Message Summary
This message explores the fourth Sabbath of Comfort, known as Anochi Anochihu (“I, even I, am He”) from Isaiah 51. The month of Elul calls believers into a season of preparation, reflection, and reconciliation leading up to the high holy days. It is a time to acknowledge God’s grace, seek His forgiveness, and reconcile with one another so that we, as the Bride, may come before Him in purity at Yom Kippur.
Isaiah 51 emphasizes God’s role as Creator, Comforter, and Redeemer. Despite Israel’s captivity and suffering, the Lord calls His people to remember who they are: chosen, cherished, and covered by His hand. The message highlights God’s promise to remove the cup of trembling from His people’s hands, a cup they chose through sin. Instead, He restores them, removes their shame, and reminds them of their special role as light-bearers to the nations.
Through the imagery of the drunk and stumbling captive, God invites His people to awake, arise, and clothe themselves in righteousness. The message reveals His desire to lead His people out of captivity with dignity, to restore them as His Bride, and to empower them to share the beautiful message of salvation with others.
Takeaways
1. The Month of Elul and Reconciliation: Elul is a season of reflection and preparation, calling us to reconcile with God and one another as we approach Yom Kippur.
2. God’s Role as Comforter: The Lord comforts His people with the words, “I, even I, am He who comforts you,” reminding us of His intimate presence and care.
3. A Call to Awake and Arise: God invites His people to shake off their shame, stand up, and clothe themselves in strength and righteousness.
4. The Cup of Wrath and Free Will: Israel’s suffering came from their choice to drink from a cup of wrath, but God promises to remove it and restore His people.
5. Bearing the Good News: We are called to bring the message of salvation with grace, dignity, and love, reflecting the holiness and beauty of the King.
Scripture References
- Isaiah 51:12-23 (God’s comfort and promise of restoration)
- Exodus 34:6-7 (The Lord’s character revealed to Moses)
- Matthew 26:36-46 (Yeshua and the cup in Gethsemane)
- Proverbs 23:29-35 (The consequences of drunkenness)
- Isaiah 52:1-12 (A call to awake, arise, and depart from captivity)
Living Out Love
Live out your faith by embracing God’s call to awaken and arise in righteousness. Reconcile with those around you, and share the message of God’s comfort and salvation with love and dignity. Reflect the beauty of His grace to those who feel lost, ashamed, or disconnected, and invite them to experience His restoration.