Advent in Exile - Christmas Longing With IsaiahSample

The book of Isaiah begins with a message of hope and freedom from hardship for the people of Israel. The video discusses how this book of the Bible was written using the voice of Isaiah and the writings of his prophetic disciples. The book of Isaiah demonstrates how God used Isaiah’s prophetic words to carry out His promises. God’s intent for Israel was that they would go out and share that He is the One true God. However, instead of doing this, the Israelites complained about God and doubted His presence and power. This meant, He had to choose another who was more worthy of this task. The rest of the book, foretells of the coming Messiah and ends with the hope of God’s new Jerusalem, which we know is heaven!

In today’s passage, God first offers comfort to His people. They have not been faithful to Him, and have suffered greatly because of their sins. But God calls them "my people" even though they have not been living as if they belong to Him. (Isaiah 40:1-2)

I have always wrestled with God's faithfulness to me despite my unfaithfulness to Him. I meet with Him regularly Monday-Friday for quiet time, but on the weekends, when I have the most free time, quiet time, too often is the first thing to go. When I come before God Monday morning, feeling ashamed and guilty for missing our appointment, it always blows my mind that I am ALWAYS met with overwhelming feelings of love and joy from God, my Father. He loves that He gets to be with me. He continues to faithfully love me, despite my unfaithfulness to Him. I am thankful that my God loves me and wants me to come to Him always, as I am.

In verse 2, God is crying out for the people to turn their hearts back to Him. He knows they are in exile in Babylon, yet He assures them that He understands their suffering.

This verse hit me hard too. Becase we are prone to wander, our hearts can easliy be turned away from Him and focused on the world around us. But God, understands us and the costs that we pay when we wander away from Him, and He always wecomes us back!

Where have you wandered to this week? Have you skipped quiet time with God?

Take some time to sit with your Savior and bask in His love as you share your heart and struggles with HIm.

"In Light of this Advent Season, what is your heart longing for?”

-Mekelle Lewis