Comfort My People

²⁵ “To whom will you compare Me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

²⁶ Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
²⁷ O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
²⁸ Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. ³⁰ Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Introduction

Isaiah is miniature bible with 66 chapters: the first 39 [Old Testament] speak of how Israel got into bondage–the second section 40-66 [27 chapters in NT] speak of hope, deliverance and salvation. This part of Isaiah contains those beautiful chapters about Jesus our suffering Servant.

Listen to the introduction of the second section beginning in Chapter 40 and verse one…

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned.”

What You Need To Understand

[1] The Jews in exile were discouraged and questioning God: the captivity had put their faith to the test.

[2] They were questioning God: why did He allow the Babylonians {pagans} to defeat and enslave His own children. Shouldn’t God look out for his children. Were the Babylonian gods [idols] stronger than Israel’s God?

Now lets go back and read it again beginning in verse 25…

²⁵ “To whom will you compare Me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

²⁶ Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
²⁷ O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
²⁸ Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. ³⁰ Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Pay special attention to verse 28…Have you never heard or understood…Do you not know. In other words, Isaiah is asking–Where are you people getting your information–Who have you been listening to? It certainly was not the LORD.

Matter of fact, Isaiah said is chapter 59…

Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. ² It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

That is the introduction: here is the message from the LORD…beginning in verse 28

[1] THE LORD IS THE EVERLASTING GOD

The LORD, probably in small caps, is the sacred name Yahweh. It is the Hebrew word for being and usually translated I AM but it contains every tense of the verb…I AM that I AM or I AM because I AM…I AM since I AM. I AM what I AM…I AM what I have always been or I have always been who I am…I can go on and on. The black preacher said it best…The LORD is, He always has been is and He always will be is. I like the writing on the wall at the church in Decatur…Jesus Is!

God is the eternal, self-existent God who has no beginning and no end. From everlasting to everlasting He is God.

[2] CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Isaiah reminds these discouraged Jews that the LORD is the CREATOR of the ends of the earth: He created the stars, marched them out like and army, knows exactly how many there are and knows them by name. How do you compare that to the Babylonians gods who are mere images, created by men and made of wood and metal. They have to be carried when they are moved. They can’t walk, talk, hear or see. They are worthless and impotent.

[3] HE NEVER TIRES OR GROWS WEARY

All human being have limits when it comes to energy and strength. Granted, some are stronger than others, some have more energy like the very young but God’s word reminds us here that even the young can become totally exhausted to the point of fainting.

Where do we get strength when we have no strength? In just a moment, I will answer this question.

[4] HIS UNDERSTANDING CANNOT BE MEASURED

Go back to Isaiah 40:13…Who knows the mind of the LORD…Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?

As I heard a black preacher say, “All this means is you can’t figure God out and when you can’t figure God out, you faith Him out.”

He is in absolute control and He sees both the beginning and the end: He knows exactly how the coronavirus is going to play out and He is the only one who KNOWS so look up.

[5] HE IS THE SOURCE AND SUPPLY OF OUR STRENGTH

Do you need strength? Do you feel tired, spent, worn out, exhausted? Don’t think just about physical exhaustion: how are you doing spiritually? Do you have an exhausted faith? Are you growing weary or afraid that God will not see you through.

When it comes to enduring faith, YOUTH is not an advantage. Those that have walked with the LORD over the years have seen their faith grow, especially during adversity and they, not the young, rely upon God’s strength and not their own. A young man might be tempted to fight this battle in his own strength but he or she will surely fail. As David, the veteran of many battles, said, “THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SALVATION.”

Conclusion

I want to illustrate the truth of the message by making a comparison between a HORSE [majestic creature] and a MOUNTAIN [majestic creation].

Both are majestic but one is far greater than the other. However, it is possible that if you let the HORSE get between you and the mountain, you may not be able to see the mountain for the horse. God is the mountain and this world and its cares is the horse. Back away from the horse until you can see the mountain.

As Isabella Lilias Trotter wrote, Turn you eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

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The Divine Distinction

SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3:13-18

13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the LORD . “But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’

14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins?

15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

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16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In His presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His name.

17 “They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.

18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

 INTRODUCTION

Although I addressed verses 13-15 Sunday night, I wanted us to look at them again because Malachi is showing us a contrast. Verse 18 is the key….Then once more you shall distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

As we have mentioned again and again…Many of post-exilic Jews had a bad attitude as we saw in verses 13-15. They had some harsh accusations against God:

1. It is vain to Serve God. 
2. No profit in obeying God’s law 
3. What good does it do to wear sackcloth and fast?
4. God blesses the arrogant: He shows favor to the wicked

BUT

Look at verses 16-18: here we have a completely different story. You see the contrast in verse 18….There were a group of Jews {minority} who feared God and wanted very much to please Him.

