Before the reflections, listen to “Zion” by Aaron Shust, or better yet, watch the video.
Watching this video as I listen to the song, I am moved by the deep yearning of God’s people, and God’s assurance that He has not forgotten them, or his promise to them.
This week's readings are full of warnings, comfort, prophecy, and gave me much to think about throughout the day. One of the earlier suggestions from Pastor Brian was an encouragement to slow down as we take this in. I have found this to be difficult and necessary as I read these passages.
Something I love about Scripture is how many passages remind me of another. In the beginning of Isaiah 55, the exiles are called to an everlasting covenant and promised “eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare...” I wrote in my margin “Psalms 34:8” (“taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes comfort in him.”). These repeated pledges testify to the consistency of God’s promises.
Verses 6 & 7 serve as a warning and a promise – “seek the Lord while he may be found.” I believe there are times when we have a short window of time to call on God. I remember once I had a split second to make a decision to follow God’s prompting, and his grace was on me. Would I have been able to obey if I took my time in deciding to do what I knew to be right? I honestly don’t know.
Verse 7 is the promise that if the wicked turns to the Lord, he will freely pardon. What a wonderful assurance.
The rest of the chapter is well-known, reminding me God does not think the way I think, He does not act the way I act, and that He will accomplish what he intends.
Chapter 56— a reminder that God is not exclusive— his promises are for all who “bind themselves to the Lord,” and again, the promise of joy to those who follow him. Yet, the wicked remain living in the midst of the righteous. Some of the leaders are blind, ignorant to what is coming— a call for me to pray for those in leadership: in our nation, our state, the church, at my job.
Isaiah 57:1-2 ”…no one understands the devout are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk up rightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” This makes me think of a scene from “The Hiding Place” (if you have not seen this, it is a powerful movie about a real family living in the Netherlands in WWII. The book is well worth reading!). The family was arrested for hiding Jews. The beloved father, Casper Ten Boom, age 84, was told he could go free if he promised to stop helping the Jews. He refused, and was taken away. He died nine days later. God did not forsake him; he was spared the evil of a concentration camp. Only the righteous can rest in this.
The chapter goes on to give graphic images of the sins of the Israelites. The wicked make fun of the righteous, and chase after pagan (worldly) pursuits. While I haven’t consciously worshiped an idol, this makes me think— what do I do that is not glorifying to God? Verse 9 is a reference to Molech, which is a god the Israelites sacrificed live children to. Historians tell us that they beat drums loudly so the children’s cries could not be heard. Have I allowed myself to be deafened with today’s pleasures to avoid hearing cries of others? What have I done today to bring glory to God?
Verses 15-19 are such marvelous reassurances that God’s steadfast love for me is not dependent on my loyalty to Him; although He was angry at the idolatry of Israel, it was not His intent they lose heart and perish in their wickedness. Yet we are reminded in the last verse “there is no peace for the wicked.”
Chapter 58— In reading this chapter, I am struck with how easy it is to look good, staying within the letter of the law to make it appear I am doing what God commanded, when he is looking at my heart. If my heart is right, the actions will follow—setting the oppressed free, breaking every yoke, sharing food with the hungry. And then, verse 8,” your healing will quickly appear.” My family has been blessed to be able to help others through something as simple as sharing a meal, providing a ride to the doctor, or bigger commitments, and we have witnessed healing in our own lives.
The chapter ends with a decree. That’s it. It’s going to happen—He said it.
Chapter 59— Once again, the depth of sin resulting in justice being driven back. But in verse 20, “the Redeemer will come to Zion, to those who repent of their sins” and the Lord promises that this covenant will also be for their descendants! What a promise for all who believe!
Chapter 60— After the utter darkness described in chapter 59, this chapter is telling Israel to rise and shine! The redemptive light is coming from the Lord, and it can’t be snuffed out! The light is a beacon, people from all nations will come to Israel, and the Israelites will regather to their own land (a prophecy for the end times). Vindication is coming (verse 14), wealth is headed their way. I love verse 16—“ then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer..” God never runs out of opportunities to prove He is the Redeemer.
The chapter ends with, “I am the Lord, in its time I will do this swiftly.” Wait for it ….
