pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Isaiah


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Healing and Wholeness

Reading: Isaiah 35:1-7

Isaiah 35:6 – “Then the lame will keep like a deer and the tongue of the speechless will sing.”

Isaiah 35 envisions a time when the wilderness will blossom with life. The dry and barren land will “burst into bloom” as “streams in the wilderness” bring abundant life to the wilderness. Creation itself will “rejoice with joy and singing” as God restores all the earth back to what it was like in the garden of Eden. This restoration will proceed the return of God’s children to this new promised land. Living in exile, imagine what these words of hope would mean and sound like to you. Imagine what they would feel or sound like living in Gaza or Ukraine or on one of our poorest reservations or in an inner city shelter. People in all of these places long for God’s restoration of the land and of all who dwell in it.

After creation is restored, Isaiah envisions the restoration of all of humanity. This is also a return to the way it was in the garden. The weak hands and unsteady knees will become strong. Those with disabilities will be made new and whole again. Verse 6 sums it up beautifully: “Then the lame will keep like a deer and the tongue of the speechless will sing.” Like creation, the restored humanity with celebrate with joy and singing. The trauma and suffering of exile will be no more. Pondering this day would bring great hope and longing to those in exile, in Gaza, in Ukraine, on the reservation, in the inner city…

There will be times and seasons when we find ourselves in dry and barren places or in exile. In these moments when we experience trauma and suffering, we can trust into God to bring healing and wholeness and strength to us and to our lives. This is the promise. God’s grace is here and now. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, what hope and promise you offer through the words of Isaiah! To return to a land of abundance for all, to a place without fear or violence or greed, to a time when all people are made whole – what a day that will be. Walk with us daily, O God, guiding us to work to make this envisioned day more and more of a reality here and now. Amen.


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A Spiritual Kingdom

Readings: Ezekiel 37:22-23 and Matthew 11:2-6

Ezekiel 37:23 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

The prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s word to those living with him in exile in Babylon. Both Israel and Judah were conquered and many people were relocated to this foreign land. It was hard to maintain their faith in this pagan place. Living in oppression in captivity, these words would spark hope in a hopeless people. God speaks of bringing them home, reuniting them as one people under one king. In this new reality the people of God will no longer pursue idols or other things that lead them into rebellion against God. They will be cleansed. God declares, “They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

In Matthew 11:2 John the Baptist is in prison, arrested for speaking out against Herod’s immoral behavior. As news of Jesus’ work spreads, John sends his disciples to Jesus. They ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responds with a report about what he’s been up to. The blind see and the crippled walk. The deaf hear and the dead are raised. The poor hear the good news. These words are from Isaiah 35 and 61. These words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah speak of a day when God would restore Israel.

The religious leaders and most of the people of Jesus’ day longed for a mighty Messiah to free them from Rome’s oppression. They read the words from Ezekiel 37 with this longing in mind. Slight problem. They forgot the context of these verses. These words follow and are connected to the vision of the dry bones – God’s vision for restoring Israel’s dry and dead faith. These words speak of a Messiah who will restore Israel’s faith, not their political might. Digging deeper, we see that Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we too want you to be what we think we need. Because of our situation or circumstance we want you to be this or that. Help us, instead, to see with eyes focused on your kingdom, on your will and way. Guide us to know your heart, for there we find out who you truly are. Knowing you intimately and personally, you are our God and we are your people. From this place of connection, use us to be your good news for the world. Amen.


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The Day of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9

Isaiah 25:9 – “Let’s be glad and rejoice in his [God’s] salvation.“

Photo credit: Fuu J

In Isaiah 25 the prophet celebrates the salvation that God will bring. In verses 1-5 Isaiah speaks of God saving Israel from their enemies. Isaiah then celebrates how God has been (and will be) a refuge for all in need. In verses 6-9, our passage for today, the prophet envisions the day when God will bring this age to a close. Isaiah sets the scene “on this mountain,” referring to Zion, God’s holy mountain. On Zion the Lord will prepare “a rich feast” for all peoples. It will feature “choice wines” and “select foods.” It will be the feast of all feasts. Almost all readers or hearers in the ancient world would likely envision the best wedding banquet they’d ever been to – times ten!

Isaiah next writes of God swallowing up “the veil that is veiling all people.” It is unclear what this veil is. Is it the veil that casts evil over humanity’s eyes? Is it the veil that keeps people from fully seeing God? Whatever the case, all people will see clearly, seeing as God fully intends us to see.

