke only of one Isaiah (John 12:38-41) and his apostolic testimony should be enough for us to accept there was but one author of the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah prophesied at a time when the Jews were under threat from Assyria and Babylon. In 722 B.C. the northern kingdom of Israel was exiled to Assyria. The Assyrians then tried to take Judah but largely through the prophetic ministry of Isaiah they failed.

Consider now why the Lord could speak comfort to his people. First, God comforts his people because their warfare is ended (40:2). Israel’s warfare was against the likes of Assyria and Babylon. But now her warfare is over and she can be comforted. Considering that God himself raised up Assyria and Babylon to chastise his people the comment that warfare is ended is tantamount to saying that God had lifted the punishment of his people. God lifted punishment. His warfare with Israel is now over. Israel can now be comforted.

Christians can also be comforted. God’s wrath upon them has been lifted. There is now peace between God and the believer. All this is through the person and work of Jesus Christ. When Jesus came to this world the gospel season of peace was anticipated with the angelic praises of God and with their announcement of peace on earth and goodwill toward men (Luke 2:14). Furthermore after his resurrection Jesus said to his disciples “Peace be with you” (John 20:19,21), indicating that punishment for sins had been accomplished and that it was now a time of comfort and peace to God’s people. God’s war against sinners ceases when they enter into his family through Christ.

Warfare is terrible. Presently there is serious war between Israel and groups in Lebanon. On the BBC last week there was an interview with civilians from both sides. It was interesting to hear these civilians voicing their desire for warfare to cease. How we should long for peace. Has God’s war with you ceased? Is his wrath still upon you? Only through faith in Christ can there be peace between you and God. Just as Isaiah tells Israel her warfare has ceased so you too are told in God’s word that if you are justified by faith you have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Why be at war when you can have peace?

Secondly, God comforts his people because the penalty for sin has been completely paid. We note that Isaiah says God’s people had received double for their sins (40:2). Double for sins means complete payment for sins. That is, God provided adequately for the covering of Israel’s sins. Whatever those sins were, God had dealt with them doubly, which is to say, completely.

Let us rejoice that Jesus Christ has dealt with our sins completely. There is nothing more to be done. He once for all paid the penalty for our sins and we can be comforted by this fact. Who else but the Lord could effect such a powerful salvation? We cannot provide atonement for our sins. What could we possibly do? But God has made ample provision through the sacrificial death of Jesus and his triumphant resurrection. There is nothing more required.

It is a comfort to know that our problems are dealt with once for all. Imagine someone receiving regular medication who must see the doctor for a continual supply of medication. What a release it would be if such a person could get one prescription and never have to repeat it. Jesus has given us spiritual healing. There is no need for a repeat of his sacrifice. He has achieved once for all an atonement for sins. His work is complete. He does not have to do anything more and we can take comfort in this fact.

Thirdly, God comforts his people because their iniquities are pardoned (40:2). Even during the Assyrian invasion and before the Babylonian captivity God was already speaking comfort to his people. In the midst of wrath God shows mercy. Israel’s iniquities are forgiven. The pain of chastisement was not permanent. Who is a pardoning God like our God?

Because Christ has paid the penalty for our sins our iniquities are pardoned and we can be comforted. People who know their iniquities are pardoned are at peace with God and God is at peace with them.

The lesson we learn from Isaiah 40:1-2 is that God comforts his forgiven people. He is not at war with them but is at peace with them. To be forgiven is to be at peace with God. It is a joy to live and serve God, a God who does not punish us but comforts us. Are you at peace with this God?

Summary of Sermon by David Yan