September 26 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 1–2; Galatians 5

A Distinct Cry

How gracious [God] will be when you cry for help! Isaiah 30:19

READ Isaiah 30:19–26

When babies cry, it’s a signal that they’re tired or hungry, right? Well, according to doctors at one university, subtle differences in a baby’s cries can also provide important clues for other problems. Doctors have devised a computer programme that measures cry factors like pitch, volume and how clear the cry sound is to determine if something’s wrong with the baby’s central nervous system.

Isaiah prophesied that God would hear the distinct cries of His people, determine their hearts’ condition and respond with grace. The people of Judah, rather than consulting God, had ignored His prophet and sought help in an alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1–7). God told them that if they chose to continue in their rebellion, He’d bring about their defeat and humiliation. However, He also longed “to be gracious to [them]; . . . to show [them] compassion” (v. 18). Rescue would come, but only through their cries of repentance and faith. If God’s people did cry out to Him, He would forgive their sins and renew their spiritual strength and vitality ( vv. 8–26).

The same holds true for believers in Jesus today. When our distinct cries of repentance and trust reach the ears of our heavenly Father, He hears them, forgives us and renews our joy and hope in Him.

By Marvin Williams

Why are you tempted to rebel against God and seek help apart from Him? How does repentance before Him lead to reconciliation and life?

Dear God, forgive me for seeking safety, security and protection apart from You. Please restore my love for You.

For further study, read What Does it Mean to Repent?

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Isaiah 30:19–26 describes a future when God’s people will be guided once more by sound teaching (vv. 20–22) and when the land will produce “rich and plentiful” food (v. 23). Causes for God’s people weeping will be “no more” (v. 19). They will live and flourish in Jerusalem once again (v. 19).

The promise that God will remove any reason for tears is echoed elsewhere in Isaiah (25:8; 61:3). This promised future was fulfilled in part by His people returning from exile. But these promises will find full fulfilment when Christ returns (Revelation 7:17).