In verse 8 Isaiah tells us that death will also be swallowed up. Eternal life will reign. Tears and people’s “disgrace” (sin) will be removed. This day will be a day of celebration and thanksgiving. All people will exult the God who saves. The joyful people will declare, “Let’s be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” What a day that will be! We wait with eager anticipation for the coming day of the Lord!

Prayer: Lord God, we see into your plans today. We see the prophet’s vision for the day when you make all things new. Many have stepped into this vision and more will likely enter their rest before the final day comes. We give thanks for your faithfulness. Fill us with the same faith, allowing us to live out your light and love as we await the day of our eternal salvation. Amen.


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To Change Hearts and Lives

Reading: Luke 4:14-5

Luke 5:32 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Jesus begins his public ministry teaching in the local synagogues. In his hometown of Nazareth he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus claims these words as the focus of his ministry. At first the audience is “raving” about Jesus but then someone asks, “This is Joseph’s son, isn’t it?” Jesus quotes a saying about prophets not being welcome in their hometown. He then reminds them of the story of the widow of Zarephath and of Naaman the Syrian. They are filled with anger. They do not want the Gentiles included in God’s plan.

Jesus travels to Capernaum and heals a man with a demon. News spreads. That evening he heals many, touching each. Crowds gather along the seashore. Jesus asks Simon to row out a bit so that he can teach. After he’s done teaching he asks Simon to row out and to drop the nets. A miraculous catch is followed by a sinner’s confession. Jesus tells Simon, “From now on you’ll be fishing for people.” Simon, along with James and John, leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.

After healing a man with a skin disease, again touching someone considered unclean by Jewish religion, Jesus has a public confrontation with the Pharisees and legal experts. In response to the faith shown by the friends lowering their paralyzed friend through the roof, Jesus says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders mutter about this. Jesus asks them which is easier: to say your sins are forgiven or to say get up and walk? Proving his authority to forgive sins, Jesus heals the man, who picks up his cot and walks home.

Jesus then calls Levi the tax collector. Levi throws a banquet. The religious leaders question Jesus about eating with tax collectors and other known sinners. His reply: “I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.” Thanks be to God – Jesus came for you and for me!

Prayer: Lord God, your touch healed many and your words changed hearts and lives. Continue to speak into our hearts and lives each day. You also healed the wounds and separation caused by sin. Continue to heal us in this way, making us whole. Amen.


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With Longing

Reading: Isaiah 24-27

‭Isaiah 25:8 – “He will swallow up death forever. The LORD God will wipe tears from every face.”

Today’s reading contains themes not found elsewhere in Isaiah 1-39. These chapters are often called “Isaiah’s Apocalypse.” Most scholars believe this section was written at least a century after the rest of First Isaiah.

Chapter 24 prophesies a destruction that will be total and complete. All peoples and even the earth will be no more. On that day, “all joy has reached its dusk; happiness is exiled from the earth.” This brings to mind the final days of this present earth as described in Revelation. The kings of this earth will be gathered, shut in a prison to be punished. We’re just missing the word ‘forever’ here.

Chapters 25 and 26 mostly celebrates God’s final salvation. Isaiah exults God for the “wonderful things” that God has done. God will “swallow up” the veil that separated and will “swallow up death forever. The LORD God will wipe tears from every face.” These ‘end times’ themes and understandings appear here and in Daniel 12 – nowhere else in the Old Testament. The idea that “corpses will rise” and that “those who dwell in the dust” will one day shout for joy will not be accepted or even really developed until New Testament times.

These cosmic and end times themes continue in chapter 27. God defeats the cosmic forces of chaos. The image of the vineyard/garden returns. Jacob will “take root” and Israel will “bloom and sprout.” God will gather up the chosen people “one by one.” Those who were “lost” will come and “bow to the Lord at his holy mountain.” One day there will be a new heaven and earth. In 26:9 Isaiah writes, “My spirit within me watches for you.” With the same longing, may it be so for you and me as we await the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we long for the day when you forever swallow up death. We await the moment that the trumpet blasts and you make all things new. Walk with us day by day as we seek to bring your kingdom more and more to this earth. Amen.


