Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. —Isaiah 49:13
The book of Isaiah contains two complementary drumbeats: the need to turn away from sin to avoid God’s judgment and God’s compassion in accepting us when we do. This is the heartbeat of Scripture. Isaiah’s prophecy stands apart from many other prophetic books because it reveals the coming of our compassionate Christ.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (9:6)
Even as Isaiah was rightly accusing God’s people of sin and rebellion . . . Even as he urged his brethren to return and worship the Lord . . . Even as he announced God’s coming and righteous judgment . . . God used Isaiah to declare that help was on the way. A Savior was coming who would give His life as a compassionate ransom for God’s children.
Make it Personal
Has God’s judgment been evidence of His compassion in your life?