I have never understood how anyone can consign the Old Testament to an image of a vengeful-warrior God. I can only conclude that they have never actually read the Hebrew Testament. I love to preach on Old Testament texts because there are strong images, not just of condemnation for those who turn away from Yahweh, but images of Gospel
Isaiah 66:10-14 is a case in point. We are familiar with Isaiah 40:1-2 which begins the last great section of the book. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem…” God has sent Israel into exile. Yes, this action on God’s part is a judgment against his people for turning away from him. But Isaiah 40 announces that “her warfare’ with God is ended, because God is about to act in mercy. “Her iniquity is pardoned.” God has given her, Jerusalem, a double portion of mercy in comparison to their punishment.
In chapter 66 God’s comfort is expressed in vivid terms. Jerusalem was like a virgin daughter left to mourn her life. Now suddenly, (66:7) she gives birth before the labor pains can even begin. Jerusalem which has been in ruins, the residence of jackals and creatures of the night, will overnight be a thriving city again. It’s like a barren woman suddenly giving birth. But it’s all God’s doing.
God calls everyone to rejoice with the new mother, Jerusalem, In fact everyone can come and nurse at her breast and delight in continual sustenance from her abundance of milk. Where before, there was war, now God extends ever flowing peace and well-being. Previously, Jerusalem had been starved into submission by armies laying siege to the city. Now the wealth of the nations will flow through its gates.
The writer then returns to the image of birth and nursing in 66:12b. Through the blessing of God, Jerusalem will be like a mother, not nourishment, but also will carry on her hip, and bounce you on her knee.
God’s comfort is like the comfort a new mother gives her baby.
If we read the epistle lesson from last Sunday, Galatians 6, the theme of a nursing mother comforting her baby provides an added dimension to Paul’s words that, “if anyone is caught in any transgression” restore him in a “spirit of gentleness.” Hold the comforting motherly image in mind as we read Galatians 6:18, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.”
Thus it is that the powerful kingdom of God has come near, saying, “comfort, comfort my people. Your warfare is ended. You iniquity is pardoned.
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