There is nothing more comforting to a child than the love and care of his mother. A loving mother, caring for her baby is a universal picture, and is something that most people can look back on and relate to. There are times, even as an adult, that one might wish they could run to their mother, and just as when a child, she would pick them up, calm their fears, and wipe away any tears. Several times in Scripture, God portrays Himself with some of the characteristics of a mother. In today’s passage from the prophet Isaiah, we have such an example.
Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jewish people since the days of King David, has been a chief love of theirs. Many times the city has come under enemy attack, going back to before the days of Isaiah. Those were times of deep mourning for the people. The message that Isaiah brought in our Scripture passage was one of hope for the people, that despite what they would go through, despite days, and even years when they would mourn, there would come a day when their beloved city of Jerusalem could rejoice (vs. 10).
There would be days when the people would be both physically hungry and also emotionally and spiritually hungry, particularly in the time during the Babylonian invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem, and their captivity. However, Isaiah told them that there was a day coming when the Lord would feed them, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and they would be satisfied, just like when a mother nurses her baby until the little one is satisfied (vs. 11). Yahweh pictures Himself like a nursing mother to His people. A nursing mother cradles and snuggles her little baby in her arms, often rocking and softly crooning lullabies. That is the picture that the Lord wants us to see, that His love for us is just like a mother’s for her child.
When a baby or young child is distraught over something, is hurt and crying, what does a good mother do? She will comfort the young one, often holding them in her lap. That is what the Lord promises to do for His children. God extends comfort to His children (vs. 13). Tender, trustworthy, and diligent are His efforts to calm us. When we are weary or upset, He carries us affectionately in His arms. When the troubles of this world weigh heavy on our hearts, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God protects and fights for us as a loving parent. Just as a mother will often carry her little one around on her side, the Lord will carry us (vs. 12). He will never leave us unconsoled, to cry by ourselves all alone.
Isaiah continues, as he foretells the day when the Lord will raise His people up, and the nations of the world will come and find refreshing and peace in Jerusalem. God promises peace to Jerusalem and His people, which will flow like a river (vs. 12). Since the days following King Solomon, there has been very little peace in Jerusalem. Even today we don’t think of that city as a haven of peace. But that day will come. All of this will occur following Jesus’ Second Coming. At that time the city of Jerusalem will be a nurturer of peace to the world.
At that time believers and followers of Jesus will rejoice (vs. 14). This will be a time of refreshing for His children from the Lord. New life shall enter them, and health and growth shall follow. Prosperity will belong to the faithful remnant, but wrath to those who oppose the Lord.
Our Scripture closes with a picture of end-time judgment (vs. 15-16). We see that the wrath of God will come to those who have rebelled against Him. The many who fight against the Lord when He returns to establish His kingdom will die. That is not a sight that any should want to see befall them. How much more would you rather be cradled in God’s arms like a child who has been comforted! That is a privilege that only those who have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior can have. Rather than experiencing the just wrath of God, call upon Jesus, and receive His comfort and love.
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