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Good, Bad, Bad…

Readings: 2nd Kings 18, 2nd Kings 19, 2nd Kings 20, 2nd Kings 21

2nd Kings 19:16 – “LORD, turn your ear this way and hear!…  Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God!”

After the evil king Ahaz, Hezekiah is a bright light. He removes all idol worship and follows God’s ways. The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades, conquering outlying towns in Judah. Hezekiah buys some time by paying a huge tribute. Soon, though, representatives of Sennacherib are back, threatening Judah, insulting God. Hezekiah goes to the Lord, seeking rescue. He prays, “LORD, turn your ear this way and hear!…  Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God!” God’s response comes through Isaiah – don’t fear. God’s got this. During the night 185,000 Assyrian soldiers are struck down by God’s messenger. Sennacherib goes back to Assyria.

Hezekiah then falls deathly ill. Isaiah confirms that he will die. Hezekiah prays and cries out to the Lord. God has mercy. The king will live. As a sign from God, a shadow moves backwards. The Babylonian king sent a get-well message. Hezekiah shows the Babylonian officials everything. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that the day is nearly there when Babylon comes to conquer Judah. Hezekiah is relieved that it won’t be during his lifetime.

Manasseh is the next king of Judah. His reign is 55 years of extreme evil. He restores all idol worship, rebuilding what his father tore down. He sacrifices his son and he builds idol altars in the temple. He sheds much innocent blood. God promises to bring disaster on Judah. Judah will be wiped clean as a plate is wiped clean.

His son Amnon rules for two years. He took is evil. Amnon is assassinated by his own officials, who are assassinated by the people. As bad as things are, there is a good king just around the corner.

Prayer: Lord God, the roller coaster ride continues. When your people walk faithfully your presence leads and guides and protects. When they turn their back on you, violence and evil grows. Lord, help us to recognize the outcomes apply to us as well. Fill us with your Holy Spirit’s power, encouraging us to walk in your ways. Amen.


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A Child Is Born

Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

Verse 6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

Photo credit: Ben White

Chapter 9 begins by speaking of one who will “honor Galilee of the Gentiles.” While this verse is not in today’s passage, it is important to recognize the messianic implications given in the lead-in into today’s prophecy from Isaiah. Jesus will minister to and connect to the Gentiles – which was considered anyone outside of the Jewish faith.

The prophecy begins, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” There are many ways that one can walk in the darkness. The primary way is living outside of a relationship with the Lord. Living in the world and following the ways of the world provide ample opportunities to be selfish, greedy, prideful… To know Jesus is to know the light. His light exposes these evils and lights our path, drawing us into a personal relationship with him.

In verse 4 we read that “you have shattered the yoke that burdens them.” There are many ways that the Lord can do this. We often first think of Jesus breaking the chains of sin and death. He certainly does that! But Jesus shatters other yokes too – some are the lies that the world and Satan tell us about things like success, power, status, beauty… Others are struggles like loneliness, poor health, anxiety, doubt… Our friend and Savior and redeemer Jesus wants to walk with us through all of life, bringing peace, hope, joy, and love into our lives not just during Advent but all the time.

Isaiah’s prophecy states, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” To us and for us, God took on flesh and came into the world. God laid aside heaven to be with us. What a gift this is. This action opened the door for a more personal and intimate relationship with God. Through dwelling with us, Christ opened the door to dwell in us in Spirit. What a friend, guide, Savior, and redeemer we have in Jesus. What a gift!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for fulfilling these words that you long ago gave to Isaiah – for coming as a child, for being light in our darkness, for being our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, our Prince of Peace. Reign and rule in our hearts this day and forevermore. Amen.


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Such… Good… News

Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4

Verse 1: “The Lord has sent me to bring good news to the poor… to bind up… to proclaim release for captives… liberation for prisoners.”

As Isaiah’s ministry and Israel’s time in exile is coming to a close, the prophet offers these words of hope and promise. These words were written to a people living in captivity in a foreign land. These words can be applied to many times and to many people who are experiencing exile in many forms. These words spoke to the people of Jesus’ day as they lived under the Roman occupation. These words speak to many people today. These words speak to you and to me.

