The Toils of My Soul 

(Is 53:1-12) 



God is the God of comfort (Rm 5:5; 2Co 1:3). 

All comfort comes from Him and 

He comforts eternally those who toil for their souls (2Th 2:16). 



While the world comforts those who sacrifice themselves for 

Their nations, politics, ideologies etc. 

With medals, rewards or even monuments, 

When the nations, politics and ideologies change 

Their toils become meaningless. 

But more importantly, who would comfort their souls? 



Faith is, thus, being satisfied by God's comfort alone and 

The life of this faith is all the more laboring to be comforted on the day of Christ (Php 2:16). 



Because Adam, the ancestor of all men, sinned against God (Ge 2:17, Ge 3:4-6), 

Though they are briefly comforted when they give birth after the pains of childbirth (Ge 3:16), 

They must return to dust and (Ge 3:19) 

All their toils become meaningless like chasing after the wind (Ecc 1:3, Ecc 1:14). 



God comforted Noah who toiled according to God's promise (Ge 5:29). 

Likewise, God did not send away empty-handed 

Jacob who had worked as a servant for 20 years and 

The Israelites who were enslaved for 430 years. 



The comforter of Israel was the Lord God alone (Is 51:12). 

The Law banned idolatry, which is man's effort to comfort himself (Ex 20:4). 



God blessed those who gave sacrifices in the sanctuary where 

God placed His name and let them rejoice (Dt 12:7). 



However, Jesus said, "Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days (Jn 2:19-20), 

Because through the death and the resurrection of the temple of His body 

He would fulfill the prophecy regarding God's comfort in Jerusalem (Is 66:13; Lk 2:25). 



As He died, Jesus said, "It is finished (Jn 19:30), declaring that He: 

1. Sought the Father's comfort even in the midst of pains (Lk 23:46; Jn 10:17-18); 

2. Condemned the devil who tried to comfort himself (Is 14:12-15; 1Jn 3:8); and 

3. Gave birth to souls through the toils of His soul (Is 53:11). 

He rose and sat on the heavenly throne of eternal comfort, and 

The Counselor whom He sent is the Comforter of Jesus (Jn 15:26). 



The Christian is he whose soul has 

Received the comfort of Jesus, and 

Thus comforts the toils of Jesus through worship and praise, and 

Even through trials and tests 

He is comforted by the word (Ps 23:4; Rm 15:14; 1Co 1:3-7). 

Furthermore, he labors for the church and edifies it 

By teaching the truth, preaching the gospel, 

Doing good deeds, prayer etc. (Ac 9:31). 

Though he toils much he considers them all as grace (1Co 15:10) for 

He longs to see the face of the Lord and be comforted 

On the day of Christ (Php 2:16). 



O Lord, 

The toils of men are all meaningless, 

But thank You for letting me toil for my soul! 

Until Christ is formed in the souls You have given me 

Let me go through the pains of childbirth (Gal 4:19) and 

On the last day, comfort me so that I may see Your face! 

Amen.