1. This believing remnant feared the LORD.
2. They had fellowship with each other.
3. They prayed and God listened.
4. They meditated on God’s name.
5. They were serving God.                       

I. FIRST: NOTE THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC OF THOSE WHO SERVE GOD—THEY FEAR THE LORD

[verse 16] Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another.

The word Malachi uses is yare’ which means awe, reverence or respect. There are three Hebrew words for fear. One {pachad} means to be afraid, startled or stand in awe. It is used in Hosea 3:5... In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the LORD and of his goodness. It can be used in the context of worship but not always. The second word {arats} means to be terrified, to be filled with dread. Moses uses it in Deuteronomy 31:6…So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and no not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

•  Job — “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
• Solomon —Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
• Isaiah–And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
• Luke–The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in thefear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

1. When we fear God, we become afraid of evil, we turn from it {Proverbs 3:7} Job is a good example {Job 1:1} There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
2. When we fear God, we obey Him or serve Him. Perhaps not for the right reason but we are afraid to disobey. Samuel told the Israelites, But be sure to fear the LORD and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you. [I Samuel 12:24]
3. When we fear God, we worship Him, stand in awe of Him. Impossible to worship without the fear of God. [Deut. 6:13] You must fear the LORD your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name. I like what Moses said to the Israelites… “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. Pleasing, loving and serving are vital aspects to worship.
4. When we fear God, we begin to learn, gain wisdom {Proverbs 9:10}

….SO….

Those who do not fear the LORD….

1. Are not afraid of evil
2. Are not God’s servants
3. Are not true worshippers
4. Are not wise

II. SECOND: NOTE THE GENTLE REMINDERS

[Verse 16, GNT] Then the people who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard what they said. In his presence, there was written down in a book a record of those who feared the Lord and respected him.

The people spoke to one another. The God-fearing Jews got together, they congregated and they spoke to one another. Whereas the other Jews were voicing complaints, this group was probably praising God and celebrating His goodness. It would be a type of worship service.

Verse 16 in the NASB

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name.

The RSV reads heeded and heard…The ESV–The Lord paid attention…Holman–The Lord took notice. The Hebrew word is kä·shav’, to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen.

FIRST REMINDER–GOD is paying attention: He cares

When someone sits down with you and pays attention, attending to your every word and making every effort to understand your heart…How do you interpret such a gesture? It means they care. Most folks are not going to stop what they are doing and sit down and listen because they do not care.

God listened to them as they talked to each other: He heard, took note of what they said. We do not know exactly what they said, but obviously, it was pleasing to the LORD. It is a remarkable thing, that God listens to us.

SECOND REMINDER–Because God cares, He listens.

God is listening and he is understanding. The second word Malachi uses is  shä·mah’ to hear, to understand. 

Let me give you an example: Think about the story in Luke 24 of Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus joined these two disciples without them being aware of who He was. He talked to them, He listened to them; He even asked them questions. It is a wonderful story of God interacting with man. God does listen to what we say. Our prayers may not get answered the way we want but He is listening. He cares about our feeling, our problem and the things that concern us.

THIRD REMINDER–God is paying attention, He is listening and He is taking notes.

The first time I spoke to Morgan County Preachers was back in the 80 when Michael Dawson was pastor of Central in Decatur. I preached out of Judges on Gideon pursuit of his enemies. The title of the message was WEARY, YET PURSUING. I noticed as I was preaching that one preacher had a note-book and was taking notes. Only one and it was Bro. Mike. I almost lost my place. It blew my mind that a man of his caliber would think he could learn from me. Later, I came to realize that the Holy Spirit speaks when the word is preached and it is a good time to have pen and paper.

Even more amazing is the fact that God is taking notes. He had a record in heaven. Perhaps you are thinking, I don’t know if that is a good thing. Well, He is not recording our sins, although sins are recorded. This is a record book of those “Who fear Him” and those who “Meditate upon His name.” You might say PRAISE HIS NAME. Those who HONOR HIS NAME. Those who give high regard or ESTEEM HIS NAME.

Let me tell you where I think Malachi is going with this: The complaining Jews, those who do not fear God are accusing God of favoring the wicked. They were saying, “It does not pay to serve God…there is no reward in it.”

Malachi is saying the opposite: Yes, it pays to serve God and He is keeping a record of all who do and someday [future] they will be rewarded. Ancient Kings kept extensive records and from time to time they would review the records and when they found a loyal subject deserving of reward, they would reward that servant. Mordecai is a good example: one night when King [Xerxes] Ahasuerus could not sleep, he called for the record books and found out that Mordecai had saved him from a wicked plot and he rewarded Mordecai [after all that time].

