Isaiah 40:1–11
We sometimes preemptively expect the comfort of God. I often find myself in situations where I almost say, “God, I am here, comfort me! I didn’t do anything; it would be great if I don’t have to and I can get the comfort without the mercy or justice.” Yet throughout the scriptures, the status quo of all societies (from the Egyptians to the Judges to the Kings to the Romans) rests upon injustice. The prophets were the voice of God for the people hurt again and again by those in power.
The comfort here comes in the midst of exile, and yet I want to lift up verse 6: “a voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?”” God is calling us this day, telling us to cry out. Do not be satisfied with the way things are. If these things of God are true, the structures and principalities are not eternal. The prison system is not eternal. Abolition is an act of faith in a better world, in a world possible precisely because every valley shall be lifted up. A voice says, “cry out.” Are you crying out? Are you seeing what God sees? Are you lifting up those society tears down? Are you seeking comfort before justice? Offer comfort to those seeking justice. Speak tenderly to those responding to the voice of God.
The Lord is coming, mighty in power. Let us not act is if this were a lie. Taking comfort in the status quo of our judicial system assumes an absent and indifferent God, but our God is on the side of justice. Our God is justice. A voice says, “cry out!” This advent, we have the chance to cry out with God at the injustice around us. We have a chance to speak tenderly to those who have been abused and hurt. We have the chance to welcome a savior who is making all things new.
Rev. Wilson Pruitt is a Methodist pastor and translator in Spicewood, Texas.