The Pilgrim Path---Isaiah 40: 1, 2 (1—4—23)

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her time of forced labor is over, her iniquity has been pardoned, and she has received from the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.

“…DOUBLE FOR ALL HER SINS”

The Sweet Holy Spirit of God speaks to the elect in a most reassuring manner. He lets them know that they have received from the LORD double for all their sins. First, he uses the truth of the Gospel to savingly inform them that One exists---who is an exact match---for “all” their transgressions---that is, One exists from eternity---who has kept God’s Law for them in every way---and, HE has borne the penalty of God’s wrath for them (this One is Jesus Christ the LORD). Secondly, the Father of Glory does not remember our vile, awful, and pernicious iniquities,

I---I sweep away your transgressions for my own sake and remember your sins no more. Isaiah 43: 25

We do not have to be prisoners to our past. Thanks be to God! All because of the redemptive work of Jesus. We should remember that others are not defined by their past--- once they are gripped by the LORD’S saving hand---they are new creatures in Christ. Are you a new creature in Jesus Christ?

From Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Let the sinners be uncomfortable. But as for God’s people, it is his great joy that they should be happy.

Grace & Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason