Strengthen the weak hands and knees

 READ: Isaiah 35,36; Psalms 80; 2 Corinthians 8

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 35: 3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

OBSERVATION: When we are overwhelmed by fear or depression, when we hear shocking or/and unbearable news, many of us would collapse and become weak physically and mentally. We may have seen that even physically strong people become sick and have no strength to live their normal lives during such times. Sometimes, the sudden death of a leader or mentor or a family member could weaken us. Here, Isaiah’s words were probably addressed to the Israelites who were taken into captivity by Assyrians. Israelites might have lost all their hope about the future. Isaiah encourages them to strengthen their weak hands and knees. In other words, he asks the Israelites to seek the Lord in prayer. Isaiah tells the Israelites to speak to those with the fearing people and asks them to say the words of encouragement: “Be strong, do not fear.” We can see these two phrases throughout the bible, in which God gives strength, hope, and promise for the future to those who desperately need it.  

We see worldly people also say “be strong” and “do not fear” to those who experience difficult moments. Most of the times, they are hollow words and do not offer any hope for despondent. But the word of God is alive and active. God’s word will never return to him empty. Here, Isaiah tells the Israelites concerning the arrival of the Messiah who would save and do justice to them. It is not only the message of the coming Messiah but also a promise of what he would do for his people. God will come and judge the world; he will save his people and remove godlessness from Jacob (Ps. 96:11-13;  98:7-9; Rom.11:26). The author of the book of Hebrews uses Is.35:3 to encourage the Christians who lived under persecution (Heb.12:12). As Christians, we should bear one another and encourage each other with the word of God. We must accept and help the weak in their time of need (Acts 20:35; Rom.14:1; 15:1). Jesus is coming soon.

APPLICATION: I should not cause more despair and disappointment to the weak Christians. Instead, I should encourage them with the word of God to be strong and fearless. I should “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph.6:10). I should remember that Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will come soon and judge the world and remind it to others. When he comes, I will be with him.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your encouraging words that offer hope and gives meaning to our life. Jesus, help me to be prepared for your arrival. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to encourage the weak with the word of God. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

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