Recently, our family watched a blockbuster sequel movie online. The movie was . . . not good. Sequels often don’t live up to the original. The expectations are high, and that leads to a major letdown.

Wait; did that just describe your day? You and I expect one day to be better than the last. Then, roll camera; we are hit with a diagnosis, an annoyance, a remembrance of our past, a disagreement with our spouse. Letdown City, here we come! But allow the prophet Isaiah to give you some comfort as he speaks to a generation about to be taken into captivity. This is written to the original audience! The sequel audience would be those returning from captivity years later. We are part of that sequel audience.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins” (Isaiah 40:1,2).

Israel’s captivity would be over. They would be free to go home. No matter the day you are having, you are NOT a slave to anyone. Why? Calvary’s cross shouts, “It is finished!” 

Israel was to be free. God so loved you that his Son freed you from Satan’s grasp.

Israel would get “double.” The sequel = We are doubly blessed—redeemed and restored daily until Christ’s second coming, a sequel that will exceed all expectations.