Jesus: The Consolation of Israel
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem
and this man was just and devout,
waiting for the Consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Jesus was the Consolation of Israel. The word “consolation” means "comfort." Israel was waiting for God to send the Messiah to deliver them from oppression and suffering; they wanted the Messiah to give them comfort. Many Jews in Jesus’ day were looking for political deliverance from Rome. They were oppressed financially, socially and, to some degree, spiritually. They expected the Messiah to free them from military bondage; then they would be comforted. Much of life is expectation and perception. Because the Jews expected the wrong kind of deliverance, they wrongly perceived who Jesus was and what He came to do.
Lord Jesus, give me eyes to see You clearly, a clear mind to understand You properly and a willing heart to follow You gladly.
Jesus did not come the first time to sit on a military throne in Jerusalem. He came to sit on the throne of the heart of his followers. His consolation is not outward, but inward. Jesus came to rule people’s thoughts and dreams and courage. When Jesus rules people’s hearts, He conquers people from within. He is the inner Consolation of Israel, or the comforter of hearts. When He comes a second time, Jesus will conquer outwardly and will rule from Jerusalem.
Lord Jesus, come rule my heart. You are the fulfillment of my dreams; You are my comfort from oppression and suffering. Amen.
Jesus offers inner comfort to us.