The complaining Jews were thinking of this world only: don’t limit God to this world only.

III. THIRD: NOTE THE PROMISE

[V. 17] “They will be My people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.

1. A DAY OF RECKONING...“On that Day.”…We do not need to fret about the wicked. Psalm 37 is good medicine for all of us…their DAY is coming…
   Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD . Trust him, and he will help you. The wicked have no future.
2. WE ARE GOD’S SPECIAL TREASURE. The word for Treasure can refer to anything of great value [Jewels, gems, gold, silver] that must be secured or locked up. The Hebrew word seg-ool-law’ is the feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up as in wealth. To keep under lock and key. Some interpret this to mean we are God’s crown jewels. I like to think of the security aspect, we are under lock and key. No fear of the devil stealing us away.
3. WE WILL BE SPARED LIKE OBEDIENT CHILDREN. Holman translates verse 17… I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. The Hebrew word khä·mal’ to spare, pity, have compassion on.

CONCLUSION

I don’t look forward to judgment. I think it will be a terrible day. Yes, I am anxious about seeing Jesus glorified and institutional sin destroyed but I am not excited about anyone going to hell. I must say this: we are not going to be saved by our good works, our hope is in the compassion and pity of God. We are saved by virtue of His divine nature. He is a loving and compassionate God and that is why He sent His only begotten Son to die in our stead. Praise to God from whom all blessings flow.

Encouragement

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1-7, NLT

1 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

2 Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone.

3 I’m not saying this to condemn you. I said before that you are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you.

4 I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.

5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

7 His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

INTRODUCTION

Life on this earth is beset with problems. Moses stated it well in Psalms 90, “Seventy years is about all we have, perhaps eighty if you are healthy, yet these days upon earth are filled with trouble and sorrow, then life is over and we are gone.” {Psalm 90:10, JEV} We all have problems, there is no exception. It is true that some seem to have far less problems.

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In Psalm 73, David confesses, “I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening? Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.” The key word is ‘seem.’

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Corinth had problems and Paul wanted to help them.

When we attempt to help others with their problems: we must first examine our hearts and motives. In verse 1 Paul says, “Let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” In helping others, we need to ask ourselves some questions:

1. What are my motives?

2. Where is this leading? To benefit me or the other person?

3. Who am I trying to please? Is this what God wants me to do?

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If our motives are pure, our help will be blessed

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So…I want to talk about Encouragement

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#1…We all Need Encouragement

Let me do a little background [2 Corinthians 2].  Paul is in Troas where Christ has opened a door of opportunity but Paul can not rest. He is filled with anxiety, worried about the situation at Corinth. When the problem arose [made sleeping with his step-mother], Paul made a brief and painful visit, rebuking the man and the church. His rebuke was ineffective so later he writes a painful letter. Now he is on a Mission Trip but he cannot get the problem at Corinth off his mind. He has sent Titus to find out what is going on but Titus is on the other side of the Aegean Sea. Paul is so restless and frustrated that he is dysfunctional so he leaves Troas and sails to Macedonia where he meets Titus.

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Paul says in verses 4-5

4 I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.

5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

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NOTE:

1. Paul troubles–You made me happy despite all our troubles.

2. Restlessness–There was no rest for us

3. Struggles–conflict from every direction…Battles on the outside

4. Anxiety– fear on the inside.

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   Paul was an outstanding Christian but sometimes we paint him larger than life. We think of him as being perfect and he was not. There are times when we think that outstanding people like Paul have no problems, at least none that get them down but this is mythical thinking. Paul had the same kind of troubles and struggles that you and I have. The great apostle was so anxious that he couldn’t function. He left a place of ministry due to this extreme anxiety.

There are times when it is encouraging to think about the imperfection of the Saints:

• Abraham lied to protect his own hyde.
• Jacob conned his own father.
• Joseph was a fascist.
• Moses had a bad temper and even killed a man in rage.
• Samuel judged Saul by his appearance.
• Elijah ran from Jezebel.
• Jeremiah got discouraged often.
• Jonah was a bigot.
• Hosea wife was a harlot.
• David had an affair.
• John the Baptist wrestled with doubt.
• Peter denied Christ.

There is only one perfect person and that is Christ Himself. We all have problems, we all have struggles and anxieties. You are not riding a white horse; you are not alone–we all share your pain so be encouraged.

#2…We all need to be Encouragers

Notice the chain of events: Paul sends Titus to encourage Corinth and Corinth surprizely encourages Titus who relays the good news to Paul which encourages Paul. When everyone is an encourager, everyone gets encouraged. The Corinthians church repented–how encouraging. Titus delivered a message. Paul sits down an writes a letter. There are many ways that we can encourage others…let think about some of them.

