“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor.1:3).

From the beginning to the end, Bible describes God as a loving, compassionate and comforting one. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He came searching Adam and Eve when they disobeyed and committed sin. He comforted their broken hearts with the promise of a redeemer- the seed of the woman (Gen.3:16,21; Rev.13:8). In the last chapters of the Bible we see Him wiping away the tears of the saints (Rev.21:4). Martha and Mary were shedding tears at the grave of their brother Lazarus, He joined with them and -Jesus wept is recorded as the smallest verse in the English Bible. There was no need for Him to weep, yet he joined with them to identify with their anguish and agony. He is the God of ALL comfort and also the GOD of ALL grace (Jn.11:35; Rom.12:15; 1 Pet.5:10). He is the source of grace and comfort.

“When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them because they were faint, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Mat.9:36). God comforts His people as a mother comforts her children. A Mother comforts her suffering, sorrowful child in three fold manner. When a mother sees the child suffering and struggling in pain, her immediate and spontaneous reaction is to draw the child close to her. Birds care and safeguard the young ones under their wings. Same manner Lord takes care of His children under his wings. This idea of brooding the young ones under the wings are given in various places in the scripture (Gen.1:2; Isa.66:10-13; Mat. 24:37; Ps.91:1-4). In Isaiah God promises comfort for His people, “Comfort you, comfort you my people, said your God. Speak you comfortably to Jerusalem,”. Because “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isa.40:1-2,11). Who can give such care and comfort to weary and restless souls? Even today He invites us to Him. “Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mat.11:28).

John’s Gospel Chapter 14 is called as the ‘Chapter of Comfort’ in the New Testament. In that chapter about twenty three times the word ‘father’ is appearing. Jesus repeatedly makes the promise of comfort and a comforter. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (Jn.14:18). In that chapter He reveals to His disciples as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them because they were faint, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Mat.9:36). God comforts His people as a mother comforts her children. A Mother comforts her suffering, sorrowful child in three fold manner.

Mother draws the Child close to her

When a mother sees the child suffering and struggling in pain, her immediate and spontaneous reaction is to draw the child close to her. Birds care and safeguard the young ones under their wings. Same manner Lord takes care of His children under his wings. This idea of brooding the young ones under the wings are given in various places in the scripture (Gen.1:2; Isa.66:10-13; Mat. 24:37; Ps.91:1-4).

Isaiah beautifully narrates God’s motherly affections. “For thus said the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, …you shall be borne on her sides, and be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem”. It is during our suffering we enjoy the intimacy with the Lord. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced God’s care in the midst of fire. When a child passes through extreme pain, he desires to have his mother besides him rather than father.

Mother comforts the Child with her words.

After holding the child close to her breast mother offers words of comfort. “Let, it be my child”, “please do not cry”, “don’t worry, the pain will go”; such words from a mother really comforts the Child. Same manner Lord comforts His children with His words. Paul calls it as ‘the comfort of the scriptures’. Word of God is given for our comfort. Suffering teaches us valuable lessons. In the school of sufferings, we learn patience. We get comfort, obtain spiritual experience and finally led to hope (Rom.5:3- 5;15:4).

Mother comforts the Child with promises of ‘gifts’

While comforting the crying child, mother makes some promises. “My dear son, don’t cry I will get you some chocolates” “I will get you some toys” etc When the child hears the promise of gifts, stops crying. God too sends some ‘gifts’ to comfort while we suffer. Once Paul was passing through extreme mental agony. “When we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fights, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation with which he was comforted in you,” (2 Cor.2:12-13; 7:5-6). Mother comforts the Child with promises of ‘gifts’. When Paul saw Titus, he received him as a ‘gift’ from the Lord. Paul was greatly comforted after hearing about successful mission from Titus. Similarly, when we pass through extreme sorrow God sends ‘unexpected visitors’ to comfort us. Their words and presence comfort us. God sent ‘angels in white’ to comfort Mary Magdalene who was passing through extreme grief (Jn.20:11-13).

Divine touch, divine words and divine promise of ‘gifts’ are sufficient to heal our broken hearts in these days of pandemic.

By Dr. Koshy Mathew