Restoration and comfort (outsiders welcome)
by Peter Bean
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I will restore the crushed spirit of the humble … I will comfort those who mourn (Isaiah 57:15b,18b).
Read Isaiah 57:14–21
Interesting pictures in this passage. The Holy One lives in a high and holy place (verse 15). Separate, above, distant!
Yet, this Holy One is also very practical and down-to-earth, restoring roads and clearing rocks (verse 14). This Holy One also comforts the humble and revives repentant hearts (verse 15), comforts those who mourn and brings peace and healing (verses 18,19). So, God, from this high and holy place, is also willing to get down into the nitty-gritty parts of life.
This, of course, occurs in the person and presence of Jesus. Jesus comforts those who mourn; he heals many; he often talks to the humble and restores them to places of dignity; he tells people their sins are forgiven when he sees their faith (Matthew 9:2). And he often sends people away with a blessing of peace (Mark 5:34).
God incarnate! The high and holy one, come to earth. God with us, preaching, healing, praying, blessing, encouraging, comforting. Perhaps Isaiah knew something! He was a prophet. Challenging and yet reassuring the people, but also foretelling the One to come, the Christ – the divine One, Jesus – the human One, mixing and living with ordinary people, often those from outside normal circles!
The Holy Spirit is at work here: hovering over God’s people as they begin to return from exile; working in the hearts of those who gathered to hear from Jesus in the flesh; encouraging and inspiring us today. The Holy Spirit prepares people to hear the gospel, to live the gospel. And the Holy Spirit does this within and without the confines of official religion!
May you be restored and comforted, not from a distance, but within your heart as the Holy Spirit stirs you to new life. And may you extend that comfort and restoration to anyone ‘outside’ who does not yet know the grace and blessing of Christ’s peace in their lives.
Comforter, Restorer, move and inspire me that I may offer comfort and restoration. Amen.
Spring has sprung. Flowers are displaying their colours; fruit is forming on the trees. There is new growth everywhere. As you observe this wonderful new life, may you revel in the new beginnings God offers you each day. As Peter continues to meander his way through the Book of Psalms, he invites you to read them anew and apply them to your life. If you would like his paraphrase of any psalm (from 1 to 120), send your request to pbean087@gmail.com
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