Verse 1 is so powerful. It is jam-packed with hope, promise, rescue… It begins with a call to “preach good news to the poor.” Maybe this is material good news – food, help with rent or gas or utilities, warm clothes for the winter. Maybe this is spiritual aide that helps them to know that they are beloved and worthy, that they matter and belong to God and to us. Then there is “binding up” those who are broken and hurting. Verses 2 and 3 also touch on this. The binding up is healing for the ill and the suffering. It is also comforting those who grieve. It is drawing in the lonely. There is also proclaiming the freedom from captivity and darkness that the Lord brings. This encompasses the Israelites literal release from Babylon. It also includes release from addictions and other abusive relationships or from unjust situations and systems. And it includes freedom and release from our sins and from the guilt and shame that is often connected to our sin.

In one form or another we have each experienced each of these forms of the good news. As followers of Jesus Christ we too are sent to bring this good news to others. Taking where we have been, recognizing how we got to where we are at, may we help others to experience the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, walking and living with you, we’ve experienced firsthand all of what Isaiah speaks of. We’ve been healed, freed, rescued… Use each of us today and every day to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those who need healing or hope, release or rescue, restoration or redemption. Amen.


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The Glory of the Lord: Love

Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Verse 5: “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Isaiah 40 offers words of comfort to Israel. In the book of Isaiah, chapters 1-39 have detailed God’s case against the leaders and people of God. They have lived in sin. They have been disobedient. They have worshipped idols and foreign gods. The last king boastfully shows off the treasures of his kingdom to some envoys from Babylon. Chapter 39 ends with Isaiah foretelling of the long exile that is soon to come. After this dire prophecy, all hope would be lost.

Many scholars believe that the portion of Isaiah that covers chapters 40-66 was written much later and likely comes from an anonymous prophet writing under Isaiah’s name. Although in our Bibles it seems like the next day as we turn from chapter 39 to chapter 40, we’ve moved from the 8th century BC to the 6th century BC. The exile has happened. Jerusalem and the temple have long laid in ruins. For generations, exile is all they’ve known. Some scholars suggest that God has been silent for these 150 or so years. If all hope was lost at the end of chapter 39, now the people do not even know what hope is.

Now, with that background and context, hear again these words of comfort, these words that promise restoration of Israel. The way will be made by God. “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.” The Lord will “gather the flock” that has long been scattered in exile. The Lord will carry them “close to his heart.” As God speaks again to the people, God speaks words of love. Soon these words will take on flesh and dwell among us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you remind us today of your great love that still overcomes even the greatest sin and still restores even the deepest separation. You continue to dwell with us, offering hope to all who call on your name. Thank you, God. Amen.


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A Light to All, for All

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7

Verse 6: “I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”

This week we will focus on baptism – both by water and by the Holy Spirit. In our text from Isaiah the prophet points towards Jesus Christ, the “chosen one” in whom God “delights,” the one that God “will put my spirit on,” the one who will “bring justice to the nations,” and the one who is the foundation of both of our baptisms. The prophet also points to the vastness of God’s love revealed in and through Jesus Christ. In verse 4 Isaiah refers to Christ as the one in whom “the islands will put their hope.” Some other translations render ‘island’ as “all nations.” Jesus is the hope of all the world.

Verses 6 and 7 really speak of Jesus! Verse 6 begins with God declaring that God will call Jesus in righteousness and will take Jesus by the hand. What a powerful example of the intimate relationship that God desires to have with all the world. Continuing in verses 6 we read, I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.” What love and vision we find in this verse. God will “keep” Jesus – God will be right there every step, leading, guiding, protecting. God will make Jesus a “covenant” – an everlasting model of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness. Many celebrated this promise yesterday as we celebrated Holy Communion. And God will make Jesus “a light for the Gentiles.” The term ‘Gentiles’ referred to all who stood outside the faith. Again, this means that Jesus extends or offers the covenant and the light to all the world, to all people.

As we read and consider these words and our Lord Jesus Christ, let us not ever forget that we are both “God’s people” and we are “Gentiles.” At times we are the light of Christ to others and at times we are in need of the light of Christ ourselves. Sometimes we “open eyes that are blind,” sometimes we need the Spirit to open our eyes. Sometimes we partner with the Holy Spirit to “free captives” and to release those “sitting in darkness.” Sometimes we are in need of freeing and release from our own sin and darkness. In faith and trust may we both give and receive the light of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, humble me so that I can recognize where I need your light to shine into my heart. Reveal what needs surrendered, what needs given up. Guide me to yield all this up to the light of your refining fire. Free and release me from all that holds me back from receiving and from being the light to all people. Amen.