Isaiah 51:12-23
"I, even I, am he that comforteth you" (v. 12). How many believers have experienced that there is no true comfort outside of God! He is indeed "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). But sometimes our experience is like that of the Psalmist who said "My soul refused to be comforted" (Psalms 77:2). The touching appeals of the LORD to His people have met with no response. There was "none to answer" with the exception of a weak remnant who pursued righteousness (Isaiah 50:2; Isaiah 66:4). But now a redoubled and urgent cry is heard, "Awake, awake, stand up; put on thy beautiful garments" (v. 17; Isaiah 52:1). Jerusalem must be snatched from her slumber for the Messiah is about to appear. Isaiah 53:1-12 will show us the reception which was to await Him at His first coming. Rejected, Christ ascended back to glory. But today we are on the eve of His return. The Lord Jesus reminds us of His promise, "Behold, I come quickly". He presents Himself as "the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:12; Revelation 22:16-17). Awoken and filled with hope, the Bride cries with the Spirit, "Come!" Let each one of us echo this in his own heart and reply "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"