Scripture –As we begin this worship series, “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…” Today we will be singing the hymn “Comfort, Comfort Now My People.” This hymn offers a powerful description of what the kingdom looks like that Jesus’ ministry will usher in. I invited you to read these lyrics as you prepare for worship today:
- Comfort, comfort ye my people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God.
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning neath their sorrows’ load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them,
Tell her that her sins I cover,
And her warfare now is over.
- Yes, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved his anger
He will no more see nor heed.
She hath suffered many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.
- For the herald’s voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Bidding all to true repentance,
Since the kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey,
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet him,
And the hills bow down to greet him.
- Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign;
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That his Word is never broken.
Prayer Focus: We hear this hymn in advent, but it’s fitting to sing today as we prepare to discern what the Kingdom of God will look like. Here, at the beginning of his ministry, Jesus is declaring that this kingdom is drawing near. Pray today that we might discern together what our roles might be as we seek to follow Christ’s ministry to bring God’s Kingdom near.
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