1. Titus encourages Paul with his PRESENCE. Look at verse 7….His presence was a joy. Wow, do you realize that you can encourage people with your ‘presence’. I love to study and to preach and your presence here tonight encourages me. Hebrewss 10:25 is one of my favorite verses….And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Again, here is this concept of mutual encouragement. One of the first things I did when I got right with God was move to the front. I’ve been sitting on the front pew since I was 17 years old and most of that time I have spent alone. I tell people, I have my own pew. One of my motivations for moving up front was so I could encourage my pastor. Baptist fight over the back seats, not the front. How encouraging would it be if the front pews filled first! I’m not complaining, I am dreaming…What if 50% of our members came to the GATHERING. You know that our Wednesday night music is great but what an encouragement it would be to see the house filled on Wednesday night. I don’t know if you have noticed or not but fewer and fewer people are attending night services, even leaders. Do you know what that is for me and you? It is discouraging. We would be encouraged if people just showed up. YOUR PRESENCE CAN BE ENCOURAGING.
2. Paul was encouraged by Titus presence but also by his “WORDS,” Titus brought good news. Words are powerful which is why we are to be careful and not careless is our use of words. I have learned over the years that kind words have to be crafted, we have to think before we speak. Many of us have the tendency to approach things from a negative point of view and our words discourage others. In my first pastorate out of seminary I discouraged a new convert without realizing what I had done. I rained on this man’s parade because he suggested something that was not Baptistic. The principle behind my words was correct but I didn’t think it through before I spoke. Looking back, I could have handled it in a positive way and perhaps the man would not have gotten discouraged. God will use us to encourage others if we will let Him but the devil will use us to discourage if we are not careful. As a young preacher [19] I wanted and needed affirmation especially from family. A great uncle came to hear me preach and I couldn’t wait to hear his appraisal, this is what he said, “Boy you don’t know how to preach. You never rolled up your sleeves. A real preacher leaves the pulpit hoarse and soaking wet from sweat.” I stood there stunned but thank God my mother was eave dropping. She waited for him to walk away and then she said, “Don’t pay any attention to him. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about and if you ever preach to please him, I will not come and hear you.” Words can hurt, they can sting to the bone and the devil knows it. We must be careful to encourage with our words, not discourage.
3. Paul was encouraged by the Corinthians LOYALTY and LOVE. I witnessed something last week that encouraged me. I saw my Son-in-law and his sister stay by their daddy’s bed side day and night. They talked him into coming home one day for a few hours but he went right back, he was by his daddy’s side when he passed away. It reminded me of the movie “Where The Red Fern Grows.” There were two coon dogs, Dan and Ann. If memory serves me right, Old Dan died first from the injuries of a mountain lion. Ann lays by Dan’s grave and grieves herself to death. When it comes to loyalty, dogs are our teacher. Dogs are loyal to the death, literally. Paul started the church at Corinth: he was their spiritual father but they had been influenced by preachers who had no use for Paul. This hurt Paul deeply but Titus news assured Paul that Corinth still loved him and longed to see him. This was music to Paul’s ears. I was in my mid-thirties with four children and living on what income I could generate working as a pastor and a jack-leg contractor when out of the blue, two friends [deacons] asks me to meet them at the church. They said, “There is a petition out asking for your dismissal and we want you to hear it from us. We don’t think it will suceed but we are here to tell you, “You have are support and we will do whatever you feel God is leading you to do.” This was over 30 years ago and I am still here thanks to God’s grace and their loyalty. Loyalty is no longer a core value for most but for me, it is huge.

#3…Our Source of Encouragement is Christ

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

Often times God uses others to encourage us but always, He is the source of encouragement. Encouragement begins with Christ, my divine Encourager. I love to read and study His word because it is the source of my encouragement.

I stood in front of a hurting family just yesterday. These kids have lost mother and daddy in a span of four years and the oldest of the group is 42. That’s awful young to lose your parents. There were extenuating circumstances that made the service hard and I went to bed Monday night with no idea what I would say. In my morning quiet time, God spoke gently through His word and I knew in a heartbeat that He was giving me the message. My heart was flooded with thanksgiving. It is an agonizing thought to stand before people without a message: it is a reoccuring nightmare for me. 

I spoke to the family what God spoke to me. I pray that it encouraged them; I know it encouraged me. We are God’s instrument of encouragement but He is the Source.

CONCLUSION

1. Is there someone in your circle of influence that needs your encouragement? Could be your spouse, a son or daughter.
2. Would you commit to being an encourager? Would you be willing to pray and ask God to use you as an encourager?
3. You may have to begin with an appology: are you willing to do that if necessary?
4. There are many ways to encourage: a visit, a phone call, a text, a card or letter. Would you give serious thought about encouraging someone today, tomorrow?