The intensity of these past few weeks in Israel has been wearying to the soul for everyone living in this Land and for the millions of people around the world who have been following the situation between Hamas and the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). And if the situation in Israel was not enough, Muslim fundamentalists called ISIS have been bringing the world to its knees by conquering with the sword and seeking to devour everyone in their path.
I have wept and prayed much over both of these situations with one central hope, that there is a God who sees the cries of each person and He is concerned for each one.
Last week (August 5) was the Jewish traditional day of mourning and fasting for the destruction of the Temple and numerous tragedies against the Jewish people throughout history. This day is called Tisha B’Av. After mourning and fasting on Tisha B’Av comes the hope for the future of the Jewish people according to the Bible. To complement this, the Friday immediately after Tisha B’Av ushers in seven Sabbaths of comfort.
In the reading of the prophets from last week, the very first verse begins with the famous verse, “’Comfort, O Comfort My people,’ says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1). As I listened to the Rabbi in the synagogue teach on this verse and the subject of the comfort of God he talked about how timely these verses are read in relation to the situation in Gaza and this attack on the Jewish people. He stated that we all long for the comfort of God but he also said that we would not fully experience the comfort of God until the Messiah comes. How true these words are.
O that the Jewish people would embrace their Messiah and know His comfort today!
In this week’s Torah Portion reading we are reminded of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and to show His grace to her people (Deut. 7:12). Although there is this covenant, the Jewish people often feel abandoned and forgotten by God. I believe many followers of Jesus around the world feel this as well, including the Christians in Iraq. The ever-elusive question, “Has God forgotten His people?”
Isaiah 49:14 is the first verse in this week’s reading from the prophets. It reads, “But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, and the LORD has forgotten me.’ The feelings of abandonment and being forgotten are most definitely the most difficult emotions to handle. Thankfully, God replies with words of comfort.
‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;’” (Isaiah 49:15-16).
These words are a picture and a reminder to us all of the character of God and of His unceasing love for those who are part of His family, Jew and Gentile alike. Let us all take comfort from these words and hope in Him during these difficult days.
God is faithful to His promises and He will never forget you!
Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Reading: Deut. 7:12 – Deut. 11:25
Haftarah Reading: Isaiah 49:14 – Isaiah 51:3