Comfort and Edify One Another - Isaiah 50-52 and I Thessalonians 5

The second section of the book of Isaiah beginning in chapter 40 is filled with comfort for the people of Israel. God wanted them to know that He had plans to redeem them, even though He had to punish them in the exile, because of their sin. God is so gracious. They had left Him for other gods, but He was willing to buy them back and to bring them back to Himself. These chapters are filled with hope and many references to the ultimate redemption through Jesus. God is the God of all comfort, and He wants us to comfort one another, too. He wants us to be encouragers and to build each other up, instead of tearing others down. God's attributes always lead Him to create a positive result, while Satan always brings destruction. When we are like Jesus, we will do the things that lead to redemption and edification, instead of destruction.

Paul exhorted the believers at Thessalonica to comfort and edify one another, and he gave them a long list of things to do which are comforting and edifying. I urge each of us to take some time to consider these things in verses 11-23. How many of these things do you do all the time now? How many of these things are lacking in your life? They are not just suggestions. They are commands. They are God's way of bringing hope into our lives and the lives of others, as we go through the trials of life in this world. Let's not let ourselves sink into negativism and conflict. Let's rise above the things of Satan and this world by the wonderful power of God.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 53-55 and II Thessalonians 1.