DAY 19

God Will Comfort the Lovers of Zion in Jerusalem

“Rejoice with Jerusalem, And be glad with her, all you who love her; Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; That you may feed and be satisfied With the consolation of her bosom, That you may drink deeply and be delighted With the abundance of her glory.” For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:10-13 NKJV

There is great joy awaiting those who love Jerusalem. Those who mourn for her will rejoice with her. They will partake in the joy of her glory as they have shared the pain of her affliction. The soldiers, who suffered because of the invasion of their country were the ones who rejoiced the most on Liberation Day. Similarly, those who wept with the beloved city in her time of distress will be glad when they witness the abundance of glory that God will bestow on her. With the consolation she will receive, they will be satisfied – find peace and quietness for their soul - like a sucking baby.

When we sincerely and profoundly love someone, we are greatly comforted to see them getting well after a season of illness. Likewise, those who love Jerusalem will be comforted to see her ample peace, continuous well-being, and lavish prosperity. They will be consoled from the pain they felt for the city as they watch the extravagant consolation God has prepared for her. God makes clear that His comfort comes as He transforms the circumstances of Jerusalem. It is not only an inner reality.

God will comfort those who love Jerusalem in the same way that a mother comforts her child. This is a rare scripture using the language of motherhood to describe the extraordinary tenderness of God. The consolation will occur in Jerusalem: “You shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” There will be gladness and delight for those who see the abundance of her glory.

Prayer

Our Father,

We bless Your Holy Name. We praise You for the extraordinary tenderness You will display to comfort those who love Jerusalem. You will not let their hearts remain with undressed wounds caused by the distress of Jerusalem. You will provide consolation beyond measure for them and your beloved city. You will not let down those who share Your love for Jerusalem. They will rejoice beyond measure when they see her stunning glory and wellbeing.

We pray that Your worldwide Church will see Jerusalem’s unique place in Your heart. We pray that You impart Your love for Jerusalem, Israel, and the Jewish people to the Body of Christ on the earth.

We pray that the Jewish people will encounter Jesus, their Messiah, who will heal their broken hearts.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.